SERMON SEEDS I29 FOR 10/17/05
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR OCTOBER 17, 2005
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Leviticus 10:1-7
UP IN SMOKE
STRANGE FIRE Vs. 1
SURE DESTRUCTION Vs. 2
SIMPLE EXPLANATION Vs. 3
STRONG ADMONITION Vss. 6-7
Or
Leviticus 7:1-7
A SAD DAY
It was the official day of ordination for Aaron, the High Priest and his sons. In many ways it was a glorious day (See Leviticus 8-9). However, what should have been a glad day became a sad day, because of the sinful actions of Aaron's oldest sons, Nadab and Abihu.
STRANGE FIRE - Vs. 1
Nadab and Abihu chose to offer something other than what was commanded by God.
Sometimes we think we can be creative and do our own thing and still please God. In reality, when we offer to God anything that He has not asked for, we are offering "strange fire". I think that this a similar mistake made by Cain in Genesis 4. He offered something "strange" instead of what God required.
STRONG FORCE - Vs. 2
God in His holiness and righteous anger struck Nadab and Abihu dead.
God's discipline is a strong force. When we experience it, we need to repent.
1 Corinthians 11:28-32, Hebrews 12:4-11
STRICT FOCUS - Vss. 3-7
Although there was a death in the family Aaron and his remaining sons were to remain focused on God. Everyone else did the mourning while they remained set apart for God's service.
The Second Outline is from Sermon Seeds F7
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ALL THIS AND MORE!
God has given us so much! Here is just a brief list of what God has given those who are saved!
All we have to do is accept it! And this is not an all-inclusive list. There is much more! God has given us:
PRAISE THAT'S CONTINUAL - Vs. 1
JOY THAT'S CONTAGIOUS - Vs. 2
WORSHIP THAT'S INCLUSIVE - Vs. 3 - See Psalm 119:63
TRUST THAT'S FEARLESS - Vs. 4
SIGHT THAT'S RADIANT - Vs. 5
PRAYER THAT'S EFFECTIVE - Vs. 6
PROTECTION THAT'S SUPERNATURAL - Vs. 7
HAPPINESS THAT'S EXPERIENTIAL - Vs. 8
FEAR THAT'S PROVIDENTIAL - Vs. 9
Sermon Seeds C42
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Mark 2:23-3:6
MARKS OF A HYPOCRITE
Life of Christ #18
Our subject is hypocrisy as Jesus confronts the Pharisees on the issues of picking and eating grain on the Sabbath and healing on the Sabbath.
The Pharisees were a super religious, super pious, super legalistic group that took pleasure in giving Jesus a hard time. The Pharisees were zealous for keeping the letter of the law; not only the laws of God, but the laws written by men.
Our Lords most frequent word to describe the Pharisees was hypocrites! Matthew 23:23-25
Today we do not have a religious group called the Pharisees, but we still have hypocrites with us.
· These hypocrites expect more of others than they do of themselves.
· These hypocrites will tell you how to live but do not live it themselves.
· These hypocrites will say one thing and do another.
· These hypocrites will pretend to be what they are not.
And the sad thing about it is that you and I often fall into the trap of being hypocrites. Often it happens when we judge others, but dont consider our own faults. Romans 2:22
In Mark 2:23-3:6 the Lord Jesus shows us the marks of a hypocrite.
A HYPOCRITE HAS A CRITICAL MIND 2:23-28
As we begin our study, it is a Sabbath day.
That means it was Saturday.
It was the Jewish day of worship.
It was the Jewish day of rest.
It was the Jewish day of religious observance.
Work was not to be done on the Sabbath. It was a collective day off. Exodus 31:15
Of course, this was under the Jewish Law. In the New Testament every one of the Ten Commandments is repeated in some way, shape, or form, except the keeping of the Sabbath. The reason is clear. Since Jesus arose from the dead, the day of worship and rest for the Christian is on Sunday.
Vs. 23 The disciples were probably grabbing a snack of raw wheat to eat as they walked along.
According to Deuteronomy 23:25 this was perfectly legal.
Certain Pharisees were evidently traveling with the Lord and they criticized this act done by the disciples.
Vs. 24 The Pharisees believed that even picking grain and eating it on Saturday was a violation of the Law.
This was as silly as claiming that picking an apple of the tree, wiping it off, and eating it is working!
The Pharisees had a critical mind.
They were actually looking for sins in the lives of others.
The Pharisees were nit-pickers, looking for even the smallest things to criticize.
I perceive this same critical mind in us Christians.
Matthew 7:1-2 - Judge not, that ye be not judged. [2] For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Romans 14:4 - Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Vs. 25-26 Jesus reminded the Pharisees how David and his men were fed by the High Priest, using bread that was consecrated to God. There was no other bread available. And so the law was violated with no fault being found in Scripture. Even the Lord Jesus did not find fault, but used it as a positive example.
Why would God allow David to be fed with consecrated bread?
Why would God, the Son, allow his disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath?
