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SERMON SEEDS J43 FOR 1/15/07

#1 · January 16, 2007, 7:31 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on January 16, 2007, 7:31 pm
Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>
SERMON SEEDS FOR JANUARY 15, 2007

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Numbers 14:24

MINORITY MAN

"But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it."

Comic books, radio and television have come up with more than their share of super heroes. To name a few, there's been Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Aquaman, Super Girl, Batgirl, Marathon Man, and Wonder Woman, to name a few.

It is best to get our heroes and role models from the Bible. Perhaps if we gave them nick names they would be more appealing to today's youth.

David could be "Slingshot Man", Daniel could be "Lion Man". Gideon could be "Pitcher Man". Shadrack, Mishack and Abednego could be "The Asbestos Triplets." And what about our hero in this passage. Caleb could be "Minority Man" because he stood for God in a minority of two (Joshua was the other person.)

Review the story of Numbers 13:26-33 and 14:1-10.

Caleb, "The Minority Man" was commended by God.

HIS IDENTITY AS GOD'S SERVANT

But my servant Caleb,

It is nice when someone calls you a servant of God. To me, there is no greater compliment.

It would be nice if history remembers each of us as servants of God.

And, it is true that each of us as born again Christians are servants of God, at least in name.

But God is speaking here. He is making a value judgment. Although all Israel could technically be called the servants of God, God is saying "CALEB IS MY SERVANT!" Not bad for a man who was almost stoned a short time ago.

Israel's opinion of Caleb at this point was not very high. But God's was. And it is God's opinion that is important!

Oh that God would say this of you and me! "__________ is my servant!"

Not because of my position as a pastor, but because of the practice of servanthood in my life!

We talk about people who have a "servant's heart".

And we usually think of it in the context of serving others.

That's fine, but we need to go further in our thinking.

A person with a real servant's heart is:

·       One who loves God and appreciates all that God has done to save him. Deuteronomy. 6:4-5

·        One who wants to please God first, last and always. Luke 14:26-27

We should say with the author of Psalm 139:23-24:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

·        One who makes doing God's will the most important thing in his life.

If doing God's will is truly the most important thing in your life then, you will have trusted Christ as Savior. I realize that pleasing God and doing God's will are very closely related. Because we want to please God, we want to do His will! Ephesians 5:15-17

THE INFLUENCE OF ANOTHER SPIRIT

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him,

I see two possibilities for meaning here.

This could mean that Caleb had a different attitude. Caleb had an attitude of trust when the others were not trusting. He had confidence in God when no one else had confidence in God!

There will be times when God will be calling you to trust Him when no one else is trusting Him.

The second possibility, and the one that I prefer, is that the other Spirit working on Caleb was none other than the Holy Spirit of God. If we are going to have success we must have the Spirit of God in control in our lives.

Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

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.

The work of the Holy Spirit will place us in a minority.

Spirit filling comes as we confess and forsake sin.

Spirit filling comes as we ask and trust God for it.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD'S LEADERSHIP

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully,

There is such a thing as partial obedience, but that does not please God. Caleb did not believe in partial obedience. He followed God fully. God's leadership was of the utmost importance to Caleb.

Caleb was not like many of us who are "buffet believers".

At a buffet you pick and chose what you want. "I'll take the steak but not the fish. I'll have the mashed potatoes but not the sweet potatoes. I'll enjoy the pie but leave the cake."

A "buffet believer" picks and chooses when and how he will obey God.

"Oh, I like tithing, but don't ask me to witness."

"I don't want to tithe but I'll witness."

"I'll come to Sunday School, but don't look for me in the Evening Service."

"I'll help feed the poor, but I won't come to Prayer Meeting.

In Caleb's case, while the others were choosing to not obey God, Caleb was ready to enter the Promised Land right then, Giants or not!

When we follow God fully, we will strive to make our obedience total!

HIS INHERITANCE IN GOD'S LAND

him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

Caleb entered the Promised Land.

Caleb's children inherited the Promised Land

There is much to inherit as we serve God, walk in His Spirit and follow His leadership.

