SERMON SEEDS I45 FOR 2/20/06
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR FEBRUARY 20, 2005
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Psalm 134:1-3
THE NIGHT WATCH
Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord. [2] Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. [3] The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.
WHAT? - Behold, bless ye the Lord,
WHO? - all ye servants of the Lord,
WHEN? - which by night stand in the house of the Lord.
WHERE? - stand in the house of the Lord.
HOW? - Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.
WHAT - The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.
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Daniel 2:21-23
A DIVINE REVELATION
DISTURBING DREAM Vs. 1
Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which he did not understand and may have even forgotten.
DISRUPTIVE DEMANDS Vss. 2-12
Nebuchadnezzar not only demanded an interpretation of the dream, but for the men to state what the dream was. When they said they couldnt do it, the King pronounced a death sentence on all them, which would have included Daniel and his three friends.
DESTINED DELAY Vss. 13-18
When Daniel found out what the problem was, he asked for a stay of execution, in order to get an answer from God. This was granted.
DELIGHTFUL DISCLOSURE Vss. 19-23
The dream and its interpretation was revealed to Daniel.
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Daniel 2:24-49
A DIVINE EXPLANATION
DANIELS DECLARATION Vss. 24-25
Daniel announced that he understood the dream and the interpretation.
DANIELS DISCLAIMER Vss. 26-30
Daniel gave all the credit for his understanding to God.
DANIELS DESCRIPTION Vss. 31-35
The statute was described in detail.
DANIELS DECIPHERING Vss. 36-45
Daniel gave the interpretation of the dream.
DANIELS DISTINCTION Vss. 46-49
Daniel was honored for his accomplishments.
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John 6:1-13
BE AN OVERACHIEVER, AM 2/19/06
LIFE OF CHRIST #28
You and I each know at least one person who we consider to be an overachiever. They never stop working. They always need to be accomplishing something new. They have to be the best. They seem to work beyond their ability to get things done.
Many think that its wrong to be an overachiever. Why should we be so committed to achievement that it drives ourselves and others crazy?
Jesus was an overachiever.
· He walked on water.
· He raised three people from the dead.
· He fed thousands of people with a minimum of food.
· He made lame men walk, blind men see, and dumb men speak.
· He calmed storms at sea.
· He died for the sins of the whole world.
· He arose from the dead.
· He ascended into Heaven.
· He sits on the right hand of the throne of God.
Of course, Jesus is an overachiever, you say, Hes God!
Jesus wants you to be an overachiever.
But lets define the word overachiever a little differently.
Lets think of an overachiever as a person who accomplishes things above his own natural ability.
John 14:12, John 15:16, Acts 1:8, Philippians 4:13
Why would Jesus ever want you to be an overachiever?
· Because much can be accomplished for His glory when we trust Him.
· Because it shows how much we love Him.
· Because the needs are so great and Christ is so compassionate.
· When we overachieve properly He gets the glory.
Last time we saw Jesus take his disciples apart to a dessert place to rest awhile. However the crowds were waiting for Him. Jesus had compassion upon them and began to teach them.
The story continues this week as it gets late and there is a need for this huge crowd to be fed. Jesus feeds the 5,000 men plus women and children. This was one of his overachievements.
This story can teach us some lessons about being overachievers for the glory of God. Lets consider the following principles:
· SUPPOSITION JESUS WANTS YOU TO FEED THE MULTITUDES - Vss. 1-7
A supposition is an assumption.
There is no sense in trying to be an overachiever unless our Lord and Master wants us to be overachievers.
This miracle is recorded in all four Gospels.
We learn from comparing the accounts. Each one gives us some more information.
The other Gospels tell us that it was toward the end of the day in a desert place and the disciples encourage Jesus to send the crowd away so they can get food.
Jesus answers in Matthew 14:16, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
Jesus is telling the disciples that they should feed the multitude. And of course, with His help they could have.
The disciples were stymied and could only think of going somewhere and buying food, which probably wouldnt have been enough anyway.
Vs. 5 Jesus tested Phillip. Where can we buy bread, so
this crowd can eat?
