“GOD IS ALL KNOWING”
REVELATION 20: 11-12
• Intro:
Has there ever been a point in your life when you felt as though God had left your side, and was no longer watching over you? I think all of us, if we were to be honest, would answer yes to that question. Well, is it true? Does he or doesn’t he know all? Are there times when God doesn’t know what is going on in my life?
Today, as we continue to try to come to better know God, we want to examine the idea, THAT God is All Knowing. Again, conviction will determine conduct. If you believe in the existence of God, then you know without doubt that God watches over you every minute of every day. However, if you do not believe in him, then you are of the opinion that all that you do is in secret, and your deeds go unnoticed.
Let’s take a few moments, an notice three areas in which we can know, that God is all knowing.
I GOD KNOWS OUR SUFFERINGS
1. At some point in our lives, we will experience some form of suffering.
A. It might be mental, physical, or even spiritual.
B. Job 14: 1 Tells us that our days are few and filled with trouble.
2. Even during these times, the best of us are put to the test.
A. Job 3: 1 Perhaps we, like Job, curse the day we were born.
B. Ruth 1: 7-9 Perhaps we, like Naomi, weep for those things beyond our control.
C. Mt 27: 46 Perhaps we, like Jesus, ask the question of God: “Why have you forsaken me?”
3. . However, there is always sunshine after the rain, because god knows!
A. Job 42: 2 Perhaps when we, like Job, realize that God can do anything with our sadness!
B. Ruth 2: 20 Perhaps when we, like Naomi, realize that god is always in control of our lives, even in times of great sorrow!
C. Lk 24: 51 Perhaps when we realize, that even though we may believe God to have forsaken us, he can still lift us out of our misery!
II GOD KNOWS OUR SERVICE
1. Service to God is a command, not an option.
A. De 6: 13 Thou shall serve the Lord!
B. There is no if, and’s, nor but’s about it.
2. there are two ways that we can serve God.
A. Public Service
B. Private service
3. We understand the idea of serving God publicly, but how can we serve him privately?
A. Acts 12: 12 We can pray for those who are in need of prayer.
B. Rom 15: 26 We can give to those in need.
C. Jam 1: 27 We can comfort those who are lonely.
III GOD KNOWS OUR SIN AND OUR SORROW
1. There is truly nothing that we can hide from God.
A. Heb 4: 13 All is naked before him.
B. When we do wrong, God knows.
C. When we are truly sorry for the wrong we’ve done, God knows.
2. We Should bear in mind that there is no such thing as a secret sin.
A. Psa 51 God knew of the evil which David had done.
B. Though few men knew, God saw, and dealt with him accordingly.
3. However, in truth, there is no such thing as a secret sorrow.
A. When we ask for forgiveness, we can not keep it to ourselves, but rather we must direct it toward God.
B. Psa 51 Just as David did.
C. Lk 18: 13 We should come before God with true repentance, just as the publican.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM
MATT. 16: 18 - 19
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
This evening I want us to look at the keys of the kingdom. Keys are a means to open and entrance to an area otherwise closed. Jesus used them as symbols of his plan of salvation and access to the church. God himself has provided the keys for our redemption or salvation from our sins.
I. The Gospel and Righteousness are keys.
A. Rom. 1: 16 – 19 The Gospel is God’s power to save.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
B. 1 Cor. 15: 1 – 4 The gospel is defined as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without this key there would be no kingdom.
1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
This gospel never changes. It is always the key to salvation.
C. Rev. 5: 4 – 9 It is through Christ righteousness we are saved.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
1. Rom. 3: 25 - 26 God sent Christ to declare his rightiousness.
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
He came to declare His righteousness because he is the only one righteous in God’s sight.
2. Phil. 3: 8 – 9 Paul says it is not his own righteousness.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
3. Rom. 10: 1 – 4 Our righteousness can not save us.
1 ¶ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
II. Two Other Keys are Grace and Mercy.
A. Rom. 5: 14 – 16 Grace is the unmerited, undeserved, unearned, favor of God.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Jesus brought us God’s grace freely as a gift. We can not buy it, earn it, but we can sure loose it. Christ will judge our rightiousness.
1. Eph. 2: 8 – 10 Paul writes we are saved by grace.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2. Rom. 11: 5 – 6 Grace is something God must give.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
3. 1 Cor. 15: 9 - 10 Paul says it is by the grace of God he is what he is.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
B. Eph. 2: 4 – 5 It is God that is rich in grace and mercy.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
1. Titus 3: 4 – 7 not by our righteousness.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; {abundantly: Gr. richly}
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
2. 1 Peter 1: 3 Peter says it is God’s abundant mercy that gives us hope.
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
3. 1 Peter 2: 9 – 10 We were once without hope with no mercy.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
III. Blood and Salvation are the next two keys.
A. Rom. 5: 8 – 10 We are reconciled and saved through Christ death.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
B. 1 Peter 1: 18 – 21 Redeemed us with the blood of Christ that we might have faith and hope in God.
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
C. Eph. 1: 7 We have redemption and forgiveness of sin through his blood.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
IV. The master Key, if there could be one is the Love Of Jesus Christ.
A. Rom. 5: 6 – 8 No greater love could be shown.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. {in due time: or, according to the time}
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1. John 3: 16 God’s love is seen.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2. John 15: 13 No greater love ever shown.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Christ has given the Keys from His Father. He has given his word, righteousness, grace, mercy, blood and hope of salvation and Love. None of these can we obtain without obedience to the Gospel. He had preserved the Gospel in written form that all might read, be taught, understand and obey.
All this is for you. All you have to do is obey Jesus Christ. You must be baptized for the remission of sins that Christ might add you to his church. Being in Christ you will receive all these spiritual blessings. Heaven can be your home. What hinders you from being saved? Is it worth loosing your soul for? Will you come and obey Jesus Christ today? Do you need to come back to Him? Will you come today, before the desire leaves you and it is to late? Will you come?
MATT. 16: 18 - 19
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
This evening I want us to look at the keys of the kingdom. Keys are a means to open and entrance to an area otherwise closed. Jesus used them as symbols of his plan of salvation and access to the church. God himself has provided the keys for our redemption or salvation from our sins.
I. The Gospel and Righteousness are keys.
A. Rom. 1: 16 – 19 The Gospel is God’s power to save.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
B. 1 Cor. 15: 1 – 4 The gospel is defined as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without this key there would be no kingdom.
1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
This gospel never changes. It is always the key to salvation.
C. Rev. 5: 4 – 9 It is through Christ righteousness we are saved.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
1. Rom. 3: 25 - 26 God sent Christ to declare his rightiousness.
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
He came to declare His righteousness because he is the only one righteous in God’s sight.
2. Phil. 3: 8 – 9 Paul says it is not his own righteousness.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
3. Rom. 10: 1 – 4 Our righteousness can not save us.
1 ¶ Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
II. Two Other Keys are Grace and Mercy.
A. Rom. 5: 14 – 16 Grace is the unmerited, undeserved, unearned, favor of God.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
Jesus brought us God’s grace freely as a gift. We can not buy it, earn it, but we can sure loose it. Christ will judge our rightiousness.
1. Eph. 2: 8 – 10 Paul writes we are saved by grace.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
2. Rom. 11: 5 – 6 Grace is something God must give.
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
3. 1 Cor. 15: 9 - 10 Paul says it is by the grace of God he is what he is.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
B. Eph. 2: 4 – 5 It is God that is rich in grace and mercy.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
1. Titus 3: 4 – 7 not by our righteousness.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; {abundantly: Gr. richly}
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
2. 1 Peter 1: 3 Peter says it is God’s abundant mercy that gives us hope.
