SERMON SEEDS I42 FOR 1/30/06
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR JANUARY 30, 2005
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1 Samuel 13 & 15
THE SAUL IN US
I would be glad if the apostles John, Peter and Paul were members of my local church.
I wouldn't mind if Rahab, Esther or Ruth worshiped with our congregation.
I'd be delighted if Timothy, David or Mark were part of our Sunday gathering.
But I don't think I'd be too happy if King Saul were to be in our assembly of believers!
For the prophet Samuel, Saul was trouble with a capital "T"! He caused the prophet much grief.
We must realize that, like Saul, we sinners. We must realize that we have the same capacity to sin as Saul. We must realize that, very possibly, some of Saul's sins are our sins! We must examine our lives to make sure that there are none of the characteristics of Saul in our lives. We must watch out for:
IMPATIENCE - 1 Samuel 13:8-9
Saul was having trouble with the Philistines. Samuel had told Saul to wait seven days. The seventh day was not complete and Paul was impatient. We must remember that there are times in our lives when God wants us to wait (Psalm 27:14). We must be careful not to be impatient with God's timing, because His timing is perfect!
INVOLVEMENT - 1 Samuel 13:9-13
Saul took matters into his own hands. Samuel was told to wait, and he didn't!
Saul took matters into his own hands because of:
1. Pressure of Circumstances Vs. 11
2. Promise delayed Vs. 11
3. Prospect of a "quick fix" or easy solution Vs. 12
What Saul did was foolish because he did not obey God! Vs. 13
IMPERFECTION - 1 Samuel 13:14
Saul did not have a perfect heart that sought after God.
We must be careful not to have a divided heart which one moment wants to please God, and the next moment wants to please ourselves. James 1:8, Matthew 6:24, Psalm 16:4
INSURRECTION (REBELLION) - 1 Samuel 15:22
Saul was given specific instruction. 1 Samuel 15:1-3
Saul did not do exactly as he was told. 1 Samuel 15:7-9
Saul tried to cover up his sin with:
1. Smooth Words 1 Samuel 15:13
2. Feigned obedience 1 Samuel 15:13
3. Blaming Others 1 Samuel 15:15
4. Offering Sacrifice 1 Samuel 15:15
Samuel made it very clear to Saul that God is more concerned about obedience to Him than anything else we could possibly do for Him. Disobedience is rebellion against God. 1 Samuel 15:22-23
INSISTENCE (STUBBORNNESS) - 1 Samuel 15:23
Stubbornly insisting on having our own way is just as bad as iniquity and idolatry.
Let's make sure that there are no characteristics of Saul inside of us!
Sermon Seeds C33
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Psalm 63
SOUL TALK
THE SEEKING SOUL - Vss. 1-4
THE SATISFIED SOUL - Vss. 5-7
THE SECURE SOUL - Vss. 8-11
Sermon Seeds C37
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Matthew 9:23-27 - PAGE 1
STORMY WEATHER
LIFE OF CHRIST #24
ATTENTION LIFE OF CHRIST #25 IS IN THIS SAME ISSUE OF SERMON SEEDS!
We all face trials and troubles often. It is what Cole Porter called Stormy Weather in a song that he wrote.
There were a couple of times when the disciples faced storms on the Sea of Galilee.
As we look at this story about literal storm, we also learn lessons about the figurative storms that cause trials and troubles in our lives. Lets see what lessons we can learn this morning about stormy weather.
STORMY WEATHER IS BEST FACED WHEN JESUS IS IN THE BOAT
Vs. 23 Think of the boat as our lives.
Although God is present everywhere, there is a special sense in which God is present in our lives. When He indwells us, He has taken up special residence inside of us. John 14:16-17
God the Holy Spirit dwells inside of the Christian.
He is there to guide us, protect us, keep us, teach us, and comfort us.
And God has promised the Christian that this presence is unending! Hebrews 13:5-6
You have heard people say, and might have said yourself, I wouldnt want to face this problem without the Lord!
How true! If God is willing to take up residence in our lives through his Holy Spirit it would be dumb not to avail ourselves of His presence.
When you trust Christ as your payment for sins, you are what the Bible calls, born again, by the Spirit of God. And God the Holy Spirit takes up residence in your life. Romans 8:9
If you have truly trusted Christ as your Savior, you have Gods presence in your life no matter what the storm may be. Make sure that you have Christ in the boat that is your life!