Vs. 6 Jesus already knew what He was going to do. I think that Jesus wanted Phillip to ask Jesus to do a miracle.
Vs. 7 Phillips answered that even 8 months worth of daily wages would hardly be enough to give them a little.
There is a multitude of spiritually hungry people both saved and unsaved around us. Jesus says feed them spiritually and help them physically. Mark 16:15, Matthew 5:16, Galatians 6:9-10, Hebrews 10:24-25
And like the disciples we look at the multitude and we check our resources and we begin to think that we have nothing to offer.
We look at our own abilities or lack thereof.
We look at our own backwardness.
We look at our lack of talent or brains.
We look at our lack of learning.
We look at our lack of finances.
We get discouraged and think that we cant help one or two people, let alone a multitude!
Jesus wants us to feed a multitude, but how?
· SURVEY WHAT DO YOU HAVE THAT JESUS CAN USE? Mark 6:38
Mark 6:38 - He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
Vss. 8-9 John tells us a little more. The five loaves and two fishes that were found were a little boys lunch.
Just as Jesus had the disciples make a survey of what was available, I believe that He would also have us make a survey of what we have available that Jesus might be able to use.
The list I gave you to consider is not a complete one, but should get you to thinking, What do I have that Jesus can use?
____ A drivers license and car
____ A singing voice for solos or choir
____ A sense of humor
____ The ability to play a musical instrument
____ A friendly disposition
____ An ability to teach
____ An ability to encourage
____ A listening ear
____ An ability to cook
____ An ability to clean
____ An ability to fix things
____ An ability to plan
____ A regular income and/or bank account
____ An ability to invite
____ An ability to memorize
____ An ability to learn
____ A concern for lost souls
____ An ability to pray
____ A voice to sing praise to God at home and in church
____ Artistic ability
____ Hospitality
____ Computer skills
____ Other? ____________________________________
I suggest you take this list home and honestly check off the abilities you have, asking God for help.
In order to feed the multitudes, in order to be an overachiever, you must begin by knowing what you have available for Gods use.
· SURRENDER GIVE WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO JESUS Vs. 9
In order for this miracle to take place, the little boy with the lunch had to do something with it.
HE HAD TO SURRENDER HIS LUNCH TO JESUS!
Christians who have been blessed by God with all sorts of abilities are not surrendering their abilities to God for His use. Thus, they are not overachieving. Romans 12:1-5
First, we are to surrender ourselves to God and that includes all our gifts, talents and abilities.
When we surrender our abilities we are asking God to show us how we can use them for His glory.
Let me ask you, what are you doing right now to feed the multitudes that have so many needs? Wont you begin by praying over the survey and then surrendering your abilities to God for his use? Ask Him to show you how to use your abilities?
· SUPPLY JESUS WILL MULTIPLY WHAT YOU HAVE Vss. 10-11
The little boys lunch, so insignificant, was used to feed the multitude, because Jesus multiplied it.
Jesus can start multiplying what you have to offer once you start using what you have to offer for His glory. Romans 12:6-8
Heres another reminder. We cant do anything in our own strength. When we surrender our abilities to be used by God, we must use them in His power!
Zechariah 4:6 - Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
John 15:5 - 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.
· SURPLUS DONT WASTE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU Vs. 12
Jesus instructed the disciples to pick up the leftovers so that there was no waste.
God has given you many gifts, abilities and talents.
When we use them we bring honor and glory to God.
When we use them we show our appreciation.
When we fail to use them, we are wasteful.
When we use them for our own benefit only, we are wasteful.
· SUPPOSITION JESUS WANTS YOU TO FEED THE MULTITUDES
· SURVEY WHAT DO YOU HAVE THAT JESUS CAN USE?
· SURRENDER GIVE WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO JESUS
· SUPPLY JESUS WILL MULTIPLY WHAT YOU HAVE
· SURPLUS DONT WASTE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU Vs. 12
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ACTS 2:14
THE PRIMACY OF PREACHING
The Model Church - Lesson #4
What is preaching?
What are some the different types of preachers you have heard?
