A sermon preached on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Sermon Series: Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
Today’s Sermon: Good Works
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10 (Focal, vv.8-10)
Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:10, NIV, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:8-10 (English Standard Version)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Here is one of the most complete descriptions of the nature of salvation and what salvation produces in our lives. These verses describe what it means to be in Christ. We will examine this great passage in two parts: Salvation as the gift of God, and sanctification, as the work of God in the believer’s life. Both parts are essential for us to understand.
I. Salvation: The Gift of God (2:8-9)
Faith and works are two sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other. You cannot have faith without good works and good works as the Bible describes are produced by people of faith. To help us understand the relationship between faith and works, I want to use a statement that John Calvin made that expresses the truth of this passage. The two parts of his statement form the two sections of this message. First, Calvin said what all the reformers voiced, “It is faith alone that justifies” (Calvin).
What does this text in Ephesians say to us about salvation – this “faith alone that justifies”?
(1) Salvation is by grace
Paul reminds his readers in verse 8 (as in v.5) that they owe their salvation entirely to the undeserved favor of God, “For by grace.” God’s grace is His unmerited favor that He grants to us who have sinned against Him.
(2) “Been saved” from what? (Rom. 5:9) – Wrath
It is because of God’s grace that Paul can say “you have been saved” (pf. tense). And what are we “saved” from? This is a valid question that is expressed by many people today. Many do not know why they need God’s salvation. Romans 5:9 tells us why we need to be saved. To be “saved” is to be saved from the wrath of God due to us at the final judgement because of sin. The phrase, “you have been saved” is the equivalent of saying “you have been justified.” See Romans 3:23-24.
(3) To be “saved” is to be secure (pf. tense)
This salvation or justification is complete in the sense that no defect or inadequacy mars God’s purpose. To be “saved” means that the believers salvation is completely secured. The action of “saved” involves a present and ongoing state which has resulted from a past action. In Christ the Christian can correctly say “I have been saved, I am saved, and I will be saved!” If salvation was obtained by some human effort on our part, then it would not be complete, but because salvation is “by grace,” and it is wholly of God, we stand justified (“saved”) before God for all time. The wrath of God fell on Jesus at the cross. “By His blood” we are justified (Rom. 5:9).
How does this salvation come to us? How do we enter into this justified “saved” state of being?
(4) Salvation is received “through faith”
Salvation is appropriated “through faith,” (Rom. 5:1) which is confident reliance in Christ Jesus as the only means of our salvation. Faith is only as good as its object. Who then is worthy to place trust in to save us from eternal wrath? There is but one person, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the object of our faith. See Gal. 2:16; Rom. 3:22, 26. The passages in Romans describe how God can be perfectly just and yet still justify us. God’s justice was satisfied in the cross.
(5) Faith comes from God – “and this”
It’s important for us to see that faith, however, is not a quality, a virtue, or a human faculty that some people are predisposed towards. Saving faith is not something that man can produce. It is simply a trustful response that is itself evoked (or prompted) by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (Jn. 6:44). The word translated “can come” is the word that means “to be able.” Man alone does not have the moral or spiritual ability to come to Christ unless the Father “draws him” and gives him the inclination to come and the ability to place trust in Christ.
The key to this interpretation is found in the phrase “and this.” Does the “not your own doing” point to “faith” or to “saved” or to the entire process? From start to finish the entire process is God’s doing. Grace and even faith are included in this “gift of God,” so that in every aspect salvation is the gift and work of God.
(6) Boast in God alone – “not by works”
So that no one would misinterpret faith as being our contribution to salvation, Paul immediately adds the phrase, “ it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” The “gift of God” is found in various places in the NT. For example, it is the gift that brings justification (Rom. 5:16), the “gift of righteousness” (v.17), the gift of “eternal life” (Rom. 6:23), and the gift of Himself (Jn. 4:10). Because salvation is a gift and “Not a result of works” (i.e., self-effort), there is no grounds for our boasting (Rom. 3:27).
Based on what is revealed in these two verses, let me ask you a very important question, “Have you “been saved” “by grace”? Has there been a point in time where you by faith accepted what God has done for you in Jesus? Have you been declared justified? Do you have the assurance of your salvation? If not, has God given you the inclination to reach out to Him in faith? “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). Is the Father drawing you to believe in Jesus? If so, “Believe [faith, trust] in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). “Whoever hears my word and believes [faith, trust] him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned” (Jn. 5:24).
II. Sanctification: The Work of God (2:10)
(1) Receiving God’s gift is just the beginning
The entire process of salvation is God’s doing (see 2 Cor. 5:17-18) but our salvation does not end with the reception of God’s gift. Again, Calvin said, “It is faith alone that justifies,” “But faith that justifies can never be alone.” (Calvin). Sanctification is the process of becoming like Jesus, growing in grace. The “good works” produced through us are evidence that God is at work in our lives. See James 2:14-26, esp. vv.22-24. There is no contradiction between faith and works as we will see in Eph. 2:10.
