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Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>

SERMON SEEDS FOR AUGUST 22, 2005

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Genesis 12:1-13:4

A WALK WITH GOD

 

GOD’S PROMISES – 12:1-5

GOD’S PRESENCE – 12:6-9

GOD’S PROTECTION (in spite of sin) – 12:10-20

GOD’S PARDON – 13:1-4

  

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Psalm 30:4-5

GIVE THANKS

 

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

 

GOD IS HOLY - and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.   

 

GOD IS IN CONTROL - For his anger endureth but a moment;

 

GOD IS LIFE - in his favour is life:  

 

GOD IS HOPE - weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

 

 

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Habakkuk 1:1-2:1

FAITH TESTED

(First of a three part series on Habakkuk)

 

When my wife and I were local directors for Child Evangelism Fellowship, we had an interesting challenge to our faith.  The Lord had provided us with several summer missionaries, but we did not have the money to send them to training.  At a committee meeting the treasurer basically asked me to show him the money so we could pay to send these teenagers to training school.  I insisted that the Lord would provide the money, although I didn't know how. In the middle of this discussion other committee members started handing me checks. By the time we were done collecting, we had more than enough to send the teens to training school. Our faith was tested, but God proved Himself faithful.

 

The prophet Habakkuk had his faith tested in his little book.

 

COMPLAINT - Vss. 1-4

Habakkuk had a "burden". He was carrying a heavy load. Vs. 1

Habakkuk complained to God. He wanted to know "how long" would he have to pray before

God would do something about the problem of violence. He basically wanted to know why God had not answered his prayers. Vs. 2

Habakkuk describes more clearly the sins that he was concerned about in verse 3.

Habakkuk complains about the perversion of justice in verse 4.

 

By the way, Habakkuk did the right thing to go to God with his complaints.  He is the one who ultimately gives the answers. 1 Peter 5:7

 

CONSOLATION - Vss. 5-11

Vs. 5 - God graciously answers Habakkuk and tells him that He is going to do something Habakkuk won't believe.

 

Vss. 6-11 - God tells Habakkuk that He will judge Judah by the work of the Chaldeans. He is referring to the conquering of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:14-21).

 

CONFUSION - Vss. 12-17

Habakkuk accepted God's answer in verse 12.

However, Habakkuk became very confused.

He did not understand how God could judge Judah using people more unjust than they were.

 

CONFIDENCE - 2:1

Yes, Habakkuk was confused, but he decided to wait on God for an answer to his confusion. This was a wise move.

 

Habakkuk teaches us to come to God when we don't understand and to wait confidently on Him for answers.

 

Sermon Seeds C35

 

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John 3:1-12

NICK AT NIGHT or NIGHT TALK

Life of Christ #11

 

Night time is a dark time.

Night time is a quiet time.

It is easier to do something secretive at night.

It is easier to do something illegal at night.

It is easier to do something private and/or personal at night.

 

In the Bible there was a man named Nicodemus, “Nick”, if you will, who came to Jesus at night. Hence, I have borrowed a phrase from the Nickelodeon Television channel to name this message, “Nick at Night”.

 

An important discussion took place between Nicodemus and Jesus under the quite protection of the night. This discussion had great implications for Nicodemus and for us as well.

 

NICODEMUS WAS SEARCHING – Vss. 1-2

 

Vs. 1 – John introduces us to the other principle character in this narrative, Nicodemus. This one verse tells us much about Him.

 

·        First of all, he was a Pharisee.  The Pharisees were a group within Israel that stood for a literal interpretation of the Bible.  They did believe that the Bible was literally the Word of God. They did believe in the resurrection of the dead.  They did believe in literally obeying all the laws in the Bible. Unfortunately, this led to them becoming very legalistic, and thinking that they could earn their way to Heaven through good works. 

We can conclude that because Nicodemus was a Pharisee, he was very religious.