Meeting legitimate human needs are important to God, and should be important to us!
Vs. 27 The Sabbath was made for man to benefit him.
Man was not made for the Sabbath to benefit the
Sabbath.
Vs. 28 The Son of Man is the Lord Jesus. If Jesus is Lord, He is also Lord of the Sabbath.
If He chooses to allow his disciples to meet their physical needs on the Sabbath Day, no matter what anyone says, its okay.
A HYPOCRITE HAS AN ACCUSING EYE 3:1-2
Vss. 1-2 Notice that there was a man with a withered hand. He had a physical need and it was the Sabbath Day.
Notice also that the Pharisees watched Jesus carefully so they might have reason to accuse Him.
They were secretly hoping that Jesus would heal this man, so they could have reason to complain.
Its bad enough that people have a critical mind.
Its bad enough when people are nit-pickers and fault-finders. But then when they actually look for things to find fault with it becomes even worse.
A HYPOCRITE HAS A HARDENED HEART Vss. 3-5
Did Jesus know that these Pharisees were sitting in the audience ready to accuse Him if he made a false move?
Im sure he did.
And if you are going to do what is right in Gods eyes, you will be criticized too. 2 Timothy 3:12
Vs. 3 Notice what Jesus did. He had the man stand up.
He was going to help the man.
In spite of the critics, he did what was right anyway.
Thats exactly what we should do, even if people are watching us in order to criticize.
Vs. 4 Jesus asked a question. What was morally right to do on the Sabbath Day? Was it right to do good, or, was it right to do evil? Was it right to save life, or was it right to kill?
I think Jesus was trying to show that every other day it is right to do that which is good, and it is wrong to do evil. This doesnt change on the Sabbath Day.
The man standing before them had a need on a Sabbath Day. It was right to meet that need, even if the Pharisees considered performing a miracle work that shouldnt be done on the Sabbath.
Vs. 5 The Pharisees were hard-hearted. They wouldnt answer Him, but within they were resisting the Lord Jesus.
The mans needy condition did not move them with compassion.
Notice that Jesus was angered and grieved!
I wonder how many times Jesus is grieved and angered with our hardened hearts.
Notice that Jesus healed the man anyway.
Jesus did what was right in spite of those who had hardened hearts.
Jesus is at work today. Is he working in spite of you or through you?
A HYPOCRITE HAS A DESTRUCTIVE TONGUE
Vs. 6 Notice that very quickly these people went out and took council to destroy.
They were hypocrites! They sat in church looking pious, and as soon as church was over, they were out to attack a man for doing good on a Sabbath Day.
I have found that when people have a hardened heart, an accusing eye, and a critical mind that their tongues idle at 90 miles an hour.
And the rule of thumb is that you never tell the person you are critical of. You always tell someone else.
Proverbs 6:16-19 - These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: [17] A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, [18] An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
A destructive tongue does more to ruin the testimony of the church and other Christians than anything else I know.
Let me ask you something. Based on what weve seen about hypocrites this morning, are you one?
A HYPOCRITE HAS A CRITICAL MIND
A HYPOCRITE HAS AN ACCUSING EYE
A HYPOCRITE HAS A HARDENED HEART
A HYPOCRITE HAS A DESTRUCTIVE TONGUE
God loves you.
He wants you to repent.
Will you?
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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Acts 12:1-7
TALE OF THREE MEN
ELYMAS or BAR-JESUS A REBELLIOUS MAN
PAUL A RELIANT MAN
SERGIUS PAULUS A REDEEMED MAN
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JAMES 1:9-12
FAITH WORKS PRODUCTIVELY
FAITH WORKS #3
Sometimes as we go through life, and as we work hard, and as we face trials, as we see little fruit for our labors, we may ask the question, Is it worth it?
Are the sacrifices worth the pain, anxiety and suffering we go through.
In James 1:9-12 we find that James is telling us Its Worth It. There are good results to our suffering patiently through problems. That means FAITH WORKS PRODUCTIVELY.
THE POOR MAN IS EXALTED Vs. 9
Vs. 9 - Have you ever noticed how often finances are involved in our trials?
· You under pressure to find a place to live and it requires money.
· The car is falling apart, and spends more time in the shop than on the road, and it requires money.
· You or a loved one is sick, going back and forth to the doctor and/or hospital and it requires money.
· Your child has to have braces and it requires money.
You have probably discovered that money is not something that grows on trees, and for most of us, enough money is always just a little more than we have right now!
Most of us can relate to the brother of low degree mentioned in this verse.
· The brother of low degree is not well off financially.
· The brother of low degree probably struggles with money.
· To add to this insult, as he goes through trials, the brother of low degree also has little self esteem.
· He does not have a high position in the community.
· He is not on a high social level.
· He is not part of the upper crust of society.
Please bear in mind that James is viewing this Brother of low degree from a human stand point. Before God, every born again Christian is well loved and thought of! 1 Peter 2:9-10
What should the brother of low degree be doing during his trials? He should rejoice that he is exalted.