(2) Christians are God’s “workmanship” (Rom. 1:20)
Paul used a word to describe believers that he alone uses in Scripture and does so only twice. It is the word translated here as “workmanship” in the phrase, “For we are His workmanship.” Our English word “poem” is derived from this Greek word. Literally, you might say that Christians are God’s poems, works of art. This is how God describes those who are in Christ. We are His special new creations. God has made all people in His image, but sin has marred, defaced the image of God, not destroyed it. However, in Christ, and only through Christ are we created anew by God.
The only other occurrence of this word is in Romans 1:20 where it says God’s “invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made (“Poiema”).” We see evidence of the creator in His “workmanship” in creation. To see a Christian is to see a new creation that only God could have created. Only God can take sinners and make them saints. Only God can make the unclean clean. Only God can redeem the ruined. Only God can cleanse the soul and make us new!
(3) A miraculous new status – “created in Christ Jesus”
How have we become “God’s workmanship”? The next phrase tells us, “created in Christ Jesus.” The verb “to create” in the OT Hebrew would be “barah” and it is only used of God and denotes the creative energy he alone can exert. Here the verb denotes a past completed action that has abiding results, and the emphasis on the action is that God alone is the one who has done the creating (aorist, passive, participle). It is God who has made us new creations, “God’s workmanship.” The great hope that we have is that God is still making new creations in Christ. And what God can do in a life is nothing short of miraculous. Salvation, the new birth is comparable in quality to the creation of the universe! No natural process can accomplish or explain either miracle.
(4) Our new life’s purpose – “for good works”
What is the purpose of God making us His “workmanship”? In Christ Jesus we are recreated, “for good works,” God’s original intention for us. “Good” means profitable, benefitting others, and carries the idea of beauty or that which is attractive. That which is done to benefit others is beautiful because it is a God-work. It’s been said that “good deeds are God deeds.”
Producing “good works” signifies every kind of activity undertaken for the name of Christ, it is being fruitful for God. It is taking on the character of Christ – His attitude and actions. Good works reflect Christ’s life flowing through us. It is as Christ said, letting “your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
True faith produces good works. Works never produces salvation, but salvation always produces good works. A man is not justified by works, but a justified man works. Works are the consequences, not the causes of salvation. They are the fruit, not the root of salvation. One must be a Christian before he can live as a Christian. He must be good before he can do good.
(5) The path has been “prepared beforehand”
The good and beautiful works that God has for us to do have been “prepared beforehand” by God Himself. Here is an aorist active verb which means that these works that God has prepared have been established by God from a point in the past. The road has already been built. Here is a further reason why the Christian has nothing left to boast about. Even the good that you and I do now has its source in God, who has made it possible. As Paul reminds us, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). If God has prepared beforehand good works for me to do, then I need to first, know God and then let God reveal to me those good works that He wants me to do. And He will!
(6) Where will you “walk”?
Why has God prepared these good works? So “that we should walk in them.” The word “walk” means to live or to conduct yourself. The word is also found at Romans 6:4 where Paul encouraged the Roman Church to “walk properly” and 13:13 where he encouraged them to “walk in newness of life.” The verb is a subjunctive aorist which denotes possibility but the outcome is still as of yet an unknown. Therefore, the best translation is “should walk” (ESV, NASB, NKJV). The point is, the road that God has prepared lies before us but we must chose to travel upon it. Our walking in “good works” is contingent on our obedience.
As we do the “good [beautiful] works” that God has “prepared beforehand,” our life will be a beautiful expression of God’s handiwork. As we walk in “good works” it’s as if we are filling-in the shapes, the colors and the textures to the work of art that we are becoming in Christ.
So how is your painting progressing? How are the lines coming along in the poem of your life? Are you living as “God’s workmanship”?
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Foundations: The Church (Psalm 122:1)
A sermon preached on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at Hebron Baptist Church by Pastor Joe Alain.
Sermon Series: Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
Sermon: The Church
Memory Verse: Psalm 122:1, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”
Thinking about the Church
(1) The church is both universal and local. Universal in that it includes all Christians in all places at all times – past, present, and future. It is local in that God’s church includes Christians who come together in local assemblies to carry out His work. HBC is but one local expression of God’s universal church. It’s best to think of the church as a living organism rather than a cold lifeless institution. The church is not buildings or even great programs, it’s people!
(2) The church is made up of redeemed people, people who have come together to love God and to love people.
(3) The church on earth is imperfect because it is made up of imperfect people. But even with all of its imperfections, God loves His church!
(4) The church is of God and loved by God. Jesus said “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades [or hell] will not overcome it” (Matt. 16:18). The church is not a man-made institution it is God-created organism and He is the Head, and we are His body! Ephesians 5:25 tells us “Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.” God thinks much of His Church. Paul’s instruction to God’s shepherds found in Acts 20:28 is undergirded with the sober reality that “the church of God” has been “bought with his own blood.” God loves the church! And because He loves the Church we ought to love God’s church too.
