When God lifts you, He takes you up and away from someplace. It is always better than where you have been.
I know most people think of God doing that at death. But, the Bible has many more accounts of God lifting us while we are living our lives right here on earth.
***There are times when we get help by using whatever weak power we have left, and at other times, God wants us to just stop our efforts, and watch as His hand comes down and pulls us up. –The case off Peter walking on water. He began to sink. There was an alternative to that, wasn’t there ? He could have started swimming back to the ship. After all, he was a fisherman, raised on the water, and probably knew how to swim. But, he chose to cry out to the Lord. It was the right thing for him to do at the time.
WHEN TORN BY SPIRITUAL BATTLES–GOD LIFTS US UP.
Psalms 30:1«A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.» I will extol thee, O LORD; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
THIS WAS TO BE SUNG AT THE DEDICATION OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID. IT DEALS WITH THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE, AND THE ENEMIES OF GOD.
WHEN HURT BY CONVICTION, GUILT AND SHAME, GOD WILL REACH DOWN AND LIFT US UP.
Psalms 102:10Because of Thine indignation and Thy wrath: for Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
WE ARE CHASTEN OUT OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US.
Hebrews 12:6For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.
Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAN LIFT US TO GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE.
Ezekiel 3:14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
Ezekiel 11:1Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD’S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.
GOD CAN LIFT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CHASTENED.
1 Samuel 2:7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up.
GOD CAN LIFT THOSE IN POVERTY.
1 Samuel 2:8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and He hath set the world upon them.
Psalms 113:7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
Psalms 147:6The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.
GOD LIFTS US UP WITH THE BLESSINGS ONLY HE CAN GIVE.
JOY AND PEACE AND A KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
Luke 24:47-53And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
HE WILL LIFT PEOPLE TO JUDGMENT.
HE WILL LIFT THEM IN RESURRECTION, BOTH SAVED AND LOST.
John 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.
THE SAVED TO THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST.
THE LOST TO THE WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT.
John 12:34The people answered Him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest Thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
We are speaking about a life that fails to actively submit to doing Divine purpose. Living a life that is without purpose, or without even knowing that there is a Divine purpose.
IMAGINE IF A MAN WAS SET DOWN BY HELICOPTER IN A CITY, AND JUST LEFT THERE. WHAT WILL HE DO ? MOST MEN WILL SEEK TO FIND SOME WAY TO PRESERVE THEIR OWN LIVES. FIND FOOD. FIND SHELTER.
BUT, THE CHRISTIAN IS ALWAYS DROPPED INTO THIS WORLD WITH A GREATER MISSION–TO PUT GOD FIRST ! WE HAVE A PURPOSE BEYOND MERELY SURVIVING.
WHAT ARE WE WITHOUT THE PURPOSE WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN FOR OUR LIVES ?
1. THE PURPOSE OF GOD IS A LIFE-LONG PURPOSE.
SOLOMON DIDN’T TAKE THAT SERIOUSLY. HE MADE IT A ONE-SHOT EFFORT.
1Kings 5:5 And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto My name. See I Kings 11:1-8
NOT ALL RELIGIOUS PURPOSES PLEASE GOD. HE SHOULD BE GIVEN EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS.
Isaiah 1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
KING SAUL SACRIFICED AND WORSHIPED, BUT DISOBEYED GOD. DID HIS RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES NULLIFY HIS DISOBEDIENCE ? NO.
1 Samuel 15:21-26 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king. ¶ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
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SERVICE TO GOD SHOULD BE YOUR PURPOSE, NOT DOING SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD OR TO AVOID OFFENDING PEOPLE. WHAT DID JESUS TELL HIS DISCIPLES TO DO ? DID EVERYONE LIKE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ? NO. SO, DID JESUS TELL THEM TO SAY NOTHING ? OR, TO TRY AND KEEP THE PEACE BY MAKING NEUTRAL STATEMENTS ?
THIS IS WHAT JESUS SAID…
GO… TEACH… BAPTIZE.
NOT MAKE YOURSELF ACCEPTABLE AND PLEASING TO EVERYONE. BY TELLING THE TRUTH, YOU ALWAYS RISK REJECTION. YOU ALWAYS RISK HAVING PEOPLE NOT WANT TO BE AROUND YOU ANY MORE. BUT IT IS BETTER TO HAVE GOD PLEASED WITH YOU THAN PEOPLE !
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
PART OF OUR DIVINE PURPOSE MAY BE LAYING DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN.