We will manifest the fruit of the Spirit.

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.

There will be supernatural joy, thanksgiving and submission. See Ephesians 5:19-21.

There will be souls saved. Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

There will be lives influenced on behalf of Christ.

Philippians 2:12-16 - Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. [14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings: [15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [16] Holding forth the word of life

And as we enter the land of victory and train our children properly they will inherit the same things.

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

In Numbers 14:24 God makes a statement about Caleb the "Minority Man". But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

We saw:

HIS IDENTITY AS GOD'S SERVANT

One who loves God and appreciates all that God has done to save him.

One who wants to please God first, last and always.

One who makes doing God's will the most important thing in his life.

THE INFLUENCE OF ANOTHER SPIRIT

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD'S LEADERSHIP

HIS INHERITANCE IN GOD'S LAND

This is an enlarged version of a previously shared outline.

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Psalm 9:10

THE FATHER AND YOU

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER Know His Name

RELIANCE ON THE FATHER Trust In Him and Seek Him

RESPONSE OF THE FATHER He does not forsake those that seek Him

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Isaiah 11:1-10

DONT WAIT FOR THE MILLENNIUM!

During the Millennium, the thousand year reign of Christ on the Earth, the Lord Jesus shall rule. It will be:

A RESOURCEFUL RULE Vss. 1-2

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: [2] And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

Jesus will rule in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

A RIGHTEOUS RULE Vss. 3-5

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: [4] But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. [5] And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

A RESTFUL RULE Vss. 6-10

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. [7] And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. [8] And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. [9] They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

[10] And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

I should allow Christ to rule in my life now.

CHRIST SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RULE ME WITH A RESOURCEFUL RULE

(By His Spirit)

Isaiah 11:2 - And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

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.

CHRIST SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RULE ME WITH A RIGHTEOUS RULE

Romans 10:4 - For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Romans 5:17 - For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

CHRIST SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RULE ME WITH A RESTFUL RULE

Isaiah 26:3-4 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. [4] Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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WHAT JESUS GIVES

Mark 4:35-41

THE DIRECTION THAT JESUS GIVES Vss. 35-37

THE PROTECTION THAT JESUS GIVES Vss. 38-39

THE ADMONITION THAT JESUS GIVES Vss. 40-41

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JOHN 13:1-17

ROOM SERVICE

Life of Christ #51

There is no substitute for good solid preaching and teaching, both in church and in our homes. And those of us who do so are to be good examples. 1 Timothy 4:12



If anyone ever practiced what He preached it was the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we return to our study of His life, we find him practicing what He preached. He provided Room Service, or service to His disciples in The Upper Room.

It was the night before His death and He gathered His disciples together for the celebration of the last supper. Before the institution of the Lords Supper, He took the role of a servant and washed the disciples feet.

In this passage the Lord sets for us an example that we should follow. We will see:



HIS SECURITY AS THE SON Vss. 1-3

What Jesus was about to do in the Upper Room, in the Garden of Gethsemane, during his trial and on the cross was absolutely unbelievable. To think that the God who created us would suffer so much for us!

The reason Jesus could endure what He endured was His feeling secure as God the Son.

Vs. 1 In other passages it was said of Jesus that His hour or his time had not yet come. But now, Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world by way of crucifixion. He would go back to His Father in the splendors of glory, after suffering the most brutal and unfair death in all of history.

He knew where he was going, which gave Him a real sense of security. You will only feel secure if you know for sure where you are going when you die. It is something that nobody should want to leave to chance.

Another thing we see here is that He loved His own unto the end. Even when they didnt understand Him, forsook Him and denied Him, He loved them to the end.

That is true today. Jesus loves us to the end of this life and into eternal life. Romans 8:38-39



Vs. 2 Judas was influenced by Satan to betray Jesus.

Vs. 3 - We are given some more reasons for Jesus being able to take the role of the servant, not only in the Upper Room, but in His sufferings and death.

1.     JESUS HAD AUTHORITY

All things were under control. All that He was about to do He had the authority to do from God. He was doing it voluntarily. He wasnt forced to do anything.

