A sermon preached on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Sermon Series: Foundations, Lessons on Christian Living
Message: Love
Focal Passage: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Love’s Flow: “Love comes from God” (1 Jn. 4:7) because “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:16), and “We love because he first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19).
Love’s Fruit: Jn. 13:35; 1 Cor. 13:1-13
Love flows down from God to us. Only when we know God’s love are we able to “love one another.” The power of love is seen in the fact that “All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” As important as our doctrine is, as important as our ministry is, all of it is nothing apart from love (See 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Preaching and teaching, having great knowledge, even sacrificial works without love will be empty and have little effect.
What the world needs to see in us is a demonstration of God’s love.
The best way to understand love is to see love in action. What does this “love one another” love look like? Today, we will see “love in action” through the life of a man in Scripture named Barnabas. We find his story in the book of Acts.
1. Love Responds to Urgent Needs
Our introduction to Barnabas is in Acts 4:32-36. Here we find the early church gathering together and the Bible says that they “shared everything they had” (v.32). Most of these believers had little in a the way of this world’s goods, yet “There was no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need” (vv.34-35). Here was the first Christian social ministry, believers coming together to help one another in a very tangible way.
One person is given special notice here. Barnabas, his formal name was Joseph and he was a Levite from Cyprus. He sold a field that he owned and brought the money to the apostles to meet needs. His name, Barnabas is fitting because it means “Son of Encouragement.” Barnabas did not have to do this, he was under no order or compulsion to do this. He simply saw the great needs of others and had it in his power to make a difference and he did so. Barnabas demonstrated love in action. He lived out the command of Jesus. “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
God’s love in us compels us to put love in action. John said, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 Jn. 3:17-18). Where does this inner compelling to meet urgent needs come from? It comes from the love of God within us. “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 Jn. 4:7).
The Holy Spirit within us compels us to love because the God who lives within us is love. This change of heart brought about by God’s love shows that we belong to God. When needs are presented, do we respond? Or hope someone else does? Do we respond to needs as the Good Samaritan? Or as the Priest and the Levite? “All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
1. Love responds to urgent needs.
2. Love Receives Those Whom God Accepts
The next time we see Barnabas he has befriended Saul, a recent convert to Christianity. We know him better as the Apostle Paul. But the believers who reside in Jerusalem are not too sure about Saul’s conversion. As far as they know, he’s still an ardent zealot for the Jewish cause. But Saul has met the Lord and had his theology straightened out, as well as his sins forgiven. Who will befriend Saul? Who will receive the one who tried with every fiber of his being to destroy the church of God? Enter Barnabas (Acts 9:26-27).
When no one would touch Saul with a ten foot pole, Barnabas received him and agreed to introduce him to the other apostles. Barnabas was the mouthpiece of Saul telling the apostles of Paul’s conversion and how he had “preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus” (v.27). Love is compelled to respond to urgent needs and love receives those whom God accepts.
How could Barnabas not receive Saul if God had accepted him? If we are to love a lost world, we first must receive and love one another. Why are we sometimes hesitant to embrace one another? To receive one another? Why do we not love one another? (1) It may be that we have misunderstood the nature of love. Love does not mean that you have to always agree with one another, but we do have to love one another. I don’t have to agree or like everything that some brother or sister in Christ does, but if they are “in Christ,” I do have to receive those whom God accepts.
When God has done so much for me, when He has accepted me, how could I dare not accept people that God accepts? (2) Another reason we don’t love one another is that we doubt the power of God to change people. The church in Jerusalem could not believe that Saul could change. They were so focused on Saul’s past that they could not believe Saul could be different in the present. But love looks beyond the past and sees the beautiful change that God brings to people in the present.
At the very heart of the Gospel is that people can change because of the power of God. People are powerless to change their nature, but what man cannot do, God can do through the new birth. Just look at Saul, he is exhibit A. He once was a rabid extremist, yet God transformed him. There are no impossible cases with God. If we believe that God is all-powerful, then we will have no problem receiving those whom God accepts.
What about you? Will you receive others? What about people right here in this church? People who may not be like you? People who do things differently? People who have different preferences?
Barnabas was able to receive Paul because God had accepted him. Because Barnabas had a servants heart we find him busy ministering in Antioch (Acts 11:19-26). Antioch was Gentile (Non-Jewish) territory. Among these Greeks the growing group of believers found a ready mission field and the Bible says “a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord” (11:21).
Barnabas had been sent by the Jerusalem church to see what was occurring in Antioch. He was a good choice to send since he himself was from Cyprus and some of these believers in Antioch were from Cyprus as well. What he saw in Antioch was “evidence of the grace of God” (v.23). This greatly encouraged Barnabas and he in turn admonished the believers “to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (v.23). Verse 24 is a good summary of the character of Barnabas. (1) He was a good man, (2) Full of the Holy Spirit, (3) Full of faith, and (4) A soul winner.
Seeing the great need for discipleship among the new believers at Antioch, Barnabas went to Tarsus to get Saul who joined him in Antioch and together they “taught great numbers of people” (v.26). One of the great things about Barnabas was that he could share the ministry, there was not a competitive bone in his body. He had no qualms with getting Paul involved in this growing ministry. Just think what could be accomplished in the church today if we did not have to receive the credit and the glory! No wonder Luke tells us that “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (v.26).
Barnabas was able to rejoice in the grace of God that was evident in Antioch. God had accepted them and so Barnabas did too.
1. Love responds to urgent needs
2. Love receives those whom God receives
3. Love Reaches out to the Lost
The ability to receive others opened Barnabas up to a whole new world of ministry. We see the growing ministry and influence of Barnabas in Acts 13:1-3 where he along with Paul was sent on the very first missionary journey to extend the Gospel in non-Jewish places where the Gospel had not been preached before. Why did Barnabas leave a good and growing church, a great church? Because love calls us to leave the comfortable, love calls us to get outside of ourselves, love reaches out to the lost.
Barnabas crossed cultural boundaries, he had a “no limits” God! Where there is love, there is an open door to ministry. The church is always looking for a new program, a new way, but it is love that will grow God’s kingdom. Love is the key to reaching more people. And the more that we love as Jesus loved, the wider our ministry influence will extend. The issue for many of us is, “will we get outside of ourselves?” Will we leave our comfort zone in order to reach out to the lost around us? We will if we love as God loves.
God’s love reaches out to the lost because true love flows from the heart of a God who loves the lost! If you want to know what God thinks about the lost in Denham Springs, simply take a cursory look at your Bible! For example, Jn. 3:16, 17; Lk. 15; 19:10; 2 Pe. 3:9. The entire Bible is God’s love letter, God’s plan to redeem His creation from sin, to restore our relationship with Him, to reconcile us. Are you looking for ways to increase your ministry? To expand your circle of influence? To reach more people in your class? Or are you content with downsizing your ministry, your influence? Sad to say, while the lost population in Livingston Parish is increasing dramatically, the churches are decreasing! Now is not the time to circle the wagons, now is not the time to become complacent and comfortable. Now is the time that we should be advancing the kingdom by extending the grace of God to the lost in our area. So, “What will you personally do about it?” If you love God you will be involved in some tangible way in reaching the lost.
1. Love responds to urgent needs. 2. Love receives those whom God accepts. 3. Love reaches out to the lost.
4. Love Restores the Fallen
After the first missionary journey, a sharp disagreement arose between Barnabas and Paul (15:36-41). Just because we’re Christians does not mean that we will not have disagreements. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark but Paul did not since Mark had left them on the first missionary journey, for reasons we do not know. But Barnabas was willing to give Mark a second chance. He not only reached out to the friendless, like Paul, but he reached out to the fallen, like Mark. Neither man would budge in their position so Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus and Paul took Silas and went through Syria visiting the churches.
Love gave Mark a second chance. Love restores the fallen. The church is full of hurting and broken people. Some have been ensnared by sin, some apathy, some were hurt along the way and have rolled off in a dark corner somewhere (Lk. 15). They once were useful and joyful but have now fallen away. Do we care? Will you care? David said, “No one cared for my soul.” Some of these our brothers and sisters in the Lord can be restored. But they will need a Barnabas to step in. Will you be that man? That woman? You will if you love – love restores the fallen. See Galatians 6:1-2 on the process of restoration.
Love responds to urgent needs, love receives those whom God accepts, love reaches out to the lost, and love restores the fallen. “A new commandment I give you [Jesus said]: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (Jn. 13:34-35). Do people know we belong to Jesus? They will if we love as He loves.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Foundations:God's Word (Psalm 119:9, 11)
A message preached on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
God’s Word (Part I)
September 19, 2010, 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.