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
3. 1 Peter 2: 9 – 10 We were once without hope with no mercy.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
III. Blood and Salvation are the next two keys.
A. Rom. 5: 8 – 10 We are reconciled and saved through Christ death.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
B. 1 Peter 1: 18 – 21 Redeemed us with the blood of Christ that we might have faith and hope in God.
18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
C. Eph. 1: 7 We have redemption and forgiveness of sin through his blood.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
IV. The master Key, if there could be one is the Love Of Jesus Christ.
A. Rom. 5: 6 – 8 No greater love could be shown.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. {in due time: or, according to the time}
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1. John 3: 16 God’s love is seen.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2. John 15: 13 No greater love ever shown.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Christ has given the Keys from His Father. He has given his word, righteousness, grace, mercy, blood and hope of salvation and Love. None of these can we obtain without obedience to the Gospel. He had preserved the Gospel in written form that all might read, be taught, understand and obey.
All this is for you. All you have to do is obey Jesus Christ. You must be baptized for the remission of sins that Christ might add you to his church. Being in Christ you will receive all these spiritual blessings. Heaven can be your home. What hinders you from being saved? Is it worth loosing your soul for? Will you come and obey Jesus Christ today? Do you need to come back to Him? Will you come today, before the desire leaves you and it is to late? Will you come?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
LORD IS IT I?
LORD, IS IT I ?
MATTHEW 26: 18 – 25
I. MATTHEW 26: 21 – 22 THE DESCIPLES ASK…
LORD, IS IT I ?
A. ROMANS 14: 11 – 12
B. 1 CORINTIANS 11: 28
II. JAMES 1: 16 – 17 IS IT I…
THAT HAS BEEN BLESSED ?
A. JOHN 3: 15 – 17
B. TITUS 2: 11 – 14
III. 1 JOHN 3: 4 IS IT I…
THAT SINS ?
A. 1 CORINTHIANS 11: 27
B. GALATIANS 6: 7 – 10
C. PHILIPPIANS 2: 3 – 4
IV. JAMES 4: 17 IF I KNOW TO DO GOOD…?
A. HEBREWS 10: 25
B. 2 PETER 1: 5 – 8
C. 1 THESSALONIANS 5: 17 – 18
D. 1 CORINTHIANS 16: 1 – 2
E. MATTHEW 5: 14 – 16
HEBREWS 12: 1 – 2 LORD, IS IT I ?
MATTHEW 26: 18 – 25
I. MATTHEW 26: 21 – 22 THE DESCIPLES ASK…
LORD, IS IT I ?
A. ROMANS 14: 11 – 12
B. 1 CORINTIANS 11: 28
II. JAMES 1: 16 – 17 IS IT I…
THAT HAS BEEN BLESSED ?
A. JOHN 3: 15 – 17
B. TITUS 2: 11 – 14
III. 1 JOHN 3: 4 IS IT I…
THAT SINS ?
A. 1 CORINTHIANS 11: 27
B. GALATIANS 6: 7 – 10
C. PHILIPPIANS 2: 3 – 4
IV. JAMES 4: 17 IF I KNOW TO DO GOOD…?
A. HEBREWS 10: 25
B. 2 PETER 1: 5 – 8
C. 1 THESSALONIANS 5: 17 – 18
D. 1 CORINTHIANS 16: 1 – 2
E. MATTHEW 5: 14 – 16
HEBREWS 12: 1 – 2 LORD, IS IT I ?
GOD IS THE GREAT REWARDER
“GOD IS..... HE IS THE GREAT REWARDER!”
Heb 11: 6
Intro: “God’s missing, and they think we’ve got him!”
I would like to begin this series with the following statement made by Brother Jeff Asher, “conviction determines conduct.” Simply put, how we act can be directly linked to what we believe. If you believe in the existence of God, then your actions will support that belief. To the one that doesn’t believe that god exists, they give no thought for how they are living. They don’t care about god’s word, OR HOW IT CAN AND SHOULD AFFECT THEIR LIVES. However, even in the world in which we live, there are still those who want to do what is right. There are still those who believe in the existence of god.
Beginning today, I want to talk to both of these groups. To those who do not believe, I want to tell you of the wonderful God whom I serve. To those who believe in him, I want to strengthen your faith, and tell you more about our Heavenly Father.
Today, we begin by asking the question, who is god? We answer that question by saying, “ He is the great rewarder!”
I GOD’S PAST IS FILLED WITH REWARDS!
1. From the beginning God has rewarded us so richly.
A. Gen 2: 8,he rewarded Adam and Eve with the beautiful garden.
B. 2Sa 12: 7-8 He rewarded David with a kingdom, a victory, and power.
C. 1Ki 3: 6-13 He rewarded Solomon with wisdom, riches, and honor.
2. Why would he have rewarded these men so richly?
A. It was dew to the fact that all were in some way pleasing in his sight.
B. Adam and Eve pleased him because they were his greatest creation.
C. David pleased him because of his wonderful heart.
D. Solomon pleased him because of his unselfishness.
3. However, no matter how much they pleased him, God still didn’t hesitate to punish.
A. Gen 3: 23 He sent Adam out of the garden.
B. 2Sa 12: 14 He took the child conceived in sin.
C. 1Ki 11: 11 He took the kingdom.
I GOD’S PRESENT IS FILLED WITH REWARDS!
1. Even still today God continues to shower down blessings upon us!
A. Consider our financial stability.
b. Consider our Familial stability.
C. Consider our spiritual stability.
2. Why does he give us so much?
A. Mt 7: 11 because he calls us his children.
B. Rom 8: 15 Because, THANKS TO THAT SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, we CAN NOW call him our father.
C. 1Jn 4: 19 All of this is because he first loved us.
3. Even so, he still punishes today.
A. Num 3: 4 God no longer strikes us down for our sins.
B. However, today, we do have to live with the consequences of our actions.
C. Psa 51 Just as David once lived with the consequences of his own actions.
III GOD’S FUTURE WILL BE FILLED WITH REWARDING!
1. There is a day to come when god shall reward the faithful!
A. Who shall he reward? His Children! (Ga 3: 29)
b. How can we become his children? Through obedience! (Mk 16: 16)
C. What shall be the reward? Everlasting life! (Jn 3: 16)
2. However, there is also a day when he shall punish the wicked.
A. Who are the wicked? The disobedient. (Mk 16: 16
b. What shall be the punishment? Everlasting fire. (Mt 25: 41)
Heb 11: 6
Intro: “God’s missing, and they think we’ve got him!”
I would like to begin this series with the following statement made by Brother Jeff Asher, “conviction determines conduct.” Simply put, how we act can be directly linked to what we believe. If you believe in the existence of God, then your actions will support that belief. To the one that doesn’t believe that god exists, they give no thought for how they are living. They don’t care about god’s word, OR HOW IT CAN AND SHOULD AFFECT THEIR LIVES. However, even in the world in which we live, there are still those who want to do what is right. There are still those who believe in the existence of god.
Beginning today, I want to talk to both of these groups. To those who do not believe, I want to tell you of the wonderful God whom I serve. To those who believe in him, I want to strengthen your faith, and tell you more about our Heavenly Father.
Today, we begin by asking the question, who is god? We answer that question by saying, “ He is the great rewarder!”
I GOD’S PAST IS FILLED WITH REWARDS!
1. From the beginning God has rewarded us so richly.
A. Gen 2: 8,he rewarded Adam and Eve with the beautiful garden.
B. 2Sa 12: 7-8 He rewarded David with a kingdom, a victory, and power.
C. 1Ki 3: 6-13 He rewarded Solomon with wisdom, riches, and honor.
2. Why would he have rewarded these men so richly?
A. It was dew to the fact that all were in some way pleasing in his sight.
B. Adam and Eve pleased him because they were his greatest creation.
C. David pleased him because of his wonderful heart.
D. Solomon pleased him because of his unselfishness.
3. However, no matter how much they pleased him, God still didn’t hesitate to punish.
A. Gen 3: 23 He sent Adam out of the garden.
B. 2Sa 12: 14 He took the child conceived in sin.
C. 1Ki 11: 11 He took the kingdom.
I GOD’S PRESENT IS FILLED WITH REWARDS!
1. Even still today God continues to shower down blessings upon us!
A. Consider our financial stability.
b. Consider our Familial stability.