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
IF YOU CAN’T STAND UP FOR THE BRETHREN YOU SURELY WON’T GIVE YOUR LIFE FOR THEM. HONOR THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST IN THE BRETHREN. DON’T ALLOW OTHERS TO TEAR THEM DOWN. STAND UP FOR TRUTH.
IT MAY INVOLVE SUFFERING FOR THE LORD. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE OBSERVE AND GIVE GOD GLORY WHEN THEY SEE A GODLY PURPOSE FOCUS ON THE LORD RATHER THAN THEMSELVES.
2. THE DEVIL WILL ALWAYS TRY TO PUSH PEOPLE AWAY FROM THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE.
When I was in high school, everyone was trying to get me to do things which were not the purpose of God. Even pastors were pointing me in the wrong direction.
EZRA. From the secular world.
Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
IF YOU TELL THE TRUTH SOME PEOPLE WILL SAY THAT YOU ALWAYS ARE AGAINST THEM WHEN THAT IS FURTHEST FROM THE TRUTH.
1 Kings 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
WE OFTEN SPEAK OF PETER’S FAILURE TO WALK ON WATER. BUT, IT IS SOMETHING THAT HE DID AT THE CALLING OF GOD. THE DEVIL TEMPTED HIM TO FAIL.
Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.
HE WANTED TO FULFILL THE PURPOSE OF GOD BY HIS OBEDIENCE AND FELL. WHAT HAPPENED THEN ? JESUS LIFTED HIM UP, AND HIS FAITH WAS INCREASED EVEN BY THE NUMBER OF STEPS WHICH HE MADE ON TOP OF THE WATER.
**HAVE YOU EVER FAILED AT SOMETHING YOU THINK GOD WANTED YOU TO DO ?
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
THINK OF THE NUMBER OF STEPS THAT YOU TOOK BEFORE YOU SANK. THE FACT THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO GET EVEN THAT FAR SHOULD ENCOURAGE YOUR FAITH AND CHALLENGE YOU TO TRY AGAIN. BEING FAITHFUL TO THE AUTHORITY OF GOD –even after we fail–IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO MOVE AHEAD TO SUCCESS.
HOW DID PAUL GET TO THIS POINT IN HIS LIFE ? BY SUCCEEDING EVERY TIME HE TRIED ? NO. AND CERTAINLY NOT BY QUITTING ONCE HE FAILED. HE CAME TO THIS POINT BECAUSE EACH FAILURE HAD A LITTLE SUCCESS IN IT, AND HIS FAITH KEPT GROWING.
3. ABOVE ALL IT IS GOD’S DIVINE PURPOSE FOR YOU TO BE SAVED AND SERVING HIM ACCEPTABLY !
Galatians 1:3-4“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”
1 Timothy 2:1, 3-6” I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
2 Peter 3:9“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
John 3:16“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Hebrews 12:28“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”
HOW CAN WE OBTAIN BLESSINGS EVEN GREATER THAN THESE ?
Obedience to God has great rewards. But, the value of those rewards is undercut in most lives today by a focus on what we can get NOW.
Psalm 19:11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
FRIEND. John 15:14-15 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.
SERVANT. Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
FREEMAN. 1 Corinthians 7:21-22 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.
HEIR–FUTURE. KING’S KID ? Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
A SON. Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
1. NO ONE ELSE CAN CARRY THROUGH THEIR PROMISES LIKE GOD CAN.
**Many people make promises, and some they keep, while tohers are never fulfilled.
A. NO ONE CAN DAMAGE US WITH GOD’S SHIELD PROTECTING US.
Genesis 15:1After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
DAVID ALSO SAW IT:
Psalms 119:114Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy word.
–WHAT ABOUT JOB ? GOD REMOVED THE HEDGE AROUND JOB NOTHING CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT GOD PERMITTING IT. FOR THIS, WE MUST TRUST THE WISDOM OF GOD. SOME THINGS WE CAN’T POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND. BUT WE CAN UNDERSTAND THE PROMISE OF GOD THAT ALL WORK OUT FOR GOOD.
Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
B. IF WE LOSE THINGS, WE HAVE SOMETHING BETTER AHEAD.
Philippians 3:8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
2. GOD HAS PREPARED THINGS WHICH GO BEYOND OUR ABILITIES TO UNDERSTAND THEM.
A. A PLACE WITH GOD—WHEREVER HE GOES. (incl. The earth, Heaven, etc.)
John 14:2-3In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
B. PAYDAY IS UP AHEAD, NOT NOW.
WE CAN BE BLESSED BY GOD’S PRESENCE AND A BETTER WAY TO LIVE, BUT THE ACTUAL REWARDS FOR WHAT WE HAVE DONE WILL MOSTLY OCCUR AT THE JUDGMENT. When I was 11 years old, I folded advertisements for a local grocery store. We lived in the city, and Mr. Silverman wanted them going to thousands of homes. So, we would do this for hours. The fresh ink caused us to get very thirsty, and Mr. Silverman would bring us a bottle of coke as a blessing to keep us going. But, we didn’t get paid until we finished our job. OUR GREATEST REWARDS ARE AHEAD. IF YOU LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR PAYDAY ON EARTH, LOOK TO YOUR PAYDAY IN HEAVEN EVEN MORE…. UNLESS, OF COURSE, YOU AREN’T DOING THE WORK GOD ASSIGNED TO YOU.
1 Corinthians 2:9But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.
3. GOD PROMISES A REWARD OF YOUR LABOR.
BUT ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE DONE IT.We MUST consider the future !
A man is told by his boss to move a piece of equipment from one place to another. The employee doesn’t say, “I’ve got other things to do, because moving that equipment doesn’t seem to be very profitable. I can’t see any good coming from it.” Why does he move it ? Because he gets a paycheck on Friday. Sadly, a lot of things that the Lord wants done DON’T get done because people say, I see the benefits of doing that. I don’t see where it is profitable. We obey man because we get a paycheck on Friday, but disobey God because we have to wait a while to get our reward. It is shameful the way some people are far more faithful to their secular employers than they are to the eternal God !
A. JUDGMENT COMING TO THE EARTH VERY SOON.
The lack of forethought to the day of Judgment will bring serious consequences to the world.
Isaiah 3:9The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.
I WATCHED A COUPLE COURT CASES THIS WEEK, AND NOTED HOW THE JUDGE HAD TO QUESTION THE WITNESSES BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT TELLING THE TRUTH. They thought nothing of lying. They brought harder times upon themselves by doing so. The sentence was more harsh.
B. SOME TO GREAT BLESSINGS, INCLUDING THE COMFORT OF GOD.
Luke 16:25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
C. SOME TO TERRIBLE JUDGMENT.
Hebrews 10:27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
FALSE CONFIDENCE IS THE CONDITION OF MANY TODAY. PEOPLE ARE DEPENDING UPON THE GOVERNMENT FOR THEIR SAFETY. THEY THINK THE GOVERNMENT CAN STOP ALL HARM FROM COMING TO THEM.
Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
CONFIDENT IN SELF.
Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
1. OUR CONFIDENCE IS IN GOD.
THERE ARE TIMES WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO ACCEPT THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD.
A. THE WORLD DOES NOT UNDERSTAND IT.
Isaiah 36:4And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
B. IT IS BASED ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW THE BIBLE, OR RECEIVE WHAT THEY HEAR THE BIBLE SAYING, CANNOT BE CONFIDENT IN GOD EASILY.
Ephesians 3:11-12According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.
SOLUTION: STUDY THE WORD.
2. CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OTHER CHRISTIANS.
A. WE CAN ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVES.
DON’T BE FOOLISH AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN PEOPLE WHO HAVE A TRACK RECORD OF NOT BEING SPIRITUALLY MATURE OR SPIRITUALLY STABLE.
2 Corinthians 7:16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
B. A TRACK RECORD IS IMPORTANT IN DISCERNING WHERE WE CAN PLACE OUR CONFIDENCE.
2 Thessalonians 3:4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
WE KNOW THAT WE CAN PLACE OUR ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD BECAUSE HIS TRACK RECORD OF LOVE FOR US AND FAITHFULNESS TO US IS PERFECT.
C. THERE IS CONFIDENCE IN THE FAIRNESS AND COMING JUDGMENT OF GOD.
Galatians 5:10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
3. BELIEVERS WAIT FOR GOD’S WILL WITH CONFIDENCE.
A. THERE IS A TEMPTATION TO BE AFRAID IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. THE WORLD PANICS.
Luke 21:26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
–CHRISTIANS HAVE GOOD SENSE–UNLIKE THE WORLD THAT IS GOING CRAZY.
2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
–PEOPLE ARE MANIPULATED INTO FEAR BY THE MEDIA AND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNS GOD IS GIVING EVERYONE.
Hebrews 10:35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
B. CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER—TODAY, IF YOU NEED SALVATION, OR NEED HELP TO GROW SPIRITUALLY, YOU MUST COME WITH FAITH.