Which of the following are not in the Bible?
Cleanliness is next to godliness
God helps those who help themselves
Confession is good for the soul
Money is the root of all evil
Honesty is the best policy
Actually, none of these are in the Bible!
If you did not know this you are apparently not alone. Most people can not name one of the four Gospels, one of the Ten Commandments, and don’t know who gave the sermon on the mount. Statistics from the Barna Group tell us that about half of all adults (54%) claim to make moral choices on the basis of specific principles or standards they believe in. Among this group only 3 out of 10 people named the Bible as the source of those principles. So what are people reading? What are they basing their principles on? The majority of people are guiding by doing what feels right or comfortable (24%). When statistics tell us that only 5% of adults have a biblical world view, it is obvious that the Bible is not being studied and applied seriously by many people including Christians.
And yet, Bible intake is perhaps the most important spiritual discipline for your growth in godliness. Today we are going to explore some ways that we can intake the Word of God so that we can avail ourselves to grow in Christ.
There are five (5) primary ways that we relate to the Word, three of which we will cover this morning, two we will look at tonight. We will begin with the easiest way and proceed to the most challenging.
1. Hearing God’s Word
Hearing God’s Word is the most basic form of Bible intake but it is vitally important to your spiritual growth. Several Scriptures reveal the importance of hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” What is the value of hearing God’s Word? (1) Hearing brings faith. God uses His Word to engender faith in our hearts and lives. The amount of faith that you have is proportionate to the amount of time spent hearing God’s Word.
Another Scripture that is helpful is found in 1 Timothy 4:13 which says, “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” Why should Pastor Timothy give attention to reading? Because of its importance in building up the body of Christ. (2) Hearing builds up the body. Now we need to understand what hearing means in the biblical sense. Hearing is not a passive listening to the Word. Hearing in the biblical sense is listening with the intent to obey. You can not obey what you do not hear but hearing is not the end of the process. We must put into practice the Word that we hear.
Opportunities to Hear God’s Word
What does this say to us in practical every day ways? Certainly one way that we can hear God’s Word is through faithfully attending (1) Bible study and worship where God’s word is taught and preached. (2) You can also hear God’s Word through radio and television programs, (3) through CDs and podcasts. (4) One thing that can help you as you hear is to get into the habit of taking notes. Obviously, I don’t encourage you to do this driving down the road. However, in worship and Bible study you have the opportunity to engage your mind and spirit in a more meaningful way if you will record your thoughts and insights. Taking notes will help you hear God’s Word. This is why we provide notes in our worship guide. It is one more way to help you hear God’s Word. Hearing God’s Word is a basic discipline for Bible intake.
2. Reading God’s Word
A second way that you can practice Bible intake is by reading God’s Word. The statistics generally are not encouraging when it comes to the number of Christians who actually read their Bibles. Only 11% of Christians say they read the Bible everyday. 23% of Christians say that they never read the Bible. Christians are certainly watching plenty of television and surfing on the internet. Could this be one reason why so many Christians live a lackluster and drab Christian life? Amy Carmichael said, “Never let good books take the place of the Bible. Drink from the Well, not from the streams that flow from the well.”
The Importance of Reading God’s Word
Why is reading the Bible so important for your growth in godliness? Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” For one reason, the Word of God is spiritual nourishment to our soul. (1) The Word Provides Spiritual Food. Without the Word of God we are famished and we will starve.
Amos 8:11 speaks of the famine that God’s people experienced but it was not a famine of bread and water, but it was a famine “of hearing the words of the Lord.” (2) Neglect of brings famine. The truth is that if we neglect the words of the Lord, we cause our lives to be famished. Without food you dehydrate, your body begins to conserve its energy, then your body breaks down, and finally you collapse. When we neglect the Word of God we first get dry. We have no fresh baked bread from the Lord. Then we begin to depend upon yesterdays bread which is dry and stale. Then we slowly deteriorate as we go back continually to feed on yesterday’s food which cannot satisfy. Then ultimately we collapse.
This is why you need daily Bible reading. Just as you can not live on yesterday’s lunch, you cannot live on yesterday’s reading. God wants us to have a daily abiding relationship with Him through His life-giving Word. Instead of a spiritual famine in your life, God wants to bless all who hear and do His word. (3) A Blessing to Readers. Revelation 1:3 says, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things written in it; for the time is near.”
Let me give you some suggestions for consistent daily Bible reading. You need three things.
(1) A Time – Set time aside.
(2) A Place – Preferably a quiet place.
(3) A Plan – Find a reading plan of which there are many. For example, The Daily Bread devotional book or a plan in your Bible. See also biblegateway.com and oneyearbibleonline.com
3. Studying God’s Word
Studying God’s Word goes one step deeper than reading and marking. In reading you are skimming the surface. In studying you are going deeper into the truths of the Word. Reading the Bible may be likened to water skiing or snorkeling, while Bible study may be compared to
scuba diving.
There are some biblical examples of the importance of Bible study. Ezra 7:10 says, “for Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Note the three key actions of Ezra – seek, do, and teach. First, his desire was to seek the Word of God. His heart was to study the Word of God. Why? So that he could secondly, do or put into practice God’s Word. The end result of seeking and practicing God’s Word was that he would be prepared then to teach the Word to others. This cycle could then be completed in the lives of those who were taught.
Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” This biblical pattern of discipleship is similar to the one Ezra followed. We hear God’s Word which involves studying and practicing the Word. We then are to commit the teachings to others who will also do and practice the Word.
The Value of Studying God’s Word
Why is it important to study the Word of God? (1) To Know the Truth. The Word of God is Truth. That’s what Jesus said in John 17:17. Acts 17:11 says of the Bereans, “These were more fair-minded (“noble”) than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these thing were so.” This is one reason why we should be students of the Bible. We should be developing the ability to line up what we hear with what the Bible teaches. How will you know how to discern false teaching? You will not if you do not study the Bible. God’s Word is truth, Jesus said. Our spiritual discernment grows as we expose ourselves to the truths of God’s Word.
(2) To Explain the Truth. Another reason we need to study the Word of God is so that we will be able to explain the truths of God’s Word to others. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” Sometimes we have a fear of not knowing and we are afraid that someone might ask us something that we are not familiar with. Now, we’re not going to know everything but we shouldn’t be ignorant either, especially when it comes to the basic truths of the Christian life. The cure for not being ashamed is to be a diligent student of the Word. In this way, you will be able to “rightly divide” (“correctly handle” NIV) the Word or present it clearly.
Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” The only way to be able to give a defense (an apologia) for the hope that we have in Christ, is to be a student of the Word of God. Does this mean that we must know everything? No. But it does mean that you will be progressing in your understanding of God’s plan.
Conclusion
How can we intake the Bible? We can hear the Word, we can read the Word, and we can study the Word. God’s Word is rich, eternal, and a treasure trove for us to mine all of our days. We never will get to the point where we understand it all, where we do not need to hear God’s Word, where we can say enough is enough. The sign reads “Rogers City Michigan, Home of the World’s Largest Limestone Quarry.” This quarry sits alongside Lake Huron in northern Michigan. The equivalent of over 10 million truckloads of stone is mined every year from this quarry which has been in operation since 1912. Geologists estimate that this mine could still be in operation for several hundred years to come. It’s almost “inexhaustible.” The riches of God’s Word are never exhausted. That is why we hear, read, and study God’s Word.
Why hear, read, and study God’s Word? A statement on the Scriptures from the BFM2000 sums up why.
“It is the perfect treasure of divine instruction . . . it reveals the principles by which God judges us . . . and [it is] the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried.” That is why we hear, read, and study! Furthermore, “All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.” It all points to Him! Let’s hear, read, and study God’s Word so that we might point others to Jesus.
A message preached on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
God’s Word (Part II)
September 19, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
TWO MORE WAYS WE INTAKE THE BIBLE
4. Memorizing God’s Word
Another way to intake the Word of God is through memorization of Scripture. Memorizing Scripture takes you to a new and deeper level of understanding God’s Word. It is also at the point of memorization of Scripture that the Word of God will most effect your daily life. If you have ever memorized Scripture, you probably need little convincing of how effective this can be in your spiritual life. If you never have memorized Scripture, you might need a little persuading and convincing. Why should we memorize God’s Word?
Memorizing Scripture . . .
(1) Supplies Spiritual Power
Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” The Word of God serves to protect us, to guard us, and to empower us in our personal battles against sin. The Word helps us win the battle just as it did for Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11. The Word is described in offensive warfare terms as the “sword of the Spirit.” A soldier would not leave his sword at home. Through memorizing Scripture, the Christian is able to carry his or her sword all through daily life.