C. Consider our spiritual stability.
2. Why does he give us so much?
A. Mt 7: 11 because he calls us his children.
B. Rom 8: 15 Because, THANKS TO THAT SPIRIT OF ADOPTION, we CAN NOW call him our father.
C. 1Jn 4: 19 All of this is because he first loved us.
3. Even so, he still punishes today.
A. Num 3: 4 God no longer strikes us down for our sins.
B. However, today, we do have to live with the consequences of our actions.
C. Psa 51 Just as David once lived with the consequences of his own actions.
III GOD’S FUTURE WILL BE FILLED WITH REWARDING!
1. There is a day to come when god shall reward the faithful!
A. Who shall he reward? His Children! (Ga 3: 29)
b. How can we become his children? Through obedience! (Mk 16: 16)
C. What shall be the reward? Everlasting life! (Jn 3: 16)
2. However, there is also a day when he shall punish the wicked.
A. Who are the wicked? The disobedient. (Mk 16: 16
b. What shall be the punishment? Everlasting fire. (Mt 25: 41)
A FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT
Who is a Faithful and Wise Servant?
Matthew 24: 42 – 51
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I. Titus 3: 1 ONE READY TO EVERY GOOD WORK. Paul writes Titus to remind them…
1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
We need to remind each other. Preachers often remind the brethren to remember to be ready to every good work.
A. Acts 10: 37 – 38 Peter taught Cornelius that Jesus was our example.
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
B. Galatians 6: 10 Paul reminded the Christians in Galatia they were to do good.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Are we ready to do good? This is the beginning of a new year, why not start off right by being ready.
II. 1 Peter 3: 15 ONE READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
He does not say we must be ready to give an answer to everything in the Bible. Even I do not know every answer. He says be ready to give an answer to the “reason of the hope that is in you.” We have a hope or a faith in Jesus Christ and we should be ready and able to give an answer why we have this hope or faith in Him. Why do we believe Jesus Christ is our Saviour?
A. Colossians. 4: 5 – 6 Paul to the Christians in Colosse needed to know how to prepare their speech.
5 ¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
It takes study, prayer and seasoned speech to teach those out side the church. Christ has made all of these available to us.
B. 2 Timothy 2: 14 - 15 Paul tells Timothy how to do it. Remind them to study.
14 ¶ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
One of the weaknesses in the church today is a lack of study. We are motivated by the world to neglect Bible study. It takes time, effort and commitment. We are committed to much to the things of the world. In time past a father would read the Bible to his family every day. This could be the only book they had. Children were taught to ready by reading the Bible. Today in China they let Americans teach students to read English from the Bible. If we study more we will know more and understand our responsibility more to God. Some don’t want that so they do not study. Are you ready to commit to study God’s word ?
III. 1 TIMOTHY 6:17-19 ONE READY TO GIVE. Giving time, talents, good works.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Who are the rich in this world? We are. Christians are the richest because they have Jesus Christ and the Hope of Eternal life in Heaven. Whether you have a plug nickel or not you can have Jesus Christ. But if you have all the riches of the world and loose your soul your life is worthless. More people loose their trust in God with their high mindedness and their trust in their own earthly riches. They fail to be rich in good works, willing to give and communicate to others. I am afraid some would be saddened and most miserable if they had to give as the Jews were required. A tenth of everything, plus their sacrifices and then be ready to help someone in need on top of all that.
A. 2 Corinthians 8: 3 – 6 The Macedonian’s First gave themselves.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
Paul writes to the Corinthian brethren that they may obtain the same grace as the Macedonian’s in giving themselves to the work of the gospel.
B. Acts 2: 44 – 45 The early church took care of their own.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
They helped one another, as we should do today. Not one or two helped, but all helped one another.
IV. Matthew 24: 48 – 51 Be Not The Evil Servant, Fallen from God’s Grace.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
It is possible for one to loose his soul by going back into the world of willful sin.
If we turn our back on God there is no more forgiveness.
A. Hebrews 10: 26 Willful sin separates us from God.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
When we willingly sin over and over again with out repentance we are lost.
B. 1 John 1: 5 – 7 Are you walking in the light of Jesus Christ?
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
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.
Are You a Wise and Faithful servant to God Today? If your not in Christ your not. 2 Corinthians 5: 17 Paul writes; 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
How do we get into Christ? We are Baptized into Christ.
Galatians 3: 27 Paul writes; 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Have you put on Christ in baptism? Why not?
If your not living faithful to God your not a wise and faithful servant of God.
Revelation 22: 10 “ be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” You can learn to do good, learn to give an answer, learn to give as God has blessed you, you can learn to be faithful. But Will you try? You can do nothing until you try. Do you need to come to Jesus? Will you come to Jesus now?
Matthew 24: 42 – 51
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I. Titus 3: 1 ONE READY TO EVERY GOOD WORK. Paul writes Titus to remind them…
1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
We need to remind each other. Preachers often remind the brethren to remember to be ready to every good work.
A. Acts 10: 37 – 38 Peter taught Cornelius that Jesus was our example.
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
B. Galatians 6: 10 Paul reminded the Christians in Galatia they were to do good.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Are we ready to do good? This is the beginning of a new year, why not start off right by being ready.
II. 1 Peter 3: 15 ONE READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER.
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
He does not say we must be ready to give an answer to everything in the Bible. Even I do not know every answer. He says be ready to give an answer to the “reason of the hope that is in you.” We have a hope or a faith in Jesus Christ and we should be ready and able to give an answer why we have this hope or faith in Him. Why do we believe Jesus Christ is our Saviour?
A. Colossians. 4: 5 – 6 Paul to the Christians in Colosse needed to know how to prepare their speech.
5 ¶ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
It takes study, prayer and seasoned speech to teach those out side the church. Christ has made all of these available to us.
B. 2 Timothy 2: 14 - 15 Paul tells Timothy how to do it. Remind them to study.
14 ¶ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
One of the weaknesses in the church today is a lack of study. We are motivated by the world to neglect Bible study. It takes time, effort and commitment. We are committed to much to the things of the world. In time past a father would read the Bible to his family every day. This could be the only book they had. Children were taught to ready by reading the Bible. Today in China they let Americans teach students to read English from the Bible. If we study more we will know more and understand our responsibility more to God. Some don’t want that so they do not study. Are you ready to commit to study God’s word ?
III. 1 TIMOTHY 6:17-19 ONE READY TO GIVE. Giving time, talents, good works.
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Who are the rich in this world? We are. Christians are the richest because they have Jesus Christ and the Hope of Eternal life in Heaven. Whether you have a plug nickel or not you can have Jesus Christ. But if you have all the riches of the world and loose your soul your life is worthless. More people loose their trust in God with their high mindedness and their trust in their own earthly riches. They fail to be rich in good works, willing to give and communicate to others. I am afraid some would be saddened and most miserable if they had to give as the Jews were required. A tenth of everything, plus their sacrifices and then be ready to help someone in need on top of all that.
A. 2 Corinthians 8: 3 – 6 The Macedonian’s First gave themselves.
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
Paul writes to the Corinthian brethren that they may obtain the same grace as the Macedonian’s in giving themselves to the work of the gospel.
B. Acts 2: 44 – 45 The early church took care of their own.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
They helped one another, as we should do today. Not one or two helped, but all helped one another.
IV. Matthew 24: 48 – 51 Be Not The Evil Servant, Fallen from God’s Grace.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
It is possible for one to loose his soul by going back into the world of willful sin.
If we turn our back on God there is no more forgiveness.
A. Hebrews 10: 26 Willful sin separates us from God.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
When we willingly sin over and over again with out repentance we are lost.
B. 1 John 1: 5 – 7 Are you walking in the light of Jesus Christ?
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
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.
Are You a Wise and Faithful servant to God Today? If your not in Christ your not. 2 Corinthians 5: 17 Paul writes; 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
How do we get into Christ? We are Baptized into Christ.
Galatians 3: 27 Paul writes; 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Have you put on Christ in baptism? Why not?
