"LET'S MAKE A DEAL"
Matt 4: 8-9
Intro:
Many of you will remember this show. Let’s Make A Deal daybued in May of 1963, on NBC. Ever sense then, it has been seen in some cupassity on a multiude of channels.
For those who might not know, the basic premus of the game is as follows. The host of the show will offer the contestants a cash prize, or a mystery gift, in exchange for the different items which they bring to the game.
Tonight, I want us to play a game of Let’s Make A Deal. I want to share with you the name and details of two different deals. After you have heard about these offers, I want you to make a choice. I pray that you will understand that these deals concern more than a cash prize, vacation, or a new car. The deal you make tonight concerns your emortal soul. Join me then, and allow me to show you the finer points of the deals before you.
I LET'S MAKE A DEAL
1. First, there is Satan's deal.
A. Heb 11: 25 Satan's deal is entitled, "The Passing Pleasures of Sin."
B 1Jn 2: 16 this plan concerns the lust of the flesh. (Immorality)
C. 1Jn 2: 16 this plan concerns the lust of the eye. (Materialism)
D. 1Jn 2: 16 this plan concerns the pride of life. (Self-glorification)
E. Under the conditions of this plan, there are immediate rewards, and no requirements.
2. However, god also offers a plan.
A. Rom 6: 23 God's plan is called, "The Gift Of Eternal Life."
B. God's plan is different in its rewards.
(a.) Rather than focusing upon the here an now, God's plan rewards on the eternal scale.
C. God's plan is different in its requirements.
(a.) Deut 10: 12 he requires that we commit to faithful service!
(B.) 1Co 10: 13 he requires that we resist temptation!
(c.) Jam 1: 2 he requires that we endure persecution!
II LET'S MAKE A CHOICE
1. Consider those who chose Satan's offer, and the rewards of there choice.
A. 2Sam 11: 24, 12: 18 David Chose immorality, and was rewarded with death.
B. Lk 16: 23 the rich man chose materialism, and was rewarded with death.
C. Acts 12: 21-23 Herod chose self-glorification, and was rewarded with death.
D. Rom 6: 23 notice, that choosing to make a deal with the Devil leads to death every time.
2. Consider those who chose god's plan, and their rewards.
A. Heb 11: 26 Moses chose God's plan, and obtained the reward!
B. Phil 1: 21 Paul chose god's plan, and obtained the reward!
C. Jn 3: 16 you yourself can choose God's plan, and you to will obtain the reward!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
JESUS SAYS: "COME!"
"THE INVITATIONS OF JESUS"
REVELATION 22: 17
Intro:
It's funny how good it makes us feel when someone invites us to do something. It gives us a feeling of inclusion. When we receive an invitation, we understand that we are wanted.
Today, I want to talk to you about the invitations of Jesus. He invites you to join him this very hour. The question is, will you accept his invitations?
I "COME AND SEE" (John 1: 39)
1. Here Jesus, as he begins his ministry, makes an offer to two future disciples.
A. Christ invites them to, "Come and see."
B. Matthew 8: 20 Christ is offering more than a tour of his house, because he didn't even have a place to lay his head.
C. What Jesus offered these men were the opportunity to come and get to know him.
D. This one night spent in the presents of Jesus was enough to change their lives forever.
2. Jesus offers this same invitation to all men, despite who they are or what they've done.
A. Luke 19: 1-9 even if you are a cheat and lire, he says, "come see."
B. First Timothy 1: 15 even if you are chief among all sinners, he says, "come see."
C. John 21: 15-17 even if you deny and reject him, he says, "come see."
D. Luke 23: 43 even if you are a thief hanging on a cross, he says, "Come See."
3. Christ's still says to us today, "come see."
A. Despite who you are, "come see."
B. Despite what you've done, "come see."
C. Revelation 22: 17 no matter who you are, what you've done, or anything else; Christ says, "If you long to know me, come see!"
II "COME AND I WILL MAKE YOU" (Mark 1: 17)
1. In this invitation, not only is there an implacation of what he will make us, but there is also an implacation of what he will not make us.
A. Luke 9: 23 he will not make us wealthy, because we must deny ourselves.
B. Matthew 5: 11 he will not make us popular among men, because men will eventually reject and persecute us.
C. First Corinthians 14: 33 he will not make us confused, because he is a revealer not a concealer!
2. However, the invitation also implies that which he will make us.
A. James 4: 10 he will make us humble that he might eventually lift us up!
B. Mark 1: 17 he will make us servants that we might lead others to him!
C. Philippians 4: 13 he will make us stronger that we might survive the trials of life!
REVELATION 22: 17
Intro:
It's funny how good it makes us feel when someone invites us to do something. It gives us a feeling of inclusion. When we receive an invitation, we understand that we are wanted.