 

·        It is possible that Nicodemus had some Greek connections in his life.  His name is actually a Greek name and means ‘one who conquers the people’.

 

·        Nicodemus was also a ruler in Israel. There was a ruling body called the Sanhedran that was responsible for the most important decisions made about religious life in Israel. It was their council.

·        According to Verse 10, Nicodemus might have been the leading religious teacher of His day. He, like Jesus, would have been considered a Rabbi.

 

Vs. 2 – As we already stated, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus at night? We don’t know why, but there are a few possibilities.

 

·        Perhaps, Nicodemus, being a religious leader, did not want others to know that he was seeking counsel from this upstart young Rabbi.

·        Perhaps Nicodemus was afraid of the criticism of others.

·        The question Nicodemus asked was a personal question. Perhaps He didn’t want others to hear what he was asking.

·        Or Nicodemus could have come at night because Jesus was too busy for a private interview during the day.

 

The most important thing was that Nicodemus did come to Jesus for help.

 

Nicodemus pays Jesus a compliment.

Nicodemus sees Jesus as a teacher from God, because Jesus was working miracles.  Nicodemus knew that the Jesus could only do the great miracles that He did if God was with Him.

 

What was Nicodemus searching for?

I believe that Nicodemus was searching for the way to eternal life. 

Jesus’ answer to Him in verse 3 would indicate that this was the case. 

 

Nicodemus’ question was similar to that of the rich young ruler who asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

 

In spite of all Nicodemus’ religion, Nicodemus evidently, like that rich young ruler knew he was lacking something. For all of Nicodemus’ efforts as a Pharisee who tried to keep the Law of God, Nicodemus must have realized that he was falling short of God’s perfect standard of righteousness.

 

Nicodemus was trying to get to Heaven by performing good works, and I think that he sensed that he just wasn’t cutting it.

 

JESUS WAS DEFINITE - Vs. 3

 

Vs. 3 – Before Nicodemus asks the question, Jesus has the answer.  Jesus tells Nicodemus that a man can not expect to see the Kingdom of God, unless he is “born again”.

 

A few years ago the term “born again” was very popular.  But just claiming to be born again does not make one prepared for Heaven or truly a child of God.

 

What does the term “born again” mean?  It means to be “born anew” or “born from above”.

 

The new birth is something radical.

The new birth is something different.

Just as your first birth came from God, He is creator of all things; your second birth must come from God, from above.

 

In your first birth, you were born a sinner.  You shortly thereafter became a sinner by practice as well as a sinner by birth.

 

Ephesians 2:1-3 tells us how bad off we are before we are born again.

 

Now when a person is “born again” a change takes place.

There is a whole new life. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Jesus is definite. We must be born again.   

 

NICODEMUS WAS STUMPED - Vs. 4

 

Vs. 4 – I believe that Nicodemus understood that Jesus was using an illustration.  I don’t think Nicodemus expected to literally go back into his mother’s womb.

 

I think Nicodemus was asking, “You say everything has to be new; that there needs to be a new birth.

How can all things be new?

How can I change who I am?

Can I crawl back inside my Mamma and start again?

“How can I start over?”

 

Nicodemus knew that he needed something different.

He just didn’t know how to get it!

 

JESUS WAS DESCRIPTIVE - Vss. 5-8

 

Vs. 5 – Jesus now describes for Nicodemus how a person must be born-again.  He must be born of water and of the Spirit.

 

There has been much discussion about what it means to be born “of water”.  I have changed my opinion on what it means a time or two. The following explanation makes the most sense to me.

 

At the time of this discussion, both John and Jesus’ disciples were baptizing.  They were using water.  And the water was a symbol of repentance. Matthew 3:1-2, 5-8

 

So, to be born again, there needs to be repentance.

Repentance is a change of mind.

There needs to be a change of mind in order to be saved.

You need to change your mind about liking or tolerating your sinful life.

