SOMETHING STINKS.
EPH. 5: 1 – 2
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Smell is one of the strongest of our senses. It can change our mood from good to bad or from bad to good. The candle industry is a 100 million dollar industry not counting all the liquid and sprays. If I ask you what was the worst smell you ever smelled you would probable have an answer with little hesitation.
Have you smelled chocolate chip cookies baking? Those big chocolate chip cookies, like Publix, the Cookie Jar, or Perkins. Can you smell them with me. Oh yes. They smell so good.
Some smells we never forget, good or bad.
2 Cor. 2: 14 – 16 Paul says of thanks to God.
14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
I. Smell Played A Great Role In The Old Testament.
A. Gen. 4: 3 – 4 We find Cain and Able offering sacrifice to God.
3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
From the time of Adam and Eve God required an offering. They no doubt taught Cain and Able to offer sacrifice. God had a requirement for sacrifice.
1. Gen. 4: 5 - 7 Cain did not do as God had ask. He did not well in God’s sight.
5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
2. Gen. 4: 8 Cain’s jealousy was so great he killed his brother Able.
8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
B. Gen. 8: 20 – 22 God told Noah to get out of the ark and he went to build an altar.
20 ¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.
21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
God told Noah to take extra clean animals for sacrifice. When they got out of the ark, Noah knew what to do.
C. Lev. 3: 1 – 2 God told Moses what to offer out side the tabernacle and to tell the men.
1 ¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
1. Lev. 16: 11 – 14 Aaron was to offer sacrifice for himself first.
11 And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself: And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:
14 And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.
2. Lev. 16: 15 Aaron then will offer a goat as a sin offering for the people.
15 ¶ Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
3. All of this was to please God including sanctifying the tabernacle and letting a goat go with all the sins of the people laid on it.
II. After Christ crucifixion and resurrection the sweet smelling aroma to God changed.
A. Eph. 5: 1 – 2 We are to be followers of God in Christ Jesus.
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Christ gave himself to God for a sin offering for us.
B. 2 Cor. 2: 14 – 17 Paul writes we are the sweet savour of Christ unto God if we are
faithful in Christ.
14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
If faithful to Christ we are sufficient to God to be a sweet savour of Christ.
III. As Sinful People We Can Get Used To The Smell Of Sin.
A. The body after death becomes one of the worst smells, I am told. Some people who come in contact with the dead become accustomed, to a point, to the smell.
A. We can become accustomed to the smell of sin to point we no longer are upset with the smell.
1. The sin that we classify as horrible and disgusting has an awful smell.
2. The sin that is all around us has less odor now.
3. The sin that we begin to over look has lost it’s smell altogether.
4. The sin that we find pleasure in actually begins to smell good to us.
B. Many Christians see adultery, homosexuality, prostitution, rape, incest, and murder have terrible smell because they are horrible sins.
1. You would not think of associating with that kind of person.
2. Some even believe they are unforgivable, so not worth teaching.
C. Some Christians accept that adultery, living together, one night stands, recreational drugs, social drinking and the lottery has a little odor unless it is a friend or an acquaintance you like.
D. Some Christians have come to the point of justifying sin if doesn’t hurt anyone, if it is private, or among consenting adults it is ok. They don’t smell anything wrong with it. If you drink a little now and then among friends, if you smoke a joint that you paid for and your not hurting anyone. If you snort a tote of coke to relax after a hard day or week at work and I don’t hurt anyone what is the harm? They do it just for
pleasure, not to get drunk or high. Their adults.
E. We can loose the smell of sin and it no longer bothers us to read.
1 John 2: 15 – 17 Are these not all things of the flesh, sinful, of the world?
John writes:
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that
doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
F. Gal. 5:19 – 21 Some Christians no longer see some of these as sin. They do it so it must be ok.. By whose word, God’s or ours?
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Envy, hatred, strife, drunkenness no longer smells to some.
G. Gal. 6: 7 – 10 What you sow, or what you do will come back to you.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
A friend, my dads age ,was an electrician and he could take the whole charge. He would wet his finger and touch a light socket when it was on. Why would we do that? To entertain, to show off, to fit into the crowd. Why did you first smoke, drink a beer, or curse? To impress someone? To shock someone? To prove you were not to good to do it? Then it become pleasurable.
Some say they smoke to calm their nerves. Some say they drink to be sociable or they just like it and can’t find any scripture against it. Some curse just to fit in. Oh, they don’t say the G word or the F work or the B word. Are you sure because cursing is a habit that you develop and some times don’t even realize you say some words. You sure hear it enough.
To God it stinks. It is sin.
Rom. 14: 19 – 23 Follow the things that are faithful to God and not self.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
What can kill the odor of sin? The blood of Jesus Christ.
What can we do for our brethren that dabble with sin. That play with sin for pleasure?
Pray. James 5: 16
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Are you a Christian today?
If your not sure you should be.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ at the son of God?
Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Are you a Christian that has lost your sense of smell?
Do you need to come back to Jesus?
Which ever your condition and need is today. Will you come to Jesus?
While we stand and sing.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
MORE HOLYNESS GIVE ME
"MORE HOLINESS GIVE ME"
Isaiah 35:1-10
More holiness give me because
1. I want to be like God,
2. I want to be pure,
3. I want to go to heaven.
A. Read: Isaiah 35:1-10
B. The Text Tells Us:
1) Isaiah prophesies in this passage of the coming of the Messiah. Jesus.
2) The eyes of the blind would be opened.
3) The lame would walk.
4) The deaf and dumb would hear and talk.
5) Isaiah also prophesies about a highway.
6) In verse 8, he says, "And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but is shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein."
7) The time of the Messiah would usher in a way of holiness.
C. The song.
1) We sang the song, "More Holiness Give Me."
2) Here is another one of those songs that we really need to pay attention to when we sing.
3) Holiness is the quality of being set apart or different from the worldly standards around us.
4) Holiness also implies a purity and devotion that is found in those who are spiritual.
5) In this song we sing to have more holiness in our lives.
6) In words we are saying, "Give me more holiness."
7) Why should we to desire more holiness?
More holiness give me because . . .
I. I WANT TO BE LIKE GOD.
A. Isaiah 6: 3 It is no secret that God is holy.
6:3 "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
B. Leviticus 19:2 God wants us to be like Him in this regard.
"Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy."
1)1 Peter 1: 15 - 16 Peter refers to this "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
2) Ephesians 4:24 exhorts us, "and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth."
C. Do we desire to be holy like God is holy? If we want to be like God, we will so act as God would have us act..
More holiness give me because…
II. I WANT TO BE PURE.
A. 2 Corinthians 7: 1 To be holy is to be cleansed.
7: 1 "Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
B. 1 John 3:2-3 John says to be holy is to be pure.
"Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
C. Becoming pure isn't necessarily an easy thing to do. We become holy by purging ourselves of sin.
2 Timothy 2:21 Paul wrote to Timothy, "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work"
Purged, sanctified, for The Master’s use.
For God to use us in every good work.
D. 1 Peter 1:7 Sometimes this means strong trials. Peter said, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
Is our desire to be pure? Then let us be holy.
More holiness give me because…
III. I WANT TO ENTER HEAVEN.
A. 2 Peter 3:11-14 This earth is not going to endure forever. Because the earth isn't going to endure forever, we must prepare for the new heavens and earth. We do that by holy living.
Peter writes, "Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight."
B. Hebrews 12: 14 Heaven is a place that is reserved for the holy.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
1. Revelation 22:14 states, "Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city."
2. Revelation 21:7 says, "He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
C. Is our desire to enter heaven? Then let us determine to live holy lives.
More holiness give me because . . .
1. I want to be like God.
2. I want to be pure.
3. I want to go to heaven.
This is why we live for Jesus in this world preparing to be with him in heaven.
Are you a christian? Have you been baptized for the remission of sins? If you have Christ promised to add the saved to His church, the church of Christ.
The story was told of an unfaithful christian being visited by the preacher. He was glad to see the preacher until the preacher started asking where he had been. The preacher ask if the man was in the army of God? The man answered he sure was. The preacher again ask where he had been. He ask how he could be in the army of God and not be in worship? The man hesitated and said, “preacher I am in the secret service.”
God has no secret service only faithful, holy servants. Are you faithful to God?
Do you need to come back to God tonight? Will you come to Jesus?
Isaiah 35:1-10
More holiness give me because
1. I want to be like God,
2. I want to be pure,
3. I want to go to heaven.
A. Read: Isaiah 35:1-10
B. The Text Tells Us:
1) Isaiah prophesies in this passage of the coming of the Messiah. Jesus.
2) The eyes of the blind would be opened.
3) The lame would walk.
4) The deaf and dumb would hear and talk.
5) Isaiah also prophesies about a highway.
6) In verse 8, he says, "And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but is shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein."
7) The time of the Messiah would usher in a way of holiness.
C. The song.
1) We sang the song, "More Holiness Give Me."