If your not living faithful to God your not a wise and faithful servant of God.
Revelation 22: 10 “ be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” You can learn to do good, learn to give an answer, learn to give as God has blessed you, you can learn to be faithful. But Will you try? You can do nothing until you try. Do you need to come to Jesus? Will you come to Jesus now?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
JESUS IS RISEN
Jesus Has Risen!
Matthew 28: 1 - 20
The worst fear of the Jewish leaders came true. Every precaution they made in their paranoid minds was fulfilled. The resurrection came as a wonderful surprise to the disciples. It is very evident none of the disciples were sitting around at the tomb waiting expectantly to see Jesus alive and worshipping Him.
Matthew gives us a condensed report of a series of resurrection events and does not deny or contradict the other Gospel writers who give additional evidence. The reappearance of the risen Christ in Galilee is the grand climax to his Gospel.
A FUNERAL of A KING
I. Jesus Died Matt. 27: 50 Matthew said he cried out loud.
50. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
A. John 19: 30 The apostle John tells us the cry was, “It is finished!”
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
He breathed His last. He died.
B. Luke 23: 44 – 49 Luke records Jesus cried unto God.
44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. 49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
There was darkness. The Centurion glorified God. The people gathered saw the things that were done.
II. Jesus Was Buried. Matthew 27: 57 - 61
A Jewish rich man and leader, a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus so He would be given a proper burial. It was the day before the Sabbath when Jesus died. The Sabbath began according to Jewish time about 6:00 PM when the sun went down.
57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
A. Mark 15: 44 – 45 Pilate certified Jesus was dead.
44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
The body of Jesus was not put into a coffin. They took His body down from the cross, wrapped Him up in a large linen cloth and carried him to the tomb.
The burial of Jewish people during the days of Jesus was not like modern American funerals and embalming. The Jewish people wrapped the bodies in linen clothes and sprinkled aromatic spices between the folds of the cloth.
B. Matthew 27: 59 – 60 Joseph took Jesus body and wrapped it for burial.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
There was no mutilation of the body and no bones were broken. Jesus was the perfect Passover sacrifice.
1. Numbers 9: 12 The Passover lamb was not to be broken.
12 They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.
Not a bone of this Passover lamb had been broken
2. 1 Cor. 5: 7 – 8 Christ is our passover lamb.
7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
C. John 19: 39 – 40 Nicodemus a Pharisee, ruler of the Jews helped Joseph.
39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
They used a hundred pound mixture of strong spices composed of myrrh and aloes, “as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” They bound His body in linen wrappings with the spices, as was the custom of the Jews in the first century A. D. The large linen cloths in which the body of Jesus had been wrapped at the cross to carry it to the tomb would have been torn into smaller cloths or swatches like those of long medical bandages used for wrapping the torso or limbs. By tradition, the body of Jesus was wrapped in swaths of linen cloth covered with the thick layers of the aromatic spices of myrrh and aloes between the folds. The powder and gooey substances were poured next to the body and interspersed between the linen wrappings wound around the body. The term John uses in John 19:40 for “linen clothes” is generally agreed as the term that denotes thin strips or bandages. The body of Jesus was now bound around again and again, layer by layer with myrrh and aloes.
Jesus was not just buried; He was buried with the honor and dignity of a king. It was not the burial of a felon as the Jewish leaders had supposed, but that of a rich man, honored and respected. Joseph and Nicodemus made sure His burial was not a pauper or a criminal. It may have been rushed because of the Sabbath, but it was not cheap. The words of Isaiah were fulfilled when he said hundreds of years earlier
D. Isaiah 53:9 Isaiah’s prophesy was fulfilled.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
III. GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD Matthew 28: 1 - 10
No one saw Jesus rise, but a huge number saw Him alive after He had risen from the dead.
This was now the third day since the crucifixion of Jesus. It was the dawn of the first day of the week when the following events took place. The Jewish Sabbath was now over. The Jewish day began at sunset, while the Roman day began at sunrise. The time setting is “late on the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week” (v. 1). The Sunday morning was dawning. It is not immediately after the Sabbath was over because that would have been at sunset on Saturday. About twelve hours have passed over and it is early in the morning before dawn of the sun on Sunday.
A. Matt. 28: 1 The Women came.
1 ¶ In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
When the women arrived early in the morning Jesus had already risen and left the tomb.
B. Matt. 28: 2 The stone removed
The Lord got their attention with the a violent earthquake.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
It happened suddenly. There is the sudden earthquake, the angel coming from heaven to the tomb and rolling away the stone, not to let Jesus out of the tomb, but to let the women, and later the disciples to look in. Unless the stone was rolled away the women and others would surely think the body of Jesus was still there inside the tomb. The stone that guarded the tomb became the seat for the angel. The angel rolled the stone over and sat on it.
Mark’s account says the women asked themselves, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away.
C. Matt. 28: 3 Matthew describes the appearance of the angel
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
D. Matt. 28: 4 The Roman guards passed out
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
The Roman soldiers saw the angel They were paralyzed with fear like dead men.
E. Matt. 28: 5 – 8 The angel’s message is Jesus is risen
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
The angel didn’t say anything to the Roman guards. They had all fainted. So he turned his attention to the women. He began by calming the women down.
The women came looking for the body of Jesus who had been crucified. They were not looking for the risen Jesus. They had come to bury the dead and there was no dead to bury.
“He is not here, for He has risen” (v. 6). “as He said.” It happened just like Jesus said it would.
Jesus had repeatedly promised before His death that He would be crucified and then rise again from the dead.
F. Matt. 28: 7 They were told to go quickly.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
He told them Jesus has risen from the dead. You will see Him in Galilee.
They were afraid but very happy. Imagine for a moment those obedient women taking off in a run to tell the disciples and in obedience they meet Jesus.
G. Matt. 28: 9 – 10 Jesus met the women
Suddenly Jesus appeared to the women and they went up to Him. They recognized Him without any difficulty. They came right up to Him and took hold of His feet in an act of worship. These women had been the last to leave at the cross and were first at the tomb, and now they are the first to see Jesus alive.
Then Jesus said to them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
These women demonstrated their submission to their risen Lord in a manner in which subjects were accustomed to render a king in the East.
1. Philippians 2: 10 - 11
The apostle Paul tells us one day we will do likewise.
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The obvious thing Matthew is telling us is the fact that Jesus’ resurrected body was a real body. This is the real thing and not a hallucination or vision. They could feel His body was as real as theirs. It was not a spirit or ghost.
H. Matt. 28: 16 – 17 Jesus met the disciples
“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some were doubtful”
The disciples who had been scattered since the crucifixion and behind locked doors in Jerusalem, made their way to Galilee and there saw Jesus with their own eyes and worshipped Him. Matthew was one of them and this is his testimony of that meeting. Most of the other recorded appearances of Jesus alive after His death took place in Judea and Jerusalem.
I. Matt. 28: 11 – 15 Roman guards' report to Jewish authorities
Christianity has nothing to hide. It is an open book to be read by all.
Just like the resurrection the facts, the words of the lying authorities is told simply. The soldiers were as prompt as the women. Did they see Jesus alive? Did they know He was alive? “Some of the guard” went to the chief priests. We do not know what happened to the others. Matthew explains the source of the lie about the disciples stealing the body of Jesus. Everything is reported in a matter- of-fact style.
Of great interest is the fact that the guards reported “everything that happened when the angel came to the tomb.” The Jewish leaders were given an authentic testimony by credible witnesses they had chosen who where there. They had demanded the guards be Roman. They had demanded the seal on the tomb. These witnesses on duty at the grave gave a testimony as to what they saw and experienced at the tomb! They stated the truth that the body of Jesus was supernaturally removed from the grave.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
When you get an eyewitness report like this you are forced to decide to accept it or come up with defenses for your lies. The religious leaders had the facts of the empty tomb. They knew something extraordinary had happened. There was no body in the tomb. If you can’t produce the body then your only alternative is to pay off the soldiers with a large bribe . They paid them a “large sum of money.” The Roman soldiers had to say, “We were sleeping while on duty as guards at the tomb and Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body.”