(5) Finally, the church is God’s plan for advancing His kingdom. God is working in and through His body – the church.
Objections to the Church
Objection #1: Sometimes Christians become cynical and critical of the church. They become dissatisfied with some aspect of the church. They don’t like this or that, or they don’t care for how this is done, etc. But sometimes our criticisms are not motivated by love. Don’t criticize the church for when you do you are tearing down Christ’s body, you are destroying what Christ is building. Does the church need reforming? In some sense yes, the church is constantly in need of reformation, but when you criticize your church you’re really criticizing God’s people and your family. You are standing on the side of the enemies of the church and being used by Satan to come against what God calls the apple of His eye (Zech. 2:8).
Non-constructive criticism disparages what God calls His treasured possessions (Mal. 3:17). One of the passages in today’s Bible study is Ephesians 4:11-16. This passage speaks about growing up in Christ to a place of maturity so that God’s church will be characterized by unity and love all organized and functioning under the Lordship of our Head – Jesus! The last phrase of Eph. 4:16 reminds us of the importance of the church growing “up in love” and this is accomplished “as each part does its work.” So love God’s church and love it enough to do your part in bringing God’s church closer to the biblical ideal.
Objection #2: Some others might say, “I don’t really need the church. I’m a Christian but I don’t need to be involved in what happens at church. I can worship God anywhere, etc.” There are several errors with this kind of thinking: (1) First and foremost, being a part of a local church is God’s will for your life. See Hebrews 10:25. To belong to Jesus and not belong to His church in a meaningful way is like saying “I’m married but I don’t have to live (or talk) to my wife or husband.” People who think like this are living contrary to God’s will for their life and are living contrary to God’s will. God didn’t tell you this, so who did?
(2) The second problem with this idea that you don’t need the church is the faulty thinking that you do not need anyone else in life. But this kind of thinking destroys community. The truth is people need the church more than they realize. And this is true because God created us to be in community with one another. He did not create us to go it alone in life. In fact isolating oneself from others was one of the first evidences of our sinful nature, the sinful nature that we see manifested in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, and still is. When sin entered the human race, the first thing that happened was that man became self-centered. Second, he hid himself from God. People that say they don’t need church are really saying that they don’t need God directing their life. The reality is many people who think like this simply hiding from God.
Why then is the church so important to your spiritual well-being? I want to mention five (5) areas, and I want to spend most of the time on the first three, because the last two will be dealt with in the next few weeks.
The church is important because it is . . .
1. Where You Worship God
It brought great joy to the Psalmist when he thought of going to God’s house with others to worship the Lord (Ps. 122:1). For the Christian worship is our joyous privilege. Now I have to admit that before I was saved, I had no desire to worship God. Why? See 1 Cor. 2:14. Worship is a spiritual discipline and only saved peopel really get it. But when God saves you, you want to worship God! You were created to worship, to know God, to love Him. You were planned for God’s pleasure. Worship brings God great pleasure and it brings you great joy (see Ps. 16:11).
See Hebrews 10:25. Believers need to get in the habit of going to church in order to worship God with other Christians. Truthfully, if you do not get in the habit of going to church, you will soon get into the habit of not going to church. A habit is “an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely voluntary.” Only when worship becomes a holy habit, will we grow in our love for the Lord and fulfill His purpose for our life.
2. Where You Grow in Godliness
See Matthew 28:18-20. The church, His body, is charged to “make disciples” (v.19). Our focus is to be on “teaching . . . everything” Jesus has commanded. The church helps us grow in godliness, to become like Christ through the church’s preaching, teaching, and serving ministry. Romans 8:29 tells us that God has predestined us to be “conformed to the image of His son.” God wants to make you like Christ. God doesn’t want you to become a god; but He does want you to become godly. He wants you to develop His character, He wants you to think and act the way He thinks and acts. God wants to make you like Himself.
1 Jn. 3:2 is a wonderful promise, “when he appears we shall be like him.” That’s you in a few years, provided you’re a Christian. So why worry about godliness if I’m predestined to be godly and one day I will? Although God will grant Christlikeness to us when Jesus returns, until then He intends for us to grow toward that Christlikeness. Hebrews 12:14 says that we are to “Make every effort . . . to be holy.” Note, we are not supposed to wait around for holiness, Christ-likeness, we are to pursue it! That’s why Paul tells Timothy, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”
(1 Tim. 4:7).
Ephesians 4:15, Msg. says that “God wants us to grow up . . . like Christ in everything.” God’s will is for you to grow up. How does God do that? He uses the church. The different ministries and leaders of the church are used “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:12-13). As a result of this maturity, we will no longer be tossed about like the waves blown here and there (v.14). As we grow in godliness our lives will be built upon a solid and lasting foundation.
Now, if you need gas for your vehicle, where do you go? You go to a gas station. If you need groceries, where do you go? You go to a grocery store. But if you need growth in godliness, where are you going to go? You go to the place that God has designated as the place to help you grow – His church!