2) Here is another one of those songs that we really need to pay attention to when we sing.
3) Holiness is the quality of being set apart or different from the worldly standards around us.
4) Holiness also implies a purity and devotion that is found in those who are spiritual.
5) In this song we sing to have more holiness in our lives.
6) In words we are saying, "Give me more holiness."
7) Why should we to desire more holiness?
More holiness give me because . . .
I. I WANT TO BE LIKE GOD.
A. Isaiah 6: 3 It is no secret that God is holy.
6:3 "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
B. Leviticus 19:2 God wants us to be like Him in this regard.
"Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy; for I Jehovah your God am holy."
1)1 Peter 1: 15 - 16 Peter refers to this "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
2) Ephesians 4:24 exhorts us, "and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth."
C. Do we desire to be holy like God is holy? If we want to be like God, we will so act as God would have us act..
More holiness give me because…
II. I WANT TO BE PURE.
A. 2 Corinthians 7: 1 To be holy is to be cleansed.
7: 1 "Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
B. 1 John 3:2-3 John says to be holy is to be pure.
"Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
C. Becoming pure isn't necessarily an easy thing to do. We become holy by purging ourselves of sin.
2 Timothy 2:21 Paul wrote to Timothy, "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work"
Purged, sanctified, for The Master’s use.
For God to use us in every good work.
D. 1 Peter 1:7 Sometimes this means strong trials. Peter said, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
Is our desire to be pure? Then let us be holy.
More holiness give me because…
III. I WANT TO ENTER HEAVEN.
A. 2 Peter 3:11-14 This earth is not going to endure forever. Because the earth isn't going to endure forever, we must prepare for the new heavens and earth. We do that by holy living.
Peter writes, "Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight."
B. Hebrews 12: 14 Heaven is a place that is reserved for the holy.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
1. Revelation 22:14 states, "Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city."
2. Revelation 21:7 says, "He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
C. Is our desire to enter heaven? Then let us determine to live holy lives.
More holiness give me because . . .
1. I want to be like God.
2. I want to be pure.
3. I want to go to heaven.
This is why we live for Jesus in this world preparing to be with him in heaven.
Are you a christian? Have you been baptized for the remission of sins? If you have Christ promised to add the saved to His church, the church of Christ.
The story was told of an unfaithful christian being visited by the preacher. He was glad to see the preacher until the preacher started asking where he had been. The preacher ask if the man was in the army of God? The man answered he sure was. The preacher again ask where he had been. He ask how he could be in the army of God and not be in worship? The man hesitated and said, “preacher I am in the secret service.”
God has no secret service only faithful, holy servants. Are you faithful to God?
Do you need to come back to God tonight? Will you come to Jesus?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A CHRISTIANS DAY
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN
ROMANS 13: 11 – 14
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Paul speaks of Godly living. Let us look at this as a days activities in a christians life.
1. Getting up.
2. Getting dressed.
3. Getting the plan for the day.
4. Getting the provisions.
We often want to get that last five minutes in the morning. We like the bed we have made to lie in.
I. Getting Up - Romans 13: 11 The time to get up has arrived.
“11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:”
A. The sleep Paul is talking about is not physical sleep, but negligence and indifference.
Joshua 24: 15 Joshua says: We need to wake up, stand up, get up.
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Wake up and choose whom you will serve.
B. Matthew 6:24 Jesus said to choose.
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Each morning we must make a choice.
1. Revelation 3:15–16 Jesus knows us
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Being lukewarm, indifferent, neglecting to obey God and it makes him sick.
2. James 4: 17 What will we do?
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
C. Matthew 25: 13 The wise and foolish virgins. Jesus said:
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
1. We must not over sleep.
2. We must not drift back off to sleep.
D. Romans 13: 11 We are closer now.
11 … for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Wake up, get up spiritually for time is short.
II. Get Dressed. Romans 13: 12 Put on our christian garments.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
We are not to cover the darkness with light, but cast off darkness and put on light.
A. Luke 11: 35 Christians are to be a light.
35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
Do not deceive yourself into believing your darkness is light.
B, Romans 13: 12 Put on the armor of light.
C. 1 John 1: 7 Walk in the light.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Christ is the light of the world. We must be in Christ to be a christian. We must walk in the light, Christ, continually to keep saved.
III. Plan for the Day. Romans 13: 13 Paul says how to walk,
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day;
If we walk in Christ we must walk honestly with self and the world.
A. 1 John 2: 6 If we say it, do it.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Do not pretend we walk with Jesus.
B. 1 John 1: 6 Do not lie about our walk.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Why lie to Jesus who knows all?
C. Ephesians 6: 13 – 18 Get up, get dressed, put on the whole armour of God.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
D. Romans 13: 13 Not in Worldliness
13. not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Not walking in the worldliness.
1. Not in rioting.
2. not in drunkenness
3. not in chambering – sexual pleasure of the world.
4. not in wantonness – filthy, lewd emotions or desires.
5. not in strife – contention, hatred
6. not in envying – jealousy, lust of worldly positions.
Iv. Romans 13: 14 Necessary Provisions
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Not that we do not provide for the body, but not the lust of the flesh.
A. Galatians 3: 26 – 27 First putting on Christ in baptism.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
B. Daily putting on Christ in His love, gentleness, purity and courage.
C. 2 Timothy 3: 16 – 17 Thoroughly furnished.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Will you awake daily to the life in Christ Jesus?
Will you daily cast off the works of darkness and be a light?
Will you walk honestly before God?
Will you walk in the light as Christ is in the light?
Putting on Christ’s love, gentleness, purity and courage to serve him?
Are you a christian today?
As a christian are you serving Christ?
Will you wake up to the fact that if you are not in Christ, living faithful daily you are lost?
Christ will save you, if you obey him.
Will you come to him now?
ROMANS 13: 11 – 14
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Paul speaks of Godly living. Let us look at this as a days activities in a christians life.
1. Getting up.
2. Getting dressed.
3. Getting the plan for the day.
4. Getting the provisions.
We often want to get that last five minutes in the morning. We like the bed we have made to lie in.
I. Getting Up - Romans 13: 11 The time to get up has arrived.
“11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:”
A. The sleep Paul is talking about is not physical sleep, but negligence and indifference.
Joshua 24: 15 Joshua says: We need to wake up, stand up, get up.
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Wake up and choose whom you will serve.
B. Matthew 6:24 Jesus said to choose.
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Each morning we must make a choice.
1. Revelation 3:15–16 Jesus knows us
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Being lukewarm, indifferent, neglecting to obey God and it makes him sick.
2. James 4: 17 What will we do?
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
C. Matthew 25: 13 The wise and foolish virgins. Jesus said:
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
1. We must not over sleep.
2. We must not drift back off to sleep.
D. Romans 13: 11 We are closer now.
11 … for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Wake up, get up spiritually for time is short.
II. Get Dressed. Romans 13: 12 Put on our christian garments.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
We are not to cover the darkness with light, but cast off darkness and put on light.
A. Luke 11: 35 Christians are to be a light.
35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
Do not deceive yourself into believing your darkness is light.
B, Romans 13: 12 Put on the armor of light.
C. 1 John 1: 7 Walk in the light.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Christ is the light of the world. We must be in Christ to be a christian. We must walk in the light, Christ, continually to keep saved.
III. Plan for the Day. Romans 13: 13 Paul says how to walk,
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day;
If we walk in Christ we must walk honestly with self and the world.
A. 1 John 2: 6 If we say it, do it.
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Do not pretend we walk with Jesus.
B. 1 John 1: 6 Do not lie about our walk.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Why lie to Jesus who knows all?
C. Ephesians 6: 13 – 18 Get up, get dressed, put on the whole armour of God.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
D. Romans 13: 13 Not in Worldliness
13. not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Not walking in the worldliness.
1. Not in rioting.
2. not in drunkenness
3. not in chambering – sexual pleasure of the world.
4. not in wantonness – filthy, lewd emotions or desires.
5. not in strife – contention, hatred
6. not in envying – jealousy, lust of worldly positions.
Iv. Romans 13: 14 Necessary Provisions
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Not that we do not provide for the body, but not the lust of the flesh.
A. Galatians 3: 26 – 27 First putting on Christ in baptism.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
B. Daily putting on Christ in His love, gentleness, purity and courage.
C. 2 Timothy 3: 16 – 17 Thoroughly furnished.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Will you awake daily to the life in Christ Jesus?
Will you daily cast off the works of darkness and be a light?
Will you walk honestly before God?
Will you walk in the light as Christ is in the light?
Putting on Christ’s love, gentleness, purity and courage to serve him?
Are you a christian today?
As a christian are you serving Christ?
Will you wake up to the fact that if you are not in Christ, living faithful daily you are lost?
Christ will save you, if you obey him.