1 John 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
IF WE ARE TEMPTED EVERY DAY, WE NEED HELP EVERY DAY. WHAT IS THAT HELP ?
WE CAN’T BE HELPED WITHOUT A HELPER. IN OUR CASE, IT IS “THE HELPER..” THE HOLY SPIRIT.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
A. OUR HELP DEPENDS UPON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
IF WE ARE NOT IN FELLOWSHIP, WE DON’T EVEN SEE HELP WHEN IT IS RIGHT THERE. HIS VERY PRESENCE IS HELP INDEED. (THE HOLY SPIRIT).
Psalm 42:5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
IF WE DO NOT HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, WE ARE AT A TERRIBLE DISADVANTAGE IN COMMUNICATING WITH THE LORD. WILL THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKE INTERCESSION FOR US WHEN JESUS HIMSELF WOULD NOT ? WOULD THE HOLY SPIRIT HELP US WITH PRAYER IF THE LORD WON’T EVEN HEAR US ? NO. SO, OUR SINS NEED TO BE DEALT WITH.
Romans 8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
B. OUR HELP DEPENDS UPON US LOOKING UP, NOT DOWN.
Psalm 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
C. WE ARE HELPED BY RECEIVING BLESSINGS FROM GOD.
Psalms 116:13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
D. COUNT ALL THINGS AS A BLESSING FROM GOD.
Psalms 116:17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
***DIFFICULT TIMES ARE MEANT TO SHOW THE STRENGTH OF THE CHRISTIAN’S GOD.
Hebrews 13:5-6Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
2. GOD CAN USE A VARIETY OF WAYS TO HELP. EVEN THROUGH PEOPLE.
A. SOMETIMES HE WORKS THROUGH OTHER PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE FAITHFUL.
God delights in using people. But, you have to count on them. If they don’t put God first, they are not dependable, and therefore they are not instruments of God’s help.
1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
EVEN THROUGH PRAYER—IT HELPS IN THAT GOD RESPONDS TO THE CRIES OF HIS PEOPLE.
2 Corinthians 1:11Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
3. WE OFTEN HAVE TO DO SOMETHING TO GET HELPED.
A. I MUST BE CLOSE ENOUGH TO HEAR AND SPEAK WITH HIM.
Luke 6:47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
B. I MUST BE WILLING TO THOROUGHLY RECEIVE HIS INSTRUCTION.
FROM HIS SPIRIT AND HIS WORD. **SOME TRY TO GET BY ONLY WITH WHAT THEY THINK ARE LEADINGS OF THE SPIRIT (BUT IN FACT ARE THEIR OWN EMOTIONS). MUST KNOW THE WORD OF GOD.
2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
C. I MUST RESPOND CORRECTLY TO HIS HELP. THANKFULLY, NOT ASSUMING.
Psalm 63:7Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
There was a man who joined a mail-order wholesale club. He paid his $99 for the year, and then took advantage of the free shipping on everything he bought. He saved a lot of money, and was very pleased with his membership. Then, he got a letter from the club that started off this way– “DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE AS A CLUB MEMBER?” He read on to find out that included in his membership fee was free movies, free recipes, help making travel arrangements, free TV and movies of his choice, free books, and a lot more. He was shocked. In the same way, many Christians don’t know all that they have in Christ.
1. WE HAVE GUARANTEES–THE PROMISES FROM GOD, WHO CANNOT LIE.
1 John 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:
Without that absolute faith, we don’t have access to the other blessings. How do we get it ? By learning about Him.
A. WE HAVE THE GUARANTEE THAT WE CAN PARTAKE IN THE DIVINE NATURE. WE HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED
2 Peter 1:4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
B. BECAUSE WE ARE GIVEN THESE PROMISES, WE SHOULD RESPOND BY LIVING A BETTER LIFE NOW.
2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
THE GREATEST GUARANTEE IS ETERNAL LIFE !
2. WE HAVE BENEFITS BY BEING BORN INTO GOD’S FAMILY.
Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
**Too many ppl put all their hopes on whatever they can get right now.
Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
WHAT ARE THESE BENEFITS ? AN INHERITANCE. WHAT TYPE ?