Church is important because it is where you worship God and where you grow in godliness. It’s also important because it is . . .
3. Where You Receive and Give Encouragement
The church is like a family, a community where you are able to receive encouragement but also you can encourage others. Look once again at Hebrews 10, this time verse 24. It says “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” The word “spur” in the NIV means to prompt someone to positive action. The NLT says, “Think of ways to encourage one another.” Have you been encouraged by someone at church? Look for ways that you can be an encouragement to others.
What actions could you take to be an encouragement and blessing to others? God wants you to “Spur” others toward love and good deeds. How do you do that? The very meaning of the word “encourage” tells us. Part of this word means to come alongside someone. The same word is used to refer to the Holy Spirit. The HS comes alongside and leads us and encourages us and prompts us into action. You encourage people by coming alongside them, understanding them, loving them, helping them. Oftentimes we don’t really know what people are going through, so encouragement first begins with understanding.
Our positive words and actions can be a great encouragement to someone. And isn’t that how w want people to treat us? Two Scriptures drive this home. Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Do your words build up and benefit others? If not, keep silent. Or even better yet, come alongside that person. “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matt. 7:12).
Why is the church important? It’s where you worship God, grow in godliness, receive and give encouragement, and it is . . .
4. Where You Learn to Serve
Church is where you learn to put your faith into action. Look at 1 Peter 4:10, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” Your talents are not for your benefit. Do you want to know why you’re alive? You were put here to serve God and they way you serve God is by serving other people. If you’re called to salvation you’re called to serve. You can learn to serve God through church when you first, make yourself available and second, when you remain faithful.
5. Where You Carry Out God’s Mission
Jesus said, “In the same way that you gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world” (Jn. 17:18, Msg.). God’s mission is to advance His kingdom (His rule) and we participate with God in doing that as we share the Gospel and teach all that He has commanded (Evangelism and Discipleship). Through the use of your time, the discovery and use of your talents, and through using your treasure, you participate in carrying out God’s mission, to advance the Gospel into all the world.
It is the church that provides the opportunities to “go . . . and make disciples.” The church sends out the preachers, the teachers, the missionaries. It is the church that gives a cup of water in Jesus’ name. It is the church that brings people to the saving knowledge of God. It is the church and only the church that has been commissioned to extend God’s kingdom. If you want to be part of what God is doing in His world, see God at work and join Him as He works in and through His church!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sermon Series: Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living
Sermon: The Church
Memory Verse: Psalm 122:1, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’”
Thinking about the Church
(1) The church is both universal and local. Universal in that it includes all Christians in all places at all times – past, present, and future. It is local in that God’s church includes Christians who come together in local assemblies to carry out His work. HBC is but one local expression of God’s universal church. It’s best to think of the church as a living organism rather than a cold lifeless institution. The church is not buildings or even great programs, it’s people!
(2) The church is made up of redeemed people, people who have come together to love God and to love people.
(3) The church on earth is imperfect because it is made up of imperfect people. But even with all of its imperfections, God loves His church!
(4) The church is of God and loved by God. Jesus said “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades [or hell] will not overcome it” (Matt. 16:18). The church is not a man-made institution it is God-created organism and He is the Head, and we are His body! Ephesians 5:25 tells us “Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.” God thinks much of His Church. Paul’s instruction to God’s shepherds found in Acts 20:28 is undergirded with the sober reality that “the church of God” has been “bought with his own blood.” God loves the church! And because He loves the Church we ought to love God’s church too.
(5) Finally, the church is God’s plan for advancing His kingdom. God is working in and through His body – the church.
Objections to the Church
Objection #1: Sometimes Christians become cynical and critical of the church. They become dissatisfied with some aspect of the church. They don’t like this or that, or they don’t care for how this is done, etc. But sometimes our criticisms are not motivated by love. Don’t criticize the church for when you do you are tearing down Christ’s body, you are destroying what Christ is building. Does the church need reforming? In some sense yes, the church is constantly in need of reformation, but when you criticize your church you’re really criticizing God’s people and your family. You are standing on the side of the enemies of the church and being used by Satan to come against what God calls the apple of His eye (Zech. 2:8).
Non-constructive criticism disparages what God calls His treasured possessions (Mal. 3:17). One of the passages in today’s Bible study is Ephesians 4:11-16. This passage speaks about growing up in Christ to a place of maturity so that God’s church will be characterized by unity and love all organized and functioning under the Lordship of our Head – Jesus! The last phrase of Eph. 4:16 reminds us of the importance of the church growing “up in love” and this is accomplished “as each part does its work.” So love God’s church and love it enough to do your part in bringing God’s church closer to the biblical ideal.
Objection #2: Some others might say, “I don’t really need the church. I’m a Christian but I don’t need to be involved in what happens at church. I can worship God anywhere, etc.” There are several errors with this kind of thinking: (1) First and foremost, being a part of a local church is God’s will for your life. See Hebrews 10:25. To belong to Jesus and not belong to His church in a meaningful way is like saying “I’m married but I don’t have to live (or talk) to my wife or husband.” People who think like this are living contrary to God’s will for their life and are living contrary to God’s will. God didn’t tell you this, so who did?