There must have been a considerable amount of money that passed hands that day for Roman soldiers to say they slept on the job. This was a serious military offense that would have brought down the heaviest of Roman military penalty on them.
If they were asleep they could not have known it, and if one of them knew, he would have awakened the others. Either way the soldiers would have committed a crime and would have been severely disciplined. They could have faced death.
The chief priests were asking these seasoned Roman soldiers to sign their death warrant. It would have been suicidal to say they were asleep on the job. No one would have believed that for a moment. Matthew must have told this event with a roar of laughter. Of course, there are always those who are gullible for such deception. The facts are simple: the tomb was empty and eyewitnesses saw, heard and touched Jesus.
.
What happened to the lie when the news spread that people had actually seen Jesus alive?
The important thing is this: Neither the Jews nor anyone else could produce the body of Jesus. No body was ever produced by anyone. The tomb was empty! And it still is.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that Jesus was the Son of God. The payment for our redemption has been paid in full.
The tomb is empty because Jesus rose triumphantly.
IV. Matt. 28: 16 – 20 GO AND TELL THE WORLD
A. Matt. 28: 18 Jesus spoke unto them.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Jesus has absolute authority over all living creatures in heaven and earth. He is Lord and King. He has the fullest possible authority of God. He has absolute power and authority. There are no limitations.
“I am with you always (lit. all the time), even to the end of the age” is great encouragement for our day. It is a statement of fact.
He is with us under all conditions and situations. How long do we go before acknowledging Him?
Jesus has in mind the time from His resurrection until the end of the world or end of time. He will never leave us. The one who experienced God forsakenness will never leave us down and out.
Jesus did not say, “I will be with you,” but “I am with you.” There is certainty, security and comfort in what He says.
No fact in history stands on such firm evidence as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Men do not believe because they do not want to believe. There is solid evidence that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and He lives today. The choice is yours because Acts 4: 12 says: 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. There are no choices without eternal consequences.
Jesus Christ was “declared to be the Son of God with power by His resurrection from the dead.” It is the seal of the divine acceptance of His sacrifice for our sins. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all sin. The resurrection completed His work of atonement and stamped it with divine approval. It says that the Father has accepted the Son’s perfect sacrifice as a complete and perfect ransom for all who take their refuge in Christ.
B. Matt. 28: 19 – 20 What Do I Do Now?
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1. What if you have never been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Acts 2: 38 Peter preached to the multitude about Jesus. They ask what must we do?
Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2. Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
3. What do you need to do today?
If you have never obeyed Christ in baptism you need to be baptized. If you were baptized and you are not sure what for of why you need to be baptized for the remission of your sins.
4. Christians need to go and teach others that they might be baptized into Christ.
Jesus arose from the dead that he might show his power over death and the cross.
Will we deny Christ by our disobedience or will we obey Him and have eternal life in Him?
Matthew 28: 1 - 20
The worst fear of the Jewish leaders came true. Every precaution they made in their paranoid minds was fulfilled. The resurrection came as a wonderful surprise to the disciples. It is very evident none of the disciples were sitting around at the tomb waiting expectantly to see Jesus alive and worshipping Him.
Matthew gives us a condensed report of a series of resurrection events and does not deny or contradict the other Gospel writers who give additional evidence. The reappearance of the risen Christ in Galilee is the grand climax to his Gospel.
A FUNERAL of A KING
I. Jesus Died Matt. 27: 50 Matthew said he cried out loud.
50. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
A. John 19: 30 The apostle John tells us the cry was, “It is finished!”
30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
He breathed His last. He died.
B. Luke 23: 44 – 49 Luke records Jesus cried unto God.
44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned. 49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
There was darkness. The Centurion glorified God. The people gathered saw the things that were done.
II. Jesus Was Buried. Matthew 27: 57 - 61
A Jewish rich man and leader, a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus so He would be given a proper burial. It was the day before the Sabbath when Jesus died. The Sabbath began according to Jewish time about 6:00 PM when the sun went down.
57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
61. And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
A. Mark 15: 44 – 45 Pilate certified Jesus was dead.
44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
The body of Jesus was not put into a coffin. They took His body down from the cross, wrapped Him up in a large linen cloth and carried him to the tomb.
The burial of Jewish people during the days of Jesus was not like modern American funerals and embalming. The Jewish people wrapped the bodies in linen clothes and sprinkled aromatic spices between the folds of the cloth.
B. Matthew 27: 59 – 60 Joseph took Jesus body and wrapped it for burial.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
There was no mutilation of the body and no bones were broken. Jesus was the perfect Passover sacrifice.
1. Numbers 9: 12 The Passover lamb was not to be broken.
12 They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.
Not a bone of this Passover lamb had been broken
2. 1 Cor. 5: 7 – 8 Christ is our passover lamb.
7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
C. John 19: 39 – 40 Nicodemus a Pharisee, ruler of the Jews helped Joseph.
39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
They used a hundred pound mixture of strong spices composed of myrrh and aloes, “as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” They bound His body in linen wrappings with the spices, as was the custom of the Jews in the first century A. D. The large linen cloths in which the body of Jesus had been wrapped at the cross to carry it to the tomb would have been torn into smaller cloths or swatches like those of long medical bandages used for wrapping the torso or limbs. By tradition, the body of Jesus was wrapped in swaths of linen cloth covered with the thick layers of the aromatic spices of myrrh and aloes between the folds. The powder and gooey substances were poured next to the body and interspersed between the linen wrappings wound around the body. The term John uses in John 19:40 for “linen clothes” is generally agreed as the term that denotes thin strips or bandages. The body of Jesus was now bound around again and again, layer by layer with myrrh and aloes.
Jesus was not just buried; He was buried with the honor and dignity of a king. It was not the burial of a felon as the Jewish leaders had supposed, but that of a rich man, honored and respected. Joseph and Nicodemus made sure His burial was not a pauper or a criminal. It may have been rushed because of the Sabbath, but it was not cheap. The words of Isaiah were fulfilled when he said hundreds of years earlier
D. Isaiah 53:9 Isaiah’s prophesy was fulfilled.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
III. GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD Matthew 28: 1 - 10
No one saw Jesus rise, but a huge number saw Him alive after He had risen from the dead.
This was now the third day since the crucifixion of Jesus. It was the dawn of the first day of the week when the following events took place. The Jewish Sabbath was now over. The Jewish day began at sunset, while the Roman day began at sunrise. The time setting is “late on the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week” (v. 1). The Sunday morning was dawning. It is not immediately after the Sabbath was over because that would have been at sunset on Saturday. About twelve hours have passed over and it is early in the morning before dawn of the sun on Sunday.
A. Matt. 28: 1 The Women came.
1 ¶ In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
When the women arrived early in the morning Jesus had already risen and left the tomb.
B. Matt. 28: 2 The stone removed
The Lord got their attention with the a violent earthquake.
2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
It happened suddenly. There is the sudden earthquake, the angel coming from heaven to the tomb and rolling away the stone, not to let Jesus out of the tomb, but to let the women, and later the disciples to look in. Unless the stone was rolled away the women and others would surely think the body of Jesus was still there inside the tomb. The stone that guarded the tomb became the seat for the angel. The angel rolled the stone over and sat on it.
Mark’s account says the women asked themselves, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away.
C. Matt. 28: 3 Matthew describes the appearance of the angel
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
D. Matt. 28: 4 The Roman guards passed out
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
The Roman soldiers saw the angel They were paralyzed with fear like dead men.
E. Matt. 28: 5 – 8 The angel’s message is Jesus is risen
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
The angel didn’t say anything to the Roman guards. They had all fainted. So he turned his attention to the women. He began by calming the women down.
The women came looking for the body of Jesus who had been crucified. They were not looking for the risen Jesus. They had come to bury the dead and there was no dead to bury.
“He is not here, for He has risen” (v. 6). “as He said.” It happened just like Jesus said it would.