WHEN ISAAC WAS OLD AND ABOUT TO DIE, WE HAVE THE INCIDENT WHERE JACOB STOLE THE BIRTHRIGHT. IT INCLUDED BLESSINGS OF MATERIAL THINGS AND SAFETY. BUT, ESAU COULD HAVE ALSO HAD A GREAT INHERITANCE. HE CARRIED HIS FATHER’S DNA. HE CARRIED HIS FATHER’S LOVE FOR GOD. HE CARRIED THE TEACHING HE RECEIVED AS A CHILD. HE INHERITED THE EXAMPLE OF GODLY LIVING FROM HIS FATHER. WERE THEY NOT MORE A BLESSING THAN A THOUSAND SHEEP ? GOD PROVIDED IT FOR HIM, BUT IN BITTERNESS HE LEFT IT BEHIND.
***There was a very poor farming family in Georgia. They depended on the profits from the harvest each year to pay for their land and house. One day the father died, and left behind one son. At the funeral, one of his schoolmates was there and tried to comfort him. The friend, after trying to give words of comfort, said, “I’m sorry about your dad not having enough money to help you pay your bills and keep the farm.” The son replied, “My dad left me the greatest inheritance I could get. He taught me how to live and get through troubles and hardship and still be happy. So, I’ll make it with or without the farm.”
WE HAVE AN INHERITANCE THAT YOU CANNOT GET BY HAVING MOHAMED, BUDDHA, OR OTHERS AS OUR FATHER. THEY COULD NEVER GIVE US THE IMPORTANT THINGS THAT JESUS GAVE US.
3. GOD GIVES US A KNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE.
***How important is it to know what is ahead ? If you knew what was ahead, would you take the same school courses you did ? Would you have married the same person you did ? Would you have children ? Would you have received the Lord as your Savior earlier ?
John 16:13Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come.
***THINK of what you could do if you knew the future—your health, your financial situation, world conditions. In your relationship with the Holy Spirit, God makes you aware of all necessary things.
4. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO DO GOOD AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.
Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Who provides us opportunities ? God. But, how many go by without us responding, or even recognizing them.
5. WE HAVE SOMEONE WHO CAN GO BEFORE GOD.
BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN STAINED WITH SIN, WE ARE NOT WORTHY TO GO DIRECTLY. BUT, JESUS NEVER SINNED AND HAS BECOME OUR INTERCESSOR, OR MEDIATOR AND HIGH PRIEST.
Hebrews 4:14-15 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
6. WE HAVE ACCESS TO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH JESUS CHRIST (BECAUSE OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST).
Romans 5:2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Ephesians 2:18For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
**To most people, if you told them that, they wouldn’t care.
WHATEVER WE REALLY NEED IS PART OF GOD’S PROMISE
Philippians 4:19But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
TO SACRIFICE
TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS—REDEMPTION—NOT JUST FOR SALVATION, BUT BEING BOUGHT BACK FROM THE POWER THAT SNARES US.
Colossians 1:14In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
TO RECEIVE A RENEWED STRENGTH
TO MAKE COMMITMENTS
7. WE HAVE A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE GOD.
Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Put your hand over your heart. Feel it beating. It is beating because God gave you the time you have right now. The minute your time is up, it will stop beating, and you will go to your eternal destination. Every heart-beat you felt was a gift from God. Each one. That makes you indebted to God, because with Him, you wouldn’t have that heartbeat.
MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T HAVE IT. THAT’S WHY THE TITLE OF MY MESSAGE IS, “HOW TO BE LESS MISERABLE.” SOME CHRISTIANS ARE MISERABLE PEOPLE, ATTRACTING FEW OUTSIDERS TO KNOW GOD BECAUSE OF THEIR SOUR FACES AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT LIFE. BUT, YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN JOY FROM GOD.
HOWEVER, IF YOU IGNORE SOMETHING LONG ENOUGH, YOU FORGET YOU HAVE IT.
TWO THINGS WEAR THE BELIEVER DOWN–
–THE WORLD NEWS
–MEDICAL CONCERNS
A woman saw the same movie 15 times. Each time, she cries for 30 minutes or more, and is difficult to be around. She complained to her husband that the movie always puts her in a very depressed state. He gives a simple answer: “Do you want to feel better ? QUIT WATCHING THE STUPID MOVIE !”
2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
THIS MORNING, I WANT TO HELP YOUR JOY.
1. ACTING IN FAITH ACCORDING TO THESE TRUTHS CAN BRING YOU FULLNESS OF JOY.
A. GREAT THINGS HAPPEN WHEN GOD ENCOMPASSES YOUR WHOLE LIFE.
John 15:11These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
♦ YOU CAN GET YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED.
John 15:7 If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
♦ YOU CAN BE A DISCIPLE IN MODERN TIMES.
John 15:8Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.