Today, I want to talk to you about the invitations of Jesus. He invites you to join him this very hour. The question is, will you accept his invitations?
I "COME AND SEE" (John 1: 39)
1. Here Jesus, as he begins his ministry, makes an offer to two future disciples.
A. Christ invites them to, "Come and see."
B. Matthew 8: 20 Christ is offering more than a tour of his house, because he didn't even have a place to lay his head.
C. What Jesus offered these men were the opportunity to come and get to know him.
D. This one night spent in the presents of Jesus was enough to change their lives forever.
2. Jesus offers this same invitation to all men, despite who they are or what they've done.
A. Luke 19: 1-9 even if you are a cheat and lire, he says, "come see."
B. First Timothy 1: 15 even if you are chief among all sinners, he says, "come see."
C. John 21: 15-17 even if you deny and reject him, he says, "come see."
D. Luke 23: 43 even if you are a thief hanging on a cross, he says, "Come See."
3. Christ's still says to us today, "come see."
A. Despite who you are, "come see."
B. Despite what you've done, "come see."
C. Revelation 22: 17 no matter who you are, what you've done, or anything else; Christ says, "If you long to know me, come see!"
II "COME AND I WILL MAKE YOU" (Mark 1: 17)
1. In this invitation, not only is there an implacation of what he will make us, but there is also an implacation of what he will not make us.
A. Luke 9: 23 he will not make us wealthy, because we must deny ourselves.
B. Matthew 5: 11 he will not make us popular among men, because men will eventually reject and persecute us.
C. First Corinthians 14: 33 he will not make us confused, because he is a revealer not a concealer!
2. However, the invitation also implies that which he will make us.
A. James 4: 10 he will make us humble that he might eventually lift us up!
B. Mark 1: 17 he will make us servants that we might lead others to him!
C. Philippians 4: 13 he will make us stronger that we might survive the trials of life!
GOD SAYS: "BE THERE!"
"BE THERE"
Ex 24: 12
Intro:
At some point in your life, you've more than likely been guilty of "zoning out." Sure you have. It's that moment in life when someone is trying to tell you something, or someone is doing something and they want you to see it, but you just are not there with them. Well, in Exodus 24: 12, God commands Moses to come up to the Mountain to receive the 10 commandments. However, he says something strange to Moses. He tells him, "Come up to me on the mountain and BE THERE." What does this mean? Why would god say this?
Tonight, I want to talk to you about the relationships in your life. I want to help you to see that when we divide our attention, no one wins. Our family suffers, our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer, and even our relationship with God will be strained.
Tonight, we want to examine what it means to "BE THERE." I would like to lead you in discovering those areas in your life in which you need to be present. Not just in body, but in mind also.
I BE THERE FOR YOUR FAMILY
1. It is amazing to consider how far the family has fallen.
A. 40% of all first marriages end in divorce.
B. 60% of second marriages end in divorce.
C. 82% of couples reach their 5th year.
D. 62% reach their 10th, 52% reach their 15th, 33% reach their 25th, 20% reach their 35th, and only 5% reach their 50th.
2. However, it's not just marriage that has taken a hit, but also the safety and protection of our children that has been decimated.