He had the authority to serve.

He had the authority to suffer.

He had the authority to sacrifice for us to give us eternal life.

He was secure because He had authority.

2.     JESUS KNEW WHO HE WAS

Jesus knew that He came from God.

Jesus knew that He was God.

You can endure a lot when you know who you really are!

You can serve a lot when you know who you really are!

3.     JESUS KNEW WHERE HE WAS GOING

Jesus was secure because He knew that when it was all over, He would be returning to Heaven.

You, Christian will be called upon to humbly serve and submit yourselves in various ways. You will be able to do this if you realize that.

1. You have authority.

God has given you authority to witness, to teach, to serve and to suffer persecution. Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 23:11, 2 Timothy 3:12

2. You know who you are.

Jesus knew that He came from God. You and I know that we are born of God, making us His children. John 1:12-13, Galatians 3:26



3. You know where you are going.

We can feel secure in suffering and service because we know where we are going when we did. This life is a hundred years long at best. Eternity is forever. With Gods help we can endure anything!

2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:21

Jesus was secure!

You should be secure as well.

HIS SUBMISSION AS THE SAVIOR Vss. 4-11

When Jesus and the disciples had arrived at the Upper Room their feet would have been dirty. The roads were dusty, and they wore open sandals. Usually when there were guests at a dinner, the host would have one of his servants wash the feet of the guests. In the Upper Room, there were no servants.

One of the disciples should have performed this task, but evidently none of them were willing. It was a menial, lowly task. Luke 22:24



Not one of them had fully learned to be a servant, except of course, our Lord Himself.

Vs. 4 Our Lord arose during the meal, and quietly, humbly, and majestically laid aside his outer garments



Vs. 5 Then our Lord poured water into the basin, and began to wash the feet of each disciple present. As their Lord and Master, this was not His assigned task. As the Lord of Glory, He should have not been required to do this. But He did it out of loving service and as an example for them and us.

Vs. 6 Simon Peter enters the picture.

Outspoken, impetuous, Peter could not keep still!

Others might let the Lord Jesus wash their feet without a whimper, but not Peter!

The thought that the one whom Peter rightly understood to be the Messiah would wash Peters dirty feet was intolerable.

Vs. 7 Notice the answer that our patient Lord gives to impatient Peter. Peter, you dont understand what Im doing now, but you will later!

After our Lords humiliation, death, burial, and resurrection Peter would understand. But right at that moment, he didnt understand.

This verse encourages me. We do not always understand why the Lord is doing what Hes doing. And sometimes we dont even know what Hes doing! I am reassured that when there are times when I dont understand, I will understand later, if necessary. I am also reassured that whether I understand or not, the Lord knows what He is doing, and that He can be trusted.

Vs. 8 Peter was emphatic! He was saying, Youre not going to wash my feet! No way! No how!

Jesus was even more emphatic. He tells Peter, Unless I wash you, you have no part with me!

If Jesus did not wash Peter, there would be no communion, no fellowship, and no part with the Lord. Well explain that in a moment.

Vs. 9 Good old Peter went overboard again. He was expressing his desire to be a part of the Lord. If being washed by the Lord Jesus had something to do with being a part of Christ, then Peter was willing to have all exposed parts washed.

Vs. 10 What Jesus is saying here is, He that has had a bath only needs to wash his feet.

These men would have already bathed for the day. Their feet, however got dirty as they walked in open sandals. Only their feet needed to be washed.

Lets think about the symbolic meaning here.

When you came to Christ you were redeemed. You were washed in the blood. You were saved. You were totally forgiven. You had a spiritual bath that made you a child of God, based on the sacrifice that Christ made for you on the cross.

But you have what has been called, a daily walk.

You walk in a dirty, sinful world, and although you are clean because youve been saved, your feet still get dirty.

They get dirty with sin!

You havent lost your salvation, but you have lost your fellowship with God. Proverbs 28:9



You have also lost your spiritual power because you have grieved or quenched the Holy Spirit that lives inside of you. Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19

How do we have our feet washed? 1 John 1:9

If Peter did not have his feet washed, he would have union with Christ, but no communion.