♦ GOD LOVES YOU, AND YOU SHOULD MAINTAIN YOUR LOVE FOR HIM.
John 15:9As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love.
♦ YOU MAINTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD BY DOING WHAT HE SAYS.
John 15:10-11If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
B. JOHN CONFIRMS THAT THESE THINGS WORK.
Almost 60 years after Jesus ascended into Heaven, John had a chance to see God’s teachings work. So, he once again reminds the Believers of their powerful practical work.
1 John 1:4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
WHAT THINGS WAS HE ABOUT TO WRITE TO THEM ? (HE INCLUDED BASICALLY THE SAME THINGS THAT JESUS SAID IN JOHN 15).
♦ WE CAN MAINTAIN FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD BY DOING WHAT HE SAYS.
1 John 1:6-7If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 2:5-6But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.
♦ YOU CAN MAINTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD BY DEALING WITH YOUR SINS.
1 John 1:9-10If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
♦ YOU CAN BE A DISCIPLE OF SOME DEGREE IN THESE END TIMES.
1 John 1:12-14I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
*NOTICE THE SPIRITUAL MATURITY LEVELS THE HOLY SPIRIT IDENTIFIES HERE. LITTLE CHILDREN, YOUNG MEN, AND FATHERS. WHERE ARE YOU ON GOD’S CHART ? YOUR SPIRITUAL MATURITY DETERMINES HOW MUCH YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH.
DON’T EXPECT TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS WHEN YOU HAVEN’T MATURED SPIRITUALLY. It would be like a three year old child telling you that he will win the Boston Marathon race this year. The child MIGHT do that later in life, but he has to grow up first. But, they aren’t going to do it later, either unless that child grows up and fills their body with good things that enable it to deal with the stress and heart-pounding exertion of such a race. Same is true with Christians. We need to be filled with all the fullness of Christ !
♦ WE HAVE THE POWER TO BE THE DISCIPLES THAT JESUS WANTS US TO BE.
1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
2. KEEPING OTHER THINGS OUT WILL ALLOW YOUR HEART TO BE FULL
A. LET GOD FILL YOUR LIFE.
HE COMMANDS US TO BE FILLED WITH HIM. HE IS TO TO YOUR GUIDE IN ALL DECISIONS. HE IS TO BE YOUR SECURITY, YOUR SOURCE OF HELP OF ALL KINDS.
The devil tries to reduce the amount of space for God by filling people with other influences. Someone spoke with me about a recent phone call with a senior Christian. The senior Christian spoke of only two things in a two hour conversation unless she was pushed into another subject. Do you know what those two things were ? Medical conditions and how bad the world is.
Ephesians 3:19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
On the other hand, when we are filled with the Spirit of God, He gives us purpose and a focus that fills us with JOY !
3. YOU CAN’T BE FULL OF THE JOY OF THE LORD AND BE FULL WITH THE WORLD’S PROPAGANDA AND NEWS, TOO !
THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH INTELLIGENCE, AND ONLY SO MUCH TIME, AND ONLY SO MUCH ROOM IN EACH PERSON’S LIFE.
A. THIS WORLD IS FILLED WITH THE WRONG THINGS, AND IT WANTS TO PUSH THEM DOWN YOUR THROAT, TOO.
The devil’s goal seems to be to bring the world to the same condition it was in right before the Flood.
Genesis 6:5And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
THAT IS FILLING THE THOUGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH THOUGHTS OF NOT DEPENDING ON GOD, OF MAKING MAN’S ANSWERS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOD, PUSHING FEAR AND ANXIETY ON US -YES, EVEN ON BELIEVERS TODAY. WHAT IS THAT ? FILLING THEM WITH THE WRONG THINGS.
Romans 1:28-32And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
B. FILL YOUR MIND AND SOULS WITH THE THINGS THAT GOD SAYS ARE IMPORTANT
Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
♦ BRINGING THE GOSPEL TO EVEN ONE PERSON IS LOVELY. ♦ SERVING GOD BY FIXING THINGS AROUND HIS HOUSE IS LOVELY. ♦ USING YOUR TALENTS TO MAKE MONEY THAT CAN KEEP THE CHURCH RUNNING AND REACH SOULS OVERSEAS IS LOVELY.
AS BAD AS SOME PEOPLE THINK THINGS ARE TODAY – THERE ARE SOME VERY IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT HAVE NOT CHANGED.
1. THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE STILL TRUE. 2. THE COMMANDS OF GOD ARE STILL IN EFFECT. 3. YOU STILL HAVE THE POWER OF CHOICE THAT GOD GAVE TO YOU.