(2) The second problem with this idea that you don’t need the church is the faulty thinking that you do not need anyone else in life. But this kind of thinking destroys community. The truth is people need the church more than they realize. And this is true because God created us to be in community with one another. He did not create us to go it alone in life. In fact isolating oneself from others was one of the first evidences of our sinful nature, the sinful nature that we see manifested in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, and still is. When sin entered the human race, the first thing that happened was that man became self-centered. Second, he hid himself from God. People that say they don’t need church are really saying that they don’t need God directing their life. The reality is many people who think like this simply hiding from God.
Why then is the church so important to your spiritual well-being? I want to mention five (5) areas, and I want to spend most of the time on the first three, because the last two will be dealt with in the next few weeks.
The church is important because it is . . .
1. Where You Worship God
It brought great joy to the Psalmist when he thought of going to God’s house with others to worship the Lord (Ps. 122:1). For the Christian worship is our joyous privilege. Now I have to admit that before I was saved, I had no desire to worship God. Why? See 1 Cor. 2:14. Worship is a spiritual discipline and only saved peopel really get it. But when God saves you, you want to worship God! You were created to worship, to know God, to love Him. You were planned for God’s pleasure. Worship brings God great pleasure and it brings you great joy (see Ps. 16:11).
See Hebrews 10:25. Believers need to get in the habit of going to church in order to worship God with other Christians. Truthfully, if you do not get in the habit of going to church, you will soon get into the habit of not going to church. A habit is “an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely voluntary.” Only when worship becomes a holy habit, will we grow in our love for the Lord and fulfill His purpose for our life.
2. Where You Grow in Godliness
See Matthew 28:18-20. The church, His body, is charged to “make disciples” (v.19). Our focus is to be on “teaching . . . everything” Jesus has commanded. The church helps us grow in godliness, to become like Christ through the church’s preaching, teaching, and serving ministry. Romans 8:29 tells us that God has predestined us to be “conformed to the image of His son.” God wants to make you like Christ. God doesn’t want you to become a god; but He does want you to become godly. He wants you to develop His character, He wants you to think and act the way He thinks and acts. God wants to make you like Himself.
1 Jn. 3:2 is a wonderful promise, “when he appears we shall be like him.” That’s you in a few years, provided you’re a Christian. So why worry about godliness if I’m predestined to be godly and one day I will? Although God will grant Christlikeness to us when Jesus returns, until then He intends for us to grow toward that Christlikeness. Hebrews 12:14 says that we are to “Make every effort . . . to be holy.” Note, we are not supposed to wait around for holiness, Christ-likeness, we are to pursue it! That’s why Paul tells Timothy, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”
(1 Tim. 4:7).
Ephesians 4:15, Msg. says that “God wants us to grow up . . . like Christ in everything.” God’s will is for you to grow up. How does God do that? He uses the church. The different ministries and leaders of the church are used “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:12-13). As a result of this maturity, we will no longer be tossed about like the waves blown here and there (v.14). As we grow in godliness our lives will be built upon a solid and lasting foundation.
Now, if you need gas for your vehicle, where do you go? You go to a gas station. If you need groceries, where do you go? You go to a grocery store. But if you need growth in godliness, where are you going to go? You go to the place that God has designated as the place to help you grow – His church!
Church is important because it is where you worship God and where you grow in godliness. It’s also important because it is . . .
3. Where You Receive and Give Encouragement
The church is like a family, a community where you are able to receive encouragement but also you can encourage others. Look once again at Hebrews 10, this time verse 24. It says “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” The word “spur” in the NIV means to prompt someone to positive action. The NLT says, “Think of ways to encourage one another.” Have you been encouraged by someone at church? Look for ways that you can be an encouragement to others.
What actions could you take to be an encouragement and blessing to others? God wants you to “Spur” others toward love and good deeds. How do you do that? The very meaning of the word “encourage” tells us. Part of this word means to come alongside someone. The same word is used to refer to the Holy Spirit. The HS comes alongside and leads us and encourages us and prompts us into action. You encourage people by coming alongside them, understanding them, loving them, helping them. Oftentimes we don’t really know what people are going through, so encouragement first begins with understanding.
Our positive words and actions can be a great encouragement to someone. And isn’t that how w want people to treat us? Two Scriptures drive this home. Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Do your words build up and benefit others? If not, keep silent. Or even better yet, come alongside that person. “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matt. 7:12).
Why is the church important? It’s where you worship God, grow in godliness, receive and give encouragement, and it is . . .
4. Where You Learn to Serve
Church is where you learn to put your faith into action. Look at 1 Peter 4:10, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” Your talents are not for your benefit. Do you want to know why you’re alive? You were put here to serve God and they way you serve God is by serving other people. If you’re called to salvation you’re called to serve. You can learn to serve God through church when you first, make yourself available and second, when you remain faithful.