Will you come to him now?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
practicing prejudice
PRACTICING PREJUDICE
ACTS 10: 34
Intro:
There is a story told about a young lady by the name of Pam. Pam attended high school from 1991-1995. Pam wasn’t like the other students with whom she went to school. She stood 5 foot 2, and wade 352 lbs. There are few who exit the torture chamber that is high school without scars. However, there are even fewer who leave with the scars which Pam carried.
Each day the business of education became a battle field. Pam was called names, became the butt of practical jokes, and endured mocking calls each and every day. Each morning when she arrived at her locker, she would find a picture of a pig snout taped to the door. Once, three boys followed her home, and before she could reach the safety of her house, the boys overtook her, mased her, all while calling her a pig and making pig noises at her. The boys were arrested, but released later that night and then back in school the very next day.
Pam tried talking to teachers, councilors, and her principles. She was told, by her principle, that there was nothing she could do. Furthermore, Pam was told that while the principle couldn’t do anything, maybe Pam should lose some weight, and then people might like her more.
The mental stress became so great, that finally her parents took her out of the school, and moved her to another two towns away. A young woman’s life and happiness all but obliterated because of the prejudice which some people felt.
On the screen before you, you see a common image. A joyful group of young adults departing one phase of life, and beginning their walk along the path of adulthood. They look so happy, so “normal.” However, these young people have in countered prejudice as well. Whether they look it or not, they are blind. They have and will experience the prejudice of those who have never known a blind person. They have, and will experience the prejudice of those who feel funny about being in the presents of someone who is different from them. They have, and will experience the prejudice of an employer who questions their skills, abilities, and intelligence, all because they are unable to see.
Brethren, prejudice takes so many different forms. Some have a prejudice against those who are handicap; others hate those who are of a different color. There are those who have a prejudice against those who are of a lower economic status than them, or those who have less education.
As amazing as it may sound, in the year 2009, prejudice is alive and well in our world. There are still those who use rude and inflammatory words, place themselves in the penthouse and put others in the basement, and dismiss based upon nothing more than their own narrow mindedness.
Brethren, unfortunately, the church, the pillar and ground of the truth, is not immune to this vile bit of ignorance. Let me ask you: should it be? Would God approve of our treating one another with such harshness based upon external features? In Acts 10, we find the answer to this question. There we see the inclusion of the gentiles into the Church. Beginning in verse 1, we find the Lord speaking to a man named Cornelius. He was to be the first. God spoke to him, and commanded that he should send some of his men to Joppa, and call for Simon Peter. IN verse 9, we see that Peter goes up to the roof of the home where he is staying, and goes to God in prayer. During the course of his prayer, he receives a vision from the Lord.
In the vision, God makes it clear to Peter that prejudice doesn’t exist in his heart and mind. Not only that, but he doesn’t want it to exist in the hearts and minds of his creation. In Acts 10: 34, as Peter comes to speak to the Gentiles; we see that he has indeed learned this lesson. There he says, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.” In other words, God doesn’t allow those external concerns to dictate his feelings on a given individual.
Folks, we have to move past our prejudicial feelings. Today, I want to help you to do this. Why? Well, according to James 2: 9, the practice of prejudice is indeed a sin. Today, I would like for us to look at the problem of prejudice, but from a different point of view than normal. I would like for us to view it from the perspective of the things that we can and will miss if we exclude those around us. Let’s turn to the story of Joseph, and see the things that his brothers missed, because of their prejudices.
I THEY MISSED JOSEPH’S TRIALS (Gen 39: 7-20)
1. Joseph did the right thing.
A. Gen 39: 8 Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt Joseph, but Joseph remembered to whom he belonged.
B. Gen 39: 9 not to Potiphar, but to God.
2. Even though Joseph did the right thing, he was still punished.
A. Gen 39: 20 Joseph was cast into prison.
B. God delivered him, nevertheless, Joseph had no family to lean upon during his time of trial.
3. This same thing often occurs with you and I.
A. Luke 10: 30-35 we see those who are experiencing problems, but because of their differences from us, we turn away from them.
B. These same people might have problems that we could help them with, if we only tried.
C. Mark 12: 30-31, we are told that we should love the Lord with all that we have.
D. However, we are also told to love those around us.
E. This would lead me to believe that we should love and care for them at all times.
II THEY MISSED JOSEPH’S TRIUMPHS (Gen 41: 39- 42)
1. Joseph remained strong in the Lord, and was rewarded.
A. Gen 41: 39 after all that had taken place, Joseph received a blessing from God.
B. Genesis 41: 40-45 he was placed in a position of power in Pharaoh’s house.
2. Even at this time of great happiness, there is no one to celebrate with him.
A. Joseph is still a stranger in a strange land.
B. His loved ones are still many miles away.
C. One might speculate that during this time of gladness, he longed for his friends and family to know of his success.
3. Again, this is something that we can identify with still today.
A. There are times of great joy in the lives of all men.
B. During those times, our joys are multiplied when we have someone to celebrate with us.
C. Envision the most happy time in your life.
D. Were there people around to rejoice with you?
E. Would it have made it a less happy occasion if there hadn’t been anyone there?
4. We are commanded to rejoice with one another.
A. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with them that weep.
B. 1Cor 12: 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
C. Let us lay aside our prejudice, that we might rejoice with one another!
III THEY MISSED THEIR TOGETHERNESS (Gen 46: 29-30)
1. At the time of there reunion, more than 20 years had past sense they had last enjoyed one another’s company.
A. A lot had happened during this time.
B. Jacob had grown old, Joseph had taken a wife, and had children.
C. Much of this time together lost because of the prejudice and jellisy of his brothers.
2. When prejudice creeps in, there is something very important that is lost.
A. We lose our unity.
B. If we are divided by such trivial things as, skin color, fashion, or whatever popular trend is going around, then we will do very little in the way of saving souls.
C. Matt 12: 25, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
D. Instead of judging one another, we should draw strength, and encouragement from each other.
E. Heb 10: 24 tells us that we should come together in order to provoke one another to good works.
. We can not, and will not, be able to do this if we are divided by silly prejudices.
ACTS 10: 34
Intro:
There is a story told about a young lady by the name of Pam. Pam attended high school from 1991-1995. Pam wasn’t like the other students with whom she went to school. She stood 5 foot 2, and wade 352 lbs. There are few who exit the torture chamber that is high school without scars. However, there are even fewer who leave with the scars which Pam carried.
Each day the business of education became a battle field. Pam was called names, became the butt of practical jokes, and endured mocking calls each and every day. Each morning when she arrived at her locker, she would find a picture of a pig snout taped to the door. Once, three boys followed her home, and before she could reach the safety of her house, the boys overtook her, mased her, all while calling her a pig and making pig noises at her. The boys were arrested, but released later that night and then back in school the very next day.
Pam tried talking to teachers, councilors, and her principles. She was told, by her principle, that there was nothing she could do. Furthermore, Pam was told that while the principle couldn’t do anything, maybe Pam should lose some weight, and then people might like her more.
The mental stress became so great, that finally her parents took her out of the school, and moved her to another two towns away. A young woman’s life and happiness all but obliterated because of the prejudice which some people felt.
On the screen before you, you see a common image. A joyful group of young adults departing one phase of life, and beginning their walk along the path of adulthood. They look so happy, so “normal.” However, these young people have in countered prejudice as well. Whether they look it or not, they are blind. They have and will experience the prejudice of those who have never known a blind person. They have, and will experience the prejudice of those who feel funny about being in the presents of someone who is different from them. They have, and will experience the prejudice of an employer who questions their skills, abilities, and intelligence, all because they are unable to see.
Brethren, prejudice takes so many different forms. Some have a prejudice against those who are handicap; others hate those who are of a different color. There are those who have a prejudice against those who are of a lower economic status than them, or those who have less education.
As amazing as it may sound, in the year 2009, prejudice is alive and well in our world. There are still those who use rude and inflammatory words, place themselves in the penthouse and put others in the basement, and dismiss based upon nothing more than their own narrow mindedness.
Brethren, unfortunately, the church, the pillar and ground of the truth, is not immune to this vile bit of ignorance. Let me ask you: should it be? Would God approve of our treating one another with such harshness based upon external features? In Acts 10, we find the answer to this question. There we see the inclusion of the gentiles into the Church. Beginning in verse 1, we find the Lord speaking to a man named Cornelius. He was to be the first. God spoke to him, and commanded that he should send some of his men to Joppa, and call for Simon Peter. IN verse 9, we see that Peter goes up to the roof of the home where he is staying, and goes to God in prayer. During the course of his prayer, he receives a vision from the Lord.
In the vision, God makes it clear to Peter that prejudice doesn’t exist in his heart and mind. Not only that, but he doesn’t want it to exist in the hearts and minds of his creation. In Acts 10: 34, as Peter comes to speak to the Gentiles; we see that he has indeed learned this lesson. There he says, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.” In other words, God doesn’t allow those external concerns to dictate his feelings on a given individual.