(2) Strengthens Your Faith
Memorizing Scripture also strengthens your faith. Proverbs 22:17-19, NASB, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, even you.” Notice the strength comes to us because we have heard God’s Word and we have kept the Word “within” us. Because the Word dwells within us, we are able to trust in the Lord. Faith comes easier to those who have God’s Word planted “within” their heart.
What area of your faith do you need strengthening? Maybe you need courage and freedom from fear. You can memorize 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Maybe you need God’s comfort in your time of sorrow. You can memorize Psalm 55:2, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Maybe you struggle with the assurance of God’s love and His acceptance of you. You can memorize Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” Maybe you wrestle with a specific sin in your life. You can’t seem to conquer it. You can memorize James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Memorized Scripture is recalled Scripture. When you need it, God’s Word will be there for you.
(3) Provides Guidance
Memorizing Scripture is valuable because the Word in us gives guidance to us. God will use the implanted Word to direct your paths. Psalm 119:24 says, “Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.” God’s Word is our instruction manual, our operating procedures. God’s Words are our counselors. This is the best book on counseling ever written. As we memorize God’s Word, the HS can take the Word and offer us guidance.
(4) Allows You to Witness and Counsel Others
God’s Word implanted within you will allow you to witness and counsel others effectively. You will be more sensitive to what others are going through, first of all. Why? Because when you get in God’s Word, God’s will gets in you (see Acts 1:8). Second, you will have a Word to share with someone when they need it. In Acts 2:14-40 we discover that Peter had the opportunity to share and to preach concerning Jesus Christ. Because Peter was familiar with Scripture, he was able to use Scripture. Many times when opportunities arrive to share Christ with someone or even to minister and counsel someone, a Bible may not be handy. However, if you have God’s Word in your heart, you will always have a word of good news to share.
Memorizing is one way to receive the Word of God into our life. Another way is by . . .
5. Meditating on God’s Word
The practice of meditation has been given a bad rap. Many people associate meditation with eastern religions and philosophies. However, meditation has always been a part of Christianity. There are however at least two major difference between Christian meditation and the meditation practiced by the eastern religions. First, in eastern religions, the goal of meditation is self-emptying. You goal is to arrive at a state of complete nothingness or nirvana. But in Christian meditation the goal is not to empty yourself, but rather to fill yourself with the things of God. The second difference between Christian meditation and eastern meditation is that Christian meditation is not an end in itself. It is for the purpose of godliness, the practical doing of the Word of God. As we mediate on the Word of God, we are changed, empowered, and motivated to put into practice the Word.
Look how both of these ideas are presented in Scripture in the life of Joshua. Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua is committing himself to meditating on the Law day and night. This reveals
(1) The Content of Meditation – The Word
Joshua is not emptying himself; but rather, he is filling himself with God’s law.
This verse also reveals . . .
(2) The Purpose of Meditation – “Do”
Joshua’s purpose was to “do” the law.
The other passage that is instructive on the importance of mediating on God’s Word is
Psalm 1:1-3. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
Two things stand out about this passage. First, the godly person is so because he or she walks to a different beat than the world, namely the path of meditating and walking in the Word of God. This path of meditation and walking with God is a conscious choice to refrain (on the negative side) from the practices of the ungodly and on the positive side pursue after God’s Word day and night. Second, the godly person naturally produces a fruitful harvest. He receives nourishment from the life-giving stream. The fruit that is produced is lasting. It remains.
Through each one of these ways of Bible intake, one principle stands out. For Bible intake to produce godliness in our lives we must apply God’s Word.
THE BIBLE MUST BE APPLIED
James 1:22 reminds us of the necessity of applying the Word of God, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
How do you apply what you hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate upon? One effective way is to ask questions of the Bible passage that you are reading and studying. For instance, What is the main theme of this passage? What does this passage tell me to do? Or What does this passage tell me not to do? Is there a promise to claim? What am I going to do now because of my time with the Word? Jot these thoughts down and ask God how you can apply these into your life.
Conclusion
Memorizing and meditating on the Word of God are important and life-changing ways to intake the Bible. As we intake the Word we must apply the Word to our life. As we do we will see God change us into the person He wants us to be.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
God’s Word (Part I)
September 19, 2010, 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.
Which of the following are not in the Bible?
Cleanliness is next to godliness
God helps those who help themselves
Confession is good for the soul
Money is the root of all evil
Honesty is the best policy
Actually, none of these are in the Bible!
If you did not know this you are apparently not alone. Most people can not name one of the four Gospels, one of the Ten Commandments, and don’t know who gave the sermon on the mount. Statistics from the Barna Group tell us that about half of all adults (54%) claim to make moral choices on the basis of specific principles or standards they believe in. Among this group only 3 out of 10 people named the Bible as the source of those principles. So what are people reading? What are they basing their principles on? The majority of people are guiding by doing what feels right or comfortable (24%). When statistics tell us that only 5% of adults have a biblical world view, it is obvious that the Bible is not being studied and applied seriously by many people including Christians.
And yet, Bible intake is perhaps the most important spiritual discipline for your growth in godliness. Today we are going to explore some ways that we can intake the Word of God so that we can avail ourselves to grow in Christ.
There are five (5) primary ways that we relate to the Word, three of which we will cover this morning, two we will look at tonight. We will begin with the easiest way and proceed to the most challenging.
1. Hearing God’s Word
Hearing God’s Word is the most basic form of Bible intake but it is vitally important to your spiritual growth. Several Scriptures reveal the importance of hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” What is the value of hearing God’s Word? (1) Hearing brings faith. God uses His Word to engender faith in our hearts and lives. The amount of faith that you have is proportionate to the amount of time spent hearing God’s Word.
Another Scripture that is helpful is found in 1 Timothy 4:13 which says, “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” Why should Pastor Timothy give attention to reading? Because of its importance in building up the body of Christ. (2) Hearing builds up the body. Now we need to understand what hearing means in the biblical sense. Hearing is not a passive listening to the Word. Hearing in the biblical sense is listening with the intent to obey. You can not obey what you do not hear but hearing is not the end of the process. We must put into practice the Word that we hear.
Opportunities to Hear God’s Word
What does this say to us in practical every day ways? Certainly one way that we can hear God’s Word is through faithfully attending (1) Bible study and worship where God’s word is taught and preached. (2) You can also hear God’s Word through radio and television programs, (3) through CDs and podcasts. (4) One thing that can help you as you hear is to get into the habit of taking notes. Obviously, I don’t encourage you to do this driving down the road. However, in worship and Bible study you have the opportunity to engage your mind and spirit in a more meaningful way if you will record your thoughts and insights. Taking notes will help you hear God’s Word. This is why we provide notes in our worship guide. It is one more way to help you hear God’s Word. Hearing God’s Word is a basic discipline for Bible intake.
2. Reading God’s Word
A second way that you can practice Bible intake is by reading God’s Word. The statistics generally are not encouraging when it comes to the number of Christians who actually read their Bibles. Only 11% of Christians say they read the Bible everyday. 23% of Christians say that they never read the Bible. Christians are certainly watching plenty of television and surfing on the internet. Could this be one reason why so many Christians live a lackluster and drab Christian life? Amy Carmichael said, “Never let good books take the place of the Bible. Drink from the Well, not from the streams that flow from the well.”
The Importance of Reading God’s Word
Why is reading the Bible so important for your growth in godliness? Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” For one reason, the Word of God is spiritual nourishment to our soul. (1) The Word Provides Spiritual Food. Without the Word of God we are famished and we will starve.
Amos 8:11 speaks of the famine that God’s people experienced but it was not a famine of bread and water, but it was a famine “of hearing the words of the Lord.” (2) Neglect of brings famine. The truth is that if we neglect the words of the Lord, we cause our lives to be famished. Without food you dehydrate, your body begins to conserve its energy, then your body breaks down, and finally you collapse. When we neglect the Word of God we first get dry. We have no fresh baked bread from the Lord. Then we begin to depend upon yesterdays bread which is dry and stale. Then we slowly deteriorate as we go back continually to feed on yesterday’s food which cannot satisfy. Then ultimately we collapse.
This is why you need daily Bible reading. Just as you can not live on yesterday’s lunch, you cannot live on yesterday’s reading. God wants us to have a daily abiding relationship with Him through His life-giving Word. Instead of a spiritual famine in your life, God wants to bless all who hear and do His word. (3) A Blessing to Readers. Revelation 1:3 says, “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things written in it; for the time is near.”