5. Where You Carry Out God’s Mission
Jesus said, “In the same way that you gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world” (Jn. 17:18, Msg.). God’s mission is to advance His kingdom (His rule) and we participate with God in doing that as we share the Gospel and teach all that He has commanded (Evangelism and Discipleship). Through the use of your time, the discovery and use of your talents, and through using your treasure, you participate in carrying out God’s mission, to advance the Gospel into all the world.
It is the church that provides the opportunities to “go . . . and make disciples.” The church sends out the preachers, the teachers, the missionaries. It is the church that gives a cup of water in Jesus’ name. It is the church that brings people to the saving knowledge of God. It is the church and only the church that has been commissioned to extend God’s kingdom. If you want to be part of what God is doing in His world, see God at work and join Him as He works in and through His church!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, October 4, 2010
Foundations: The Grace of Giving (2 Corinthians 9:7)
A sermon preached on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana by Pastor Joe Alain.
Sermon Series: Foundations, Lessons on Christian Living
Message: The Grace of Giving
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Background: The collection for the poor at Jerusalem. Interestingly enough, Paul never mentions “money.” He uses terms like “offering,” “blessing,” “service,” and “grace.” And in contrast to the Corinthians who were relatively affluent, free from persecution, and joyless which was evident in their quarrelsomeness, the Macedonian Churches to the north who were suffering greatly were held up by Paul as exemplary for their generous giving (8:1). They practiced and enjoyed the grace of giving. What is the grace of giving that these believers experienced?
Grace Giving Is . . .
1. Generous Giving (8:1-2)
How does Paul encourage the Corinthians to give generously from the heart? He lets them know of the generosity of their neighbors. Although the Macedonians were then facing a severe ordeal involving persecution (see 1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14), the Macedonian churches, such as those at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, had contributed generously to the poor at Jerusalem. As Paul expresses it, their “rich generosity” was the overflow of “overflowing joy” and “extreme poverty.” The Macedonians were motivated to give generously because of God’s grace, His unmerited favor and goodness towards them in Christ (8:1).
Why do we give generously? Because “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us . . .” (Eph. 1:7-8a). You do not have to have much to give much, to be a generous person. Just as their suffering and troubles did not rob them of their joy, so their poverty did not hinder their generosity. If people with so little are able to give generously, how much more could we do who are so blessed! Grace giving is generous giving from the heart that has a deep sense of gratitude for what God has done.
Grace giving is generous giving and . . .
2. Joyful Giving (8:2)
The Macedonians experienced “overflowing joy.” They considered it a joy to share in this “service to the saints” (v.4). Our focal verse, 2 Cor. 9:7 reminds us that “God loves a cheerful giver.” God wants us to give but He wants us to give joyfully, “not reluctantly or under compulsion” (9:7). Giving to God doesn’t have to be a painful. It really can be great joy and it is for many of God’s people. Why then is giving to God a great joy. Why have God’s faithful people found giving to be a joyful experience?
People who give joyfully have learned the grace of giving. They know that (1) First, their giving reflects a heart of love and obedience and obedience produces a sense of joy.
(2) Second, they know that Joyful giving is the antidote to covetousness, an unhealthy attachment to stuff. People who are covetous, who are stingy, whose hands are closed are not typically joyful people. But joyful giving frees you from covetousness. Because of our sinful tendencies you and I need to give more than God needs our gifts.
(3) Third, joyful givers know that they are imitating God the God whose nature it is go give. Through their giving they are becoming more like Jesus.
(4) Fourth, joyful givers know that their offerings, their gifts are used by God to bless and build up His kingdom.
Paul quoting Jesus in Acts 20:35 said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Every parent and grandparent knows the joy of giving a special gift to a child. There is incredible joy and satisfaction in the act of giving. And the result of our hands being opened to God are that He is able to continue pouring out His blessings upon us. And so to those Macedonian believers Paul will say in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Grace giving is generous giving, joyful giving, and . . .
3. Sacrificial Giving (8:3a)
These believers gave what they were able but then even went “beyond their ability.” They moved into the area of sacrificial giving. Their giving costs them something. Their desire to give caused them to make some lifestyle changes so that they could give even more. Their example of sacrificial giving reminds us of the poor widow that Jesus spoke of in Mark 12:41-44. While the wealthy gave large impressive gifts, she merely gave her 2 pennies, but it was all that she had. Jesus commended her gift because her motivation was right and because it was a sacrificial gift in proportion to her resources.
Sacrificial giving calls for lifestyle adjustments. Some believers today are questioning the American Dream that is ingrained in us to always want something bigger and better. You see this in books like Radical Discipleship by David Platt which is on the New York Times Best Sellers List and in the writings of Francis Chan. Some of these believers are intentionally downsizing their lifestyles, moving to smaller homes, buying used cars, eating out less and doing so that they can be in a position to give sacrificially.
It’s not the amount of the gift but the heart of the giver and the relationship between the size of the gift and the resources of the giver. Does our giving costs us anything? And what more could we do if we would move into the realm of sacrificial giving?