Jesus had repeatedly promised before His death that He would be crucified and then rise again from the dead.
F. Matt. 28: 7 They were told to go quickly.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
He told them Jesus has risen from the dead. You will see Him in Galilee.
They were afraid but very happy. Imagine for a moment those obedient women taking off in a run to tell the disciples and in obedience they meet Jesus.
G. Matt. 28: 9 – 10 Jesus met the women
Suddenly Jesus appeared to the women and they went up to Him. They recognized Him without any difficulty. They came right up to Him and took hold of His feet in an act of worship. These women had been the last to leave at the cross and were first at the tomb, and now they are the first to see Jesus alive.
Then Jesus said to them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
These women demonstrated their submission to their risen Lord in a manner in which subjects were accustomed to render a king in the East.
1. Philippians 2: 10 - 11
The apostle Paul tells us one day we will do likewise.
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The obvious thing Matthew is telling us is the fact that Jesus’ resurrected body was a real body. This is the real thing and not a hallucination or vision. They could feel His body was as real as theirs. It was not a spirit or ghost.
H. Matt. 28: 16 – 17 Jesus met the disciples
“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some were doubtful”
The disciples who had been scattered since the crucifixion and behind locked doors in Jerusalem, made their way to Galilee and there saw Jesus with their own eyes and worshipped Him. Matthew was one of them and this is his testimony of that meeting. Most of the other recorded appearances of Jesus alive after His death took place in Judea and Jerusalem.
I. Matt. 28: 11 – 15 Roman guards' report to Jewish authorities
Christianity has nothing to hide. It is an open book to be read by all.
Just like the resurrection the facts, the words of the lying authorities is told simply. The soldiers were as prompt as the women. Did they see Jesus alive? Did they know He was alive? “Some of the guard” went to the chief priests. We do not know what happened to the others. Matthew explains the source of the lie about the disciples stealing the body of Jesus. Everything is reported in a matter- of-fact style.
Of great interest is the fact that the guards reported “everything that happened when the angel came to the tomb.” The Jewish leaders were given an authentic testimony by credible witnesses they had chosen who where there. They had demanded the guards be Roman. They had demanded the seal on the tomb. These witnesses on duty at the grave gave a testimony as to what they saw and experienced at the tomb! They stated the truth that the body of Jesus was supernaturally removed from the grave.
11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
When you get an eyewitness report like this you are forced to decide to accept it or come up with defenses for your lies. The religious leaders had the facts of the empty tomb. They knew something extraordinary had happened. There was no body in the tomb. If you can’t produce the body then your only alternative is to pay off the soldiers with a large bribe . They paid them a “large sum of money.” The Roman soldiers had to say, “We were sleeping while on duty as guards at the tomb and Jesus’ disciples came during the night and stole His body.”
There must have been a considerable amount of money that passed hands that day for Roman soldiers to say they slept on the job. This was a serious military offense that would have brought down the heaviest of Roman military penalty on them.
If they were asleep they could not have known it, and if one of them knew, he would have awakened the others. Either way the soldiers would have committed a crime and would have been severely disciplined. They could have faced death.
The chief priests were asking these seasoned Roman soldiers to sign their death warrant. It would have been suicidal to say they were asleep on the job. No one would have believed that for a moment. Matthew must have told this event with a roar of laughter. Of course, there are always those who are gullible for such deception. The facts are simple: the tomb was empty and eyewitnesses saw, heard and touched Jesus.
.
What happened to the lie when the news spread that people had actually seen Jesus alive?
The important thing is this: Neither the Jews nor anyone else could produce the body of Jesus. No body was ever produced by anyone. The tomb was empty! And it still is.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that Jesus was the Son of God. The payment for our redemption has been paid in full.
The tomb is empty because Jesus rose triumphantly.
IV. Matt. 28: 16 – 20 GO AND TELL THE WORLD
A. Matt. 28: 18 Jesus spoke unto them.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Jesus has absolute authority over all living creatures in heaven and earth. He is Lord and King. He has the fullest possible authority of God. He has absolute power and authority. There are no limitations.
“I am with you always (lit. all the time), even to the end of the age” is great encouragement for our day. It is a statement of fact.
He is with us under all conditions and situations. How long do we go before acknowledging Him?
Jesus has in mind the time from His resurrection until the end of the world or end of time. He will never leave us. The one who experienced God forsakenness will never leave us down and out.
Jesus did not say, “I will be with you,” but “I am with you.” There is certainty, security and comfort in what He says.
No fact in history stands on such firm evidence as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Men do not believe because they do not want to believe. There is solid evidence that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and He lives today. The choice is yours because Acts 4: 12 says: 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. There are no choices without eternal consequences.
Jesus Christ was “declared to be the Son of God with power by His resurrection from the dead.” It is the seal of the divine acceptance of His sacrifice for our sins. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all sin. The resurrection completed His work of atonement and stamped it with divine approval. It says that the Father has accepted the Son’s perfect sacrifice as a complete and perfect ransom for all who take their refuge in Christ.
B. Matt. 28: 19 – 20 What Do I Do Now?
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1. What if you have never been baptized for the remission of your sins?
Acts 2: 38 Peter preached to the multitude about Jesus. They ask what must we do?
Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
2. Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
3. What do you need to do today?
If you have never obeyed Christ in baptism you need to be baptized. If you were baptized and you are not sure what for of why you need to be baptized for the remission of your sins.
4. Christians need to go and teach others that they might be baptized into Christ.
Jesus arose from the dead that he might show his power over death and the cross.
Will we deny Christ by our disobedience or will we obey Him and have eternal life in Him?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
WILL YOU STAND AND FIGHT?
“WILL YOU STAND AND FIGHT, OR WILL YOU JUST STAND?”
(1SAMUEL 17)
Intro:
A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from John Faneuf. It was an email which brought me a word of warning. It spoke of the FOX T.V. show called “FAMILY GUY.” The reason for the word of warning was owing to the shows content. In a single episode, the father was injected with what they called the “gay jean”, he then left his family, engaged in a public display of affection with his new gay friend, gave every indication that homosexuality is perfectly okay, and then finished out the show by attending a go straight religious camp, where he was taught that “Jesus hates lots of people, but he hates homosexuals more than everyone else.”
Now, as I read this email, I cannot help but think of the many Christians who not only watch this pathetic excuse masquerading itself as “entertainment”, but actually say that it is okay to watch it. Brethren, this is the war which stands at our door. These are the things which we are fighting against. These are the dark things spoken of in Ephesians 6. It is time for God’s children to stand up and be heard. It is time that we stop living with the attitude which says, “Well, if you don’t like it just don’t watch it.” Folks, I don’t intend to watch it, but I’m worried about the souls, hearts, and minds of all those who do make that choice.
This morning, I want to talk to you about the battle which is ahead. As I said, it is time for you to make the choice to either stand and fight, or simply stand on the sidelines. Using the passage found in First Samuel 17, I want to show you the four things which are required of you if you choose to stand and fight. I want to ask you as never before, please listen to these four points, think about them, and then make the choice to join us on the front line in the war against sin.
I. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES COURAGE
(1SA 17: 1-8)
In 1Samuel 17: 1, we find the army of the Israelites preparing to fight the Philistines. This in and of itself isn’t new. For throughout their history these two nations have battled and fought against one another. Neither the Israelites nor the Philistines are new to war. Both were more than capable of defending themselves, as well as bringing destruction to other lands.
In the tradition of the time, we see that the two armies line up to face one another across a valley. God’s chosen people establish their camp on one mountain, while the Philistines make camp on another mountain across the plane. The battle lines are drawn, both armies know the score, and how it will be settled. All that remains is that all important first move. Who will fire the first shot? Who will begin the festivities?
As Saul and his men look on, A Giant of a man steps forward. A man who stood more than 10-feet tall. A man who wore a immense helmet upon his head, a coat of mail which was made of brass, greaves to protect his lower legs, and carried both a short sword as well as a spear. This man, this champion answered to the name Goliath. A warrior of the Philistines, Goliath came forth to challenge both the Lord, as well as his army of fighters.