Even today, Christ washes our feet when we confess our sins. He is still acting, in a way, as a servant. This should make all the more, not to want to sin!



This act of submissive service by our Lord Jesus was just a precursor to what He would do on the cross. Unless He had taken on the role of servant all His life and through to His death there would be no forgiveness of sin. Philippians 2:5-8



Vs. 11 - And notice that Jesus knew who wasnt clean. Judas wasnt clean. He never had a bath! Hed never trusted Jesus as His Savior. He betrayed Jesus instead!

Remember, you can pretend to others, but Jesus knows if you are clean from being saved, or not. He makes not mistakes!



HIS STANDARD AS OUR SUPERIOR Vss. 12-17

Vs. 12 Jesus finished his foot washing ministry, got dressed and took His place at the chief spot at the table. He now sets His standard for us as our superior.

·       Jesus is Master and Lord Vs. 13

They called Him Master, or Teacher.

They called Him Lord.

They were absolutely right to give Him these titles!

As Master or Teacher He would instruct them, and they were to listen.

As Lord, He was their sovereign, their king, their authority!

He was the one they should reverence or respect!

Christian, Jesus is your Teacher, Your master. Let Him teach you!

Christian, Jesus is your Lord. Let Him boss you!

·       We are to follow the Lords example Vss. 14-15

Vs. 14 I see two applications in this verse.

First, Jesus humbled Himself to serve. He took the lowly job of washing feet. He took the even lower job of going to the cross to die for our sins. If our Lord and master stooped so low to serve us and others, we should be willing to stoop as low to serve other Christians, no matter how low or demeaning the job may be. Matthew 10:24



Second, when Jesus washed the disciples feet, it was symbolic of cleansing from sin. This reminds me that symbolic foot washing is of another brother or sisters sin is one messy, lowly job that we should submit ourselves to do. Galatians 6:1-2



Vs. 15 Do we need to literally wash the feet of the brethren today?

As a ceremony in the church, I dont think its necessary.

But if I am in a situation where my brothers feet need literal washing, or he needs some other sort of physical attention I should be ready to wash, or physically bathe him or her.

Whatever loving service is needed to make my brother or sister comfortable should be done, and never considered to be below our dignity.

·       We can not escape the responsibility Vs. 16

You and I are servants. Jesus is Lord!

You and I are the sent. The Lord Jesus is the sender.

You and I are not greater than the Lord Jesus.

If He served in lowly submission, washing feet, enduring a mockery or a trial, being brutally beaten and then suffering the shame of the cross, then I should serve in the same way!

I cant escape that responsibility, nor should I want to!

·       Obedience leads to happiness. Vs. 17

You will only be truly happy when you do as you have been told.

If you know these things in your head, obey them with your heart!

HIS SECURITY AS THE SON Vss. 1-3

·       Jesus had authority

·       Jesus knew who He was

·       Jesus knew where He was going

HIS SUBMISSION AS THE SAVIOR Vss. 4-11

HIS STANDARD AS OUR SUPERIOR Vss. 12-17

Jesus is Master and Lord Vs. 13

We are to follow the Lords example Vss. 14-15

We can not escape the responsibility Vs. 16

Obedience leads to happiness. Vs. 17

This is an elaboration upon a previously shared outline.

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Titus 3:1-8

GETTING IT RIGHT!

A PATTERN TO FOLLOW Vss. 1-2

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, [2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

A PARDON TO EMBRACE Vss. 3-5 Titus 3:3-5

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. [4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, [5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

A POSITION TO ENJOY Vss. 6-7

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; [7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

A PRACTICE TO MAINTAIN Vs. 8

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

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1 Peter 1:9-17

HOLINESS

THE REASON FOR HOLINESS Vss. 9-12

(Salvation)

THE RIGORS OF HOLINESS Vss. 13-14

Salvation costs you nothing. Holy living will cost you everything.

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF HOLINESS Vss. 15-16

The standard is high - "Be ye holy, for I am Holy."

THE REVERENCE OF HOLINESS Vs. 17

"...pass the time of your sojourning here in fear."