How important is preaching? Why?
In your opinion, what are the qualities contained in good preaching?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines primacy as "The state of being first or foremost."
In our text Peter is about to preach a sermon. The occasion is the Birthday of the Church, the day when the Holy Spirit Baptized and filled the Body of Christ.
The Church was and is built on the preaching of God's Word. Preaching has always been important to God! While some churches today try to minimize preaching, we need to see its primacy in God's overall plan.
OLD TESTAMENT PREACHING
NOAH - 2 Peter 2:5
NATHAN - 2 Samuel 12:1-14
EZRA AND HIS HELPERS Nehemiah 8:6-8
AMOS Amos 7:10-15
JONAH Jonah 3:1-5
NEW TESTAMENT PREACHING
JOHN THE BAPTIST Mark 1:4
JESUS - Matthew 4:17, Luke 4:18-19
THE DISCIPLES UNDER JESUS' DIRECTION - Mark 3:14
PETER
Acts 2:14-41 - 3,000 saved!
Acts 3:12-4:4 - 5,000 saved!
THOSE SCATTERED BY PERSECUTION Acts 11:19-21
PAUL Ephesians 3:8, Colossians 1:25-29
PREACHING TODAY
Mark 16:15 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Romans 1:14-17 - I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. [15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 10:13-17 - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. [14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! [16] But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? [17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1 Corinthians 1:23-25 - But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
2 Corinthians 4:5 - For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Romans 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
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JAMES 3:13-18 - PAGE 1
FAITH WORKS WISELY, PM 2/19/06
FAITH WORKS #11
The right kind of wisdom is to be a key ingredient in the Christian life. The Christian who is truly walking by faith will be a wise Christian.
R. Kent Hughes Being wise does not mean we understand everything that is going on because of our superior knowledge, but that we do the right thing as life comes along. R. Kent Hughes, James, Faith That Works, (Wheaton, Illinois, Crossway Books, 1991), p. 148
James 3:13 - Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
James seems to be saying, Do you consider yourself to be wise and understanding? Then show it by your good, gentle (meek), wise behavior!
Many people consider themselves to be wise. But wisdom is not only demonstrated by our words, but by our actions.
We show our wisdom by our good conversation, or manner of life. Someone who thinks himself to be wise, but does not show good behavior is not very wise at all!
We would hardly think of a drunkard or a prostitute, or a bank robber as being wise.
But how wise is someone who is lazy, or lies, or cheats, or curses, or looks at filthy literature or movies? Bad behavior shows that we are not very wise at all!
We are to show our wisdom by our works. Of course this would be good works. James has already addressed the value of good works. James 1:27, 2:15-16
Our works should be done with the meekness of wisdom.
Wisdom that is meek is gentle. Being meek does not mean that someone is a wimp. A person can be strong and yet gentle. Our Lord Jesus was strong and gentle or meek at the same time. Matthew 11:28-29
So verse 13 tells us that Faith Works Wisely. The rest of the chapter shows us that there are two kinds of wisdom.
THERE IS SENSUAL WISDOM - Vss. 14-16
Vs. 14 If you have bitter jealousy towards someone, you are not showing Gods Wisdom.
The words bitter envying have been translated harsh zeal.
To be zealous can be a good thing. Titus 2:13-14
Zeal is good when we are zealous of good works, zealous to spread the Gospel, and zealous to love others as Christ loved us.
Zeal is a bad thing when it is bitter or harsh.
Bitter or harsh zeal can quickly become obnoxious and narrow minded.
People in the world often show harsh zeal for what they think is right. They are critical of all those who dont agree with them. They are judgmental.
Often people show harsh zeal against others because they are jealous of that person. It is easy to be critical of another when we want what they have. We think that we deserve it and not them!
The word translated strife means to have a party spirit.
It means to want my group to be recognized in the church.
It means to want my group to have its say in the church.
It means to want my group to lead in the church.
One with a party spirit wants his or her group to have control.
The person with such an attitude is told in this verse not to glory or be arrogant and not to lie against the truth.
The truth that is being lied against by this bad attitude is the truth of Scripture.