Grace giving is generous, joyful, sacrificial, and . . .
4. Voluntary Giving (8:3b-4)
If you noticed, Paul is very careful to not say, “You must do this!” He encourages them to give, he shows them examples of believers who are generous and who give sacrificially, but he wants the Corinthians to understand that true grace giving is voluntary. Paul relates that the Macedonian believers gave “entirely on their own” (8:3b). Paul was careful not to compel them to give because they might give under pressure and not motivated from a heart of love and joy. But the Macedonian believers had pleaded with Paul and the others for the privilege of “sharing in this service to the saints” (v.4).
Giving here is called a “fellowship,” a “koinonia.” Giving is a privilege and connects us together as believers in Christ and in His mission. In other words, when you give you are a participant in the true fellowship of the Body of Christ at HBC. I have some theological disagreements with my Pentecostal friends; however, when it comes to church membership, they may have it right. Members are born again believers who actively participate in the life of the church with their presence and with their financial support. To be a part of the fellowship is to be an active supporter with your time, talents, and treasure.
We (HBC) do not want you to give/tithe because you feel pressured to do so. We want you to give from a heart of obedience, a heart of love, a heart overflowing with joy. “God loves a cheerful giver.” If you give because we compel you to give, you might give reluctantly, or grudgingly, and then you would miss out on the blessing and the grace of giving. Motivation is all-important to God. So why should you give? Because like these Macedonian believers, it is a privilege to share in ministry (“service”) together.
Grace giving is generous, joyful, sacrificial, voluntary, and . . .
5. Whole-Hearted Giving (8:5)
Why were the Macedonian believers such generous, joyful, and sacrificial givers? Because they “gave themselves first to the Lord.” They gave themselves whole-heartedly to God, holding nothing back. As a result of giving themselves to the Lord, “then” they were able to give themselves “to us [i.e., Paul and the work] in keeping with God’s will.” Their giving involved so much more than their offerings. They gave themselves to the work of God in every area of their life!
This message is really not so much about money as it is giving yourself wholly to God. The question today is “Are you giving yourself whole-heartedly to God? When that happens God will have your time, talents and treasure. The giving question is settled when the Lord becomes our consuming passion.
When we give ourselves to God then we will give generously, joyfully, sacrificially, and voluntarily. Why? Because we will love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and we will love what God loves. We will give because we know that this is God’s will and plan for us. It is “in keeping with God’s will.” We will give because it is a privilege to “koinonia” together in God’s work. I hope that you will use this opportunity today in worship and in your small group to evaluate your giving. Does it reflect generosity, joy, and sacrifice? What steps could you begin making so that your giving reflects these qualities?
Invitation and Response
The ultimate example of grace giving is JESUS! See 2 Cor. 8:9. He gave himself generously, joyfully, sacrificially and He did it all for you! Have you given yourself to Him? When you do, everything changes!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Sermon Series: Foundations, Lessons on Christian Living
Message: The Grace of Giving
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Background: The collection for the poor at Jerusalem. Interestingly enough, Paul never mentions “money.” He uses terms like “offering,” “blessing,” “service,” and “grace.” And in contrast to the Corinthians who were relatively affluent, free from persecution, and joyless which was evident in their quarrelsomeness, the Macedonian Churches to the north who were suffering greatly were held up by Paul as exemplary for their generous giving (8:1). They practiced and enjoyed the grace of giving. What is the grace of giving that these believers experienced?
Grace Giving Is . . .
1. Generous Giving (8:1-2)
How does Paul encourage the Corinthians to give generously from the heart? He lets them know of the generosity of their neighbors. Although the Macedonians were then facing a severe ordeal involving persecution (see 1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14), the Macedonian churches, such as those at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, had contributed generously to the poor at Jerusalem. As Paul expresses it, their “rich generosity” was the overflow of “overflowing joy” and “extreme poverty.” The Macedonians were motivated to give generously because of God’s grace, His unmerited favor and goodness towards them in Christ (8:1).
Why do we give generously? Because “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us . . .” (Eph. 1:7-8a). You do not have to have much to give much, to be a generous person. Just as their suffering and troubles did not rob them of their joy, so their poverty did not hinder their generosity. If people with so little are able to give generously, how much more could we do who are so blessed! Grace giving is generous giving from the heart that has a deep sense of gratitude for what God has done.
Grace giving is generous giving and . . .
2. Joyful Giving (8:2)
The Macedonians experienced “overflowing joy.” They considered it a joy to share in this “service to the saints” (v.4). Our focal verse, 2 Cor. 9:7 reminds us that “God loves a cheerful giver.” God wants us to give but He wants us to give joyfully, “not reluctantly or under compulsion” (9:7). Giving to God doesn’t have to be a painful. It really can be great joy and it is for many of God’s people. Why then is giving to God a great joy. Why have God’s faithful people found giving to be a joyful experience?