Sermon Seeds A6

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Posted by: jpeters <jpeters@...>

SERMON SEEDS FOR JANUARY 15, 2007

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Numbers 14:24

MINORITY MAN

"But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it."

Comic books, radio and television have come up with more than their share of super heroes. To name a few, there's been Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Aquaman, Super Girl, Batgirl, Marathon Man, and Wonder Woman, to name a few.

It is best to get our heroes and role models from the Bible. Perhaps if we gave them nick names they would be more appealing to today's youth.

David could be "Slingshot Man", Daniel could be "Lion Man". Gideon could be "Pitcher Man". Shadrack, Mishack and Abednego could be "The Asbestos Triplets." And what about our hero in this passage. Caleb could be "Minority Man" because he stood for God in a minority of two (Joshua was the other person.)

Review the story of Numbers 13:26-33 and 14:1-10.

Caleb, "The Minority Man" was commended by God.

HIS IDENTITY AS GOD'S SERVANT

But my servant Caleb,

It is nice when someone calls you a servant of God. To me, there is no greater compliment.

It would be nice if history remembers each of us as servants of God.

And, it is true that each of us as born again Christians are servants of God, at least in name.

But God is speaking here. He is making a value judgment. Although all Israel could technically be called the servants of God, God is saying "CALEB IS MY SERVANT!" Not bad for a man who was almost stoned a short time ago.

Israel's opinion of Caleb at this point was not very high. But God's was. And it is God's opinion that is important!

Oh that God would say this of you and me! "__________ is my servant!"

Not because of my position as a pastor, but because of the practice of servanthood in my life!

We talk about people who have a "servant's heart".

And we usually think of it in the context of serving others.

That's fine, but we need to go further in our thinking.

A person with a real servant's heart is:

· One who loves God and appreciates all that God has done to save him. Deuteronomy. 6:4-5

· One who wants to please God first, last and always. Luke 14:26-27

We should say with the author of Psalm 139:23-24:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

· One who makes doing God's will the most important thing in his life.

If doing God's will is truly the most important thing in your life then, you will have trusted Christ as Savior. I realize that pleasing God and doing God's will are very closely related. Because we want to please God, we want to do His will! Ephesians 5:15-17

THE INFLUENCE OF ANOTHER SPIRIT

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him,

I see two possibilities for meaning here.

This could mean that Caleb had a different attitude. Caleb had an attitude of trust when the others were not trusting. He had confidence in God when no one else had confidence in God!

There will be times when God will be calling you to trust Him when no one else is trusting Him.

The second possibility, and the one that I prefer, is that the other Spirit working on Caleb was none other than the Holy Spirit of God. If we are going to have success we must have the Spirit of God in control in our lives.

Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

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.

The work of the Holy Spirit will place us in a minority.

Spirit filling comes as we confess and forsake sin.

Spirit filling comes as we ask and trust God for it.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD'S LEADERSHIP

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully,

There is such a thing as partial obedience, but that does not please God. Caleb did not believe in partial obedience. He followed God fully. God's leadership was of the utmost importance to Caleb.

Caleb was not like many of us who are "buffet believers".

At a buffet you pick and chose what you want. "I'll take the steak but not the fish. I'll have the mashed potatoes but not the sweet potatoes. I'll enjoy the pie but leave the cake."

A "buffet believer" picks and chooses when and how he will obey God.

"Oh, I like tithing, but don't ask me to witness."

"I don't want to tithe but I'll witness."

"I'll come to Sunday School, but don't look for me in the Evening Service."

"I'll help feed the poor, but I won't come to Prayer Meeting.

In Caleb's case, while the others were choosing to not obey God, Caleb was ready to enter the Promised Land right then, Giants or not!

When we follow God fully, we will strive to make our obedience total!

HIS INHERITANCE IN GOD'S LAND

him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

Caleb entered the Promised Land.

Caleb's children inherited the Promised Land

There is much to inherit as we serve God, walk in His Spirit and follow His leadership.

We will manifest the fruit of the Spirit.

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.