STORMY WEATHER RESULTS FROM OBEDIENCE
Vs. 23 The Lord Jesus entered the boat. The disciples followed Him into the boat. It was the Lord Jesus who decided where they were going. Luke 8:22
The disciples ended up in a storm on the Sea of Galilee because they were following Jesus in obedience.
Of course, being obedient to God as a Christian and following Jesus leadership in our lives is the right thing to do. Luke 9:23-24
Following Jesus after trusting Him for forgiveness does not mean that it will be an easy life. In fact, we will have storms. 2 Timothy 3:12, James 1:2-4
The storms that Jesus leads through will make us strong and mature. And Id rather follow Jesus in the middle of a storm than to not follow Jesus. Being in the center of the Lords will is always the safest place to be.
But youll also face storms if youre not obedient to God.
Would you rather face storms being in the center of Gods will, or out of Gods will? Which makes the most sense?
STORMY WEATHER IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
Vs. 24 I dont have to tell you how dangerous storms can be. Just consider last years tsunami and hurricanes Ivan and Rita.
This storm was a very violent storm, and even seasoned fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John were having trouble with it.
The storms of life which we face are also dangerous.
Sometimes we will be in physical danger because of persecution, accidents or illness.
Other times we are in emotional danger with our storms threatening to overwhelm us with fear and/or depression.
Other times we are in Spiritual danger, with Satans attacks challenging us to give up or to sin.
And this verse alludes to another danger. We might be concerned because in the midst of the storm God appears to be asleep. He does not seem to be responding to our problems during the storm. He seems to be silent.
Our Lord Jesus was able to sleep because He had a human body that got tired. He was also able to sleep because, being sinless, He had a clean conscience. He was also able to sleep, because He quietly allowed Himself to rest in the hands of His loving Heavenly Father.
If you are doing what is right before the Lord, confessing your sins as a Christian, and striving to live for Him, dont panic when God appears to be asleep. Hell show Himself to be very much alive at just the right time.
STORMY WEATHER INVOKES FEAR AND PANIC
Vs. 25 When storms come we tend to fear. And sometimes when storms come we will go into a panic. The situation seems to be absolutely hopeless!
Humans tend to be fearful. If we didnt tend to be fearful, God would not have put so many verses in the Bible telling us not to be afraid. Ill just give you two samples, but there are many more do not fear verses in the Bible. Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 41:10
We tend to fear and worry about what might happen but hasnt happened.
We tend to fear and worry about the future.
We tend to fear and worry about the opinions of others.
We tend to fear and worry about our children, our parents, our spouses.
Then comes the times our problems are so real to us that they tend to overwhelm us. We hit the panic mode.
Yes, many fears are justified. But there is a proper way to handle fear.
These seasoned fishermen were literally in over their heads and they knew it, coming to Jesus in panic.
STORMY WEATHER REQUIRES PRAYER AND FAITH
Vs. 25 The disciples awoke the Lord Jesus.
Their anxious prayer was an indication that they had come to the end of themselves, and that they had at least a little faith that Jesus could help.
I personally think that they waited too long to ask Jesus for help. The moment things got a little stormy, I think they should have come to Him.
We are like that. If things seem to be just a little stormy or troublesome, well just worry over it and try to solve it ourselves, instead of bringing it to God right away.
But when problems get full blown, we come in a panic with a little, but not much faith that God can help. Philippians 4:6, James 1:5-8
Vs. 26 - Note that Jesus did not rebuke the disciples for waking Him up. Like I said, I feel that He would have welcomed being woken up sooner.
Notice our Lords calm rebuke in the midst of the storm.
He was not in a panic. Hes totally under control. He can even take the time to rebuke the disciples before He did anything. He is master of the situation.
Lets remember when we give our stormy problems to God He is not in a panic. He can solve the problem leisurely if He chooses to. There is no reason to get in a dither or bent out of shape.
STORMY WEATHER REVEALS THE GLORY AND POWER OF GOD
Vs. 26 Jesus said the word and there was perfect calm.
It was like there had been no storm.
There was no rocking of the waves that normally follow a storm. There was perfect peace.
When Jesus speaks the Word there is perfect peace.
Sometimes the problem totally disappears, but more often than not the place where the greatest miracle has occurred is inside of us.
We are at peace.
God has calmed the ragging in our souls.
Vs. 27 The disciples were absolutely amazed! The Lord Jesus had done what they had never seen before. A human being told the storm to cease and it did. The winds obeyed Him! The waves obey Him.