Let me give you some suggestions for consistent daily Bible reading. You need three things.
(1) A Time – Set time aside.
(2) A Place – Preferably a quiet place.
(3) A Plan – Find a reading plan of which there are many. For example, The Daily Bread devotional book or a plan in your Bible. See also biblegateway.com and oneyearbibleonline.com
3. Studying God’s Word
Studying God’s Word goes one step deeper than reading and marking. In reading you are skimming the surface. In studying you are going deeper into the truths of the Word. Reading the Bible may be likened to water skiing or snorkeling, while Bible study may be compared to
scuba diving.
There are some biblical examples of the importance of Bible study. Ezra 7:10 says, “for Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Note the three key actions of Ezra – seek, do, and teach. First, his desire was to seek the Word of God. His heart was to study the Word of God. Why? So that he could secondly, do or put into practice God’s Word. The end result of seeking and practicing God’s Word was that he would be prepared then to teach the Word to others. This cycle could then be completed in the lives of those who were taught.
Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” This biblical pattern of discipleship is similar to the one Ezra followed. We hear God’s Word which involves studying and practicing the Word. We then are to commit the teachings to others who will also do and practice the Word.
The Value of Studying God’s Word
Why is it important to study the Word of God? (1) To Know the Truth. The Word of God is Truth. That’s what Jesus said in John 17:17. Acts 17:11 says of the Bereans, “These were more fair-minded (“noble”) than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these thing were so.” This is one reason why we should be students of the Bible. We should be developing the ability to line up what we hear with what the Bible teaches. How will you know how to discern false teaching? You will not if you do not study the Bible. God’s Word is truth, Jesus said. Our spiritual discernment grows as we expose ourselves to the truths of God’s Word.
(2) To Explain the Truth. Another reason we need to study the Word of God is so that we will be able to explain the truths of God’s Word to others. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” Sometimes we have a fear of not knowing and we are afraid that someone might ask us something that we are not familiar with. Now, we’re not going to know everything but we shouldn’t be ignorant either, especially when it comes to the basic truths of the Christian life. The cure for not being ashamed is to be a diligent student of the Word. In this way, you will be able to “rightly divide” (“correctly handle” NIV) the Word or present it clearly.
Peter said in 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” The only way to be able to give a defense (an apologia) for the hope that we have in Christ, is to be a student of the Word of God. Does this mean that we must know everything? No. But it does mean that you will be progressing in your understanding of God’s plan.
Conclusion
How can we intake the Bible? We can hear the Word, we can read the Word, and we can study the Word. God’s Word is rich, eternal, and a treasure trove for us to mine all of our days. We never will get to the point where we understand it all, where we do not need to hear God’s Word, where we can say enough is enough. The sign reads “Rogers City Michigan, Home of the World’s Largest Limestone Quarry.” This quarry sits alongside Lake Huron in northern Michigan. The equivalent of over 10 million truckloads of stone is mined every year from this quarry which has been in operation since 1912. Geologists estimate that this mine could still be in operation for several hundred years to come. It’s almost “inexhaustible.” The riches of God’s Word are never exhausted. That is why we hear, read, and study God’s Word.
Why hear, read, and study God’s Word? A statement on the Scriptures from the BFM2000 sums up why.
“It is the perfect treasure of divine instruction . . . it reveals the principles by which God judges us . . . and [it is] the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried.” That is why we hear, read, and study! Furthermore, “All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.” It all points to Him! Let’s hear, read, and study God’s Word so that we might point others to Jesus.
A message preached on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
God’s Word (Part II)
September 19, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
TWO MORE WAYS WE INTAKE THE BIBLE
4. Memorizing God’s Word
Another way to intake the Word of God is through memorization of Scripture. Memorizing Scripture takes you to a new and deeper level of understanding God’s Word. It is also at the point of memorization of Scripture that the Word of God will most effect your daily life. If you have ever memorized Scripture, you probably need little convincing of how effective this can be in your spiritual life. If you never have memorized Scripture, you might need a little persuading and convincing. Why should we memorize God’s Word?
Memorizing Scripture . . .
(1) Supplies Spiritual Power
Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” The Word of God serves to protect us, to guard us, and to empower us in our personal battles against sin. The Word helps us win the battle just as it did for Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11. The Word is described in offensive warfare terms as the “sword of the Spirit.” A soldier would not leave his sword at home. Through memorizing Scripture, the Christian is able to carry his or her sword all through daily life.
(2) Strengthens Your Faith
Memorizing Scripture also strengthens your faith. Proverbs 22:17-19, NASB, “Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I have taught you today, even you.” Notice the strength comes to us because we have heard God’s Word and we have kept the Word “within” us. Because the Word dwells within us, we are able to trust in the Lord. Faith comes easier to those who have God’s Word planted “within” their heart.
What area of your faith do you need strengthening? Maybe you need courage and freedom from fear. You can memorize 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Maybe you need God’s comfort in your time of sorrow. You can memorize Psalm 55:2, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Maybe you struggle with the assurance of God’s love and His acceptance of you. You can memorize Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” Maybe you wrestle with a specific sin in your life. You can’t seem to conquer it. You can memorize James 4:7, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Memorized Scripture is recalled Scripture. When you need it, God’s Word will be there for you.
(3) Provides Guidance
Memorizing Scripture is valuable because the Word in us gives guidance to us. God will use the implanted Word to direct your paths. Psalm 119:24 says, “Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.” God’s Word is our instruction manual, our operating procedures. God’s Words are our counselors. This is the best book on counseling ever written. As we memorize God’s Word, the HS can take the Word and offer us guidance.
(4) Allows You to Witness and Counsel Others
God’s Word implanted within you will allow you to witness and counsel others effectively. You will be more sensitive to what others are going through, first of all. Why? Because when you get in God’s Word, God’s will gets in you (see Acts 1:8). Second, you will have a Word to share with someone when they need it. In Acts 2:14-40 we discover that Peter had the opportunity to share and to preach concerning Jesus Christ. Because Peter was familiar with Scripture, he was able to use Scripture. Many times when opportunities arrive to share Christ with someone or even to minister and counsel someone, a Bible may not be handy. However, if you have God’s Word in your heart, you will always have a word of good news to share.
Memorizing is one way to receive the Word of God into our life. Another way is by . . .
5. Meditating on God’s Word
The practice of meditation has been given a bad rap. Many people associate meditation with eastern religions and philosophies. However, meditation has always been a part of Christianity. There are however at least two major difference between Christian meditation and the meditation practiced by the eastern religions. First, in eastern religions, the goal of meditation is self-emptying. You goal is to arrive at a state of complete nothingness or nirvana. But in Christian meditation the goal is not to empty yourself, but rather to fill yourself with the things of God. The second difference between Christian meditation and eastern meditation is that Christian meditation is not an end in itself. It is for the purpose of godliness, the practical doing of the Word of God. As we mediate on the Word of God, we are changed, empowered, and motivated to put into practice the Word.
Look how both of these ideas are presented in Scripture in the life of Joshua. Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua is committing himself to meditating on the Law day and night. This reveals
(1) The Content of Meditation – The Word
Joshua is not emptying himself; but rather, he is filling himself with God’s law.
This verse also reveals . . .
(2) The Purpose of Meditation – “Do”
Joshua’s purpose was to “do” the law.
The other passage that is instructive on the importance of mediating on God’s Word is
Psalm 1:1-3. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
Two things stand out about this passage. First, the godly person is so because he or she walks to a different beat than the world, namely the path of meditating and walking in the Word of God. This path of meditation and walking with God is a conscious choice to refrain (on the negative side) from the practices of the ungodly and on the positive side pursue after God’s Word day and night. Second, the godly person naturally produces a fruitful harvest. He receives nourishment from the life-giving stream. The fruit that is produced is lasting. It remains.
Through each one of these ways of Bible intake, one principle stands out. For Bible intake to produce godliness in our lives we must apply God’s Word.
THE BIBLE MUST BE APPLIED
James 1:22 reminds us of the necessity of applying the Word of God, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
How do you apply what you hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate upon? One effective way is to ask questions of the Bible passage that you are reading and studying. For instance, What is the main theme of this passage? What does this passage tell me to do? Or What does this passage tell me not to do? Is there a promise to claim? What am I going to do now because of my time with the Word? Jot these thoughts down and ask God how you can apply these into your life.
Conclusion
Memorizing and meditating on the Word of God are important and life-changing ways to intake the Bible. As we intake the Word we must apply the Word to our life. As we do we will see God change us into the person He wants us to be.
