SERMON SEEDS I9 FOR 5/16/05
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR MAY 16, 2005
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Exodus 7:9-16
INTERVENTION!
CHOICE ARMY Vs. 9
CONSECRATED APPEAL Vss. 9-11
COMMITTED ASSISTANCE Vs. 12
COMPLETED ASSIGNMENT Vss. 13-16
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Psalm 116
PERSONAL TESTIMONY
Digging Deeper in the Psalms #3
You might want to begin your study or sermon (If you are an informal setting.) with the following questions:
What is a personal testimony?
On what occasions are personal testimonies given? (Church, witnessing, encouraging other believers).
Have you ever been helped by another believer's testimony? Can you think of a particular instance?
Are personal testimonies Biblical? (Psalm 107:2, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Peter 3:15)
Thinking of personal testimonies, I want us to go to Psalm 116 and look at the personal testimony of a psalmist whose identity is hidden. We do know that this man faced great peril and was delivered by the Lord. This is a very personal Psalm, with the writer making reference to himself 37 times in 19 verses. Only in 3 verses, 5, 15, and 19 there is not at least one personal pronoun used.
The exciting thing is that we can relate to this man's testimony. As we study this passage we find that what was true of this man should be true for us as well. Because the Psalmist used the personal pronoun, let's you and I use the personal pronoun as well. In this passage let's consider:
MY DEVOTION - Vss. 1-2
Many Psalms begin with praise. This Psalm alludes to praise, but is actually a statement of the Psalmists devotion. - I LOVE THE LORD!
If someone were to ask us, "Do you love the Lord?" our natural inclination is to say "yes". In this statement of devotion it is something that the Psalmist should have thought about before making the statement. I imagine that he did.
You and I should think about this statement, " I LOVE THE LORD!"
It's very easy to say I love the Lord and a lot more difficult to actually practice that love! Matthew 22:37-39
Next the Psalmist the Psalmist says, I love the Lord BECAUSE...
I think we can sum our Love up with 1 John 4:19, "We love him, because he first loved us."
The Psalmist's expression of love is because the Lord heard and answered his prayer. Read Vss. 1-2
The Psalmist was in grave trouble and the Lord came down and heard so to speak. How many times has God done the same for us? When we've been in great need and cried out, He has been there for us!
Notice something else here. The Psalmist says, "Because the Lord heard me this time, I will continue to pray."
That should be our attitude as well. Because the Lord has answered our prayers, we should continue to pray. He has shown Himself to be my God. I should treat Him as such and continue to call on Him.
MY DILEMMA - Vs. 3
A couple of thoughts here:
1. Before being saved we faced the prospects of a Spiritual death and eternal separation from God. This was a problem that no man could possibly solve for himself. Ephesians 2:1- And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2. We have all faced problems as Christians that were so great and so severe that although we may not have been literally close to death we may have felt like we were.
MY DEPENDENCE - Vs. 4
My dilemma concerning sin and death and eternal punishment was resolved when I called upon the Lord in faith, trusting Him as Savior. I became dependent on Christ for eternal life.
My dilemma concerning my daily problems, large and small is solved through dependence on God in prayer. We say we believe the Bible, let's live like we do! (Philippians 4:6-7, Proverbs 3:5-6)
MY DELIVERANCE - Vss. 5-8
Vs. 5 - Here is a great verse! Why does God deliver?
He's gracious. Salvation is all of grace. God's answers our prayers for deliverance in his grace.
God is also righteous. God will do what is right for those who trust His Son for salvation. He will save them. God will do what is right concerning his promises. He's promised to keep us, and He will. He's promised to answer our prayers and He will! Whatever God says He will do He will do!
God is also merciful, or compassionate. He has compassion on those who trust Him!
Vs. 6 - Remember, this is a personal testimony.
Here is a humble man here. He refers to himself as "simple", or "simple-hearted." The person with child-like faith is the person who is in good standing with God. Mark 10:15
Vs. 7 - The Psalmist is giving himself a little pep talk?
How would you paraphrase this verse into Modern English?
"Relax! God has more than taken care of the problem." Or "Chill out! God has handled it!"
Verse 8 - First think of this verse as pertains to salvation.
My soul has been delivered from eternal death.
