SERMON SEEDS I33 FOR 11/21/05
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR NOVEMBER 21, 2005
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Numbers 33:51-56
BEING USEFUL
(Actual notes from a Sunday School Lesson)
What did you do that was useful to yourself this week?
What did you do that was useful to your family this week?
What did you do that was useful to others this week?
What did you do that was useful to God this week?
Why is it good to be useful?
Titus 2:14 - Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Why is it sometimes hard to be useful?
This week we see God challenging the Children of Israel to enter into the Land of Canaan, The Promised Land.
According to Theodore Epp, Canaan is not a type of Heaven, but a type of spiritual Christian usefulness. Theodore Epp, Joshua Victorious By Faith, (Lincoln Nebraska, Back To The Bible Broadcast, 1968) p. 33
THE WAY TO USEFULNESS Vs. 51
The children of Israel had to decide to obey God and to be disciples, or followers of their leaders who would bring them into the Land of Canaan.
· DECISION - John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
· DISCIPLESHIP - Luke 9:23 - And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
THE WORK OF USEFULNESS Vs. 52-54
· DRIVE Vs. 52 The Spiritually useless inhabitants of the land were to be identified and the work of driving them out initiated.
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.
· DESTROY Vs. 52 All reminders of our previous life without Christ are to be destroyed.
Colossians 3:5-9 - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [6] For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: [7] In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. [8] But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. [9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Galatians 5:24 - And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
· DISPOSSESS Vs. 53 Dont let any part of the old life control the new life.
Philippians 3:8-9 - 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, [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:
· DWELL Vs. 53 We will dwell in usefulness as we abide in Christ.
Philippians 3:10 - That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
· DIVIDE Vs. 54 We are to share the responsibilities of usefulness with other believers.
Romans 12:3-8 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. [4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: [5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. [6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; [7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; [8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
THE WARNING AGAINST USELESSNESS Vs. 55-56
· DISOBEDIENCE Disobedience will result in uselessness and punishment.
Revelation 2:4-5 - Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. [5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
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Psalm 43
THE PRAYER OF A TROUBLED MAN
CRY FOR HELP Vs. 1
CAUSE FOR DISMAY Vs. 2
CALL FOR GUIDANCE Vs. 3
CONFIDENCE IN GOD Vss. 4-5
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Isaiah 1:1-9
SOUND FAMILIAR?
As we study the prophets, we notice that many of the problems that Judah or Israel had were similar to the problems that we have in our country today. God's opening indictment of Judah is also an opening indictment against us! What God says about Judah should sound familiar, because it is true of us.
A TENDER GOD - Vs. 2
This is a courtroom scene! The heavens and earth are called into witness. God tenderly raised Israel, and Israel rebelled. God has tenderly raised us by giving us so many blessings, and we have rebelled. Think of all the blessings that God has given us personally and our country. Doesn't He deserve more devotion than He receives?
A TREACHEROUS PEOPLE - Vss. 3-8
They had forgotten - Vs. 3 - The ox and donkey know who take care of them. Israel forgot that God took care of them. We forget that it is God who cares for us.
They had forsaken - Vs. 4 - Israel left the Lord. Look around you. What evidences are there that we as a nation have also left the Lord?
They had fallen - Vss. 5-6 - They were under judgment, being disciplined, and still didn't respond. Look at all the things that have happened to this country, and yet people will not repent.
They had foreign influence - Vss. 7-8 - Israel was besieged by enemies and often conquered. Today in our churches foreign religion and false doctrine often conquer us.
A TINY REMNANT - Vs. 9
The Lord left Israel with a faithful remnant. Without that remnant they would have been destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah. God always has a remnant of those who are faithful to Him. Let us make sure that we are a part of that remnant
Sermon Seeds C43
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Mark 8:1-7
GETTING THE JOB DONE!
It's very easy to start projects. I have a few which I started a long time ago but have never finished. In order to please God, we should finish the projects that He has called us to do.
We should want to be able to say with Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" In our text our Lord Jesus gives us an example of how to get a job done.
COMPASSION FOR PEOPLE - Vss. 1-3
The reason our Lord wanted to feed the multitude was out of compassion for those who had been listening to Him. He was concerned for their wellbeing. When we take on projects it should be because we have concern for the spiritual and physical needs of others.
CONSIDERATION OF THE RESOURCES - Vss. 4-5
The disciples only thought of the impossibility of feeding the multitude.
The Lord looked to see what resources were on hand to get the job done.
When challenged by the Lord to accomplish something for Him, we need to consider what resources He has provided. The resources might include people with time, physical talents and/or Spiritual gifts. There might be some money or goods available. Don't overlook the power of God as a key resource.
COMMUNICATION WITH GOD - Vss. 6-7
Jesus talked to God. He gave thanks and blessed what He had.
If we are going to accomplish anything for God we must be in prayerful dependence upon Him.