A. In 1999, an estimated 3,244,000 cases of Child abuse were reported in the U.S.
B. 61% of those cases reported were related to child neglect.
C. In this country alone, we have seen a 45% increase in the number of child abuse cases over the last 10 years.
3. If we hope to change this trend, we must be there, in body and in mind.
A. Acts 18: 26 be there for the spouse working hard to make a difference!
B. Jn 19: 25 be there for the child or parent facing hard times!
C. Job 2: 11 be there for the friend who believes all hope is gone!
II BE THERE FOR YOUR BRETHREN
1. There are three ways in which we should be there for our brothers and sisters.
A. Physically
B. Emotionally
C. Spiritually
2. There is only one way that we can be there physically.
A. We must go to them in body.
B. Ro 1: 9-10 Paul longed to go to the brethren who were at Rome.
C. Jn 11: 7-11 despite the threat of imprisonment, Christ went to his friends.
3. There is also a need for emotional comfort.
A. John 11 Christ came to Martha and Mary in times of sadness.
B. Gal 6: 2 we should be there to bear the burdens of a brother or sister.
4. Most importantly however, we should be there spiritually.
A. Gal 1: 1-9 what would have happened if Paul had not gone to the Galatians?
B. 2Sa 12: 1-4 what would have happened if Nathan had not gone to David?
C. Gal 6: 1 what will happen if you don't go to a brother or sister?
III BE THERE FOR THE LORD
1. There are TWO ways in which we should be there for God.
A. We should be there with our whole heart.
B. We should be there in person.
2. We should be there with our whole heart because God sees straight to the heart of man.
A. Heb 4: 13 our thoughts, our dreams, and our hearts are naked before him!
B. 2Sa 16: 7 the first and most important way that we must be there is with our whole heart.
3. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of personal attendance.
A. Ex 24 12 God did require Moses to be there in body.
B. Heb 10: 24-25 it's not just for each other that we come together, but it's also for God.
4. The Lord also requires our full presents in doing his work.
A. Acts 2: 1-39 suppose Peter had decided not to attend the assembly at Pentecost. How many lives wouldn't have been changed?
B. Acts 14: 15 if Paul and Barnabas hadn't been paying attention, think of the bad turn the church might have taken.
C. Think of the difference that you make when you are there for the Lord in heart, body, and spirit!
Ex 24: 12
Intro:
At some point in your life, you've more than likely been guilty of "zoning out." Sure you have. It's that moment in life when someone is trying to tell you something, or someone is doing something and they want you to see it, but you just are not there with them. Well, in Exodus 24: 12, God commands Moses to come up to the Mountain to receive the 10 commandments. However, he says something strange to Moses. He tells him, "Come up to me on the mountain and BE THERE." What does this mean? Why would god say this?
Tonight, I want to talk to you about the relationships in your life. I want to help you to see that when we divide our attention, no one wins. Our family suffers, our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer, and even our relationship with God will be strained.
Tonight, we want to examine what it means to "BE THERE." I would like to lead you in discovering those areas in your life in which you need to be present. Not just in body, but in mind also.
I BE THERE FOR YOUR FAMILY
1. It is amazing to consider how far the family has fallen.
A. 40% of all first marriages end in divorce.
B. 60% of second marriages end in divorce.
C. 82% of couples reach their 5th year.
D. 62% reach their 10th, 52% reach their 15th, 33% reach their 25th, 20% reach their 35th, and only 5% reach their 50th.
2. However, it's not just marriage that has taken a hit, but also the safety and protection of our children that has been decimated.
A. In 1999, an estimated 3,244,000 cases of Child abuse were reported in the U.S.
B. 61% of those cases reported were related to child neglect.
C. In this country alone, we have seen a 45% increase in the number of child abuse cases over the last 10 years.
3. If we hope to change this trend, we must be there, in body and in mind.
A. Acts 18: 26 be there for the spouse working hard to make a difference!
B. Jn 19: 25 be there for the child or parent facing hard times!
C. Job 2: 11 be there for the friend who believes all hope is gone!
II BE THERE FOR YOUR BRETHREN
1. There are three ways in which we should be there for our brothers and sisters.
A. Physically
B. Emotionally
C. Spiritually
2. There is only one way that we can be there physically.
A. We must go to them in body.
B. Ro 1: 9-10 Paul longed to go to the brethren who were at Rome.
C. Jn 11: 7-11 despite the threat of imprisonment, Christ went to his friends.
3. There is also a need for emotional comfort.
A. John 11 Christ came to Martha and Mary in times of sadness.
B. Gal 6: 2 we should be there to bear the burdens of a brother or sister.
4. Most importantly however, we should be there spiritually.
A. Gal 1: 1-9 what would have happened if Paul had not gone to the Galatians?
B. 2Sa 12: 1-4 what would have happened if Nathan had not gone to David?
C. Gal 6: 1 what will happen if you don't go to a brother or sister?
III BE THERE FOR THE LORD
1. There are TWO ways in which we should be there for God.
A. We should be there with our whole heart.
B. We should be there in person.
2. We should be there with our whole heart because God sees straight to the heart of man.
A. Heb 4: 13 our thoughts, our dreams, and our hearts are naked before him!
B. 2Sa 16: 7 the first and most important way that we must be there is with our whole heart.
3. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of personal attendance.
A. Ex 24 12 God did require Moses to be there in body.
B. Heb 10: 24-25 it's not just for each other that we come together, but it's also for God.
4. The Lord also requires our full presents in doing his work.
A. Acts 2: 1-39 suppose Peter had decided not to attend the assembly at Pentecost. How many lives wouldn't have been changed?