People who give joyfully have learned the grace of giving. They know that (1) First, their giving reflects a heart of love and obedience and obedience produces a sense of joy.
(2) Second, they know that Joyful giving is the antidote to covetousness, an unhealthy attachment to stuff. People who are covetous, who are stingy, whose hands are closed are not typically joyful people. But joyful giving frees you from covetousness. Because of our sinful tendencies you and I need to give more than God needs our gifts.
(3) Third, joyful givers know that they are imitating God the God whose nature it is go give. Through their giving they are becoming more like Jesus.
(4) Fourth, joyful givers know that their offerings, their gifts are used by God to bless and build up His kingdom.
Paul quoting Jesus in Acts 20:35 said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Every parent and grandparent knows the joy of giving a special gift to a child. There is incredible joy and satisfaction in the act of giving. And the result of our hands being opened to God are that He is able to continue pouring out His blessings upon us. And so to those Macedonian believers Paul will say in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Grace giving is generous giving, joyful giving, and . . .
3. Sacrificial Giving (8:3a)
These believers gave what they were able but then even went “beyond their ability.” They moved into the area of sacrificial giving. Their giving costs them something. Their desire to give caused them to make some lifestyle changes so that they could give even more. Their example of sacrificial giving reminds us of the poor widow that Jesus spoke of in Mark 12:41-44. While the wealthy gave large impressive gifts, she merely gave her 2 pennies, but it was all that she had. Jesus commended her gift because her motivation was right and because it was a sacrificial gift in proportion to her resources.
Sacrificial giving calls for lifestyle adjustments. Some believers today are questioning the American Dream that is ingrained in us to always want something bigger and better. You see this in books like Radical Discipleship by David Platt which is on the New York Times Best Sellers List and in the writings of Francis Chan. Some of these believers are intentionally downsizing their lifestyles, moving to smaller homes, buying used cars, eating out less and doing so that they can be in a position to give sacrificially.
It’s not the amount of the gift but the heart of the giver and the relationship between the size of the gift and the resources of the giver. Does our giving costs us anything? And what more could we do if we would move into the realm of sacrificial giving?
Grace giving is generous, joyful, sacrificial, and . . .
4. Voluntary Giving (8:3b-4)
If you noticed, Paul is very careful to not say, “You must do this!” He encourages them to give, he shows them examples of believers who are generous and who give sacrificially, but he wants the Corinthians to understand that true grace giving is voluntary. Paul relates that the Macedonian believers gave “entirely on their own” (8:3b). Paul was careful not to compel them to give because they might give under pressure and not motivated from a heart of love and joy. But the Macedonian believers had pleaded with Paul and the others for the privilege of “sharing in this service to the saints” (v.4).
Giving here is called a “fellowship,” a “koinonia.” Giving is a privilege and connects us together as believers in Christ and in His mission. In other words, when you give you are a participant in the true fellowship of the Body of Christ at HBC. I have some theological disagreements with my Pentecostal friends; however, when it comes to church membership, they may have it right. Members are born again believers who actively participate in the life of the church with their presence and with their financial support. To be a part of the fellowship is to be an active supporter with your time, talents, and treasure.
We (HBC) do not want you to give/tithe because you feel pressured to do so. We want you to give from a heart of obedience, a heart of love, a heart overflowing with joy. “God loves a cheerful giver.” If you give because we compel you to give, you might give reluctantly, or grudgingly, and then you would miss out on the blessing and the grace of giving. Motivation is all-important to God. So why should you give? Because like these Macedonian believers, it is a privilege to share in ministry (“service”) together.
Grace giving is generous, joyful, sacrificial, voluntary, and . . .
5. Whole-Hearted Giving (8:5)
Why were the Macedonian believers such generous, joyful, and sacrificial givers? Because they “gave themselves first to the Lord.” They gave themselves whole-heartedly to God, holding nothing back. As a result of giving themselves to the Lord, “then” they were able to give themselves “to us [i.e., Paul and the work] in keeping with God’s will.” Their giving involved so much more than their offerings. They gave themselves to the work of God in every area of their life!
This message is really not so much about money as it is giving yourself wholly to God. The question today is “Are you giving yourself whole-heartedly to God? When that happens God will have your time, talents and treasure. The giving question is settled when the Lord becomes our consuming passion.
When we give ourselves to God then we will give generously, joyfully, sacrificially, and voluntarily. Why? Because we will love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and we will love what God loves. We will give because we know that this is God’s will and plan for us. It is “in keeping with God’s will.” We will give because it is a privilege to “koinonia” together in God’s work. I hope that you will use this opportunity today in worship and in your small group to evaluate your giving. Does it reflect generosity, joy, and sacrifice? What steps could you begin making so that your giving reflects these qualities?
Invitation and Response
The ultimate example of grace giving is JESUS! See 2 Cor. 8:9. He gave himself generously, joyfully, sacrificially and He did it all for you! Have you given yourself to Him? When you do, everything changes!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
Monday, September 27, 2010
Foundations: Love (John 13:34-35)
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
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 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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