Folks, we have to move past our prejudicial feelings. Today, I want to help you to do this. Why? Well, according to James 2: 9, the practice of prejudice is indeed a sin. Today, I would like for us to look at the problem of prejudice, but from a different point of view than normal. I would like for us to view it from the perspective of the things that we can and will miss if we exclude those around us. Let’s turn to the story of Joseph, and see the things that his brothers missed, because of their prejudices.
I THEY MISSED JOSEPH’S TRIALS (Gen 39: 7-20)
1. Joseph did the right thing.
A. Gen 39: 8 Potiphar’s wife tried to tempt Joseph, but Joseph remembered to whom he belonged.
B. Gen 39: 9 not to Potiphar, but to God.
2. Even though Joseph did the right thing, he was still punished.
A. Gen 39: 20 Joseph was cast into prison.
B. God delivered him, nevertheless, Joseph had no family to lean upon during his time of trial.
3. This same thing often occurs with you and I.
A. Luke 10: 30-35 we see those who are experiencing problems, but because of their differences from us, we turn away from them.
B. These same people might have problems that we could help them with, if we only tried.
C. Mark 12: 30-31, we are told that we should love the Lord with all that we have.
D. However, we are also told to love those around us.
E. This would lead me to believe that we should love and care for them at all times.
II THEY MISSED JOSEPH’S TRIUMPHS (Gen 41: 39- 42)
1. Joseph remained strong in the Lord, and was rewarded.
A. Gen 41: 39 after all that had taken place, Joseph received a blessing from God.
B. Genesis 41: 40-45 he was placed in a position of power in Pharaoh’s house.
2. Even at this time of great happiness, there is no one to celebrate with him.
A. Joseph is still a stranger in a strange land.
B. His loved ones are still many miles away.
C. One might speculate that during this time of gladness, he longed for his friends and family to know of his success.
3. Again, this is something that we can identify with still today.
A. There are times of great joy in the lives of all men.
B. During those times, our joys are multiplied when we have someone to celebrate with us.
C. Envision the most happy time in your life.
D. Were there people around to rejoice with you?
E. Would it have made it a less happy occasion if there hadn’t been anyone there?
4. We are commanded to rejoice with one another.
A. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with them that weep.
B. 1Cor 12: 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
C. Let us lay aside our prejudice, that we might rejoice with one another!
III THEY MISSED THEIR TOGETHERNESS (Gen 46: 29-30)
1. At the time of there reunion, more than 20 years had past sense they had last enjoyed one another’s company.
A. A lot had happened during this time.
B. Jacob had grown old, Joseph had taken a wife, and had children.
C. Much of this time together lost because of the prejudice and jellisy of his brothers.
2. When prejudice creeps in, there is something very important that is lost.
A. We lose our unity.
B. If we are divided by such trivial things as, skin color, fashion, or whatever popular trend is going around, then we will do very little in the way of saving souls.
C. Matt 12: 25, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
D. Instead of judging one another, we should draw strength, and encouragement from each other.
E. Heb 10: 24 tells us that we should come together in order to provoke one another to good works.
. We can not, and will not, be able to do this if we are divided by silly prejudices.
UPLIFTING WORSHIP
UPLIFTING WORSHIP
PSALMS 5
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
7 ¶ But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
PSALMS 122: 1 David loved to worship God. He said.
1. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
The wicked and the foolish do not follow or please God and he will destroy them.
Psalms 5: 7 As was read, David said:
7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
Within this short verse we find four things that made David’s worship acceptable to God. They can give meaning to our worship.
I. David considered his worship a personal responsibility.
“but as for me”
A. Joshua 24: 15 This sounds much like Joshua.
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Who do we serve today? Self, the world, or the true God?
B. Exodus 34: 14 God told Moses He was a jealous God.
14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
We have to decide. Whom will worship?
C. 1 Chronicles 16: 29 The writer of Chronicles says to:
29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
1. Psalms 29: 2 David writes almost the same words.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
2. Psalms 96: 8 – 9 Again he writes again.
8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
A Godly fear is due God in his glory and holiness. God is due our respect. Each of us should come with respect to God.
Our worship in obedience to God has a lot to do with each of us as to what we bring to the worship. So many put so little or no time in preparation for worship. They bring nothing. Preparing the night before is so important. Getting enough rest, preparing what to wear, (especially if you have children, or have a hard time deciding), It is so important as to our mood when we arrive to worship.
II. Coming to Worship with Gratitude.
A. Psalms 5: 7 David came considering “the multitude of thy mercy.” Worship and thanksgiving go hand and hand.
B. Psalms 92: 1 David said it is good.
1. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
No one can do that for us. We must give thanks and sing unto God individually as well as collectively. Not a praise team, not a chorus, no one else but ourselves.
C. Psalms 95: 1 – 2 The psalmist say let us.
1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. ( WHY? )
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Giving thanks, glory and honor to God, a great God, above all gods.
D. Matt. 26: 26 - 28 Jesus with his disciples at the last supper told them:
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Are we thankful to God for what he has done for us? Do we take these blessings for granted? Do we remember why Jesus died for us? Do we respect him in partaking of the emblems in remembrance of him with respect and meaning? Do we give God that same respect in our singing, prayer, giving? Do we go through the motions, pausing for a moment from playing with the baby, receiving a text message, reading or talking with the one next to us, to eat the bread and drink the cup of the Lord’s supper? Does it have any meaning when we sing Kum Ba Yah? Do we know what it means? Come By Here. Come by here oh Lord. An Afro-American Spiritual set to music in 1993 and copyright 1993 by Howard Publishing Co. for publication in our books.
Do we care?
III. Our Worship Must Be In Godly Fear.
David wrote Psalms 5: 7 “in thy fear.”
The secret is not in traditional worship, contemporary worship, not even power-point.
A. John 4: 20 – 24
Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacobs well. He talked to her and ask water of her. After some questions he told her he was Jesus. Jesus told her about worship. She went and told her brethren.
Joh 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
1. We must worship Him for He is God. Giving respect to God because He is God. Godly fear is respect to the one and only true God.
2. We must worship God spiritually because he is a Spirit. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit.”
3. We must worship Him in truth. Jesus Christ is truth.
John 14: 6 the way, the truth and the life.
Godly fear, Godly respect must be given in worship for worship to go any higher than this sealing.
IV. God Must Be The Object Of Our Worship.
A. David said “to ward the holy temple.” God is our holy temple. We come to worship him. Mans religion is to worship self. It is designed to make man feel good, look good and receive the praise.
B. Matthew 6: 33 Worship is to glorify God. To be uplifted one must first lift God up.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
If we seek self, if we seek worldly pleasure, if we seek worldly possessions, we can find them and obtain them, but we will not have God. We will not have a true relationships with God or true happiness that comes from God. We will not truly have worshiped God until we come personally, with gratitude, thankfulness, honor and glory. Worshiping God in Spirit and in truth.
If we apply David’s lesson to our worship we will notice positive changes. Our singing will be more joyful. The Lord’s supper will have more meaning. We will pray fervently and give cheerfully. We might even see the sermon more inspiring. It is sure worth a try.
Have you worshiped God today. One gift of God is forgiveness. He is always willing to forgive all who repent. Repentance is to change. A change of heart that causes a change of life. Ask God to forgive you and He will. He loves and gave his only son for you to have eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Do you come to worship, but yet are not a christian? Why not obey Jesus Christ in Baptism for the remission of your sins that Christ can add you to his church and save you? Why not do that tonight?
Will you come to Jesus?
PSALMS 5
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
7 ¶ But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
PSALMS 122: 1 David loved to worship God. He said.
1. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
The wicked and the foolish do not follow or please God and he will destroy them.
Psalms 5: 7 As was read, David said:
7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
Within this short verse we find four things that made David’s worship acceptable to God. They can give meaning to our worship.
I. David considered his worship a personal responsibility.
“but as for me”
A. Joshua 24: 15 This sounds much like Joshua.
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Who do we serve today? Self, the world, or the true God?
B. Exodus 34: 14 God told Moses He was a jealous God.
14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
We have to decide. Whom will worship?
C. 1 Chronicles 16: 29 The writer of Chronicles says to:
29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
1. Psalms 29: 2 David writes almost the same words.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
2. Psalms 96: 8 – 9 Again he writes again.
8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.
A Godly fear is due God in his glory and holiness. God is due our respect. Each of us should come with respect to God.
Our worship in obedience to God has a lot to do with each of us as to what we bring to the worship. So many put so little or no time in preparation for worship. They bring nothing. Preparing the night before is so important. Getting enough rest, preparing what to wear, (especially if you have children, or have a hard time deciding), It is so important as to our mood when we arrive to worship.
II. Coming to Worship with Gratitude.
A. Psalms 5: 7 David came considering “the multitude of thy mercy.” Worship and thanksgiving go hand and hand.
B. Psalms 92: 1 David said it is good.
1. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
No one can do that for us. We must give thanks and sing unto God individually as well as collectively. Not a praise team, not a chorus, no one else but ourselves.