RIGHT NOW, YOU ARE EITHER FILLED WITH YOUR OWN SINS, OR YOU HAVE BEEN CLEANSED BY THE POWER OF CHRIST. YOU HAVE THE CHOICE TO RECEIVE GOD’S CLEANSING, OR KEEP YOUR SINS AND PAY FOR THEM FOREVER.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
SEVERAL THINGS TO NOTICE
THIS PEACE HAS TO BE GIVEN. IT IS NOT MADE OR BROUGHT ABOUT BY MAN.
THIS PEACE IS GIVEN NOT BY MEN, BUT BY GOD HIMSELF.
THIS PEACE IS UNIQUE. “MY PEACE” IS DIFFERENT THAN ORDINARY PEACE.
1. THE PEACE OF GOD IS DISTINCTIVE.
LOST PEOPLE CLAIM SOMETIMES TO HAVE PEACE. WHAT DO THEY MEAN ? THEY MEAN ABSENCE OF CONFLICTS, FREE FROM FEARS, WITHOUT PAIN, AND WITHOUT CHALLENGING THOUGHTS. That is basically a person who is unconscious or sedated and in a mental hospital.
A. LOST PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE THE PEACE OF GOD.
THEY WORRY ABOUT EVERYTHING AND WHEN THEY ARE TIRED OF WORRYING, THEY TAKE PILLS, SHOOT UP DRUGS, HUNT UP A NEW SEX PARTNER, OR GET DRUNK SO THEY HAVE SOME RELIEF. BUT IT IS NOT THE PEACE OF GOD.
♦ MANY HAVE NO CONCEPT OF GOD’S PEACE. THEY THINK THEY HAVE PEACE, WHEN THEY DON’T. THE FRAUDS OF THIS WORLD TELL PEOPLE THAT THEY HAVE PEACE WHEN THEY DON’T. POLITICIANS HAVE TOLD US THAT WE HAVE PEACE WITH IRAQ, WITH IRAN, WITH CHINA, ETC. BUT, WE DON’T.
Jeremiah 6:14They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
♦ GOD REFUSES TO GIVE PEACE TO THE WICKED. THAT IS WHY THEY TRY SO MANY OTHER WAYS TO GET IT. DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TRYING TO GET EXCITEMENT INTO THEIR LIVES, ETC.
Isaiah 48:22There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.
♦ SALVATION THAT GOD GIVES BRINGS PEACE.
Luke 7:50And He said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
B. MANY CHRISTIANS HAVE FAILED TO RECEIVE IT.
Confusion in their lives due to battles. Decisions not made, but constantly thought about. God is not the author of such.
1 Corinthians 14:33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
As with the people in the church at Corinth speaking all different languages at the same time, some Christians are confused because they have too much going on at the same time. There are people eve now, who never finish anything they start, and so are packed with many troubles.
3. GOD’S PEACE COVERS ALL AREAS OF LIFE.
A. THE PAST.
Psalms 55:18He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
Romans 3:25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
B. THE PRESENT.
If saved, Jesus has made peace in Heaven on your behalf.
Colossians 1:20And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
C. THE FUTURE.
2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
* This is not the fate which awaits the world. They will think they have peace, but sudden destruction will come.
1 Thessalonians 5:3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
3. GOD’S PEACE CAN ONLY BE OBTAINED IN THE WAY GOD SAYS IT MUST BE OBTAINED.
A. GOD WANTS PEOPLE TO TAKE HIM SERIOUSLY, AND OBEY HIM.
Jeremiah 16:5For thus saith the LORD, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away My peace from this people, saith the LORD, even lovingkindness and mercies.
Jeremiah 16:12And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto Me:
♦ HIS PEACE IS CONDITIONAL
Psalms 119:165Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Requires a change in focus for many people. (This is not something that suddenly overwhelms a person at once, it is a constant growth where the focus is on God and His will becomes dominant).
Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
♦ STAY AWAY FROM EVIL.
2 Corinthians 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
IF YOU WALK INTO THE ENEMY’S CAMP, EXPECT TO BE WITHOUT PEACE.
♦ EXERCISE FAITH IN THE PROMISE OF GOD. HE WANTS YOU TO HAVE FAITH.
James 1:7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
UNBELIEF WILL HOLD YOU BACK FROM TRUE PEACE.
♦ A LIFE OF FAITH IS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR MIND BEING READY TO RECEIVE FROM GOD.