You need to change your mind about how you are going to get to Heaven. Trying to get to Heaven using any form of self-effort like being good, keeping the Ten Commandments or being a church member or attending church will not get you there. Ephesians 2:9 tells us that salvation, getting to Heaven, is Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    

Repentance involves turning away from anything else and turning to Christ. That’s being born of water.

 

To be born of the Spirit means that the Spirit of God does a radical work in your life.  He gives you regeneration, or a new birth.  God does a number on you!  He gives you new life.  It is a supernatural thing.

 

So, how is one “born of the Spirit”?

 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus to earth to die for your sins.  2 Corinthians 5:21

 

The person who puts their total trust, belief in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternal life has it.  When one truly makes this decision to trust Christ alone, repenting of trying to get to Heaven any other way, He or she is born again! John 1:12-13

 

Born of water – repentance

Born of the Spirit – belief in Jesus Christ for Salvation   

 

Vs. 6 – Jesus gives further explanation.

What is born of flesh is flesh. What is born of Spirit is spirit.

 

You and I were born in the flesh, as sinners.  All we will ever be in the flesh is sinners.

But to accomplish that which is Spiritual, that which is victorious, that which gives new life, we must be born of the Spirit. What is born of the Spirit brings spiritual results.

 

Vs. 7 – Jesus says, “Don’t be surprised that you must be born again.” 

And notice that word “must”.  It is not an option to take or leave.  To see the Kingdom of God, to go to Heaven, you must be born again.   

 

Vs. 8 – Jesus gives one more illustration.

The wind blows wherever it wants.

We can hear the sound of the wind.

We can actually feel the wind. 

We can see what blows around.

But we can’t actually see the wind.

And we don’t know where the wind has been or where it’s going.

We can see and hear the effects of the wind, even though we can’t see the wind.

 

Being born of the Spirit is the same way.  We can not see the Spirit in a person’s life, but we can see the effects of the Spirit in that life.

A person truly born of the Spirit is a person changed.

A person truly born of the Spirit will show it by the effect that the Spirit has on the life.

 

NICODEMUS WAS SURPRISED - Vs. 9

 

Vs. 9 – Nicodemus didn’t get it. It seemed to be beyond him.

And so it is with people who have never been born again.

They can’t understand it, because it is a matter of the Spirit and they are operating in the flesh!

1 Corinthians 2:14

 

JESUS WAS DEMANDING - Vss. 10-12

Vs. 10 – The implication here is that Nicodemus is one of the principle teachers in Israel. He should have been able to grasp the whole concept of salvation by faith through the Old Testament Scriptures.

 

Vs. 11 – Jesus is saying, “I told you the truth and you won’t believe it.”

I wonder if some of you are in that same boat.

We, meaning me and other pastors, have told you the truth, but you haven’t believed it.

 

Vs. 12 – Jesus was explaining things with earthly illustrations and Nicodemus didn’t get it. 

Nicodemus would not be able to handle Spiritual things.

 

Don’t expect to understand the Spiritual things of God until you have been born again, of the Spirit!

So what about you?

Are you lost and confused like Nicodemus, or have you been born again through repentance, belief and by the Spirit of God?

 

NICODEMUS WAS SEARCHING – Vss. 1-2

JESUS WAS DEFINITE - Vs. 3

NICODEMUS WAS STUMPED - Vs. 4

JESUS WAS DESCRIPTIVE - Vss. 5-8

NICODEMUS WAS SURPRISED - Vs. 9

JESUS WAS DEMANDING - Vss. 10-12

 

This is a detailed elaboration on an old Sermon Seed.