They had a new appreciation for the power of Jesus!
They had a new appreciation for the glory of Jesus!
And when Jesus calms our storms, we too, should have a new appreciation for the power and glory of the Lord Jesus.
We should be amazed!
We should be filled with praise and worship.
We should be ready to trust Him when an even bigger storm comes.
STORMY WEATHER IS BEST FACED WHEN JESUS IS IN THE BOAT
STORMY WEATHER RESULTS FROM OBEDIENCE
STORMY WEATHER IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
STORMY WEATHER INVOKES FEAR AND PANIC
STORMY WEATHER REQUIRES PRAYER AND FAITH
STORMY WEATHER REVEALS THE GLORY AND POWER OF GOD
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Mark 5:1-20
CONFRONTATION
LIFE OF CHRIST #25
This morning, as we continue our series on the Life of Christ, we turn to the Mark 5:1-20 where we find a confrontation between our Lord Jesus and a demon possessed man. Of course, our Lord will win the confrontation, and we will see some of the spiritual lessons involved.
The event took place right after the great storm on the Sea of Galilee.
SATAN'S CONTROL Vss. 1-6
Vs. 1 - Our Lord is entering an area that is on the opposite side of the Lake from where He performed much of His ministry. It is a largely Gentile area. He probably coming on shore near a little village called Kersa.
Vs. 2 - The tombs mentioned here were either natural or man-made caves in the side of a hill. These caves were burial places. They were also the haunt of demented men.
It says that the man had an "unclean spirit".
We would call him a demon-possessed man.
Vs. 3 - No man can bind this demoniac. He is too strong!
I am reminded that no man is strong enough to resist Satan in his own power.
Vs. 4 - The neighbors evidently tried on a number of occasions to bind this man but it was impossible to keep him bound. I can imagine a bunch of local men holding him down while others clasped chains around him. But he managed to break free from the strongest of chains. According to Mark, this man was untamable.
Vs. 5 - Notice how distraught this man was. He spent his nights and days cutting himself and crying. Satan had quite a hold on this man.
Allow me to remind you of what we were like before we were saved.
We were probably not demon possessed, but we were under Satan's control. He was running our lives, no matter how peaceful, or religious we thought we were. Ephesians 2:1-3
This is why it is so important to reach the unsaved. They are in Satan's dominion and in his bondage.
They need Christ!
Vs. 6 - This man comes down, perhaps to attack, and finds the Lord Jesus. Because the demoniac is in the presence of the God of the universe, even he, a demon, through the man he possessed, bowed down and gave homage.
It makes me think. We are Christians. God is our Father. Jesus is our Savior. How often do we bow the knee to them in reverence and glad adoration? Psalms 95:6
I am also reminded of the great day when Philippians 2:9-11 will be fulfilled.
SATAN'S CONTROL
THE SAVIOR'S VICTORY Vss. 7-17
Vs. 7 - I find two very ironic things in this verse.
First, please note that while demons recognize Jesus as who He truly is, "Son of the most high God," there are liberal Christian Theologians who deny this truth. They deny the deity of Christ, but the demons do not.
Second, I am amused to find the demons who were tormenting this poor man cried out, "Torment me not." Here the tormentors are asking that they not be tormented. They could dish it out, but they couldn't take it.
Vs. 8 - The demons were pleading for mercy because Jesus had commanded them to come out! Notice they can not fight back against the Son of God. If Satan and his demons can not resist the Lord Jesus, who should we send to the door the next time they come knocking, trying to tempt us? The Lord himself! 1 Peter 5:8-9
Vs. 9 - I believe that Jesus knew the name of the demon. He wanted those watching to hear the testimony of who this was. The demon states that his name is "Legion."
A Roman legion was made up of about 6,000 infantrymen. The one speaking is the leader, or spokesperson for the rest.
Although we do not know how many demons were actually in the man, it was certainly a great number to carry the name "Legion".
Vs. 10 - They continue to request that remain in the area.
Vss. 11-12 - There were a number of swine feeding in the area. They were being watched by herdsmen.
For the Jews, the pigs were unclean animals.
The demons felt that going to the swine was better than going into the abyss.
Vs. 13 - The demons were allowed to enter the swine. They are "spooked" and run off a steep place and into the sea.
Why did Jesus permit the entry of the demons into the pigs?