So, Christian, what do we have to be proud of, or constantly joyful over?
OUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN
Luke 10:20
WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD
John 1:12
WE ARE JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST
Romans 8:16-17
So when those trials of a financial nature come, and when those trials that force you into a lowly position in other ways come remember to rejoice that in Christ you are exalted.
THE RICH MAN IS HUMBLED Vss. 10-11
The way the stock market is going lately you might be glad if you have no money invested.
I have a feeling that over the last few years many a wealthy person lost some sleep over the value of their investments. When you have money, its usually a tragedy when it is lost. Being responsible for money can be a heavy burden.
Another trial of wealth is that you never know who your friends are. When you have money, everybody is your friend because theyd like to be in on the money.
James understood that wealth comes with problems.
And in these verses, he is talking to the Christian Brother who has wealth.
It is not a sin to be wealthy and to be a Christian.
God has blessed some with wealth, and I think they should be thankful to God.
But when the trials of wealth come, look at why its worth it.
Vs. 10 The rich brother is to rejoice because he is made low.
How does the rich brother get into Heaven?
He gets there the same way the poor brother does. Ephesians 2:8-9
Everyone gets to Heaven by Gods grace.
It is not based on a mans work.
It is through the means of faith.
To be saved a person must admit that he or she is not good enough to please God.
They must humble themselves before God in order to get into Heaven.
Matthew 18:3-4 - Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. [4] Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
So the rich man can rejoice that he has been made humble.
He can rejoice that he has discovered that his wealth is temporary, and that he has something better in the Lord Jesus Christ. Its worth it!
Vs. 11 shows how temporary wealth is.
Once a rich man passed away and someone asked another, How much did he leave?
All of it was the answer.
The rich man will die in a few years just like the poor man. Being wealthy is only temporary.
THE FAITHFUL MAN IS REWARDED Vs. 12
Vs. 12 God wants us to be happy, even in trials.
So, here we find that the man who is enduring, that is, successfully handling trials, bearing under without giving in, or giving up, is the one who can be happy.
There will be a day when he is tried.
There are two trials.
You will stand trial at one of them.
The trial you dont want to stand at is The Great White Throne. This for the unsaved and will result in everlasting punishment. Revelation 20:15
The trial Christians stand in is the Judgment Seat of Christ. Here our Lord is going to evaluate us and reward us for faithful service to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:10
2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
James is saying that the person who successfully endured will receive a crown. There are several crowns or rewards Christians can earn. This one is for the one who endures. It is called the crown of life. Not salvation. That cant be earned.
Notice the Lord has promised it to those who endure.
And he says that those that endure are those who love Him.
What a perspective on bearing our trials patiently.
When we allow God to mature us through the trials we are saying, Lord, I love you!
When we are not enduring faithfully in our trials, what are we saying?
Lord, I love something else more than I do you.
Lord, I love someone else more than I do you.
Lord, I love myself more than I do you.
THE POOR MAN IS EXALTED
THE RICH MAN IS HUMBLED
THE FAITHFUL MAN IS REWARDED
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GODS UMBRELLAS
The ultimate use for an umbrella is to provide protection.
God in His love for mankind and for His children, the church, has provided several umbrellas of protection.
GOD HIMSELF IS THE ULTIMATE UMBRELLA
Deuteronomy 33:27, 46:1-2, Psalm 91:1-2, Colossians 2:13-14
GODS WORD IS GODS UMBRELLA
1 Peter 1:23, Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
GOVERNMENT IS GODS UMBRELLA
Romans 13:1-5
THE CHURCH IS GODS UMBRELLA
Matthew 16:18
THE CHURCH ELDERS ARE GODS UMBRELLAS
1 Peter 5:1-3, Hebrews 13:17
HUSBANDS ARE GODS UMBRELLAS
Ephesians 5:23, 25, 1 Peter 3:7, Numbers 30:10-15
PARENTS ARE GODS UMBRELLAS
Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 29:17, Ephesians 6:4, Numbers 30:3-5, 1 Timothy 3:4-5
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CONSISTENCY
We want to be consistent in our Christian living for the Lord, and so often we fall short. There are two key thoughts, often linked together in the New Testament, which when practiced, will enable us to live consistently.
Luke 9:23
DEATH - And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily,
DEPENDENCE - and follow me.
John 12:24-26
DEATH - Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. [25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
DEPENDENCE - [26] If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Romans 6:10-14
DEATH - For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. [11] Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. [12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
DEPENDENCE - [13] Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. [14] For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 8:3-4
DEATH - For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
DEPENDENCE - [4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Galatians 2:19-20
DEATH - For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. [20] I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
DEPENDENCE - and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 5:16, 22-24
DEPENDENCE - [16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
DEATH - [24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Philippians 3:8-14
DEATH - Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
DEPENDENCE - [9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: [10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; [11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. [12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. [13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, [14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-4
DEPENDENCE - If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
DEATH - [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
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