I am going to a land where my God will wipe away all tears. (Tears are temporary.)
God will keep my feet from falling. He will get me securely to Heaven!
Now think of this verse concerning your problems.
The Psalmist may have faced a life and death situation, but didn't die. There are times when we could have suffered terrible injury or death, but God has protected us. We won't die until God is ready for us in Heaven. That doesn't mean we shouldn't take care of ourselves, by the way.
MY DECISION - Vss. 9-14
The Psalmist makes several statements here that show that he has decided to walk in such a way that he will please God!
MY DELIGHT - Vss. 15-19
Vs. 15 - What a great promise here we have here.
What a great verse this is. It is a verse to delight in.
Vs. 16 - What a delight and a privilege to say "Lord, I'm your servant!" There is no greater privilege that to be a Servant of God.
Vss. 17-18 - The Psalmist repeats himself, and for him as God's servant, it was a delight for Him,
To give thanks
To pray
To keep his promises
And to do it publicly so everyone knew where he stood.
Sermon Seeds C47
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Proverbs 1:1-6
WHY PROVERBS?
As part of my devotional reading of God's Word, I try to read Proverbs once every six months. Why does God want us to pay attention to the Book of Proverbs? He tells us in the first six verses of the Book.
HE WANTS US TO TAKE ACTION Vss. 1-4
To know Vs. 2
To perceive Vs. 2
To receive Vs. 3
To give Vs. 4
HE WANTS US TO ATTAIN Vs. 5
A wise man will hear, increase learning and attain wise counsel.
HE WANTS US TO APPLY Vs. 6
When we understand a proverb and its interpretation, we will apply its truths to lives. We aren't just to read God's Word, we are to live it!
Sermon Seeds B26
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Mark 10:1-12
WHAT ABOUT DIVORCE?
A STICKY QUESTION Vss. 1-2
A SCRIPTURAL ANSWER Vss. 3-8
A STRICT INTERPRETATION Vss. 9-12
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Luke 2:1-35, Matthew 2
CELEBRITY BIRTH, 5/8/05
Life of Christ #3
Today when celebrities and famous people have children it makes headlines.
When Jesus was born there were no newspapers, radios, computers, internet, or televisions.
And his parents were certainly not celebrities. They were just a poor carpenter and a peasant teenage girl who were committed to God.
His parents were not celebrities, but Jesus couldnt help but be a celebrity. As the very Son of God, He made an impact from his conception through to his birth, death, resurrection, and ascension.
When Jesus, the Son of God was born, there were reactions to the birth of this celebrity. We begin in Luke 2.
CAESAR PREPARED
Vss. 1-5 - God used the emperor of the huge Roman Empire to prepare for the proper birth of the Lord Jesus.
It is safe to say that Caesar Augustus never heard of the Lord Jesus, but God moved in Caesar Augustus heart in order to insure that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.
Because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David, he was required to go to Bethlehem, the hometown of his family to register for taxation.
Augustus made this decree at just the right time so that Joseph needed to travel to Bethlehem just before the birth of Jesus.
Jesus needed to be born in Bethlehem because that is what God promised. Micah 5:2
When God puts something in the heart of an individual to do it, they will do it.
When God plans for something to happen, it will happen no matter how impossible it may appear.
Isaiah 46:11 - yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
If, at the prompt of God, Caesar Augustus, unwittingly planned for the birth of Jesus in Bethehem, how much do you think God can accomplish in the hearts of people and in difficult situations?
God can work to solve any problem and influence the hearts of men for the good and the right.
Why doesnt he do more?
He is waiting for us to ask. John 14:13-14
God is capable of doing great things, but He has decided to act very often in answer to the prayers of His children!
ANGELS PROCLAIMED
Vss. 6-7 Joseph and Mary were not the only ones traveling. Others had to register too. It was a busy time, and logical that the local inn was jammed.
So, out to the stable they went. A humble beginning on earth for the one is the Son of God.
He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, long pieces of cloth wrapped fairly tightly around the child. They would make the baby feel secure.
Vs. 8 Meanwhile out in a field, maybe a mile or two away from the city was a group of shepherds, men low in social status. Men, who because they were shepherds, were not trusted. Men, who although they as a group were not liked or trusted, still could have been Godly men.