The person who is demonstrating the worldly wisdom of bitter zeal and a party spirit is lying against Gods Word. Romans 12:16-17, 14:4, 1 John 4:7-8
1 John 4:7-8 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. [8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Vs. 15 This kind of wisdom is of the earth, of the soul, (sensual or natural) and of the devil! It is definitely not from above!
Vs. 16 Sensual wisdom produces confusion or disorder and every vile or worthless deed.
Where there is jealousy or bitter zeal and a party spirit no good can come of it.
THERE IS SPIRITUAL WISDOM - Vss. 17-19
Heavenly wisdom is Spiritual. It is Gods wisdom.
· PURE
Purity is on the top of the list!
Something that is pure is without contamination.
The Christian has been cleansed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. His life is to be pure.
1 John 3:2-3, Matthew 5:8
How can we maintain purity of our thoughts, motives and behavior?
1. By being filled with the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16
2. By being dead to self. Galatians 5:24
3. By being saturated in and heeding Gods Word. Psalm 119:9-11
4. By resisting temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13-14
· PEACEABLE
We are to be peaceful or peace loving.
This does not mean that there is no conflict in our lives.
Nor does it mean that we strive for peace at any cost.
We already have peace with God through faith in Christ.
We can have the peace of God in our hearts as we pray. Philippians 4:6-7
Part of the Fruit of the Spirit is peace.
We are commanded to follow peace and to be peace makers. Hebrews 12:14, Matthew 5:9
· GENTLE
This word carries the idea of being considerate.
The wisdom from above is concerned about the feelings and concerns of others.
The considerate person tries to think how others think and to look at things from this persons point of view.
Being considerate will affect the way we speak to others.
Being considerate will keep us from offending others.
Being considerate will modify our behavior.
Being considerate will make me concerned about the business and needs of others. Philippians 2:4
· EASY TO BE ENTREATED
Some people cant be reasoned with.
One time at an amusement park, I tried to tell a lady she had given me too much change. She wouldnt listen to me and I ended up with a real bargain on some ride tickets.
The Christian is one, who because of having the Holy Spirit inside of Him, should always be willing to listen and to be reasoned with. James 1:19-20
Another word we might use for such a person is teachable. An easily entreated individual is willing to learn and is not hard headed.
· FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS
When we are merciful to others we show kindness that isnt always deserved.
We remember that God has shown us mercy, and we follow His fine example
When a person is full of good fruits he is known for His good works done with a good attitude.
Galatians 6:10
· WITHOUT PARTIALITY
Here this word carries the idea of being consistent.
Somebody without partiality doesnt use a double standard.
He does not have one set of rules for one group of people, and another for his friends.
If a person is consistent, he will be impartial and not prejudiced against any person or group.
We should always be consistent in the way we think of others.
We should always be consistent in the way we treat others.
We should always be consistent in our behavior.
· WITHOUT HYPOCRISY
Hypocrisy means that one is wearing a mask.
A person professes to be one type of person but is actually another.
Again we see consistency here.
We should make sure that our walk matches our talk. Job 27:8
Vs. 18 James sums up his thoughts by saying that we are looking for a harvest of righteousness.
Wisdom that is Spiritual, that is from above, produces a practical righteousness.
This righteousness is sown in peace by peacemakers.
If we peaceably sow righteousness we will receive a bumper crop of righteousness. This is a great result from adhering to the wisdom that is from above.
THERE IS SENSUAL WISDOM - Vss. 14-16
THERE IS SPIRITUAL WISDOM - Vss. 17-19
Let us strive for spiritual wisdom.
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Revelation 3:7-12
THE CHURCH WITH THE OPEN DOOR
(#6 of 7 simple outlines on the 7 Churches in Revelation)
The church in Philadelphia (Asia, not Pennsylvania) was a faithful church to the Lord Jesus Christ.
WHAT A SOVEREIGN Vs. 7
WHAT ASSURANCE Vss. 8-10
WHAT A CHALLENGE Vss. 11, 13
WHAT HOPE Vs. 12
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