There will be supernatural joy, thanksgiving and submission. See Ephesians 5:19-21.

There will be souls saved. Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

There will be lives influenced on behalf of Christ.

Philippians 2:12-16 - Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. [14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings: [15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; [16] Holding forth the word of life

And as we enter the land of victory and train our children properly they will inherit the same things.

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

In Numbers 14:24 God makes a statement about Caleb the "Minority Man". But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

We saw:

HIS IDENTITY AS GOD'S SERVANT

One who loves God and appreciates all that God has done to save him.

One who wants to please God first, last and always.

One who makes doing God's will the most important thing in his life.

THE INFLUENCE OF ANOTHER SPIRIT

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD'S LEADERSHIP

HIS INHERITANCE IN GOD'S LAND

This is an enlarged version of a previously shared outline.

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Psalm 9:10

THE FATHER AND YOU

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER Know His Name

RELIANCE ON THE FATHER Trust In Him and Seek Him

RESPONSE OF THE FATHER He does not forsake those that seek Him

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Isaiah 11:1-10

DONT WAIT FOR THE MILLENNIUM!

During the Millennium, the thousand year reign of Christ on the Earth, the Lord Jesus shall rule. It will be:

A RESOURCEFUL RULE Vss. 1-2

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: [2] And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

Jesus will rule in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

A RIGHTEOUS RULE Vss. 3-5

And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: [4] But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. [5] And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

A RESTFUL RULE Vss. 6-10

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. [7] And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. [8] And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. [9] They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

[10] And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

I should allow Christ to rule in my life now.

CHRIST SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RULE ME WITH A RESOURCEFUL RULE

(By His Spirit)

Isaiah 11:2 - And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

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.

CHRIST SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RULE ME WITH A RIGHTEOUS RULE

Romans 10:4 - For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Romans 5:17 - For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

CHRIST SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RULE ME WITH A RESTFUL RULE

Isaiah 26:3-4 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. [4] Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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WHAT JESUS GIVES

Mark 4:35-41

THE DIRECTION THAT JESUS GIVES Vss. 35-37

THE PROTECTION THAT JESUS GIVES Vss. 38-39

THE ADMONITION THAT JESUS GIVES Vss. 40-41

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JOHN 13:1-17

ROOM SERVICE

Life of Christ #51

There is no substitute for good solid preaching and teaching, both in church and in our homes. And those of us who do so are to be good examples. 1 Timothy 4:12

If anyone ever practiced what He preached it was the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we return to our study of His life, we find him practicing what He preached. He provided Room Service, or service to His disciples in The Upper Room.

It was the night before His death and He gathered His disciples together for the celebration of the last supper. Before the institution of the Lords Supper, He took the role of a servant and washed the disciples feet.

In this passage the Lord sets for us an example that we should follow. We will see:

HIS SECURITY AS THE SON Vss. 1-3

What Jesus was about to do in the Upper Room, in the Garden of Gethsemane, during his trial and on the cross was absolutely unbelievable. To think that the God who created us would suffer so much for us!

The reason Jesus could endure what He endured was His feeling secure as God the Son.

Vs. 1 In other passages it was said of Jesus that His hour or his time had not yet come. But now, Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world by way of crucifixion. He would go back to His Father in the splendors of glory, after suffering the most brutal and unfair death in all of history.

He knew where he was going, which gave Him a real sense of security. You will only feel secure if you know for sure where you are going when you die. It is something that nobody should want to leave to chance.

Another thing we see here is that He loved His own unto the end. Even when they didnt understand Him, forsook Him and denied Him, He loved them to the end.

That is true today. Jesus loves us to the end of this life and into eternal life. Romans 8:38-39

Vs. 2 Judas was influenced by Satan to betray Jesus.

Vs. 3 - We are given some more reasons for Jesus being able to take the role of the servant, not only in the Upper Room, but in His sufferings and death.

1. JESUS HAD AUTHORITY

All things were under control. All that He was about to do He had the authority to do from God. He was doing it voluntarily. He wasnt forced to do anything.

He had the authority to serve.

He had the authority to suffer.