B. Acts 14: 15 if Paul and Barnabas hadn't been paying attention, think of the bad turn the church might have taken.
C. Think of the difference that you make when you are there for the Lord in heart, body, and spirit!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Don't Make Me Be Thomas
DON'T MAKE ME BE THOMAS
John 20: 24-28
Intro:
It's so easy for you and I as people to obtain a certain reputation, yet it isn't as easy for us to change others perception of ourselves. This is even true when we are doing good, and others just don't understand our actions for what they are.
This statement has never been true of anyone more than Thomas. When we hear his name we automatically think, "Doubting Thomas." However, I wonder, is this an accurate picture of Thomas's character? Is that really all he is to us? Do we look at him, and see nothing more than a man who seemed to never fully get it?
Tonight, I would like to examine some of the character traits, which Thomas possessed. I would then like to make the case that you and I should want to be more like Thomas.
I COURAGEOUS THOMAS (Jn 11: 16)
1. Here we see Jesus once again putting his life on the line.
A. Jn 10: 31 Christ is called to Bethany, the very place where he had almost been stoned.
B. Jn 10: 39-40 he had already escaped them once.
C. Jn 9: 9-10 ever sense he had healed the blind, the leaders had sought to kill him.
D. The Apostles all knew this.
2. What do you think Thomas did? He didn't doubt this time.
A. Jn 11: 16 "Let us go that we might die with him."
B. He was willing to die rather than forsake Christ to go alone.
3. And we say, "Don't make me be like Thomas!"
A. Mt 5: 16 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to be examples for their fellow men!
B. Pr 3: 5 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to leave earthly wisdom and trust instead upon the Lord!
C. Lk 19:10 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to reach out and teach the lost of this world!
II A SEARCHING SEEKING AND LEARNING THOMAS (Jn 14: 5)
1. Here we find a familiar passage.
A. Christ is giving comfort to his disciples.
B. However, they just don't seem to understand.
C. Acts 1: 1-6 we know that Thomas wasn't the only one who didn't get it.
D. However, Thomas is the only one who questioned it.
2. I say we need more searching, seeking, and learning Thomas's in the church today!
A. Gal 1: 6-9 think of the difference it would have made if the Galatians had asked a question or two.
3. What will searching, seeking, and learning accomplish for us today?
A. Mt 7: 15 it will help us avoid false teaching.
B. 1Co 12: 25 it will help us avoid division among ourselves.
C. Titus 3: 9 it will help us avoid strife among ourselves.
John 20: 24-28
Intro:
It's so easy for you and I as people to obtain a certain reputation, yet it isn't as easy for us to change others perception of ourselves. This is even true when we are doing good, and others just don't understand our actions for what they are.
This statement has never been true of anyone more than Thomas. When we hear his name we automatically think, "Doubting Thomas." However, I wonder, is this an accurate picture of Thomas's character? Is that really all he is to us? Do we look at him, and see nothing more than a man who seemed to never fully get it?
Tonight, I would like to examine some of the character traits, which Thomas possessed. I would then like to make the case that you and I should want to be more like Thomas.
I COURAGEOUS THOMAS (Jn 11: 16)
1. Here we see Jesus once again putting his life on the line.
A. Jn 10: 31 Christ is called to Bethany, the very place where he had almost been stoned.
B. Jn 10: 39-40 he had already escaped them once.
C. Jn 9: 9-10 ever sense he had healed the blind, the leaders had sought to kill him.
D. The Apostles all knew this.
2. What do you think Thomas did? He didn't doubt this time.
A. Jn 11: 16 "Let us go that we might die with him."
B. He was willing to die rather than forsake Christ to go alone.
3. And we say, "Don't make me be like Thomas!"
A. Mt 5: 16 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to be examples for their fellow men!
B. Pr 3: 5 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to leave earthly wisdom and trust instead upon the Lord!
C. Lk 19:10 I say we need more courageous Thomas's willing to reach out and teach the lost of this world!
II A SEARCHING SEEKING AND LEARNING THOMAS (Jn 14: 5)