The question is, what would it take for someone to answer his challenge? There would be some who would say that it would take great skill and knowledge. I would argue that while it might be nice if someone possessed the skill of a true soldier, or the fighting knowledge of a general, they are not necessarily required. There would be still others who might say that they would need the right weapon in order to step out and face this giant of a man. However, again the point should be made that these were fighting men, who had been to battle many times over. They were equipped with that which they needed to bring war to their enemies.
No, brethren what it was that these men required if they were to step out was simply courage. They needed the courage to come down, and defend the God who had seen them through so very much.
Let’s think about it in terms of the apostles of the New Testament. What did it take for them to follow Christ? A willingness to deny themselves, take up their crosses on a daily bases, and follow in his footsteps. (Luke 9: 23.) What would it have taken for them to have stood with Christ when he needed them most their in the Garden? (Jn 18: 1-10) Simple, it would have taken courage which they did not have according to Mark 14: 50.
Brethren, what about you and I? What do we do? What do we do now that our giant, our Goliath stands in the valley challenging both our God and his army? Will we stand and fight or will we just stand?
Let’s ask the same question which we asked earlier. What is required if we are to stand? Again, while skill and knowledge can be helpful, we are commanded to “Contend earnestly for the faith.” (Jude 1: 3) That doesn’t mean that we should wait until we know every answer, to every argument that might be thrown at us. Also, concern over our weapon shouldn’t keep us from entering the fray. We have been given the inspired word of the Lord! (2Tim 3: 16) We have been given the gift of the engrafted word which is able to save our souls! (James 1: 21) Folks, the requirement is very simple. You must have courage to face the giant which stands in the valley today. It is required that we take the advice which Moses gave Joshua and the children of Israel so long ago. In Deuteronomy 31: 7, he tells them to be of a “good courage!”
II. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES A PERSONAL INVESTMENT
(1SA 17: 10-11, 24-25)
There is something interesting that we see taking place here. Consider what it really is that is happening. Here we see Saul, a mighty man of courage and valor, along with his army, one of the most powerful on earth: cowering from the threat which Goliath presented. Why would this be? How can it be that none of these men wanted to go fight?
Certainly a lack of courage is part of it, (CF 1Sa 17: 11, 24, 25,) however it cannot be the whole story. I would submit to you that the answer lies in investment.
We are not speaking of stocks, bonds, CD’s, money market accounts, or 4o1k’s. Here we are speaking of personal investments. These men were not personally invested in the battle before them. Notice what they did. When they saw Goliath coming, they ran. Courage gone, just because they weren’t invested.
Again, how familiar is this to us today? We look around in seeming indifference to the enemies which stand in our valley. Rather than face them, we would rather run. Why? Because we feel no connection. Those men who followed Saul into that mountain reserve were more concerned with their own well-being than defending the God of Heaven. Did you catch the challenge in verse 10? There Goliath says: “I defy the armies of Israel.” How do they not take this as a personal effrontery? They aren’t offended because it doesn’t matter that much to them.
Unfortunately the same is often true of us today. Worship becomes a social club. Service to God becomes something we do that we might be noticed. Sharing the Gospel becomes something that we avoid doing by making countless excuses. Brethren, we must make a personal investment. Serving God must matter to us, or else we will never descend into the valley.
Now, I’m sure that someone is saying, “Why should I invest in my church, my religion, and my relationship with God?” There is a very simple reason. We invest because God invested. John 3: 16 is one of, if not the most, widely known verses in all of scripture. In that beautiful passage, we read of the amazing investment which God has made in us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God thought so much of us that he was willing to give all that he had to provide us with hope, with life, with a path back to himself! He invested in you; the question is will you invest in him?
III. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES THAT YOU BE YOURSELF
(1SA 17: 26-40)
Beginning in verse 26, we see someone with real courage, with a personal investment in the events playing out in the valley below. David, shepherd boy and son of Jesse, not to mention future King of Judah, has arrived. David hears the challenge of Goliath, and from the words in verse 26, takes great offence. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, what shall be done to the man that killed this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David is horrified at the shear nerve of this Philistine. He wants to know what will be done.
What is interesting is that upon deciding that he himself would be the one to fight this giant, David had to defend himself against two different groups of people.
First, he had to defend himself and his actions against his piers. His brothers overheard David speaking with the other members of the army. In verse 28, his eldest brother Eliab questions his motives. He makes a few scathing remarks about the fact that David should be at home tending the sheep. Further more he states that it is David’s pride which has caused him to ask these questions. Never once did Eliab acknowledge the fact that David is apparently willing to do that which he himself is not.
Brethren, how often do we see those in the body of Christ who are unwilling to do, but are more than willing to offer advice, instruction, correction, and rude remarks to those who are willing to do that which need to be done? I am convinced that there are so many things that never get done because we spend so much of our time battling against one another.
However, David also had to defend himself against the doubters. His chief doubter was King Saul. When Saul found out that David was to be the man to face off against Goliath, his major objection was David’s youth. He tried all that he could to talk David out of doing. In other words, it wasn’t enough that Saul wouldn’t meet the challenge himself, he also wanted to talk everyone else out of doing it as well. David however had to be himself. Just as he wouldn’t allow his brothers to talk him out of fighting the battle, he wouldn’t allow Saul to change his mind either. In fact, when Saul attempted to put his personal armor on David he wouldn’t allow it, and instead went into battle with those items which made up who he was.
Brethren, as we descend into the valley below to meet our enemy, we will also have to face our retractors. We will have to face those family and friends who scauph at our commitment. Those who criticize our attempt to do the work of the Lord. Consider the fact that Jesus himself had those among his number who rejected him and all that he stood for.
Likewise we will have to deal with those who doubt our abilities. Those who want us to stop doing that they might not have to do as well. Folks, let me plead with you to serve God, and let everyone else think what they will.
IV. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES THE ALTAMIT FAITH
(1SA 17: 41-58)
The final requirement of those who wish to stand and fight is faith. Faith, that first building block in our relationship with God. Faith, trusting without question in that which we cannot see. The faith of David can best be seen in the lack of faith of Goliath. Remember, this is a man who stands so tall, and has so much armor, and so many weapons, and is such a great champion, relied on a smaller man to bare a shield before him. It turns out that his faith in himself, that faith which we can see dripping from his words in verses 8-10, was a paper thin faith. However, David, being a man of God trusted in the Lord to see him through! “This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hands!” (1Sa 17: 46) David knew to whom the battle belonged. (1Sa 17: 47)
Before we stop, I want you to see what effect David’s courage, personal investment, commitment to being himself, and faith led too. In verse 52, after the Giant has fallen and been beheaded, the armies which had stayed in the mountains rushed out. They followed David’s example. By David doing what was right, other’s followed in his steps!
(1SAMUEL 17)
Intro:
A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from John Faneuf. It was an email which brought me a word of warning. It spoke of the FOX T.V. show called “FAMILY GUY.” The reason for the word of warning was owing to the shows content. In a single episode, the father was injected with what they called the “gay jean”, he then left his family, engaged in a public display of affection with his new gay friend, gave every indication that homosexuality is perfectly okay, and then finished out the show by attending a go straight religious camp, where he was taught that “Jesus hates lots of people, but he hates homosexuals more than everyone else.”
Now, as I read this email, I cannot help but think of the many Christians who not only watch this pathetic excuse masquerading itself as “entertainment”, but actually say that it is okay to watch it. Brethren, this is the war which stands at our door. These are the things which we are fighting against. These are the dark things spoken of in Ephesians 6. It is time for God’s children to stand up and be heard. It is time that we stop living with the attitude which says, “Well, if you don’t like it just don’t watch it.” Folks, I don’t intend to watch it, but I’m worried about the souls, hearts, and minds of all those who do make that choice.