He had the authority to sacrifice for us to give us eternal life.

He was secure because He had authority.

2. JESUS KNEW WHO HE WAS

Jesus knew that He came from God.

Jesus knew that He was God.

You can endure a lot when you know who you really are!

You can serve a lot when you know who you really are!

3. JESUS KNEW WHERE HE WAS GOING

Jesus was secure because He knew that when it was all over, He would be returning to Heaven.

You, Christian will be called upon to humbly serve and submit yourselves in various ways. You will be able to do this if you realize that.

1. You have authority.

God has given you authority to witness, to teach, to serve and to suffer persecution. Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 23:11, 2 Timothy 3:12

2. You know who you are.

Jesus knew that He came from God. You and I know that we are born of God, making us His children. John 1:12-13, Galatians 3:26

3. You know where you are going.

We can feel secure in suffering and service because we know where we are going when we did. This life is a hundred years long at best. Eternity is forever. With Gods help we can endure anything!

2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:21

Jesus was secure!

You should be secure as well.

HIS SUBMISSION AS THE SAVIOR Vss. 4-11

When Jesus and the disciples had arrived at the Upper Room their feet would have been dirty. The roads were dusty, and they wore open sandals. Usually when there were guests at a dinner, the host would have one of his servants wash the feet of the guests. In the Upper Room, there were no servants.

One of the disciples should have performed this task, but evidently none of them were willing. It was a menial, lowly task. Luke 22:24

Not one of them had fully learned to be a servant, except of course, our Lord Himself.

Vs. 4 Our Lord arose during the meal, and quietly, humbly, and majestically laid aside his outer garments

Vs. 5 Then our Lord poured water into the basin, and began to wash the feet of each disciple present. As their Lord and Master, this was not His assigned task. As the Lord of Glory, He should have not been required to do this. But He did it out of loving service and as an example for them and us.

Vs. 6 Simon Peter enters the picture.

Outspoken, impetuous, Peter could not keep still!

Others might let the Lord Jesus wash their feet without a whimper, but not Peter!

The thought that the one whom Peter rightly understood to be the Messiah would wash Peters dirty feet was intolerable.

Vs. 7 Notice the answer that our patient Lord gives to impatient Peter. Peter, you dont understand what Im doing now, but you will later!

After our Lords humiliation, death, burial, and resurrection Peter would understand. But right at that moment, he didnt understand.

This verse encourages me. We do not always understand why the Lord is doing what Hes doing. And sometimes we dont even know what Hes doing! I am reassured that when there are times when I dont understand, I will understand later, if necessary. I am also reassured that whether I understand or not, the Lord knows what He is doing, and that He can be trusted.

Vs. 8 Peter was emphatic! He was saying, Youre not going to wash my feet! No way! No how!

Jesus was even more emphatic. He tells Peter, Unless I wash you, you have no part with me!

If Jesus did not wash Peter, there would be no communion, no fellowship, and no part with the Lord. Well explain that in a moment.

Vs. 9 Good old Peter went overboard again. He was expressing his desire to be a part of the Lord. If being washed by the Lord Jesus had something to do with being a part of Christ, then Peter was willing to have all exposed parts washed.

Vs. 10 What Jesus is saying here is, He that has had a bath only needs to wash his feet.

These men would have already bathed for the day. Their feet, however got dirty as they walked in open sandals. Only their feet needed to be washed.

Lets think about the symbolic meaning here.

When you came to Christ you were redeemed. You were washed in the blood. You were saved. You were totally forgiven. You had a spiritual bath that made you a child of God, based on the sacrifice that Christ made for you on the cross.

But you have what has been called, a daily walk.

You walk in a dirty, sinful world, and although you are clean because youve been saved, your feet still get dirty.

They get dirty with sin!

You havent lost your salvation, but you have lost your fellowship with God. Proverbs 28:9

You have also lost your spiritual power because you have grieved or quenched the Holy Spirit that lives inside of you. Ephesians 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 5:19

How do we have our feet washed? 1 John 1:9

If Peter did not have his feet washed, he would have union with Christ, but no communion.