1. Here we find a familiar passage.
A. Christ is giving comfort to his disciples.
B. However, they just don't seem to understand.
C. Acts 1: 1-6 we know that Thomas wasn't the only one who didn't get it.
D. However, Thomas is the only one who questioned it.
2. I say we need more searching, seeking, and learning Thomas's in the church today!
A. Gal 1: 6-9 think of the difference it would have made if the Galatians had asked a question or two.
3. What will searching, seeking, and learning accomplish for us today?
A. Mt 7: 15 it will help us avoid false teaching.
B. 1Co 12: 25 it will help us avoid division among ourselves.
C. Titus 3: 9 it will help us avoid strife among ourselves.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
You're Not So Bad
"YOU'RE NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL"
(1TIMOTHY 3: 15)
Intro:
I’m sorry, but I will be unable to preach this evening. As you can see on the screen, the power point lesson I had prepared isn’t working. Well, if it it’s broken, then we better just stop now. In fact, we have had so much trouble with this thing, that I think we should just give up, and pull the thing out of this building. Give me a minute, and I will go get the laddor.
Now, how crazy did that sound. Just because one slide is messed up, I was prepared to just dump the whole system. I saw that there was a problem or two, and therefore nothing was good.
Let me ask you this, how many of us believe that the church is broken beyond repair? How many of us look at the church of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and see nothing more than a glorified collection of seats? Unfortunately, many of the messages, which we hear today, concern the problems of the church. It is a laundry list of those things that are wrong with the church, and the many ways in which it is failing in this modern world.
This morning, I want to help you to see that it isn't to late. I want you to know, "YOU'RE NOT SO BAD!" Much like the power point system could still have it's redeeming qualities, so the church still has far more right than wrong with it today! Join me as we consider those things, which are right with the church today.
I. IT HAS THE RIGHT CREATION
1. It is amazing how temporal the creations of man truly are when we examine them closely.
A. The Sistine Chapel has been restored several times over the years.
B. The very computer on which we are recording our sermon today, wonderful though it is, has a broken screen.
C. The White House, in which the most powerful man in the country if not the world lives, has been renovated and repaired over and over again.
d. The simple truth is that in each of these cases, the first design contained mistakes.
2. However, from the beginning, the Church of Christ was founded upon the right path!
A. Eph 1: 4 it is the right creation because it was provided by the perfect plan!
B. Eph 1: 6-7 it is the right creation because it was purchased by the perfect prince of peace!
C. Eph 1: 13 it is the right creation because it was procured by the promised provider of comfort!
II. IT HAS THE RIGHT COMPONENTS
1. Over time, man has shown himself to be very exclusionary.
A. "I'd like to join your club." "Sorry, you don't make enough money."
B. "I'd like to eat in your restaurant." "Sorry, your not the right color."
C. "I'd like to talk to you for a minute." "Sorry, you're not smart enough."
D. Truly it is no wonder that most of our relationships are failures, because the majority of them aren't made up of the right parts.
2. Unlike man made organizations, the Church of our Lord, that is the Church of Christ, has always been made up of the perfect components!
A. Gal 6: 1 it is made up of saved sinners!
B. James 5: 16 it is made up of stumbling saints!
C. 1Jn 3: 3 it is made up of sunny rays of light in a dark world!
III. IT HAS THE RIGHT CHALLENGE
1. One of the first things that you must know before beginning a new game is the goals and objectives of that game.
A. The funny thing is that we as people tend to change the rules and challenges of the game.
Football is forever trying to improve and change how the game is played.
B. Why, even in grade school, we eventually changed the challenge and rules of hide-and-seek.
C. We did it for no other reason than that we wanted to make the game better.
2. However, the truth of the Church of Christ is that the challenges have remained the same because the goal of the church remains the same!
A. 1Thess 5: 11 the right challenge is to edify the saints!
B. Eph 3: 21 the right challenge is to exalt the God of Heaven!
C. Matt 5: 16 the right challenge is to evangelize the lost of this world!
(1TIMOTHY 3: 15)
Intro:
I’m sorry, but I will be unable to preach this evening. As you can see on the screen, the power point lesson I had prepared isn’t working. Well, if it it’s broken, then we better just stop now. In fact, we have had so much trouble with this thing, that I think we should just give up, and pull the thing out of this building. Give me a minute, and I will go get the laddor.
Now, how crazy did that sound. Just because one slide is messed up, I was prepared to just dump the whole system. I saw that there was a problem or two, and therefore nothing was good.
Let me ask you this, how many of us believe that the church is broken beyond repair? How many of us look at the church of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and see nothing more than a glorified collection of seats? Unfortunately, many of the messages, which we hear today, concern the problems of the church. It is a laundry list of those things that are wrong with the church, and the many ways in which it is failing in this modern world.