This morning, I want to talk to you about the battle which is ahead. As I said, it is time for you to make the choice to either stand and fight, or simply stand on the sidelines. Using the passage found in First Samuel 17, I want to show you the four things which are required of you if you choose to stand and fight. I want to ask you as never before, please listen to these four points, think about them, and then make the choice to join us on the front line in the war against sin.
I. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES COURAGE
(1SA 17: 1-8)
In 1Samuel 17: 1, we find the army of the Israelites preparing to fight the Philistines. This in and of itself isn’t new. For throughout their history these two nations have battled and fought against one another. Neither the Israelites nor the Philistines are new to war. Both were more than capable of defending themselves, as well as bringing destruction to other lands.
In the tradition of the time, we see that the two armies line up to face one another across a valley. God’s chosen people establish their camp on one mountain, while the Philistines make camp on another mountain across the plane. The battle lines are drawn, both armies know the score, and how it will be settled. All that remains is that all important first move. Who will fire the first shot? Who will begin the festivities?
As Saul and his men look on, A Giant of a man steps forward. A man who stood more than 10-feet tall. A man who wore a immense helmet upon his head, a coat of mail which was made of brass, greaves to protect his lower legs, and carried both a short sword as well as a spear. This man, this champion answered to the name Goliath. A warrior of the Philistines, Goliath came forth to challenge both the Lord, as well as his army of fighters.
The question is, what would it take for someone to answer his challenge? There would be some who would say that it would take great skill and knowledge. I would argue that while it might be nice if someone possessed the skill of a true soldier, or the fighting knowledge of a general, they are not necessarily required. There would be still others who might say that they would need the right weapon in order to step out and face this giant of a man. However, again the point should be made that these were fighting men, who had been to battle many times over. They were equipped with that which they needed to bring war to their enemies.
No, brethren what it was that these men required if they were to step out was simply courage. They needed the courage to come down, and defend the God who had seen them through so very much.
Let’s think about it in terms of the apostles of the New Testament. What did it take for them to follow Christ? A willingness to deny themselves, take up their crosses on a daily bases, and follow in his footsteps. (Luke 9: 23.) What would it have taken for them to have stood with Christ when he needed them most their in the Garden? (Jn 18: 1-10) Simple, it would have taken courage which they did not have according to Mark 14: 50.
Brethren, what about you and I? What do we do? What do we do now that our giant, our Goliath stands in the valley challenging both our God and his army? Will we stand and fight or will we just stand?
Let’s ask the same question which we asked earlier. What is required if we are to stand? Again, while skill and knowledge can be helpful, we are commanded to “Contend earnestly for the faith.” (Jude 1: 3) That doesn’t mean that we should wait until we know every answer, to every argument that might be thrown at us. Also, concern over our weapon shouldn’t keep us from entering the fray. We have been given the inspired word of the Lord! (2Tim 3: 16) We have been given the gift of the engrafted word which is able to save our souls! (James 1: 21) Folks, the requirement is very simple. You must have courage to face the giant which stands in the valley today. It is required that we take the advice which Moses gave Joshua and the children of Israel so long ago. In Deuteronomy 31: 7, he tells them to be of a “good courage!”
II. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES A PERSONAL INVESTMENT
(1SA 17: 10-11, 24-25)
There is something interesting that we see taking place here. Consider what it really is that is happening. Here we see Saul, a mighty man of courage and valor, along with his army, one of the most powerful on earth: cowering from the threat which Goliath presented. Why would this be? How can it be that none of these men wanted to go fight?
Certainly a lack of courage is part of it, (CF 1Sa 17: 11, 24, 25,) however it cannot be the whole story. I would submit to you that the answer lies in investment.
We are not speaking of stocks, bonds, CD’s, money market accounts, or 4o1k’s. Here we are speaking of personal investments. These men were not personally invested in the battle before them. Notice what they did. When they saw Goliath coming, they ran. Courage gone, just because they weren’t invested.
Again, how familiar is this to us today? We look around in seeming indifference to the enemies which stand in our valley. Rather than face them, we would rather run. Why? Because we feel no connection. Those men who followed Saul into that mountain reserve were more concerned with their own well-being than defending the God of Heaven. Did you catch the challenge in verse 10? There Goliath says: “I defy the armies of Israel.” How do they not take this as a personal effrontery? They aren’t offended because it doesn’t matter that much to them.
Unfortunately the same is often true of us today. Worship becomes a social club. Service to God becomes something we do that we might be noticed. Sharing the Gospel becomes something that we avoid doing by making countless excuses. Brethren, we must make a personal investment. Serving God must matter to us, or else we will never descend into the valley.
Now, I’m sure that someone is saying, “Why should I invest in my church, my religion, and my relationship with God?” There is a very simple reason. We invest because God invested. John 3: 16 is one of, if not the most, widely known verses in all of scripture. In that beautiful passage, we read of the amazing investment which God has made in us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God thought so much of us that he was willing to give all that he had to provide us with hope, with life, with a path back to himself! He invested in you; the question is will you invest in him?
III. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES THAT YOU BE YOURSELF
(1SA 17: 26-40)
Beginning in verse 26, we see someone with real courage, with a personal investment in the events playing out in the valley below. David, shepherd boy and son of Jesse, not to mention future King of Judah, has arrived. David hears the challenge of Goliath, and from the words in verse 26, takes great offence. And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, what shall be done to the man that killed this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David is horrified at the shear nerve of this Philistine. He wants to know what will be done.
What is interesting is that upon deciding that he himself would be the one to fight this giant, David had to defend himself against two different groups of people.
First, he had to defend himself and his actions against his piers. His brothers overheard David speaking with the other members of the army. In verse 28, his eldest brother Eliab questions his motives. He makes a few scathing remarks about the fact that David should be at home tending the sheep. Further more he states that it is David’s pride which has caused him to ask these questions. Never once did Eliab acknowledge the fact that David is apparently willing to do that which he himself is not.
Brethren, how often do we see those in the body of Christ who are unwilling to do, but are more than willing to offer advice, instruction, correction, and rude remarks to those who are willing to do that which need to be done? I am convinced that there are so many things that never get done because we spend so much of our time battling against one another.
However, David also had to defend himself against the doubters. His chief doubter was King Saul. When Saul found out that David was to be the man to face off against Goliath, his major objection was David’s youth. He tried all that he could to talk David out of doing. In other words, it wasn’t enough that Saul wouldn’t meet the challenge himself, he also wanted to talk everyone else out of doing it as well. David however had to be himself. Just as he wouldn’t allow his brothers to talk him out of fighting the battle, he wouldn’t allow Saul to change his mind either. In fact, when Saul attempted to put his personal armor on David he wouldn’t allow it, and instead went into battle with those items which made up who he was.
Brethren, as we descend into the valley below to meet our enemy, we will also have to face our retractors. We will have to face those family and friends who scauph at our commitment. Those who criticize our attempt to do the work of the Lord. Consider the fact that Jesus himself had those among his number who rejected him and all that he stood for.
Likewise we will have to deal with those who doubt our abilities. Those who want us to stop doing that they might not have to do as well. Folks, let me plead with you to serve God, and let everyone else think what they will.
IV. TO STAND AND FIGHT REQUIRES THE ALTAMIT FAITH
(1SA 17: 41-58)
The final requirement of those who wish to stand and fight is faith. Faith, that first building block in our relationship with God. Faith, trusting without question in that which we cannot see. The faith of David can best be seen in the lack of faith of Goliath. Remember, this is a man who stands so tall, and has so much armor, and so many weapons, and is such a great champion, relied on a smaller man to bare a shield before him. It turns out that his faith in himself, that faith which we can see dripping from his words in verses 8-10, was a paper thin faith. However, David, being a man of God trusted in the Lord to see him through! “This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hands!” (1Sa 17: 46) David knew to whom the battle belonged. (1Sa 17: 47)
Before we stop, I want you to see what effect David’s courage, personal investment, commitment to being himself, and faith led too. In verse 52, after the Giant has fallen and been beheaded, the armies which had stayed in the mountains rushed out. They followed David’s example. By David doing what was right, other’s followed in his steps!
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