Vss. 9-10 When I know I have good news, I find it hard to remain silent. It might be good news about something in my family, or something in my life, or something in the church. When its good news, I have a tendency to want to share it.
God is like that.
There was good news to tell about the birth of us Son, and He decided to share it with these humble shepherds.
The shepherds were scared stiff or scared to death, and we would be to if an angel appeared to us in the blinding brightness of Gods glory.
Fear not was a proper encouragement.
When God does something great we often fear because we dont understand it.
This was not a time to fear, but a time of Good tidings of great joy. The shepherds had reason to rejoice.
And the good tidings of great joy were not just for the shepherds or the Jews, it was all people.
It was good tidings of great joy for all people, because all people can have a Savior!
Christ came to die for all, no matter what your ethnic or religious background.
Vs. 11 - Notice that Jesus is described in three ways.
· JESUS IS SAVIOR
We are sinners.
Our sins make us unfit for Heaven.
Our sins make us candidates for eternal judgment from a righteous and holy God.
But Jesus came to be our Savior, the one who took the punishment that we deserved and He didnt deserve. 2 Corinthians 5:21
· JESUS IS CHRIST
Christ is the anointed one, Israels Messiah.
This is a tremendous promise, for Israel had been waiting for the deliverer, Gods chosen.
He delivered from sin the first time He came.
He will deliver from Israels national bondage when He returns to earth.
· JESUS IS LORD
As Lord, Jesus is God.
As Lord, Jesus is boss.
As Lord, Jesus has every right to tell you and I what to do, although we often dont like that one bit.
John 13:13, Luke 6:46,
In our heads we know Jesus is Lord.
In our heads we know that every knee is going to bow to Jesus. Philippians 2:10-11
But Jesus isnt Lord in our hearts unless we do what He says!
We call Jesus Lord all that we want, but unless we obey Him, He is not our Lord.
Vss. 12-14 The angel tells the shepherds where to find Jesus and then there is a heavenly choir of tremendous magnitude, and Im sure of volume that appears giving glory to God at the birth of His Son.
PROPHETS PREDICTED
Vss. 21-23 Mary and Joseph did all that was right
according to the Jewish law.
They did what they were instructed to do.
As they were obeying the law, by bringing Jesus to the temple, a very unusual thing happened.
Two prophets, a man and a woman Simeon and Anna were involved in predicting things concerning the Lord Jesus.
Because we know more of what Simeon said, lets consider him for a moment.
Vs. 25 We need more people like Simeon today.
· He was just or righteous before men. He acted rightly towards others.
· He was devout. He was dedicated to God. He was careful, serious about the things of God.
· He was looking for the consolation of Israel, for the coming Messiah.
· The Holy Spirit was upon Him, controlling his life.
Vs. 26 He was promised through Gods Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.
Vss. 27-28 Simeon was guided on the right day to the right place, to the right child by the Holy Spirit.
Vs. 29 Simeon was totally satisfied when He saw Jesus!
He was now ready to go home after what was undoubtedly a long life!
Vs. 30 Simeon was satisfied because he had seen the Lords salvation. And remember that this salvation was in a person, not in trying to be good in our own power.
May we learn this kind of satisfaction, no matter how long our lives are!
If we know Jesus as Savior, weve seen the Lord Jesus. Weve seen Gods salvation. Lets be totally satisfied.
Vs. 31 The Gospel of the Lord Jesus is for all people!
Vs. 32 The Gospel gives light to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. All of Israels hope is found in Jesus. All of the Gentiles light is found in Jesus.
Vss 33-34 Many fell in Israel because of the Lord Jesus.
They failed to believe in Christ and were condemned.
Many rose in Israel because of Jesus. They believed in Him and even though they were sinners, they rose to eternal life.
And so it is today throughout the whole world. Every person either rises or falls according to their faith in Christ. 1 John 5:12
1 John 5:12 - He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Vs. 34 Jesus was a sign from God.
But many spoke against Him. They rejected Him.
They followed up their words with actions.
They crucified Him.
Vs. 35 - Simeon warned Mary.
A large sword would pierce Marys heart.
It was the pain of witnessing her own sons persecution.
A persons outward attitude toward Jesus reveals the condition of their hearts.
WISE MEN PURSUED
Turn please turn to Matthew 2.