This morning, I want to help you to see that it isn't to late. I want you to know, "YOU'RE NOT SO BAD!" Much like the power point system could still have it's redeeming qualities, so the church still has far more right than wrong with it today! Join me as we consider those things, which are right with the church today.
I. IT HAS THE RIGHT CREATION
1. It is amazing how temporal the creations of man truly are when we examine them closely.
A. The Sistine Chapel has been restored several times over the years.
B. The very computer on which we are recording our sermon today, wonderful though it is, has a broken screen.
C. The White House, in which the most powerful man in the country if not the world lives, has been renovated and repaired over and over again.
d. The simple truth is that in each of these cases, the first design contained mistakes.
2. However, from the beginning, the Church of Christ was founded upon the right path!
A. Eph 1: 4 it is the right creation because it was provided by the perfect plan!
B. Eph 1: 6-7 it is the right creation because it was purchased by the perfect prince of peace!
C. Eph 1: 13 it is the right creation because it was procured by the promised provider of comfort!
II. IT HAS THE RIGHT COMPONENTS
1. Over time, man has shown himself to be very exclusionary.
A. "I'd like to join your club." "Sorry, you don't make enough money."
B. "I'd like to eat in your restaurant." "Sorry, your not the right color."
C. "I'd like to talk to you for a minute." "Sorry, you're not smart enough."
D. Truly it is no wonder that most of our relationships are failures, because the majority of them aren't made up of the right parts.
2. Unlike man made organizations, the Church of our Lord, that is the Church of Christ, has always been made up of the perfect components!
A. Gal 6: 1 it is made up of saved sinners!
B. James 5: 16 it is made up of stumbling saints!
C. 1Jn 3: 3 it is made up of sunny rays of light in a dark world!
III. IT HAS THE RIGHT CHALLENGE
1. One of the first things that you must know before beginning a new game is the goals and objectives of that game.
A. The funny thing is that we as people tend to change the rules and challenges of the game.
Football is forever trying to improve and change how the game is played.
B. Why, even in grade school, we eventually changed the challenge and rules of hide-and-seek.
C. We did it for no other reason than that we wanted to make the game better.
2. However, the truth of the Church of Christ is that the challenges have remained the same because the goal of the church remains the same!
A. 1Thess 5: 11 the right challenge is to edify the saints!
B. Eph 3: 21 the right challenge is to exalt the God of Heaven!
C. Matt 5: 16 the right challenge is to evangelize the lost of this world!
Monday, November 10, 2008
PRAYING LIKE JABEZ
"PRAYING LIKE JABEZ"
1Ch 4: 9-10
Intro:
When it comes to the man known as Jabez, many of us are confused as to his place in the Bible narrative. I'm confident that you have heard the name, and possibly something about the small prayer he once prayed, but chances are good that you are unfamiliar with the location of that passage. This is forgivable given the location of this short prayer. It is located in the midst of the genealogy of the house of Israel. Many of us come to the first 9 chapters of Chronicles, and we simply skip over them. However, in skipping over them, we miss out on this beautiful, heartfelt, and inspirational prayer.
Recently there has been a great ground swell in regard to the prayer of Jabez. Tonight, for just a few minutes, I want us to examine the idea of, "PRAYING LIKE JABEZ." While this brief prayer doesn't cover everything concerning prayer, it does give us a wonderful foundation on which we can build a more healthy prayer life. Let us ask and answer the question, what did Jabez pray for?
I "OH, THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME INDEED"
1. What do we know of the background of Jabez.
A. The truth of the matter is that we know very little.
B. All that we know is found in these two verses.
C. We know that he had brothers, and that his mother had difficulty in childbirth.
D. We also know that his name means, "Sorrowful."
E. From these few details, we can deduce that he likely had a hard life.
2. What can we learn from his request for blessings, and God's subsequent answer?
A. Job 42: 2 we can learn, just as Job learned, that though we might have hard times, we should never give up!
B. Psa 17: 6 we can learn, just as David learned, that regardless how bad things are going, God hears our prayers!
II "ENLARGE MY TERRITORY"
1. There is something here that you must see in order to understand his request.
A. There are many who have proposed throughout the years that Jabez was a farmer, and was asking for the Lord to increase the boarders of his land that he might give more to the Lord.
B. There have also been those who have suggested that he was a rich man, who wanted more, that he might give more.
C. In either case, the major supposition is that he wanted more, that he might give more.
2. Today, you and I should be praying for the expansion of our own boarders.
A. 2Ki 2: 9 we should pray that our individual spiritual boarders be expanded, and that we receive a double portion of the spirit of God!