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, September 13, 2010
Foundations: His Strength (Philippians 4:13)
A sermon preached on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Sermon Series: Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
“His Strength”
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)
Introduction
You probably didn’t know this but September 13, 2010 is “Positive Thinking” Day. Perhaps you remember reading the story to your children, "The Little Engine that Could." The climax of the story is when the little train pulls its oversized load to the top of the hill, finding strength to keep going by repeating the words, "I think I can; I think I can; I think I can." Because it thought positive thoughts, it accomplished the impossible.
Motivational speakers abound reminding us that it’s all in our mind. If you think you can do it, then surely you will. This idea gets imported into Christianity by the use and misuse of our verse today in Philippians 4:13. Why is this verse so popular? Because it has such a positive message, a message very much in line with what we know as the “American Spirit.” For years Norman Vincent Peale preached his “positive thinking” message. His book, “The Power of Positive Thinking” published in 1952 sold almost 20 million copies in 41 languages. And on the West coast, Robert Schuller promoted a similar idea in “possibility thinking.”
Paul’s message in Philippians 4:13 is not so much positive thinking as it is “right thinking.” Positive thinking alone is “humanism,” but when you combine the “I can do” with the “through Christ” or “in Christ,” it is right thinking.
So here is one of the great promises in the Bible, the promise of God’s strength, God’s power, God’s victory in our circumstances.
I want to talk with you today about experiencing God’s strength as expressed in our text today from three aspects: The Sufficiency of His Strength, The Sphere (or operation) of His Strength, and The Source of His Strength.
1. The Sufficiency of His Strength – “I can do”
Here we are talking about what God’s strength can do. Paul is not a victim of his circumstances, he is a victor. He knows that the Lord is in control and he also knows that it is a choice for him to trust in the Lord in all of his circumstances. Paul is choosing to trust God even in the dark. What are the “I can do’s” that Paul is referring to? (1) For one, they are the life experiences that Paul has faced. In these experiences, difficult they may have been, Paul has learned to be content. He has learned to rely on God’s strength.
A casual look at Paul’s difficult experiences, shows us just what he had to endure. For example, in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 Paul tells us that he was in prison (23), flogged (23), repeatedly exposed to death (23), whipped five times (24), beaten with rods three times (25), constantly on the move (26), in constant danger (26), he went prolonged periods without sleep, food, or a place to stay (27), he carried the burden of the churches (28), and he struggled with internal battles of the soul (29).
If that’s not all enough, Paul experienced what he called “a thorn in my flesh” (12:7), and this he called “a messenger of Satan to torment me.” This was probably some type of physical problem that Paul experienced. Three times he “pleaded with the Lord to take it away,” but God did not. Instead though, God did say “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power [strength] is made perfect in weakness” (12:9). Paul came to realize the sufficiency of God’s strength, that when he was weak, he was strong. Paul knew the truth that whatever God led him to, God would lead him through. That’s why he was able to say, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
In your life experiences, good and bad, you have a choice to be content, you have a choice to trust in God and His strength. Many times we feel that we are powerless victims of fate. Our attitude is “I can’t” endure, “I can’t” overcome, “I can’t” make it, but Paul reminds us that in Christ our “I can’t” becomes “I can!” What’s important to see is that this “Can do” spirit is “learned” (v.11), which means to “learn by experience.”
During this eight week emphasis, we are asking you to memorize a Scripture verse each week. The value in committing Scripture to memory is obvious – when you need a word from God, the Lord is able to retrieve it from the hard drive of your soul. We are asking you to commit to memory this great promise of God’s strength found in Phillipians 4:13, yet memorizing this verse alone will not give you His strength, you must learn to rely on God’s strength in your life situations as you exercise your faith muscle your ability to trust Him grows. You learn to rely on God’s power through your life experiences, one choice at a time, and what you find is that your faith grows even greater the next time a difficult situation arises. That’s why Paul’s faith grew as he walked with God. He learned to trust in God’s strength day-by-day. Paul learned that the “joy of the Lord” was his strength (Neh. 8:10).
Think of it like this. No one wakes up one morning and decides that they are going to run a marathon that morning. No, you first discipline yourself by running shorter distances, by getting in shape, so that when it’s time to run the marathon, you are conditioned to do so. In every endeavor that requires conditioning you have to take incremental steps to reach your goal. But over time through discipline you begin to see changes and you become conditioned to reach your goal. That’s what Paul is saying when he says to us that he “learned” the secret of being content. Rely on God’s strength today in your situation. Then when tomorrow gets here, it will be easier for you to trust in His strength by default.
God’s strength is sufficient in our trials and burdens. (2) God’s strength is also sufficient in whatever the Lord calls us to do. God empowered Paul to fulfill his mission, and God will empower you, He will strengthen you to do what He’s called you to do. (3) God’s strength is also sufficient to empower us to face whatever the future holds.
The Sufficiency of His Strength
2. The Sphere of His Strength – “everything” or “all things”
Where does this “can do” spirit operate? Does it operate only when things are going well. No, the “can do” spirit included “everything,” or “all things.” Paul is saying that my circumstances have no bearing on my ability to be in a perfect state of contentment. The actual context for this promise is important to see. Paul is not saying he can do just anything and everything. Paul is not all of sudden superman. The context here has to do primarily with his life and especially his economic status. Paul’s in prison, he’s destitute, he has nothing but God, but God is all he needs. And even thought he has nothing, he has everything, especially the strength of the Lord to deal with his circumstances.
Some people feel that if they are going through a rough patch, then somehow there relationship with God must not be right. We feel that “Christians aren’t supposed to go through this,” or “I’m not supposed to feel this way.” The truth is much different. You can be right where you need to be with God and go through difficult times. Paul is exhibit “A.” But the beauty of the Christian life is that God’s strength comes to us “more so” in difficult times not less. It’s not always the good times that we sense God’s strength, it’s when the bottom falls out that we experience the tender mercy and strength of our Lord. Because in those times we come to know that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . . . [thought life falls apart we know that] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Ps. 46:1-2, 11).
Many people feel that when there economic situation improves, or when their health improves, or if _____ improves, then they will be happy, then they will feel God’s presence and blessing, then they will be strong and content. But this is usually not the case. God gives us His joy and the strength of His presence in “everything,” and even “more so” when things are bad.
The Sufficiency of His Strength, The Sphere of His Strength
3. The Source of His Strength – “through him who gives me strength”
What was the source of Paul’s hopeful outlook even though he was in prison? What was the source of Paul’s strength to endure the unimaginable suffering he endured? Who enabled him to be happy when he was hungry and without food? Who gave him peace when he was persecuted for preaching the Gospel? Who gave him joy when others deprived him of what he had? Who strengthened him to courageously preach God’s Word? It was the living Lord Jesus (called “The sovereign Lord” by Habakkuk 3:19) who strengthened him in every situation he faced. The same sovereign Lord promises to give you His strength too.
The source of strength is in Christ and it is experienced as we grow in our personal relationship with him. Proverbs 24:5 tells us that “a man of knowledge [experiential] increases strength.” This reinforces the truth that God’s strength is enjoyed as we relate to Him daily as living Lord. That is exactly what Jesus meant in John 15:5 when He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, [i.e., salvation and sanctification] he will bear much fruit [strength being a fruit]; apart from me you can do nothing.” In our strength alone, all we can produce is “I can’t.” You can do nothing of yourself, but you “can do” “everything through him who gives” you strength.
There is a balance at work in this verse. Some people just emphasize the “I can do.” This alone is pure humanism, positive thinking. Other people just emphasize the “through Christ” as if He does it all and there’s nothing that I need to do. The key to the balance is found in the phrase “through him” or “en Christo,” which literally means “by means of.” So, “I can do all things by means of the strength of Christ in me.” I am the instrument, He is the power!
Warren Wiersbe explains the source of God’s strength in this way: All of nature depends on hidden resources. The great trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. Rivers have their sources in the snow-capped mountains. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God sees. Unless we draw on the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life. “I can—through Christ!” was Paul’s motto, and it can be our motto too.
Are you relying on His strength today? Where do you need God’s strength today? In what area of your life do you need to claim the promise of His strength? His grace really is sufficient. There are 26 letters in the English alphabet and all of the books in the world printed in English use those 26 letters. The authors did not have to go outside of the alphabet to assemble this massive collection of knowledge. The alphabet provided for them everything they needed for this one task. Jesus Christ called Himself the Alpha and the Omega, and we do not have to go outside of him for anything that we need. He is God’s “everything” – for all situations. He is sufficient! God’s Word is true: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sermon Series: Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
“His Strength”
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)
Introduction
You probably didn’t know this but September 13, 2010 is “Positive Thinking” Day. Perhaps you remember reading the story to your children, "The Little Engine that Could." The climax of the story is when the little train pulls its oversized load to the top of the hill, finding strength to keep going by repeating the words, "I think I can; I think I can; I think I can." Because it thought positive thoughts, it accomplished the impossible.