See John 14:12-14 and John 15:1-8.
CONDUCT BY FAITH - Vss. 6-9
Jesus completed the project by faith.
We must go to work by faith on the projects God has given us to complete.
(A good example is Nehemiah, who in chapters 1-6 of his book completed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.)
Sermon Seeds C5
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Luke 17:12-19 etc
EVIDENCES OF A THANKFUL HEART
We want to remind you that there are various ways that we can show our appreciation to the Lord for what He has done. There are outward ways of expressing an inward, thankful heart.
We have experienced one way of showing appreciation this evening, the Thanksgiving service. In the Gospel of Luke we want to see 3 men who showed their appreciation for Jesus healing them in 3 ways. Tonight we will look at
ONE WHO WORSHIPPED - Luke 17:11-19
Vss. 11-12 - Ten men were very sick. They had leprosy. It was a disease that ate at the skin, and made one an outcast according to Jewish law.
Because they were outcasts, they stood afar off.
We had a problem like these lepers that was fatal.
It made us outcasts before God.
The problem was our sin.
Vs. 13 - These men had the right idea. They called on the Lord Jesus to have mercy on them. They really had no other hope.
Like these men, we needed mercy. We were dead in trespasses and sins. The only one who could help us was the Lord Jesus, because it was Him who died for us. Like these lepers, we needed to call on the Lord in order to be saved. Romans 10:17 says, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Vss. 14 - These men were told to go show themselves to the priest.
In order for them to get back into society, they needed for the priest to pronounce them as "clean." They took the step of faith to show themselves to the priest, taking Jesus at His word, and as they went, they were healed.
Our healing for salvation was similar. We took God at his word, that he would save us, if we believed, and He did exactly what he promised. John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17
Vss. 15-16 - I think each man saw that he was healed.
However, only one of them turned around, worshipped God, and gave thanks.
What happened to the others?
I think that they were so busy wanting to get back to their lives, that they forgot to say "thank you" and to worship God.
Here is a great reminder for you and I. How thankful are we for what God has done for us.
Our sins have been forgiven.
We have a home in Heaven.
We have the Holy Spirit.
We have answered prayer.
We can't lose our salvation, if we are truly saved.
We are truly loved of God!
Shouldn't we, of all people be giving praise and adoration and thanksgiving to God?!
1 Timothy 1:12-17, Revelation 5:9-12
This thanksgiving season should be one of worship for those of us who know Christ personally. We have reason to worship and praise God!
Vss. 17-19 - There was 90% more cleansed than were actually giving thanks. I wonder if this percentage is true for us who are saved? What percentage of us who are saved are truly thankful?
Let us make sure that we are among the ones who return to give thanks.
We do not like it very well when people fail to give thanks for what we've done. Imagine how God must feel!
ONE WHO WALKED LUKE 18:35-43
Vs. 43 - Bartimaeus followed Jesus after being healed.
He also worshipped God as a result of his healing.
Bartimaeus reminds me that a truly thankful person is someone who will walk after Jesus. Because of what Jesus has done for him in saving him, he will walk after and with Jesus. Luke 9:23-24,
John 15:1-7
ONE WHO WITNESSED LUKE 8:26-39
Vs. 39 - Notice where the man was sent - to his own home.
It meant going back to the people who knew him "when".
It meant going back to the people who knew him best.
We are the ones who can best reach the ones we love.
We are the ones who can best reach the ones we know best.
We are the ones, who should show our appreciation for what the Lord has done for us, by telling others. Psalm 107:2, 1 Peter 3:15
EVIDENCES OF A THANKFUL HEART
ONE WHO WORSHIPPED
ONE WHO WALKED
ONE WHO WITNESSED
This is an expanded version of a previously shared outline.
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James 1:9-12
FAITH WORKS OBEDIENTLY, PM 11/20/05
FAITH WORKS #6
Obedience We all like it when those who should obey us, do. Actually, we even like it when those who shouldnt obey us, do!
Obedience is something we like to receive, but not always something we like to give.
This week James continues his thoughts on the Word of God by telling us that FAITH WORKS OBEDIENTLY
Those who have been regenerated by the Word of God are not only to respond being swift to hear, slow to, speak and slow to wrath, and by receiving with meekness the engrafted word.
They are to respond in obedience to the Word of God.
If you think about it, the most important thing we can ever do is obey God.
Thats the only way we could have been saved.
God said, Youre not good enough to save yourself!
God said, Ill send my sinless son to die for your sins!
God said, Ill resurrect my Son from the dead!
God said, And to whoever obeys me by simply trusting Jesus Christ by faith, I will give that person eternal life.
Salvation is a matter of obedience! John 3:16
John 3:36 - He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
And if you are saved, by faith you said something like this, Lord Jesus, Im a sinner who doesnt deserve Heaven, but I believe you died for me, were buried, and have risen again. I trust you alone for forgiveness and eternal life. I accept you as my Savior!