B. Deut 1: 11 we should pray that the Lord would give the increase to his Kingdom 1000 times over!
III "THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME"
1. There is a very basic request found in these words.
A. 1Ki 3: 9 Jabez asks for the same thing King Solomon had prayed for.
B. Psa 119: 105 Jabez prayed for the same thing, which David had asked for.
C. All three asked for guidance.
2. Instead of trying to stumble down the road of life alone, why don't we ask for guidance in this same way?
A. Pr 22: 6 when razing our children, we should pray for guidance!
B. Eph 5 22-26 when dealing with our marriages, we should pray for guidance!
C. Jam 3: 13-18 when contemplating spiritual matters, we should pray for guidance!
IV "AND THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ME FROM EVIL, THAT I MIGHT NOT CAUSE PAIN"
1. As in the previous request, Jabez is asking for something very understandable.
A. Jabez is asking for protection.
B. He wants protection from his human nature.
C. He wants this protection that he might not hurt those around him, but would instead do good.
2. The lesson here is bright and clear!
A. This sounds much like the Hippocratic oath which doctors take, which says: "First do no harm."
B. The goal and objective is to do well, and avoid bringing harm.
C. Phil 1: 3-4 we should pray that we are a blessing to our brethren!
D. Rev 2: 9-11 we should pray that we might be an asset to the kingdom of God!
1Ch 4: 9-10
Intro:
When it comes to the man known as Jabez, many of us are confused as to his place in the Bible narrative. I'm confident that you have heard the name, and possibly something about the small prayer he once prayed, but chances are good that you are unfamiliar with the location of that passage. This is forgivable given the location of this short prayer. It is located in the midst of the genealogy of the house of Israel. Many of us come to the first 9 chapters of Chronicles, and we simply skip over them. However, in skipping over them, we miss out on this beautiful, heartfelt, and inspirational prayer.
Recently there has been a great ground swell in regard to the prayer of Jabez. Tonight, for just a few minutes, I want us to examine the idea of, "PRAYING LIKE JABEZ." While this brief prayer doesn't cover everything concerning prayer, it does give us a wonderful foundation on which we can build a more healthy prayer life. Let us ask and answer the question, what did Jabez pray for?
I "OH, THAT YOU WOULD BLESS ME INDEED"
1. What do we know of the background of Jabez.
A. The truth of the matter is that we know very little.
B. All that we know is found in these two verses.
C. We know that he had brothers, and that his mother had difficulty in childbirth.
D. We also know that his name means, "Sorrowful."
E. From these few details, we can deduce that he likely had a hard life.
2. What can we learn from his request for blessings, and God's subsequent answer?
A. Job 42: 2 we can learn, just as Job learned, that though we might have hard times, we should never give up!
B. Psa 17: 6 we can learn, just as David learned, that regardless how bad things are going, God hears our prayers!
II "ENLARGE MY TERRITORY"
1. There is something here that you must see in order to understand his request.
A. There are many who have proposed throughout the years that Jabez was a farmer, and was asking for the Lord to increase the boarders of his land that he might give more to the Lord.
B. There have also been those who have suggested that he was a rich man, who wanted more, that he might give more.
C. In either case, the major supposition is that he wanted more, that he might give more.
2. Today, you and I should be praying for the expansion of our own boarders.
A. 2Ki 2: 9 we should pray that our individual spiritual boarders be expanded, and that we receive a double portion of the spirit of God!
B. Deut 1: 11 we should pray that the Lord would give the increase to his Kingdom 1000 times over!
III "THAT YOUR HAND WOULD BE WITH ME"
1. There is a very basic request found in these words.
A. 1Ki 3: 9 Jabez asks for the same thing King Solomon had prayed for.
B. Psa 119: 105 Jabez prayed for the same thing, which David had asked for.
C. All three asked for guidance.
2. Instead of trying to stumble down the road of life alone, why don't we ask for guidance in this same way?
A. Pr 22: 6 when razing our children, we should pray for guidance!
B. Eph 5 22-26 when dealing with our marriages, we should pray for guidance!
C. Jam 3: 13-18 when contemplating spiritual matters, we should pray for guidance!
IV "AND THAT YOU WOULD KEEP ME FROM EVIL, THAT I MIGHT NOT CAUSE PAIN"
1. As in the previous request, Jabez is asking for something very understandable.
A. Jabez is asking for protection.
B. He wants protection from his human nature.
C. He wants this protection that he might not hurt those around him, but would instead do good.
2. The lesson here is bright and clear!
A. This sounds much like the Hippocratic oath which doctors take, which says: "First do no harm."
B. The goal and objective is to do well, and avoid bringing harm.
C. Phil 1: 3-4 we should pray that we are a blessing to our brethren!
D. Rev 2: 9-11 we should pray that we might be an asset to the kingdom of God!
What Is Prayer
WHAT IS PRAYER?