C. Psalms 95: 1 – 2 The psalmist say let us.
1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. ( WHY? )
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Giving thanks, glory and honor to God, a great God, above all gods.
D. Matt. 26: 26 - 28 Jesus with his disciples at the last supper told them:
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Are we thankful to God for what he has done for us? Do we take these blessings for granted? Do we remember why Jesus died for us? Do we respect him in partaking of the emblems in remembrance of him with respect and meaning? Do we give God that same respect in our singing, prayer, giving? Do we go through the motions, pausing for a moment from playing with the baby, receiving a text message, reading or talking with the one next to us, to eat the bread and drink the cup of the Lord’s supper? Does it have any meaning when we sing Kum Ba Yah? Do we know what it means? Come By Here. Come by here oh Lord. An Afro-American Spiritual set to music in 1993 and copyright 1993 by Howard Publishing Co. for publication in our books.
Do we care?
III. Our Worship Must Be In Godly Fear.
David wrote Psalms 5: 7 “in thy fear.”
The secret is not in traditional worship, contemporary worship, not even power-point.
A. John 4: 20 – 24
Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacobs well. He talked to her and ask water of her. After some questions he told her he was Jesus. Jesus told her about worship. She went and told her brethren.
Joh 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
1. We must worship Him for He is God. Giving respect to God because He is God. Godly fear is respect to the one and only true God.
2. We must worship God spiritually because he is a Spirit. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit.”
3. We must worship Him in truth. Jesus Christ is truth.
John 14: 6 the way, the truth and the life.
Godly fear, Godly respect must be given in worship for worship to go any higher than this sealing.
IV. God Must Be The Object Of Our Worship.
A. David said “to ward the holy temple.” God is our holy temple. We come to worship him. Mans religion is to worship self. It is designed to make man feel good, look good and receive the praise.
B. Matthew 6: 33 Worship is to glorify God. To be uplifted one must first lift God up.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
If we seek self, if we seek worldly pleasure, if we seek worldly possessions, we can find them and obtain them, but we will not have God. We will not have a true relationships with God or true happiness that comes from God. We will not truly have worshiped God until we come personally, with gratitude, thankfulness, honor and glory. Worshiping God in Spirit and in truth.
If we apply David’s lesson to our worship we will notice positive changes. Our singing will be more joyful. The Lord’s supper will have more meaning. We will pray fervently and give cheerfully. We might even see the sermon more inspiring. It is sure worth a try.
Have you worshiped God today. One gift of God is forgiveness. He is always willing to forgive all who repent. Repentance is to change. A change of heart that causes a change of life. Ask God to forgive you and He will. He loves and gave his only son for you to have eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Do you come to worship, but yet are not a christian? Why not obey Jesus Christ in Baptism for the remission of your sins that Christ can add you to his church and save you? Why not do that tonight?
Will you come to Jesus?
Friday, March 13, 2009
AN EXTREME CHRISTIAN MAKEOVER
"AN EXTREME CHRISTIAN MAKE OVER"
Psa 34: 12
Intro: "You look 20,25,29, but I need to add them up."
I want to ask a fairly straightforward question here this morning. Is there anyone present who believes that they are the Christian whom God wants you to be? Is there anyone present who is completely satisfied with where they are spiritually speaking? Or, would everyone here today like to become a better Christian? In other words, I want to know if you are looking for a, "Extreme Makeover."
I will go out on a limb, and assume that each of us is looking to grow and become more of what God would have us to be. There are two ideas, which I want to suggest to you this morning. First, we all are looking to make a change. Second, change isn't easy. However, we know that the bible teaches us that with God, all things are possible.
This morning, I want to talk to you about your very own, "EXTREME CHRISTIAN MAKEOVER." I'm not going to offer you any twelve-step guide to better Christian living. That would be unnecessarily complicated. Instead, using the inspired word of God, I want to help you to discover the keys to living as the Apostle Paul lived. It was Paul after all who said, "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ, lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me!" When you leave here this evening, I want you to leave with that very same attitude. So, the major question which we want to address this morning, is, "WHAT MUST I DO IN ORDER TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE IN MY LIFE?"
I YOU NEED TO DECIDE ONCE AND FOR ALL, WHO YOU ARE!
1. In our world today, we can see so many who have yet to fully decide who they are.
A. Men and women come to the marriage without understanding who they are, or what they want.
B. Young people leave the home and enter the world, and still aren't sure who they are.
C. Even in the church, we have Christians who give their life to Christ, but soon depart because they still haven't decided who they are going to be.
2. When this happens, trouble soon comes knocking at the door.
A. Men and women who don't decide who they are in terms of their marriages will soon be searching for another spouse.
B. The child who isn't sure who they are might turn to the world for their answers.
C. And the Christian, who gives their life to the Lord and then takes it back, will soon decide that they hold more answers than the God whom they once served.
D. I believe that we can all agree that there is a need for change in this area.
3. The answer to the question, "how can change be affected," is found in 2Chronicles 31-32.
A. Here we find the story of the battle between Hezekiah, king of Judah, and Sennacherib, king of Assyria.
B. Sennacherib offers Hezekiah the chance to surrender, and save his people some hardship, yet King Hezekiah refuses.
C. We might wonder why he would refuse.
D. 2Ch 31: 20-21 reveals to us that he refused because he had decided that come what may, he was a follower of the Lord!
4. This is the same decision that I am asking you to make here this morning!
A. Eph 5: 22-26 I am asking that both husbands and wives decide right here and now that you are going to fully commit to being a HUSBAND OR WIFE!
B. Eph 5: 1 young people, I am asking you to commit to become someone separate from the world!
C. Gal 2: 20 brethren, I am asking you who are here today, to commit yourself to living life as a child of the creator of all things, and the redeemer of mankind!
D. First Corinthians 15: 58 Decide who you are, and never look back!
II IF WE ARE TO MAKE A CHANGE, WE MUST TAKE SIN SERIOUSLY.
(1Cor 10: 13)
In 1Corinthians 10, Paul points out to us a group who didn't take sin seriously.
A. As usual, we are speaking of the children of Israel.
B. 1Cor 10: 5-10 they didn’t take sin seriously, and so many paid with their lives.
C. 1Cor 10: 6, 11 what you and I need to realize is that the Bible makes clear to us that the nation of Israel served as our example!
D. We need to learn from the mistakes which they made.
2. If we are to make that change in our lives, and begin to take sin seriously, then there are three things which Paul wants us to know about sin here in this text.
A. 1Co 10: 13a you are not alone in your sin.
(Jonah 2: 1-10 a.) the truth of the matter is that you aren’t alone in the most secret of your secret sins.
B. 1Co 10: 13 secondly, God is faithful.
(a.) Romans 8: 39 the truth, and the wonder, is that God will never leave us.
(b.) Time and time again we are told that God will not leave us, and that includes those moments when we are at our weakest.
C. 1Co 10: 13c he will always provide you a way out.
(a.) Matthew 14: 31 Notice, that the text doesn’t say that he will give you the strength to keep returning to that temptation.
(b.) Instead, Paul says that he provides you with, “THE WAY OUT.”
(D.) Of course that one-way out is through him!
III STOP WORRYING, AND LIVE FOR CHRIST!
(Matt 6: 25-34)
1. In Matt 6: 25-34, Christ points out two things, which we must do if we are to make an extreme change.
A. We must, "COMMIT TO QUIT WORRYING."
B. We must, "START LIVING FOR CHRIST."
2. Hidden behind the beautiful words of these nine verses, we find the reward, which will be awarded to the one who can commit to quit worrying.
A. To that individual, is given the ability to focus on what really matters!
B. You see, the one who is worried over the things of this world cannot see the rewards of the life to come!
C. The story of the woman who worried about the robber.
D. David Young, "If you are a Christian who worries, it is because you want to, not because you need to or have to."
3. What is meant when we say, "START LIVING FOR CHRIST?"
A. I am not telling you that you should live for the here and now.
B. Living for Christ means that you are living for that land of endless days!
C. When we do that, we will find that change is not only possible, but also simple!
CONCLUSION:
Is change easy? No. Is change possible? Without a doubt! If we are to make changes, which will stick, then we must do those things, which we have looked at here today. We must decide once and for all who we are. We must then begin to take sin seriously. And finally, we need to stop worrying, and simply live our lives for Jesus Christ. I pray that you will decide, just as I have decided, that you are ready to make those extreme changes!
Psa 34: 12
Intro: "You look 20,25,29, but I need to add them up."
I want to ask a fairly straightforward question here this morning. Is there anyone present who believes that they are the Christian whom God wants you to be? Is there anyone present who is completely satisfied with where they are spiritually speaking? Or, would everyone here today like to become a better Christian? In other words, I want to know if you are looking for a, "Extreme Makeover."
I will go out on a limb, and assume that each of us is looking to grow and become more of what God would have us to be. There are two ideas, which I want to suggest to you this morning. First, we all are looking to make a change. Second, change isn't easy. However, we know that the bible teaches us that with God, all things are possible.