Motivational speakers abound reminding us that it’s all in our mind. If you think you can do it, then surely you will. This idea gets imported into Christianity by the use and misuse of our verse today in Philippians 4:13. Why is this verse so popular? Because it has such a positive message, a message very much in line with what we know as the “American Spirit.” For years Norman Vincent Peale preached his “positive thinking” message. His book, “The Power of Positive Thinking” published in 1952 sold almost 20 million copies in 41 languages. And on the West coast, Robert Schuller promoted a similar idea in “possibility thinking.”
Paul’s message in Philippians 4:13 is not so much positive thinking as it is “right thinking.” Positive thinking alone is “humanism,” but when you combine the “I can do” with the “through Christ” or “in Christ,” it is right thinking.
So here is one of the great promises in the Bible, the promise of God’s strength, God’s power, God’s victory in our circumstances.
I want to talk with you today about experiencing God’s strength as expressed in our text today from three aspects: The Sufficiency of His Strength, The Sphere (or operation) of His Strength, and The Source of His Strength.
1. The Sufficiency of His Strength – “I can do”
Here we are talking about what God’s strength can do. Paul is not a victim of his circumstances, he is a victor. He knows that the Lord is in control and he also knows that it is a choice for him to trust in the Lord in all of his circumstances. Paul is choosing to trust God even in the dark. What are the “I can do’s” that Paul is referring to? (1) For one, they are the life experiences that Paul has faced. In these experiences, difficult they may have been, Paul has learned to be content. He has learned to rely on God’s strength.
A casual look at Paul’s difficult experiences, shows us just what he had to endure. For example, in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 Paul tells us that he was in prison (23), flogged (23), repeatedly exposed to death (23), whipped five times (24), beaten with rods three times (25), constantly on the move (26), in constant danger (26), he went prolonged periods without sleep, food, or a place to stay (27), he carried the burden of the churches (28), and he struggled with internal battles of the soul (29).
If that’s not all enough, Paul experienced what he called “a thorn in my flesh” (12:7), and this he called “a messenger of Satan to torment me.” This was probably some type of physical problem that Paul experienced. Three times he “pleaded with the Lord to take it away,” but God did not. Instead though, God did say “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power [strength] is made perfect in weakness” (12:9). Paul came to realize the sufficiency of God’s strength, that when he was weak, he was strong. Paul knew the truth that whatever God led him to, God would lead him through. That’s why he was able to say, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
In your life experiences, good and bad, you have a choice to be content, you have a choice to trust in God and His strength. Many times we feel that we are powerless victims of fate. Our attitude is “I can’t” endure, “I can’t” overcome, “I can’t” make it, but Paul reminds us that in Christ our “I can’t” becomes “I can!” What’s important to see is that this “Can do” spirit is “learned” (v.11), which means to “learn by experience.”
During this eight week emphasis, we are asking you to memorize a Scripture verse each week. The value in committing Scripture to memory is obvious – when you need a word from God, the Lord is able to retrieve it from the hard drive of your soul. We are asking you to commit to memory this great promise of God’s strength found in Phillipians 4:13, yet memorizing this verse alone will not give you His strength, you must learn to rely on God’s strength in your life situations as you exercise your faith muscle your ability to trust Him grows. You learn to rely on God’s power through your life experiences, one choice at a time, and what you find is that your faith grows even greater the next time a difficult situation arises. That’s why Paul’s faith grew as he walked with God. He learned to trust in God’s strength day-by-day. Paul learned that the “joy of the Lord” was his strength (Neh. 8:10).
Think of it like this. No one wakes up one morning and decides that they are going to run a marathon that morning. No, you first discipline yourself by running shorter distances, by getting in shape, so that when it’s time to run the marathon, you are conditioned to do so. In every endeavor that requires conditioning you have to take incremental steps to reach your goal. But over time through discipline you begin to see changes and you become conditioned to reach your goal. That’s what Paul is saying when he says to us that he “learned” the secret of being content. Rely on God’s strength today in your situation. Then when tomorrow gets here, it will be easier for you to trust in His strength by default.
God’s strength is sufficient in our trials and burdens. (2) God’s strength is also sufficient in whatever the Lord calls us to do. God empowered Paul to fulfill his mission, and God will empower you, He will strengthen you to do what He’s called you to do. (3) God’s strength is also sufficient to empower us to face whatever the future holds.
The Sufficiency of His Strength
2. The Sphere of His Strength – “everything” or “all things”
Where does this “can do” spirit operate? Does it operate only when things are going well. No, the “can do” spirit included “everything,” or “all things.” Paul is saying that my circumstances have no bearing on my ability to be in a perfect state of contentment. The actual context for this promise is important to see. Paul is not saying he can do just anything and everything. Paul is not all of sudden superman. The context here has to do primarily with his life and especially his economic status. Paul’s in prison, he’s destitute, he has nothing but God, but God is all he needs. And even thought he has nothing, he has everything, especially the strength of the Lord to deal with his circumstances.
Some people feel that if they are going through a rough patch, then somehow there relationship with God must not be right. We feel that “Christians aren’t supposed to go through this,” or “I’m not supposed to feel this way.” The truth is much different. You can be right where you need to be with God and go through difficult times. Paul is exhibit “A.” But the beauty of the Christian life is that God’s strength comes to us “more so” in difficult times not less. It’s not always the good times that we sense God’s strength, it’s when the bottom falls out that we experience the tender mercy and strength of our Lord. Because in those times we come to know that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . . . [thought life falls apart we know that] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Ps. 46:1-2, 11).
Many people feel that when there economic situation improves, or when their health improves, or if _____ improves, then they will be happy, then they will feel God’s presence and blessing, then they will be strong and content. But this is usually not the case. God gives us His joy and the strength of His presence in “everything,” and even “more so” when things are bad.
The Sufficiency of His Strength, The Sphere of His Strength
3. The Source of His Strength – “through him who gives me strength”
What was the source of Paul’s hopeful outlook even though he was in prison? What was the source of Paul’s strength to endure the unimaginable suffering he endured? Who enabled him to be happy when he was hungry and without food? Who gave him peace when he was persecuted for preaching the Gospel? Who gave him joy when others deprived him of what he had? Who strengthened him to courageously preach God’s Word? It was the living Lord Jesus (called “The sovereign Lord” by Habakkuk 3:19) who strengthened him in every situation he faced. The same sovereign Lord promises to give you His strength too.
The source of strength is in Christ and it is experienced as we grow in our personal relationship with him. Proverbs 24:5 tells us that “a man of knowledge [experiential] increases strength.” This reinforces the truth that God’s strength is enjoyed as we relate to Him daily as living Lord. That is exactly what Jesus meant in John 15:5 when He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, [i.e., salvation and sanctification] he will bear much fruit [strength being a fruit]; apart from me you can do nothing.” In our strength alone, all we can produce is “I can’t.” You can do nothing of yourself, but you “can do” “everything through him who gives” you strength.
There is a balance at work in this verse. Some people just emphasize the “I can do.” This alone is pure humanism, positive thinking. Other people just emphasize the “through Christ” as if He does it all and there’s nothing that I need to do. The key to the balance is found in the phrase “through him” or “en Christo,” which literally means “by means of.” So, “I can do all things by means of the strength of Christ in me.” I am the instrument, He is the power!
Warren Wiersbe explains the source of God’s strength in this way: All of nature depends on hidden resources. The great trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. Rivers have their sources in the snow-capped mountains. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God sees. Unless we draw on the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life. “I can—through Christ!” was Paul’s motto, and it can be our motto too.
Are you relying on His strength today? Where do you need God’s strength today? In what area of your life do you need to claim the promise of His strength? His grace really is sufficient. There are 26 letters in the English alphabet and all of the books in the world printed in English use those 26 letters. The authors did not have to go outside of the alphabet to assemble this massive collection of knowledge. The alphabet provided for them everything they needed for this one task. Jesus Christ called Himself the Alpha and the Omega, and we do not have to go outside of him for anything that we need. He is God’s “everything” – for all situations. He is sufficient! God’s Word is true: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Putting Christ First (Matthew 6:33; 1 Samuel 15:1-23)
A sermon preached on Sunday, September 5, 2010 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Series: Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
First Sermon: “Putting Christ First”
Introduction to Series
In “Lessons on Christian Living” you will learn about eight principles and promises God has given you as his son or daughter, and the corresponding responsibilities and privileges you have in living a life that pleases God. Our first lesson is “Putting Christ First.” Who will you live your life for? What has first place in your thoughts and plans? Jesus often challenged his disciples to consider their commitment to him and his kingdom. One of those instances is found in Matthew 6:33, our focal verse for the day.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). As you begin to put him, his will, and his work first in your daily life, you will begin to fully experience God’s love and care, for he has promised to provide all of your daily needs.