Perhaps it was to show the former demoniac just what forces had lived within him.
Perhaps it is to show us as believers, the awesomeness and awfulness of Satan's power.
Some have a problem with this destruction of property. And we could speculate as to why Jesus permitted it.
But why not just say, "Jesus is God. And as God He does what is right."
By this we mean, Jesus as God allows this destruction, so it must have been the right thing to do. Let us accept the fact that Jesus knew what He was doing.
Vs. 14 - The destruction of a large heard of swine got the attention of those in town and country. They came out to investigate!
Vs. 15 - Here's the biggest surprise of all. The former demoniac is now seated - He's calm and under control!
He's also clothed - Before he ran around naked.
He was in his right mind. He was sane. You could talk to him. They probably had not seen the man like this before.
They were afraid. And when a person comes to Christ, and experiences great change, those who are unsaved, may ever be a little afraid of this new situation.
This demoniac is a picture of each new Christian. August Van Ryn used three words to describe the great change that takes place in us when we are truly saved. August Van Ryn, Meditations in Mark, (Neptune, New Jersey, Loizeaux Brothers, 1957), p. 123
SITTING = REST
When a person comes to Christ as Savior he finds that he can "sit", just as the former demoniac could.
There is no longer the restless of guilt.
There is no longer the fear of eternal punishment.
There is no longer a striving to try and earn salvation by doing good works or keeping the law.
Romans 5:1, Matthew 11:28-30
CLOTHED = RIGHTEOUSNESS
The man in our story was now clothed, after he had been naked.
Remember that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags."
When we come to be saved God declares us as righteous, as we saw in Romans 5:1.
God has given us a "garment of righteousness."
And when someone has been declared righteous, I find they start to have a different attitude towards righteousness.
Born-again Christians are not perfect, but they have a desire to do right, because they have been declared right.
They are sad when they sin, because they know that as born-again Christians, they should be doing what is right.
The man or woman, boy or girl who is truly born again is going to show off their new clothes. Righteousness!
RIGHT MIND = REASON
The man who is in his right mind has the ability to reason correctly.
When we were born again, the Holy Spirit of God came inside of us, and gave us the ability to reason as God would have us to reason.
This means, with the Holy Spirit's help we can see things as God would have us to see things. It means we have the capacity to understand the Word of God.
It means my attitude towards life, towards sin, towards serving God should all change, because I have a new mind.
This new mind must be cultivated. Romans 12:1-2
The new mind is cultivated by meditation on the Word of God. If you have been saved, your manner should be different. There should be Rest, Righteousness and Reason.
Vs. 16 - The witnesses, probably the disciples included, told the story.
Vs. 17 - Here's another irony.
There had been a great miracle performed.
Instead of wanting to know more, instead of seeking His teaching, instead of asking Jesus to take care of other demons and diseases, they ask Jesus to leave!
We need to beware!
Every time an unsaved person turns down Christ, he is asking Jesus to leave.
Every time we, as Christians, want nothing to do with our Savior, we are, in a sense, asking Him to leave. I'm glad that He hasn't.
THE SAINT'S RESPONSIBILITY
Vs. 18 - The man was truly changed.
Instead of attacking Jesus He now wants to go with Jesus.
That should be our attitude as well.
The only difference is, we can spend time with Jesus.
And, we are able to follow Him.
Vs. 19 - There's another irony here.
The demons asked Jesus to enter the swine, and He said yes.
The villagers asked Jesus to leave, and He did.
The new Christian wants to go with Jesus, and Jesus said "no".
Why is it that the Christian got the only "no" answer.
The demons and villagers were not Christians. They had no part of His lordship. The Christian is a believer, and is to submit the Lordship of the Lord Jesus.
Why did Jesus say "no" to this man?
Because God had another plan for His life.
Some are called to 9-5 jobs as witnesses.
Some are called to full time Christian work.
Some are called to the home.
The most important thing is that we go where we are sent.
That's our responsibility.
This man's responsibility was to go home to family and friends and tell what God had done.
Indeed this is something each one of us should do as Christians.
We are witnesses of the grace of God. 1 Peter 3:15, Psalm 107:2
Vs. 20 - This man did exactly what he was told and caused many to marvel.
SATAN'S CONTROL
THE SAVIOR'S VICTORY
THE SAINT'S RESPONSIBILITY
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Acts 1:9-26
OBSERVATIONS,
The Model Church #2
What makes a person a good detective?