LUKE 11: 1 – 13
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
What is prayer?
I. Matt. 6: 6 Prayer is communication with God. Praising him.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
How do we know that we do not have to go into a closet, all the time, to be heard of God?
A. Matt. 6: 9 Praising God in a mountain place.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Holy is the name of God.
B. John 17: 1 Jesus with his disciples prayed .
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
C. Luke 23: 34 – 37 Jesus prayed on the cross.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
D. Eph. 1: 12 Praise to His glory
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
II. 1 Tim. 1: 12 Prayer is communicating with God. Thanking God
Paul tells Timothy he thanked Christ.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
How often do we thank Christ?
A. Rev. 11: 16 - 17 Giving thanks to God.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
In heaven God is continued to be praised and thanked.
1. Col. 1: 12 Giving thanks to God.
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
2. 1 Cor. 15: 57 Thankful for Jesus Christ
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. 1 Thess. 5: 18 It is the will of God.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
C. Eph. 5: 20 For all things
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
God is the giver of all good things and we should thank him in prayer in Jesus name.
III. Phil. 4: 6 Prayer is communication with God.
Making our request to God.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
A. James 5: 16 Brotherly love.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
It should be a comfort knowing our brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for us and with us.
B. Acts 12: 5 Continue in prayer
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
He was released from prision.
C. John 12: 27 Jesus pleaded with God, His father.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.
Jesus knew how hard it was going to be to be nailed to the cross and die. He also new to glorify the name of the Lord. In doing so he had to die.
D. Heb. 5: 6 – 10 The Bible reads,
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
With pray and humble pleading, strong crying and tears learned Jesus obedience to God the Father.
Prayer is a gift of God to His children. Let us receive it with joy and love.
Prayer is a communication with God through;
Praising God
Thanking God and
Making our request unto God.
Are we praying as God would have us pray.
Our God and Father in heaven, holy is His
name.
Do you need to come to Jesus tonight?
Do you need to be baptized?
Do you need to rededicate you life to God?
Do you need the prayers of the church?
Let us pray.
Will you come now as we stand and sing.
LUKE 11: 1 – 13
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
What is prayer?
I. Matt. 6: 6 Prayer is communication with God. Praising him.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
How do we know that we do not have to go into a closet, all the time, to be heard of God?
A. Matt. 6: 9 Praising God in a mountain place.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Holy is the name of God.
B. John 17: 1 Jesus with his disciples prayed .
1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
C. Luke 23: 34 – 37 Jesus prayed on the cross.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
D. Eph. 1: 12 Praise to His glory
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
II. 1 Tim. 1: 12 Prayer is communicating with God. Thanking God
Paul tells Timothy he thanked Christ.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
How often do we thank Christ?
A. Rev. 11: 16 - 17 Giving thanks to God.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
In heaven God is continued to be praised and thanked.
1. Col. 1: 12 Giving thanks to God.
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
2. 1 Cor. 15: 57 Thankful for Jesus Christ
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. 1 Thess. 5: 18 It is the will of God.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
C. Eph. 5: 20 For all things
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
God is the giver of all good things and we should thank him in prayer in Jesus name.
III. Phil. 4: 6 Prayer is communication with God.
Making our request to God.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
A. James 5: 16 Brotherly love.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
It should be a comfort knowing our brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for us and with us.
B. Acts 12: 5 Continue in prayer
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
He was released from prision.
C. John 12: 27 Jesus pleaded with God, His father.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.
Jesus knew how hard it was going to be to be nailed to the cross and die. He also new to glorify the name of the Lord. In doing so he had to die.
D. Heb. 5: 6 – 10 The Bible reads,
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
With pray and humble pleading, strong crying and tears learned Jesus obedience to God the Father.
Prayer is a gift of God to His children. Let us receive it with joy and love.
Prayer is a communication with God through;
Praising God
Thanking God and
Making our request unto God.
Are we praying as God would have us pray.
Our God and Father in heaven, holy is His
name.
Do you need to come to Jesus tonight?
Do you need to be baptized?
Do you need to rededicate you life to God?
Do you need the prayers of the church?
Let us pray.
Will you come now as we stand and sing.
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