This morning, I want to talk to you about your very own, "EXTREME CHRISTIAN MAKEOVER." I'm not going to offer you any twelve-step guide to better Christian living. That would be unnecessarily complicated. Instead, using the inspired word of God, I want to help you to discover the keys to living as the Apostle Paul lived. It was Paul after all who said, "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ, lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me!" When you leave here this evening, I want you to leave with that very same attitude. So, the major question which we want to address this morning, is, "WHAT MUST I DO IN ORDER TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE IN MY LIFE?"
I YOU NEED TO DECIDE ONCE AND FOR ALL, WHO YOU ARE!
1. In our world today, we can see so many who have yet to fully decide who they are.
A. Men and women come to the marriage without understanding who they are, or what they want.
B. Young people leave the home and enter the world, and still aren't sure who they are.
C. Even in the church, we have Christians who give their life to Christ, but soon depart because they still haven't decided who they are going to be.
2. When this happens, trouble soon comes knocking at the door.
A. Men and women who don't decide who they are in terms of their marriages will soon be searching for another spouse.
B. The child who isn't sure who they are might turn to the world for their answers.
C. And the Christian, who gives their life to the Lord and then takes it back, will soon decide that they hold more answers than the God whom they once served.
D. I believe that we can all agree that there is a need for change in this area.
3. The answer to the question, "how can change be affected," is found in 2Chronicles 31-32.
A. Here we find the story of the battle between Hezekiah, king of Judah, and Sennacherib, king of Assyria.
B. Sennacherib offers Hezekiah the chance to surrender, and save his people some hardship, yet King Hezekiah refuses.
C. We might wonder why he would refuse.
D. 2Ch 31: 20-21 reveals to us that he refused because he had decided that come what may, he was a follower of the Lord!
4. This is the same decision that I am asking you to make here this morning!
A. Eph 5: 22-26 I am asking that both husbands and wives decide right here and now that you are going to fully commit to being a HUSBAND OR WIFE!
B. Eph 5: 1 young people, I am asking you to commit to become someone separate from the world!
C. Gal 2: 20 brethren, I am asking you who are here today, to commit yourself to living life as a child of the creator of all things, and the redeemer of mankind!
D. First Corinthians 15: 58 Decide who you are, and never look back!
II IF WE ARE TO MAKE A CHANGE, WE MUST TAKE SIN SERIOUSLY.
(1Cor 10: 13)
In 1Corinthians 10, Paul points out to us a group who didn't take sin seriously.
A. As usual, we are speaking of the children of Israel.
B. 1Cor 10: 5-10 they didn’t take sin seriously, and so many paid with their lives.
C. 1Cor 10: 6, 11 what you and I need to realize is that the Bible makes clear to us that the nation of Israel served as our example!
D. We need to learn from the mistakes which they made.
2. If we are to make that change in our lives, and begin to take sin seriously, then there are three things which Paul wants us to know about sin here in this text.
A. 1Co 10: 13a you are not alone in your sin.
(Jonah 2: 1-10 a.) the truth of the matter is that you aren’t alone in the most secret of your secret sins.
B. 1Co 10: 13 secondly, God is faithful.
(a.) Romans 8: 39 the truth, and the wonder, is that God will never leave us.
(b.) Time and time again we are told that God will not leave us, and that includes those moments when we are at our weakest.
C. 1Co 10: 13c he will always provide you a way out.
(a.) Matthew 14: 31 Notice, that the text doesn’t say that he will give you the strength to keep returning to that temptation.
(b.) Instead, Paul says that he provides you with, “THE WAY OUT.”
(D.) Of course that one-way out is through him!
III STOP WORRYING, AND LIVE FOR CHRIST!
(Matt 6: 25-34)
1. In Matt 6: 25-34, Christ points out two things, which we must do if we are to make an extreme change.
A. We must, "COMMIT TO QUIT WORRYING."
B. We must, "START LIVING FOR CHRIST."
2. Hidden behind the beautiful words of these nine verses, we find the reward, which will be awarded to the one who can commit to quit worrying.
A. To that individual, is given the ability to focus on what really matters!
B. You see, the one who is worried over the things of this world cannot see the rewards of the life to come!
C. The story of the woman who worried about the robber.
D. David Young, "If you are a Christian who worries, it is because you want to, not because you need to or have to."
3. What is meant when we say, "START LIVING FOR CHRIST?"
A. I am not telling you that you should live for the here and now.
B. Living for Christ means that you are living for that land of endless days!
C. When we do that, we will find that change is not only possible, but also simple!
CONCLUSION:
Is change easy? No. Is change possible? Without a doubt! If we are to make changes, which will stick, then we must do those things, which we have looked at here today. We must decide once and for all who we are. We must then begin to take sin seriously. And finally, we need to stop worrying, and simply live our lives for Jesus Christ. I pray that you will decide, just as I have decided, that you are ready to make those extreme changes!
the lord is my shepherd
SEEING THE SERMONS IN OUR SONGS
“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”
(PSALM 23)
Intro:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presents of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
With these words, millions of individuals have found comfort in times of trial, strength in times of weakness, and joy in times of sadness. David, in his role as King, provides for us a beautiful examination of God’s goodness and mercy.
Here in this beautiful work, we find three different songs being sung. These songs are written to three different types of sheep.
This evening, as we conclude our series on the sermons from our songs: we come to Psalm 23. In our songbook, we find this Psalm set to music on page 134. The words in the book, while close in nature to Psalm 23, were actually written in 1650 as a Scottish Psalter. The words were then put to music just over 200 years later in 1854.
Today, I want to invite you to join us, as we consider the words which David, by inspiration of God, wrote for us so long ago.
I. A SONG OF RENEWAL
The first of the three songs can be heard in the words of verses 1-3. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake.” For the purposes of this lesson, we will call this first, “A SONG OF RENEWAL.”
As noted in the introduction, each of these songs is written from a different perspective. This song of renewal comes from the point of view of a hard working shepherd, but is actually written to his weary sheep. The shepherd has so much in the way of responsibility. He must take care of, and provide for, the sheep in his flock. One small slip and they are off the path, and potentially in mortal danger.
However, in this case, we need not worry over the shepherd. As verse one reminds us, “THE LORD is my shepherd.” In this case, we can be certain that this lover of sheep will not fall asleep, nor will he allow his mind to wonder. After all, Hebrews 7: 25 reminds us that “he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” IF his sole purpose is to make intercession on our behalf, then we can rest easy knowing that he will do his job.
The real power of this song is in the message to the sheep.
Contrary to popular belief, the life of a sheep isn’t easy. The sheep which David is most likely referring to hear in this passage isn’t that WITH which you and I are most familiar. According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary: “The sheep of Palestine are longer in the head than ours, and have tails from 5 inches broad at the narrowest part to 15 inches at the widest, the weight being in proportion, and ranging generally from 10 to 14 lbs., but sometimes extending to 30 lbs. The tails are indeed huge masses of fat.” In other words, these sheep are frequently carrying a great deal of extra weight behind them. This would, by necessity, require them to rest more, or find nourishment to keep them going.
Let’s consider how this applies to us. Just as the sheep of Palestine are weighed down by the extra weight of their large tails, so we are often weighed down by the troubles of life. Jesus himself told us that life wouldn’t be a bed of roses. John 16: 33 states: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Tribulation will come. However, as both David as well as Jesus, point out: we needn’t worry, because the shepherd will renew our weary souls. Let’s take a closer look at what our shepherd will do to provide this renewal.
In Psalm 23: 2, David writes, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” The first thing which David says that our shepherd will give us to renew our spirit is “REST.” With the burden of heat, exercise, wool, and extra weight: the sheep of the Middle East would need rest.
Think about all the stresses witch you and I carry on a daily bases. For those of you who are parents, you bear the burden of your children. For those of you who are in the work force, you bear the burden of seeing that you accomplish your duties to the best of your ability. For those of you who are elderly, you bear the weight of regrets pasts, and mistakes made. Each and every day of our lives are filled with baggage. However, just as the shepherd offered to allow the sheep to “Lie down in green pastures”, so he offers to lighten our load today.
Peter encouraged us to, “Cast your cares upon him for he careth for you.” (1Pet 5:7) You have the chance to rest, your shepherd has seen to it.
Secondly, in order that we might find renewal, the Psalmist states that the shepherd will provide peace. In the case of the wondering sheep, it is peace from the wolves, bares, and foxes which often pursue them. For you and me, it is peace from the fears of life. Our fear for our kids, work, mistakes made, and troubles as of yet unknown. According to John 14: 27, we can have peace. There Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” You can have peace; the savior has left it for you. In fact, according to Philippians 4: 7, we can have that peace of God which passes all understanding.
Thirdly, through the rest and peace which comes from the shepherd, we can have restoration. It is the restoration of our spirit. I often think of this in terms of a nap taken in the afternoon.