Who is the most famous detective of all, and what made him so successful?
Describe the most observant person that you know.
How does being observant make you a good Bible Student?
Let's make some observations about Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:12-26.
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE ASCENSION Vss. 9-11, Luke 24:50-53
· The Apostles were spell bound concerning his ascension.
· There is a promise of Jesus return to earth.
· They returned to Jerusalem to do as Jesus commanded in verse 4.
Luke 24:50-53
· Jesus last act on earth was to bless his followers.
· One of the results of the resurrection and ascension is worship. Vss. 52-53
· Another result of the resurrection and ascension is great joy. Vs. 52
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION (Disciples) Vss. 4, 12-14, 18-19
· The disciples did as they were told. Vss. 4, 12
· The 12 original Apostles are accounted for. Vss. 13, 18, 19
· Women are included. Vs. 14
· Mary is mentioned as present, but there is no special place given to her. Vs. 14
· Jesus' brethren are present. They have become believers. Vs. 14, John 7:5,
· There is unity in the group. Vs. 14, Philippians 2:1-5
· The decisions they made were based on deliberate, continual prayer.
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE APOSTATE (Judas) Vss. 15-20
· The business meeting that took place involved more than just the Apostles, 120 people were present. Vs. 15
· It is necessary that God's word be fulfilled. Vss. 16, 20
God's Word is inspired by the Spirit of God. Vs. 16, Psalm 109:8 - Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
· Judas fooled the other Apostles but never fooled God. Vs. 16
· Judas paid dearly for his betrayal. Vss. 17-19
· The decision to replace Judas was on the authority of God's Word. Vs. 20
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE NEW APOSTLE (Matthias) Vss. 21-26
· There were certain qualifications Judas' replacement needed to have, especially to be a witness of the Resurrection. Vss. 21-22
· Humanly speaking, the Apostles did the best that they could, and then left the choice up to God. Vss. 24-25
· This is the last use of casting lots mentioned in Scripture. It was an Old Testament procedure. Vs. 26,
Proverbs 16:33 - The lot is cast into the lap; but the
whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
· There was complete order and harmony in their procedure.
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James 3:1-12
FAITH WORKS VOCALLY
FAITH WORKS #10
Most of us have gotten is trouble at one time or another because of our failure to control our tongues.
This week in James 3:1-12 we find that Faith Works Vocally. A real reflection of our faith is to examine how well we allow God to control our tongues. The use of our tongue is a reflection of our faith.
THE IMPORTANT TONGUE Vss. 1-4
Vs. 1 James is giving a warning here. The warning is for those who would be teachers.
God has sent us gifted men and women who can communicate the Word of God. And each of us has the responsibility of teaching at home.
The use of the tongue to communicate truth is an important use of that tongue. But James tells us, if we would be teachers, I think this means especially in the church, we had better be careful.
The one who would teach, either formally, or informally, is in a position of receiving stricter judgment.
· There is strict judgment because of accuracy. We are responsible to communicate the truth.
· There is strict judgment as far as practice is concerned. We who teach are to practice what we preach. The one who teaches one thing and practices another is nothing more than a hypocrite.
Romans 2:22
If you would like to pray for your pastor and our Sunday School teachers, ask God that they would be like Ezra, the Scribe. Ezra 7:10
By the way the faithful pastor shall be rewarded, and Im sure the faithful teacher will be as well.
1 Peter 5:4
Vs. 2 James begins to show us another reason the tongue is important. He says, For in many things we all offend or stumble. I think that he is still referring to the tongue here.
There is not a person around who has not sinned with the tongue. Notice that James included himself when he said, We all stumble.
It is the mature man who has learned how to control his tongue.
It is the mature woman who has learned how to control her tongue.
If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man.
As we will see in a few minutes, there is none who can do this in his or her own strength.
But if you can control you tongue, the rest of your life will be under control.
A lot of us have problems in the area of self control in other areas that would clear up if we would learn to control our tongues.
Vs. 3 Here James gives us the first of two examples.
One does not just get on a horse and ride!
A horse needs to be tamed.
A horse needs to be trained.
A horse needs to be controlled by the person doing the riding.
And so a bit is placed inside the mouth.
The bit is attached to a bridle and reigns, so that by pulling on the reigns the horse can be controlled.
Vs. 4 The second illustration is concerning a boat or ship.
A great big ship can be turned and controlled by a little rudder.