Even today, Christ washes our feet when we confess our sins. He is still acting, in a way, as a servant. This should make all the more, not to want to sin!

This act of submissive service by our Lord Jesus was just a precursor to what He would do on the cross. Unless He had taken on the role of servant all His life and through to His death there would be no forgiveness of sin. Philippians 2:5-8

Vs. 11 - And notice that Jesus knew who wasnt clean. Judas wasnt clean. He never had a bath! Hed never trusted Jesus as His Savior. He betrayed Jesus instead!

Remember, you can pretend to others, but Jesus knows if you are clean from being saved, or not. He makes not mistakes!

HIS STANDARD AS OUR SUPERIOR Vss. 12-17

Vs. 12 Jesus finished his foot washing ministry, got dressed and took His place at the chief spot at the table. He now sets His standard for us as our superior.

· Jesus is Master and Lord Vs. 13

They called Him Master, or Teacher.

They called Him Lord.

They were absolutely right to give Him these titles!

As Master or Teacher He would instruct them, and they were to listen.

As Lord, He was their sovereign, their king, their authority!

He was the one they should reverence or respect!

Christian, Jesus is your Teacher, Your master. Let Him teach you!

Christian, Jesus is your Lord. Let Him boss you!

· We are to follow the Lords example Vss. 14-15

Vs. 14 I see two applications in this verse.

First, Jesus humbled Himself to serve. He took the lowly job of washing feet. He took the even lower job of going to the cross to die for our sins. If our Lord and master stooped so low to serve us and others, we should be willing to stoop as low to serve other Christians, no matter how low or demeaning the job may be. Matthew 10:24

Second, when Jesus washed the disciples feet, it was symbolic of cleansing from sin. This reminds me that symbolic foot washing is of another brother or sisters sin is one messy, lowly job that we should submit ourselves to do. Galatians 6:1-2

Vs. 15 Do we need to literally wash the feet of the brethren today?

As a ceremony in the church, I dont think its necessary.

But if I am in a situation where my brothers feet need literal washing, or he needs some other sort of physical attention I should be ready to wash, or physically bathe him or her.

Whatever loving service is needed to make my brother or sister comfortable should be done, and never considered to be below our dignity.

· We can not escape the responsibility Vs. 16

You and I are servants. Jesus is Lord!

You and I are the sent. The Lord Jesus is the sender.

You and I are not greater than the Lord Jesus.

If He served in lowly submission, washing feet, enduring a mockery or a trial, being brutally beaten and then suffering the shame of the cross, then I should serve in the same way!

I cant escape that responsibility, nor should I want to!

· Obedience leads to happiness. Vs. 17

You will only be truly happy when you do as you have been told.

If you know these things in your head, obey them with your heart!

HIS SECURITY AS THE SON Vss. 1-3

· Jesus had authority

· Jesus knew who He was

· Jesus knew where He was going

HIS SUBMISSION AS THE SAVIOR Vss. 4-11

HIS STANDARD AS OUR SUPERIOR Vss. 12-17

Jesus is Master and Lord Vs. 13

We are to follow the Lords example Vss. 14-15

We can not escape the responsibility Vs. 16

Obedience leads to happiness. Vs. 17

This is an elaboration upon a previously shared outline.

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Titus 3:1-8

GETTING IT RIGHT!

A PATTERN TO FOLLOW Vss. 1-2

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, [2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

A PARDON TO EMBRACE Vss. 3-5 Titus 3:3-5

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. [4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, [5] Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

A POSITION TO ENJOY Vss. 6-7

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; [7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

A PRACTICE TO MAINTAIN Vs. 8

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

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1 Peter 1:9-17

HOLINESS

THE REASON FOR HOLINESS Vss. 9-12

(Salvation)

THE RIGORS OF HOLINESS Vss. 13-14

Salvation costs you nothing. Holy living will cost you everything.

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF HOLINESS Vss. 15-16

The standard is high - "Be ye holy, for I am Holy."

THE REVERENCE OF HOLINESS Vs. 17

"...pass the time of your sojourning here in fear."

Sermon Seeds A6

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