What does it mean to put Christ first? Putting Christ first means following the Lord with complete obedience. We are going to learn what complete obedience means as we look at an account in the life of King Saul found in 1 Samuel chapter 15. An occasion of disobedience on the part of Saul leads God to declare what it means to put him first.
1. God’s Word Commanded (15:1-3)
Through Samuel the prophet, God brought “The message of the Lord” (v.1) to King Saul. “The Lord Almighty” is going to bring judgement upon the Amalekites (v.2). “Lord Almighty” is literally “Yahweh Sabaoth,” and means “The Lord of Hosts” or “Armies.” This name for God carries the idea of God’s sovereignty. He is the Lord, the Conqueror! According to the word of the Lord of Armies, the Amalekites are to be totally destroyed (v.3). The Hebrew word here for “totally destroyed” is a special word that means “the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them.” The people are to be devoted to destruction and the destruction is to be complete.
God is perfectly just in punishing the Amalekites. There is a long history that has come before this command to annihilate them. The Amalekites, in their persistent refusal to fear God (Deut. 25:18), sowed the seeds of their own destruction. God is patient and slow to anger, “abounding in love and faithfulness” (Ex. 34:6); he nevertheless “does not leave the guilty unpunished” (v.7).
1. God’s word commanded
2. God’s Word Compromised (15:4-9)
How did Saul respond to this mission from God? He partially carried out the task (v.7) in that he preserved the life of Agag, king of the Amalekites (v.8-9a) and he spared the best of the sheep and cattle “and everything that was good” (v.9). That which they deemed to be good, “they were unwilling to destroy completely.” They merely destroyed that which they deemed “despised and weak.” The word “unwilling” is used elsewhere in Scripture to indicate the sin of rebellion.
Now this seems perfectly reasonable to you and I. Keep the good stuff and get rid of the bad. But the problem is that this is not what God told Saul and the people to do. And as we will see, partial obedience is not obedience at all.
3. Disobedience Condemned (15:10-21)
What Saul thought was a good thing God said marked a “turning away” from the Lord (v.10). To say that you are following the Lord and not doing what he has commanded you is contradictory. You cannot go forward at the same time you are going backwards. Disobedience is going in the wrong direction. Listen to what God has said. “So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left” (Deut. 5:32). And in Joshua 1:7, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” (Josh. 1:7). Clearly, disobedience is turning away from the Lord. Are you following Jesus? Putting Christ first? Putting Him first means following the Lord with complete obedience.
After agonizing over the situation all night long (v.11), Samuel went looking for Saul. He had the unenviable position of having to address Saul’s disobedience. It’s not always easy being a prophet. Samuel clearly was grieved himself. Saul has been a disappointment, yet He had so much potential. Samuel finds Saul at Gilgal near Carmel where he had gone to erect a monument to celebrate his latest victory (v.12). No doubt this memorial was a great photo opportunity for Saul.
Saul greets Samuel in a pious tone of voice, “Bless the Lord! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions” (v.13). But Samuel says, “If that is so, why do I hear sheep bleating? Why do I hear cattle lowing?” (v. 14). “It seems as if I recall telling you exactly what God told you to do and did not involve keeping any sheep and cattle.” What about us? Are we carrying out the Lord’s commands, his instructions? Are we taking this Gospel message seriously and putting Christ first in our lives? Or like Saul have we become satisfied with partial, incomplete obedience which is not obedience at all?
Saul does what most people do when they are pinned against the spiritual wall, he blames someone else, here the soldiers who are under his leadership. “The soldiers . . .” were easy targets (v.15). Notice how Saul says “They” did this but “we” (meaning himself), “totally destroyed the rest.” Some general Saul is, he has just thrown his soldiers under the bus. Verse 9 makes it clear that Saul too is to blame. It’s easy to play the blame game, but the reality is there’s enough blame to go around. Saul even distances himself from the Lord in all this telling Samuel that God is “the Lord your God” rather than “the Lord our God” (v.21) even though Saul has just invoked the name of the Lord in a personal way and had claimed to have obeyed him (v.13).
You can almost hear Samuel’s disgust with Saul’s lame story about saving the best to sacrifice to God (see v.15) and he shouts to him to “Stop!” (v.16). Samuel has received a word from the Lord to Saul, a word that he probably is not going to like. What does Samuel remind Saul of?
(1) It was the Lord who promoted you (v.17)
“You were a nothing,” Samuel says, “but the Lord raised you up. Once you were small in your own eyes, once you did not concern yourself with building monuments to your glory (v.17). Once you walked in humility before God, but now no longer.”
(2) It was the Lord who anointed you (v.17)
“Saul, the Lord is the one who anointed you king of Israel. God is the king maker.”
(3) It was the Lord who commissioned you (v.18)
“He is the one who has sent you on His mission (v.18).” Saul took God’s clear Word and adapted it here and there. He thought he could improve upon God’s mission, but the reality is, God’s mission is not up for interpretation. It’s not up to us to add or subtract from God’s commands, it’s up to us to obey what He’s commanded.
Saul changed God’s mission because he didn’t like what God told him to do. The reality is, it really doesn’t matter if we think God’s mission is good or not. We are not the ones who decide if God’s plans are wise or not. God didn’t consult us before the foundation of the world to work out his plan.
As his servants, we simply are to say “Yes, Lord, you’re servant awaits.” God is the one who sends us on our mission. You don’t have to like it. It’s irrelevant. Jesus said to love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, who use you. Love one another. Go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Our obedience does not hinge on whether you agree or like God’s mission or not.
In speaking to Job as he complained about God’s character and how he works, God said “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? . . . Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth? . . . Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you ‘Here we are’?” (Job 38:4, 33; 35). Putting Christ first, we will follow the Lord with complete obedience.
The question to Saul is “Why did you not obey me?” (v.19). The seriousness of this act of disobedience is seen in the fact that it is called “evil.” Saul is in denial and he has deceived himself. “But I did obey the Lord” (v.20). You would never think anything is wrong according to Saul. Everything’s great! Listen to Saul as he describes to Samuel how he has carried out God’s command. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me” (v.20). And “I completely destroyed the Amalekites” (v.20) which was only partially true.
Disobedience is condemned, but . . .
4. Obedience Commended (15:22-23)
(1) A question (v.22a). What brings delight to God? Burnt offerings and sacrifices? Or “obeying the voice of the Lord”? It’s not that worship was bad or wrong, but when worship and ritual become a substitute for true religion, for obedience then we’ve missed God. We could ask the same question. Has our religion become a substitute for obedience to God?
(2) A precept (v.22b). The precept is stated twice for emphasis. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Another way of saying it is “To heed is better than the fat of rams.” Putting Christ first means following the Lord with complete obedience. The “better” thing is obedience.
(3) A warning (v.23a). Disobedience is serious in God’s eyes because at the heart of disobedience is “rebellion.” Furthermore, the Bible says that “Rebellion is like the sin of divination” (Literally witchcraft). In what way is rebellion like witchcraft? In the Bible God condemns witchcraft because witchcraft is an attempt to know how to live in the present and see the future without God. When you and I go our own way, we are saying that we know best, we know how to guide our life without God. Disobedience is like witchcraft and at the heart of disobedience is a heart of “arrogance.”
Saul is not worthy to be king because he has “rejected the word of the Lord” (v.23b). To reject the word of the Lord is to place yourself outside the blessings and protection of God. Reject God’s Word and He will reject you. If only Saul had completely obeyed God, then he could have experienced the blessings of God “all these things would have been added to him,” but he did not put the Lord first. And from this point on, Saul was finished as leader of God’s people. It was just a matter of time but his downfall was sealed. He would continue to make poor choices and God would raise up a man after His heart in David to be king of Israel.