The lesson is clear, control the tongue and the rest of the life can be under control
The important tongue is important for teaching and for maturity or control of our lives.
THE INFLAMED TONGUE Vss. 5-6
Vs. 5 James is saying, The tongue is small, but its power is great!
And this little item can be instrumental in causing big trouble!
Like fire, a little flame or spark can multiply into big danger.
Vs. 6 Note that the tongue is a fire.
The tongue can destroy things even more important than a city.
The tongue will destroy churches.
The tongue will destroy families and marriages.
The tongue will destroy Christian organizations.
The tongue will destroy school and work situations.
The tongue will destroy friendships.
A rash tongue can cause someone else to be rash.
One person yells and the other yells back.
Or someone gets wind of something being said about them and gets heated up.
Or a person is unduly criticized, and this causes bad feelings.
All of us have burned and hurt people with unkind, angry and harsh words, and lived to regret it.
Although words can be forgiven when we apologize, they often leave scars for a time to come.
Proverbs 26:20-21 - Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. [21] As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Fire needs fuel.
When the fuel is removed, there is no more fire.
So, before we repeat information, perhaps we should ask ourselves dome pointed questions:
1. Is it true?
2. Is it kind?
3. Is it necessary?
4. Is it edifying?
5. Why do I really want to share this?
Gossip is not the only sin of the tongue.
There is unjustified and uncontrolled anger.
There is lying.
There is back-biting and slander.
There is unwarranted criticism.
Vs. 6 Note that the tongue is a world of iniquity.
Note that the tongue defiles the whole body.
Just as smoke from a fire defiles clothing, the stench from our tongue defiles our whole lives.
The whole course of nature, our lives, is set afire by hell, the home of Satan and his demons.
Do we need any more reasons to be careful about the use of our tongues?
You can be a wonderful Christian in every way, but if you have a critical, or gossipy, or a slanderous, or an enraged tongue, you will destroy all the good that you do.
THE INCONSISTENT TONGUE Vss. 9-12
Vs. 9 says we bless with our tongue. We even bless the right God, our Father.
Then we curse man who was created in the image of God!
Like a fire, the tongue is good under control.
The fire warms, our words encourage.
The fire purifies, our words can correct and purify those we love when we use our words properly.
The fire gives light, our words give light.
Vs. 10 Out the same mouth comes blessing and cursing.
This is terribly inconsistent.
It shouldnt be!
We shouldnt bless and curse at the same time.
Vs. 11 James illustrates that a fountain only gives out one kind of water.
Vs. 12 A fig tree only gives figs.
A vine only gives grapes.
An olive tree gives olives!
As Christians our tongues should only give out what is good, and right and proper!
There is no fountain that gives out both salt and fresh water!
Because the tongue is a reflection of what is going on in our hearts, we need to strive to be consistent on the inside and the outside. Luke 6:45
THE IMPOSSIBLE TONGUE Vss. 7-8
Every type of beast has been tamed
Dolphins in the sea
Parrots of the bird world
Snakes to a point,
And all kinds of wild animals to a point,
But the tongue no man can tame.
I can not tame my tongue.
You can not tame your tongue.
Why is that?
As we already saw, the tongue is a reflection of our hearts.
Our hearts are inherently evil and deceitful. Jeremiah 17:9
In order to have a proper tongue we need a new heart!
We need a new heart. That new heart comes when we trust Jesus Christ as Savior!
Ezekiel 36:26 - A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
That new heart needs to be a surrendered heart, totally given over to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And that surrendered heart needs to be a heart that wants to speak the right things.
Psalm 141:3 - Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
How surrendered is your heart?
How surrendered is your tongue?
Will you allow the Lord Jesus to control both?
FAITH WORKS VOCALLY!
THE IMPORTANT TONGUE
THE INFLAMED TONGUE
THE INCONSISTENT TONGUE
THE IMPOSSIBLE TONGUE
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Revelation 2:12-17
THE CHURCH UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
(#3 of 7 simple outlines on the 7 Churches in Revelation)
When something is put under the microscope it is there for examination. When the Lord examines us, as He did the church at Pergamos, we are thoroughly examined.
HE KNOWS OUR FAITHFULNESS Vss. 12-13
HE KNOWS OUR FAULTS Vss. 14-15
HE ENCOURAGES OUR FORGIVENESS Vs. 16
HE REWARDS OUR FRUITFULNESS Vs. 17
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