Vss. 1-2 - So who were the wise men?
ê We know very little about them.
ê They have been known as the three kings, but we do not know that they were kings.
ê We do not even know that there were three of them. The idea of there being three wise men comes from the fact that they brought three gifts.
ê The word used for wise men is actually magi, the word from which we get the word, magic. They were specialists in astronomy.
Evidently God spoke to them through the stars that the Lord Jesus would be born. Having seen His star, they came to find Him.
I want you to note 3 things about these wise men. These are things we can learn from them.
1. THEY WERE PERSISTENT
They didnt give up until they had seen the Messiah.
They had traveled many miles.
They had to deal with red tape in Herods court.
Sometimes they saw the star, sometimes they didnt.
They plodded on!
God wants us to be persistent in our desire to know God better and to serve Him. Psalm 27:8
2. THEY HAD A PURPOSE
Theyre purpose was to worship Him. Deuteronomy 6:4-5
3. THEY BROUGHT PRESENTS
Vs. 11 - Gold Because He is king
He deserves our gold, our money, because He is king.
Frankincense Incense Psalm 141:2
Symbolic of our prayers going up to God
Myrrh Used for embalming the dead. Representative of His death for us, and our willing sacrifice for Him. Luke 9:23
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Romans 15:1-7
LIVING KINDLY
THE CONSIDERATION OF THE WEAK Vss. 1-2
THE COMPASSION OF CHRIST Vs. 3
THE COMFORT OF THE WORD Vs. 4
THE CONFORMITY THROUGH CHRIST Vss. 5-7
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PRACTICING OUR FAITH
Hebrews 13:1-6
HEBREWS STUDY #29
A complete study
· How can you tell when a person has faith?
James 2:18 - Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith
without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
· Why is it important to live our faith?
· How is the Bible practical?
· What important practical question do we need to ask God and ourselves as we read the Bible, sit in a Bible study, or listen to a sermon?
We come to Hebrews 13 and find that the first 6 verses are extremely practical. They teach us how to put shoe leather on our faith. If we say that we have faith in Christ, we should show it through practicing the following qualities:
1. CONTINUING CHARITY (LOVE) Vs. 1
ð What does brotherly love mean to you?
ð Why is brotherly love important in a family? In the Church? Is there any difference?
ð We are to let brotherly love continue. When did it start? Why must we make a conscious effort to continue it?
ð The church was greatly persecuted at the time this Epistle was written. Why is brotherly love all the more important when we are being persecuted or ridiculed for our faith?
2. CONSISTENT COURTESY Vs. 2
V Christian hospitality is in view here. It seems that it was very much needed in the days before good places to stay and eat.
V Should Christian hospitality be practiced among those who know each other well?
Acts 2:46 - And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread
from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
V Why is hospitality in general and Christian hospitality in particular becoming a lost art?
V What can we do to remedy the problem?
V Who entertained angels in Scripture?
V In what ways might we end up entertaining an angel today?
3. CONSTANT COMPASSION Vs. 3
ü Who are some of the people we should remember in bonds?
ü How can we act like we are in bonds with someone?
ü What specifically can we do for these people?
ü What are some of the adversities fellow believers are suffering?
ü How will remembering that we are also in the body effect our behavior towards those that suffer?
4. COMMITTED COMPANIONSHIP Vs. 4
v Why do some groups practice celibacy?
v When is celibacy good? When is it bad?
v Why is celibacy generally not necessary?
v Why is it that more and more people live together before they are married?
v Marriage is honorable. Being married should be considered an honor and should be treated as such.
v How do some people dishonor their marriage?
v In what ways does God judge marital infidelity?
5. CONTENTED CONDUCT Vs. 5
Ø Read Exodus 20:17
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor
his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy
neighbour's.
Ø What does it mean to covet?
Ø How is contentment a lack of covetousness?
Ø Read 1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have
erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Ø Why is the love of money the root of all evil?
Ø How can we tell we love money?
Ø What is the remedy for covetousness?
Ø Why should Jesus presence in our lives make us content?
6. COURAGEOUS CONFIDENCE Vs. 6
¯ How does the fear of man hurt us?
¯ How do we make the Lord our helper?
¯ How does being content help us be courageous?
¯ How does being courageous help us to be content?
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