God is looking for people who will follow Him with complete obedience. Are you putting Christ first in your life? First in your heart? In your family? In your time, talents, and treasure? In your business? In your relationships? When the Lord is first, life falls into place, when He’s not, life falls apart. Jesus’ challenge to you is to “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Series: Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
First Sermon: “Putting Christ First”
Introduction to Series
In “Lessons on Christian Living” you will learn about eight principles and promises God has given you as his son or daughter, and the corresponding responsibilities and privileges you have in living a life that pleases God. Our first lesson is “Putting Christ First.” Who will you live your life for? What has first place in your thoughts and plans? Jesus often challenged his disciples to consider their commitment to him and his kingdom. One of those instances is found in Matthew 6:33, our focal verse for the day.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). As you begin to put him, his will, and his work first in your daily life, you will begin to fully experience God’s love and care, for he has promised to provide all of your daily needs.
What does it mean to put Christ first? Putting Christ first means following the Lord with complete obedience. We are going to learn what complete obedience means as we look at an account in the life of King Saul found in 1 Samuel chapter 15. An occasion of disobedience on the part of Saul leads God to declare what it means to put him first.
1. God’s Word Commanded (15:1-3)
Through Samuel the prophet, God brought “The message of the Lord” (v.1) to King Saul. “The Lord Almighty” is going to bring judgement upon the Amalekites (v.2). “Lord Almighty” is literally “Yahweh Sabaoth,” and means “The Lord of Hosts” or “Armies.” This name for God carries the idea of God’s sovereignty. He is the Lord, the Conqueror! According to the word of the Lord of Armies, the Amalekites are to be totally destroyed (v.3). The Hebrew word here for “totally destroyed” is a special word that means “the irrevocable giving over of things or persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them.” The people are to be devoted to destruction and the destruction is to be complete.
God is perfectly just in punishing the Amalekites. There is a long history that has come before this command to annihilate them. The Amalekites, in their persistent refusal to fear God (Deut. 25:18), sowed the seeds of their own destruction. God is patient and slow to anger, “abounding in love and faithfulness” (Ex. 34:6); he nevertheless “does not leave the guilty unpunished” (v.7).
1. God’s word commanded
2. God’s Word Compromised (15:4-9)
How did Saul respond to this mission from God? He partially carried out the task (v.7) in that he preserved the life of Agag, king of the Amalekites (v.8-9a) and he spared the best of the sheep and cattle “and everything that was good” (v.9). That which they deemed to be good, “they were unwilling to destroy completely.” They merely destroyed that which they deemed “despised and weak.” The word “unwilling” is used elsewhere in Scripture to indicate the sin of rebellion.
Now this seems perfectly reasonable to you and I. Keep the good stuff and get rid of the bad. But the problem is that this is not what God told Saul and the people to do. And as we will see, partial obedience is not obedience at all.
3. Disobedience Condemned (15:10-21)
What Saul thought was a good thing God said marked a “turning away” from the Lord (v.10). To say that you are following the Lord and not doing what he has commanded you is contradictory. You cannot go forward at the same time you are going backwards. Disobedience is going in the wrong direction. Listen to what God has said. “So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left” (Deut. 5:32). And in Joshua 1:7, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” (Josh. 1:7). Clearly, disobedience is turning away from the Lord. Are you following Jesus? Putting Christ first? Putting Him first means following the Lord with complete obedience.
After agonizing over the situation all night long (v.11), Samuel went looking for Saul. He had the unenviable position of having to address Saul’s disobedience. It’s not always easy being a prophet. Samuel clearly was grieved himself. Saul has been a disappointment, yet He had so much potential. Samuel finds Saul at Gilgal near Carmel where he had gone to erect a monument to celebrate his latest victory (v.12). No doubt this memorial was a great photo opportunity for Saul.
Saul greets Samuel in a pious tone of voice, “Bless the Lord! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions” (v.13). But Samuel says, “If that is so, why do I hear sheep bleating? Why do I hear cattle lowing?” (v. 14). “It seems as if I recall telling you exactly what God told you to do and did not involve keeping any sheep and cattle.” What about us? Are we carrying out the Lord’s commands, his instructions? Are we taking this Gospel message seriously and putting Christ first in our lives? Or like Saul have we become satisfied with partial, incomplete obedience which is not obedience at all?
Saul does what most people do when they are pinned against the spiritual wall, he blames someone else, here the soldiers who are under his leadership. “The soldiers . . .” were easy targets (v.15). Notice how Saul says “They” did this but “we” (meaning himself), “totally destroyed the rest.” Some general Saul is, he has just thrown his soldiers under the bus. Verse 9 makes it clear that Saul too is to blame. It’s easy to play the blame game, but the reality is there’s enough blame to go around. Saul even distances himself from the Lord in all this telling Samuel that God is “the Lord your God” rather than “the Lord our God” (v.21) even though Saul has just invoked the name of the Lord in a personal way and had claimed to have obeyed him (v.13).
You can almost hear Samuel’s disgust with Saul’s lame story about saving the best to sacrifice to God (see v.15) and he shouts to him to “Stop!” (v.16). Samuel has received a word from the Lord to Saul, a word that he probably is not going to like. What does Samuel remind Saul of?
(1) It was the Lord who promoted you (v.17)
“You were a nothing,” Samuel says, “but the Lord raised you up. Once you were small in your own eyes, once you did not concern yourself with building monuments to your glory (v.17). Once you walked in humility before God, but now no longer.”
(2) It was the Lord who anointed you (v.17)
“Saul, the Lord is the one who anointed you king of Israel. God is the king maker.”
(3) It was the Lord who commissioned you (v.18)
“He is the one who has sent you on His mission (v.18).” Saul took God’s clear Word and adapted it here and there. He thought he could improve upon God’s mission, but the reality is, God’s mission is not up for interpretation. It’s not up to us to add or subtract from God’s commands, it’s up to us to obey what He’s commanded.
Saul changed God’s mission because he didn’t like what God told him to do. The reality is, it really doesn’t matter if we think God’s mission is good or not. We are not the ones who decide if God’s plans are wise or not. God didn’t consult us before the foundation of the world to work out his plan.
As his servants, we simply are to say “Yes, Lord, you’re servant awaits.” God is the one who sends us on our mission. You don’t have to like it. It’s irrelevant. Jesus said to love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, who use you. Love one another. Go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Our obedience does not hinge on whether you agree or like God’s mission or not.
In speaking to Job as he complained about God’s character and how he works, God said “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? . . . Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth? . . . Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you ‘Here we are’?” (Job 38:4, 33; 35). Putting Christ first, we will follow the Lord with complete obedience.
The question to Saul is “Why did you not obey me?” (v.19). The seriousness of this act of disobedience is seen in the fact that it is called “evil.” Saul is in denial and he has deceived himself. “But I did obey the Lord” (v.20). You would never think anything is wrong according to Saul. Everything’s great! Listen to Saul as he describes to Samuel how he has carried out God’s command. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me” (v.20). And “I completely destroyed the Amalekites” (v.20) which was only partially true.
Disobedience is condemned, but . . .
4. Obedience Commended (15:22-23)
(1) A question (v.22a). What brings delight to God? Burnt offerings and sacrifices? Or “obeying the voice of the Lord”? It’s not that worship was bad or wrong, but when worship and ritual become a substitute for true religion, for obedience then we’ve missed God. We could ask the same question. Has our religion become a substitute for obedience to God?
(2) A precept (v.22b). The precept is stated twice for emphasis. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Another way of saying it is “To heed is better than the fat of rams.” Putting Christ first means following the Lord with complete obedience. The “better” thing is obedience.
(3) A warning (v.23a). Disobedience is serious in God’s eyes because at the heart of disobedience is “rebellion.” Furthermore, the Bible says that “Rebellion is like the sin of divination” (Literally witchcraft). In what way is rebellion like witchcraft? In the Bible God condemns witchcraft because witchcraft is an attempt to know how to live in the present and see the future without God. When you and I go our own way, we are saying that we know best, we know how to guide our life without God. Disobedience is like witchcraft and at the heart of disobedience is a heart of “arrogance.”
Saul is not worthy to be king because he has “rejected the word of the Lord” (v.23b). To reject the word of the Lord is to place yourself outside the blessings and protection of God. Reject God’s Word and He will reject you. If only Saul had completely obeyed God, then he could have experienced the blessings of God “all these things would have been added to him,” but he did not put the Lord first. And from this point on, Saul was finished as leader of God’s people. It was just a matter of time but his downfall was sealed. He would continue to make poor choices and God would raise up a man after His heart in David to be king of Israel.
God is looking for people who will follow Him with complete obedience. Are you putting Christ first in your life? First in your heart? In your family? In your time, talents, and treasure? In your business? In your relationships? When the Lord is first, life falls into place, when He’s not, life falls apart. Jesus’ challenge to you is to “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
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