 

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John 13:1-7

LOWLY SERVICE

 

HIS SECURITY AS THE SON – Vss. 1-3

Jesus knew it was time to leave this world. Vs. 1

Jesus loved His own. Vs. 1

Jesus knew that He would be betrayed. Vs. 2

Jesus knew “that the Father had given all things into hands.” Vs. 3

Jesus knew “that he was come from God, and went to God.” Vs. 3

 

HIS SERVICE AS THE SAVIOR – Vss. 4-11

He took the servants’ job of washing the Apostles’ feet. Vss. 4-5

He was resisted by Peter. Vss. 6-8

Every believer must be washed by Jesus. Originally for salvation and regularly for the cleansing of daily sin. Vss. 8-11, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 John 1:9

 

HIS STANDARD AS THE SUPERIOR – Vss. 12-17

Jesus is Master and Lord – Vs. 13

We are to follow the Lord’s example – Vss. 14-15

We can not escape the responsibility – Vs. 16

Obedience leads to happiness. – Vs. 17

 

Although some believe in the literal washing of the brethren’s feet, I view this as figurative.

I wash a brother’s feet, so to speak, when I serve him or her humbly. Philippians 2:1-4

I wash a brother’s feet when I help them deal with a sin problem. Galatians 6:1-2

If lowly service to my brother means washing his feet, I WILL wash his feet.

 

 

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THE DAILY WALK

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-22

(A complete lesson)

 

·        Scripture tells us that both Enoch and Noah walked with God (Genesis 5:24, 6:9). What do you think it means to walk with God?

·        Can you think of any New Testament characters that obviously walked with God?

·        Is there anything Jesus said that indicates that we should walk with God (John 15:4-5)?

·        In what ways is walking in the Spirit walking with God (Galatians 5:16)?

·        Why should we as Christians want to walk with God?

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 is a conclusion to Paul’s first letter to the church is Thessalonica.

I feel that in this passage Paul shows us a pattern of behavior that will insure that we as Christians walk with God. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 - Rejoice evermore.

·        What is joy?

·        List some reasons that Christians should be joyful.

·        What robs people of joy?

·        How can we be joyful in spite of bad circumstances?

·        Consider these verses about joy:

 

Nehemiah 8:10 - Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

 

Psalm 5:11 - But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

 

Psalm 100:1-2 - Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. [2] Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

 

Luke 2:10-11 - And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 

Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

 

James 1:2 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.

·        What are some of the different types of prayer we can pray?

·        What do you think it means to pray without ceasing?

·        What are some of the things that will happen to us when we pray without ceasing?

·        Consider these verses about prayer:

Matthew 6:6 - But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

 

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. [10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

 

Luke 11:13 - If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

 

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Ephesians 6:18 - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 

James 5:16-18 - Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. [17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. [18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

·        Why is it difficult to always be thankful?

·        How will believing Romans 8:28 help us to be thankful?

·        Who gets thanked when we give thanks in everything?

Hebrews 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:19 - Quench not the Spirit.

·        What does it mean to “quench”?

·        Why would we not want to “quench” the Holy Spirit?

·        How can we quench the Holy Spirit?

 

1 Thessalonians 5:20 - Despise not prophesyings.

·        Why is the Word of God significant in the life of the Christian?

·        How can a Christian despise the Word of God?

2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

2 Peter 1:20-21 - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

·        What is the responsibility of the Christian to the preaching of the Word of God?

·        What must a Christian be discriminating when the Word of God is preached?

 

1 Thessalonians 5:22 - Abstain from all appearance of evil.

·        Why should a Christian be sensitive to evil?

·        How will a hatred for evil help a person walk with God?

 

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Peter 1:3-7

TAKING INVENTORY

 

Inventory is a way of life for businesses of all sizes.  It is important for a company to know what is "on hand", and to make sure nothing has been stolen.  Also, one cannot use or sell what they do not know that they have.

The Christian also needs to know what He has in Christ.

If he knows he has it, he is more apt to use it, or, in the case of trials, not let them "throw him" when they take place.

 

According to 1 Peter 1:3-7, in Christ we have:

 

GREAT HOPE Vs. 3

GREAT INHERITANCE Vs. 4

GREAT PRESERVATION Vs. 5

GREAT TRIALS Vss. 6-7

 

Sermon Seeds A5

 

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