Think about the last time you had a hard day. You came home, you went to the couch, laid down, and the next thing you knew it was an hour or two later. As you stood up, you discovered that you felt better. The troubles of the day seem to have vanished away. The rest and peace which you enjoyed for those few minutes really helped you. That is what David is saying here in Psalm 23: 3. The shepherd is offering us a chance to catch our breath, and rest for a little while.
Finally, according to Psalm 23, our shepherd will provide us with guidance. I read a story this past week about a man who was speaking with a shepherd. The man wanted to know more about the way in which a sheep follows his shepherd. He stated that he had been told that sheep would follow the sound of the shepherd’s voice. The shepherd then explained that this was indeed true. However, he also pointed out that the only situation in which a sheep will not follow the sound of the shepherd’s voice is when the sheep is sick.
Brethren, you and I, much like those sheep, tend to forget the sound of the shepherd’s voice when we are sick. When sin creeps in, we lose sight of the need to follow him. However, the amazing thing is that our shepherd has provided a cure. Psalm 119: 105 describes this cure. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” You see, God has given us his word that we might follow that which he would have us to do. When we become lost in the sickness that is sin, the word of the Lord can and will guide us back to his paths of righteousness!
II. A SONG OF REASSUREANCE
When you conduct a careful study about sheep, you learn one thing fairly quickly. You will learn that sheep are defenseless. They are not like rams, goats, or even cows for that matter. They have no means of defending themselves, which often will lead to a certain amount of nervousness on their part. Shepherds are aware of this fact, and seek to comfort their flock by their presents.
Now, think about you and me. What about the nervousness, which you feel on a day-to-day bases? What about those moments when you consider the direction in which our country is heading, and you become nervous? What about those times when you contemplate the way in which God is slowly being removed from every aspect of society, and you become nervous. What about the thoughts which haunt you in the night concerning your children, grandchildren, brother's and sister's, nieces and nephews?
Here in Psalm 23: 4-5, we find the second of the three songs. This particular song might be entitled a song of reassurance. It is written to the sheep of the shepherds flock who have grown nervous. Beginning in verse 4, our great shepherd seeks to offer the comfort which only he can provide, that he might assuage our nervousness. Notice with me what the word of the Lord has to say. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presents of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23: 4-5)
First, notice that he is with us as we face the certainty of death. As we all know, death is in our future. Hebrews 9: 28 informs us: “For as it is APPOINTED unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The key word in this passage is “APPOINTED.” This is an appointment which has already been made for us. Romans 5: 12 reminded us that the reality of death has been with mankind from the moment in which God handed down his punishment to Adam and Eve in the Garden.
Despite the grim prospect of death, David shows us the bright side. “Yes, I walk toward death, but I’m not afraid, because I know that you are with me.”
Now, why is it that the mere presents of the shepherd should comfort us as sheep? According to David, it is owing to the fact that the shepherd’s “rod” and his “staff” provide comfort.
The comfort which comes from the rod and the staff is in knowing that the shepherd is there to protect. You must understand that as shepherds moved their sheep from pasture to pasture, the journey was often difficult and sometimes dangerous. The shepherd would use his rod or staff to guide and protect his sheep. The good news is that the Lord continues to walk with, and protect, you and me today. After all, “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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (Second Timothy 3: 16-17) All that we need to know in order to navigate this lonesome valley has been given to us. God has provided a rod and staff which is formed from the very breath of his being!
However, I want you to notice that it isn’t just death which is to be found in this valley. No, it is also the threat of our enemies which the shepherd seeks to sooth. How does he do it? He accomplishes this task by preparing for us a table. Not only does he prepare us a table, but he does so in the presents of our enemies.
There is something to consider as we think about this meal. If the Lord is our shepherd, and he wants us to be at peace even in the presents of our enemies: then we can be certain that he has already followed his own advice. For example, think about the words he used as he was placed upon the cross. In Luke 23: 34, we read, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Here Jesus was in the midst of his enemies. Not just any ordinary enemies, but those that sought to kill him. Yet, in spite of this, Christ manages to maintain his composure. He retains his dignity. How does he do it? He does it by understanding that come what may, he can place his soul in the hands of a God who will treasure it forever! (Luke 23: 46)
However, notice that he doesn’t simply offer empathy, but he offers great blessings in the face of difficult times.
“Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” This idea of anointing has long been a source of debate. In scripture, we see that priests, kings, prophets, objects of war, and the sick and or wounded and dead were all at one time or another anointed.
There was another reason for anointing, which is in fact practiced still today. It was hospitality. When a friend entered your home, you anointed him. (Luke 7: 46) The bottom line is that David is saying that we are in the presents of God, and he has anointed us, and thereby let us know that we are welcome!
Not only are we welcome, but notice that David says we are blessed. “My cup runneth over.” Here David sets, in the presents of his enemies, at their very table in fact, and yet he states that his cup is over flowing. Brethren that is a message which you and I need to take to heart. Yes, we have hard times. Yes, there are moments when the sun doesn’t seem to shine. Yes, there are those who have great material wealth. However, you and I as the sheep of God’s pasture are blessed beyond all of them. We have been given gifts which cannot be stolen, burned, or corrupted! (Matthew 6: 19-20)
God has indeed reassured his sheep. With his presents, his empathy, his friendship, and his blessings!
III. A SONG OF REWARD
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” What a beautiful end to these six verses. Here the shepherd speaks to those faithful members of the flock, and reminds them of what is to come at the end of the journey. The physical reward of a home in Heaven with God is obvious; however, the immediate rewards aren’t quite as apparent.
There is a certain sense of confidence with which the sheep can now live life. Notice the words which David wrote in verse 6. “SURELY goodness and mercy SHALL follow me all the days of my life: and I WILL DWELL in the house of the Lord forever.” Did you hear it? David is speaking with authority and confidence. He knows to whom he belongs, and what the reward for true service will be!
The good news for you and I is that we to can live with this same confidence. God’s word promises us that for the faithful servant, there can be this same confidence.
In First John 5: 13-20 we are given a list of things which we can know, and be confident in. We can know where we stand with God. (13, 19) We can know, with confidence, that he hears our prayers and supplications. (14) We can know that he has given us all that we truly need. (15) We can confidently ask for strength for one another. (16) We can be confident that Satan will be unable to touch the faithful child of God. (18) And yes, we can be confident that God’s only begotten son did indeed come to this world! (20) It is this which gives us confidence. It is this which will allow us to say, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”
God has so richly blessed us with this wonderful psalm. It uplifts, encourages, inspires, but it also forces us to examine. In the end, will you be able to say that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever? If not, then what are you waiting on?
Maybe at one time, you were a sheep in God’s flock, but you have lost your way. You want to come back, but you are unsure as to whether or not you can come back. TO you, Christ says, “Come!” He has given you a song to renew and reassure you: won’t you come back? He has given us a song to remind us of the wonderful reward which awaits us. Will you receive that reward at the end of your days? Only you and God know. If we can help, please come now as the invitation is now yours.
“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”
(PSALM 23)
Intro:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presents of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
With these words, millions of individuals have found comfort in times of trial, strength in times of weakness, and joy in times of sadness. David, in his role as King, provides for us a beautiful examination of God’s goodness and mercy.
Here in this beautiful work, we find three different songs being sung. These songs are written to three different types of sheep.
This evening, as we conclude our series on the sermons from our songs: we come to Psalm 23. In our songbook, we find this Psalm set to music on page 134. The words in the book, while close in nature to Psalm 23, were actually written in 1650 as a Scottish Psalter. The words were then put to music just over 200 years later in 1854.
Today, I want to invite you to join us, as we consider the words which David, by inspiration of God, wrote for us so long ago.
I. A SONG OF RENEWAL
The first of the three songs can be heard in the words of verses 1-3. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake.” For the purposes of this lesson, we will call this first, “A SONG OF RENEWAL.”
As noted in the introduction, each of these songs is written from a different perspective. This song of renewal comes from the point of view of a hard working shepherd, but is actually written to his weary sheep. The shepherd has so much in the way of responsibility. He must take care of, and provide for, the sheep in his flock. One small slip and they are off the path, and potentially in mortal danger.
However, in this case, we need not worry over the shepherd. As verse one reminds us, “THE LORD is my shepherd.” In this case, we can be certain that this lover of sheep will not fall asleep, nor will he allow his mind to wonder. After all, Hebrews 7: 25 reminds us that “he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” IF his sole purpose is to make intercession on our behalf, then we can rest easy knowing that he will do his job.
The real power of this song is in the message to the sheep.
Contrary to popular belief, the life of a sheep isn’t easy. The sheep which David is most likely referring to hear in this passage isn’t that WITH which you and I are most familiar. According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary: “The sheep of Palestine are longer in the head than ours, and have tails from 5 inches broad at the narrowest part to 15 inches at the widest, the weight being in proportion, and ranging generally from 10 to 14 lbs., but sometimes extending to 30 lbs. The tails are indeed huge masses of fat.” In other words, these sheep are frequently carrying a great deal of extra weight behind them. This would, by necessity, require them to rest more, or find nourishment to keep them going.