Trusting Christ as Savior was the first step you made in obeying God. It is by no means to be your last. Tonight in James we see that Faith works obediently. We see that:
OBEDIENCE IS COMMANDED Vs. 22a
James 1:22a - But be ye doers of the word,
Not only are we to confess our sins and humbly receive what God has to say according to verse 21, we are also to do what the Word of God says!
It takes more than listening intently to please God.
It takes more than accepting what God has to say.
We must become obedient to God, doers of the Word.
You say that you love the Lord Jesus because of what He has done for you to give you eternal life. Listen to what Jesus has to say:
John 14:15 - If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:21 - He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Obedience has always been important to God. 1 Samuel 15:22-23
To be a doer of the word should be a personality trait.
In other words, obeying Gods Word should be our purpose in life.
A doer of the word should be part of my identity.
We should not obey what we see or hear in the Word of God just when it suits our fancy. We should obedient to the Word of God whether we like it or not, whether we agree or not.
One of my favorite Old Testament characters is King Hezekiah. Hezekiah was a doer of the word.
2 Kings 18:3-7a, 2 Chronicles 31:20-21
I see a decision to be made here. Am I, once and for all, going to be a doer of the word?
If I am, obedience is to God is to be my goal, and my lifestyle. Not just obedience when I feel like it.
DISOBEDIENCE IS CONDEMNED Vss. 22b-24
James 1:22 - But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Theres nothing wrong with being a hearer of the word.
We should hear the word by listening to sermons, Sunday School Lessons, radio messages and Bible Studies. We should hear the Word when we read it and study it. In fact we are told in 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
We already heard James say in James 1:21, Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
But we are to be more than just hearers of the Word.
We are to be doers of the Word.
Someone who is only a hearer is deceiving, deluding, fooling himself!
I believe that there will be many people at the Judgment Seat of Christ who are going to be shocked. They were deceived into thinking that just because they made a profession of faith and/or walked an aisle, they were going to Heaven.
If a person experiences no change in his life, no desire to obey, no desire to live differently because Christ has saved him, that person is in big trouble at Judgment Time.
There are many Christians who study the Word profusely, who wouldnt go to a church unless it had sound Bible preaching, who know the Bible well, but will be in big trouble when they face their Lord.
If you think that listening to good preaching and studying your Bible are enough, you are sadly mistaken. You are fooling yourself. Obedience is required.
You may think that I mention coming judgment all too often. However, coming judgment for the Christian and non-Christian alike are coming. 2 Corinthians 5:10
James 1:23-24 - For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: [24] For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
In Bible times they did have mirrors. They were not made of glass but off shiny metal. Some were even made of silver or gold. By careful study you could get an idea of what you looked like.
Imagine someone looking in a mirror, going his way, and promptly forgetting what he looked like. He was forgetful.
A person who hears the word without doing it is like that forgetful person who looks in a mirror.
His mirror is the Word of God. As he looks in it he will find the truth about God, about mankind in general, and about himself in particular.
He hears what God has to say and promptly forgets or ignores it.
Dont listen to a sermon or read the Bible just to be entertained or inspired and then go your merry way.
Instead, the response of obedience is required.
Do what the word of God says!
OBEDIENCE IS COMMENDED Vs. 25
James 1:25 - But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
The person in this verse is studying the mirror as well.
But this person is a more avid student.
He takes his studies a step further.
He continues in what he reads.
He doesnt forget.
He obeys!
Here the Word of God is called the Law of liberty.
It is in obeying the principals of the Word of God that one is set free from the bondage of sin.
John 8:31-32, 36, Romans 8:1-4
Obedience leads to freedom.
Freedom from worry
Freedom from unforgiveness
Freedom from doubt and fear
Freedom from bondage to habits
Freedom from insecurity
Freedom from anger
And freedom from a host of other things
These are just a few of the blessings that come when we become doers of the word and not just hearers.
I want to close by reading you some verses from Jesus Sermon on the Mount. These verses underscore just how important being a doer of the Word is. Matthew 7:21-27
Faith works obediently. We see that:
OBEDIENCE IS COMMANDED Vs. 22a
DISOBEDIENCE IS CONDEMNED Vss. 22b-24
OBEDIENCE IS COMMENDED Vs. 25
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IN SEARCH OF PURITY
Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
1 John 3:1-3 - Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. [2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. [3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1 Timothy 1:5 - Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
PURE THOUGHTS
Matthew 5:21-22 - Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: [22] But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 5:27-28 - Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [28] But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Luke 6:45 - A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Matthew 15:18-20 - But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. [19] For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: [20] These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
PURE TONGUE
Psalm 19:14 - Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Proverbs 15:4 - A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
James 3:2 - For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:8-10 - But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. [9] Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. [10] Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
PURE TESTIMONY
James 3:17-18 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Titus 2:11-13 - For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
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