1 John 3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.
B. GOD WANTS HIS PEOPLE TO RECEIVE HIS PEACE THROUGH FAITH.
♦ THERE IS TRUE PEACE IN KNOWING THAT GOD WILL RECEIVE YOU IF YOU HAVE TRUSTED HIM AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD.
John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
JESUS COMMANDED THE DEVIL TO RUN. YET CHRISTIANS TODAY SEEM TO BE RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL.
Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
1. WHEN PEOPLE OPPOSE YOUR FAITH.
Instead of fleeing to another country, they simply went to believers to ask the Lord what to do.
Acts 4:19-23But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
2. WHEN DEMONS ARE PRESENT.
Mark 9:22And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
DISCIPLES DIDN’T RUN. THEY SOUGHT A SOLUTION FROM JESUS.
3. WHEN YOU DISAGREE WITH SOMEONE.
There are times when it is foolish to argue over a matter of your faith. Most of the time, the person who opposes you has their minds set, and all the facts in the world will not dislodge them from thinking like they do. BUT, there are times when you come across a person who you know to be honest and willing to look at beliefs that can be proven from the Bible. THEN, you should not walk away or avoid taking an opposite stand.
A. WHEN THE PERSON IS HONEST AND WANTS TO DETERMINE WHAT IS TRUTH.
Galatians 2:11But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
B. WHEN A PERSON NEEDS TO RECEIVE TRUTH, BECAUSE GOD SAYS TO TELL THEM, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE NOT OPEN TO IT.
Daniel 5:22-26And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
4. SOME CLAIM THAT THEY WANT THE TRUTH, BUT THEY ONLY WANT TO HEAR WHAT PLEASES THEM IN THE FLESH.
A. THEY KNOW YOU WILL NOT AGREE, SO THEY GIVE YOU OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ONLY SO THEY CAN CONDEMN YOU FOR THE TRUTH.
2 Chronicles 18:12-17And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand. And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD? Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?
5. WHEN YOU CAN’T GET WHAT YOU WANT AT THE FOOT OF JESUS.
A. WHEN YOU DON’T GET WHAT IS PROMISED IN THE TIME YOU WANTED IT.
Abraham–for most of his life–did not receive what he had been praying for–a son.
Genesis 15:2And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
B. WHEN OTHERS GET A DIRECT ANSWER, BUT YOU FEEL SLIGHTED BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T.
Luke 24:19-22And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him. But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
WE SHOULD NOT BE RUNNING FROM CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT FACING THEM WITH THE POWER OF THE LORD. THAT WILL GIVE GLORY TO GOD. NOT RUNNING !
1 Chronicles 11:9So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him.
1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Hebrews 11:40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
1. GOD IS GREATER THAN ALL OTHERS.
One of the things which Israel had to deal with was that all the surrounding countries had their own gods. Sometimes there were many to each country. Israel had to prove that the one true God was greater than all of them. An example of doing that is David slaying Goliath, or Moses bringing out the children of Israel.
WHAT ARE WE DOING THAT SHOWS THAT OUR GOD IS GREATER THAN THE GODS OF THIS WORLD ?
A. GOD’S PEOPLE IN THE PAST SHOWED THAT GOD IS ABOVE ALL OTHERS.
Exodus 18:11Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly He was above them.
B. GOD’S WISDOM IS GREATER THAN MAN’S, AND IT IS AVAILABLE TO BELIEVERS.
Luke 11:31The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
C. GOD’S KNOWLEDGE IS GREATER THAN OURS.
1 John 3:20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
D. GOD’S POWER IS GREATER THAN ALL OTHERS.
Luke 11:32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. John 5:36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me.
2. TRUE BELIEVERS SHOULD BE EXALTING THE SUPERIORITY OF THEIR LORD.
John 15:20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.
A. BEARING TROUBLES FOR CHRIST IS GREATER THAN ALL THE RICHES OF THIS WORLD.
Hebrews 11:26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
B. WE HAVE A BETTER, MORE POWERFUL LOVE.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 1 John 3:16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
D. OUR WILLINGNESS TO DIE SHOULD SHOW THAT WE HAVE A BETTER PLACE TO GO TO.
–WE HAVE A PLACE IN HEAVEN.
Hebrews 10:34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Hebrews 11:16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
— WE DON’T HAVE TO DEPEND UPON THIS WORLD. INSTEAD WE APPEAL TO A HIGHER POWER.
Luke 12:24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
3. WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN US IS BETTER THAN GREAT MATERIAL RICHES ON EARTH.
Proverbs 15:16Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Proverbs 16:8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