Let’s consider how this applies to us. Just as the sheep of Palestine are weighed down by the extra weight of their large tails, so we are often weighed down by the troubles of life. Jesus himself told us that life wouldn’t be a bed of roses. John 16: 33 states: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Tribulation will come. However, as both David as well as Jesus, point out: we needn’t worry, because the shepherd will renew our weary souls. Let’s take a closer look at what our shepherd will do to provide this renewal.
In Psalm 23: 2, David writes, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” The first thing which David says that our shepherd will give us to renew our spirit is “REST.” With the burden of heat, exercise, wool, and extra weight: the sheep of the Middle East would need rest.
Think about all the stresses witch you and I carry on a daily bases. For those of you who are parents, you bear the burden of your children. For those of you who are in the work force, you bear the burden of seeing that you accomplish your duties to the best of your ability. For those of you who are elderly, you bear the weight of regrets pasts, and mistakes made. Each and every day of our lives are filled with baggage. However, just as the shepherd offered to allow the sheep to “Lie down in green pastures”, so he offers to lighten our load today.
Peter encouraged us to, “Cast your cares upon him for he careth for you.” (1Pet 5:7) You have the chance to rest, your shepherd has seen to it.
Secondly, in order that we might find renewal, the Psalmist states that the shepherd will provide peace. In the case of the wondering sheep, it is peace from the wolves, bares, and foxes which often pursue them. For you and me, it is peace from the fears of life. Our fear for our kids, work, mistakes made, and troubles as of yet unknown. According to John 14: 27, we can have peace. There Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” You can have peace; the savior has left it for you. In fact, according to Philippians 4: 7, we can have that peace of God which passes all understanding.
Thirdly, through the rest and peace which comes from the shepherd, we can have restoration. It is the restoration of our spirit. I often think of this in terms of a nap taken in the afternoon.
Think about the last time you had a hard day. You came home, you went to the couch, laid down, and the next thing you knew it was an hour or two later. As you stood up, you discovered that you felt better. The troubles of the day seem to have vanished away. The rest and peace which you enjoyed for those few minutes really helped you. That is what David is saying here in Psalm 23: 3. The shepherd is offering us a chance to catch our breath, and rest for a little while.
Finally, according to Psalm 23, our shepherd will provide us with guidance. I read a story this past week about a man who was speaking with a shepherd. The man wanted to know more about the way in which a sheep follows his shepherd. He stated that he had been told that sheep would follow the sound of the shepherd’s voice. The shepherd then explained that this was indeed true. However, he also pointed out that the only situation in which a sheep will not follow the sound of the shepherd’s voice is when the sheep is sick.
Brethren, you and I, much like those sheep, tend to forget the sound of the shepherd’s voice when we are sick. When sin creeps in, we lose sight of the need to follow him. However, the amazing thing is that our shepherd has provided a cure. Psalm 119: 105 describes this cure. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” You see, God has given us his word that we might follow that which he would have us to do. When we become lost in the sickness that is sin, the word of the Lord can and will guide us back to his paths of righteousness!
II. A SONG OF REASSUREANCE
When you conduct a careful study about sheep, you learn one thing fairly quickly. You will learn that sheep are defenseless. They are not like rams, goats, or even cows for that matter. They have no means of defending themselves, which often will lead to a certain amount of nervousness on their part. Shepherds are aware of this fact, and seek to comfort their flock by their presents.
Now, think about you and me. What about the nervousness, which you feel on a day-to-day bases? What about those moments when you consider the direction in which our country is heading, and you become nervous? What about those times when you contemplate the way in which God is slowly being removed from every aspect of society, and you become nervous. What about the thoughts which haunt you in the night concerning your children, grandchildren, brother's and sister's, nieces and nephews?
Here in Psalm 23: 4-5, we find the second of the three songs. This particular song might be entitled a song of reassurance. It is written to the sheep of the shepherds flock who have grown nervous. Beginning in verse 4, our great shepherd seeks to offer the comfort which only he can provide, that he might assuage our nervousness. Notice with me what the word of the Lord has to say. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presents of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23: 4-5)
First, notice that he is with us as we face the certainty of death. As we all know, death is in our future. Hebrews 9: 28 informs us: “For as it is APPOINTED unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The key word in this passage is “APPOINTED.” This is an appointment which has already been made for us. Romans 5: 12 reminded us that the reality of death has been with mankind from the moment in which God handed down his punishment to Adam and Eve in the Garden.
Despite the grim prospect of death, David shows us the bright side. “Yes, I walk toward death, but I’m not afraid, because I know that you are with me.”
Now, why is it that the mere presents of the shepherd should comfort us as sheep? According to David, it is owing to the fact that the shepherd’s “rod” and his “staff” provide comfort.
The comfort which comes from the rod and the staff is in knowing that the shepherd is there to protect. You must understand that as shepherds moved their sheep from pasture to pasture, the journey was often difficult and sometimes dangerous. The shepherd would use his rod or staff to guide and protect his sheep. The good news is that the Lord continues to walk with, and protect, you and me today. After all, “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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (Second Timothy 3: 16-17) All that we need to know in order to navigate this lonesome valley has been given to us. God has provided a rod and staff which is formed from the very breath of his being!
However, I want you to notice that it isn’t just death which is to be found in this valley. No, it is also the threat of our enemies which the shepherd seeks to sooth. How does he do it? He accomplishes this task by preparing for us a table. Not only does he prepare us a table, but he does so in the presents of our enemies.
There is something to consider as we think about this meal. If the Lord is our shepherd, and he wants us to be at peace even in the presents of our enemies: then we can be certain that he has already followed his own advice. For example, think about the words he used as he was placed upon the cross. In Luke 23: 34, we read, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Here Jesus was in the midst of his enemies. Not just any ordinary enemies, but those that sought to kill him. Yet, in spite of this, Christ manages to maintain his composure. He retains his dignity. How does he do it? He does it by understanding that come what may, he can place his soul in the hands of a God who will treasure it forever! (Luke 23: 46)
However, notice that he doesn’t simply offer empathy, but he offers great blessings in the face of difficult times.
“Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” This idea of anointing has long been a source of debate. In scripture, we see that priests, kings, prophets, objects of war, and the sick and or wounded and dead were all at one time or another anointed.
There was another reason for anointing, which is in fact practiced still today. It was hospitality. When a friend entered your home, you anointed him. (Luke 7: 46) The bottom line is that David is saying that we are in the presents of God, and he has anointed us, and thereby let us know that we are welcome!
Not only are we welcome, but notice that David says we are blessed. “My cup runneth over.” Here David sets, in the presents of his enemies, at their very table in fact, and yet he states that his cup is over flowing. Brethren that is a message which you and I need to take to heart. Yes, we have hard times. Yes, there are moments when the sun doesn’t seem to shine. Yes, there are those who have great material wealth. However, you and I as the sheep of God’s pasture are blessed beyond all of them. We have been given gifts which cannot be stolen, burned, or corrupted! (Matthew 6: 19-20)
God has indeed reassured his sheep. With his presents, his empathy, his friendship, and his blessings!
III. A SONG OF REWARD
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” What a beautiful end to these six verses. Here the shepherd speaks to those faithful members of the flock, and reminds them of what is to come at the end of the journey. The physical reward of a home in Heaven with God is obvious; however, the immediate rewards aren’t quite as apparent.
There is a certain sense of confidence with which the sheep can now live life. Notice the words which David wrote in verse 6. “SURELY goodness and mercy SHALL follow me all the days of my life: and I WILL DWELL in the house of the Lord forever.” Did you hear it? David is speaking with authority and confidence. He knows to whom he belongs, and what the reward for true service will be!
The good news for you and I is that we to can live with this same confidence. God’s word promises us that for the faithful servant, there can be this same confidence.
In First John 5: 13-20 we are given a list of things which we can know, and be confident in. We can know where we stand with God. (13, 19) We can know, with confidence, that he hears our prayers and supplications. (14) We can know that he has given us all that we truly need. (15) We can confidently ask for strength for one another. (16) We can be confident that Satan will be unable to touch the faithful child of God. (18) And yes, we can be confident that God’s only begotten son did indeed come to this world! (20) It is this which gives us confidence. It is this which will allow us to say, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”
God has so richly blessed us with this wonderful psalm. It uplifts, encourages, inspires, but it also forces us to examine. In the end, will you be able to say that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever? If not, then what are you waiting on?
Maybe at one time, you were a sheep in God’s flock, but you have lost your way. You want to come back, but you are unsure as to whether or not you can come back. TO you, Christ says, “Come!” He has given you a song to renew and reassure you: won’t you come back? He has given us a song to remind us of the wonderful reward which awaits us. Will you receive that reward at the end of your days? Only you and God know. If we can help, please come now as the invitation is now yours.
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