MANY PEOPLE DON’T THINK THAT WHAT YOU DO IS IMPORTANT. THEY CONTEND THAT WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND THINK IN YOUR MIND WEIGHS MORE WITH GOD. NOT SO.
IT BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO THE LORD. THEN YOU CAN HEAR HIM, BE COMFORTED, STRENGTHENED, LED, AND FILLED.
IT HONORS GOD’S STANDARDS, AND SETS YOU UP AS A GOOD EXAMPLE. SOME DON’T WANT TO BE EXAMPLES. OK, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN ? YOUR BROTHERS, SISTERS ? WILL YOU LEAVE THEM WITHOUT AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW ?
GOD BRINGS JUDGMENT AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL, AND ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD EXAMPLES.
1 Corinthians 5:2And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. This man was a leader, was saved, but thought that sin what he did was important.
WE KNOW THAT THE WORLD WILL TRY TO GET US TO DO WRONG.
Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH ARE SUPPOSED TO BE EXAMPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK. BECAUSE CHURCHES HAVE FAILED GOD, THEY WILL BE JUDGED IN THE LAST DAYS.
1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God ?
IF WE DON’T DO RIGHT, THERE ARE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES. ISRAEL, IN DANIEL’S TIME WAS TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY, MADE TO BE SLAVES.
Daniel 9:10Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Daniel 9:13-14As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.
IT IS A LIFESTYLE THAT IS BLESSED BY GOD.
Hebrews 11:8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
IT PURIFIES THE SOUL WHEN WE DO RIGHT. IT PROVIDES FOR A CLEAN MIND AND GOOD FEELINGS THAT GO ALONG WITH THAT.
1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
IF WE DON’T DO RIGHT, IT WEAKENS OUR CONSCIENCE, AND RESULTS IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF RIGHT AND WRONG BEING DESTROYED.
Amos 3:9-10Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof. For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.
THIS IS ANTICIPATED IN THE LAST DAYS. DON’T BE A PARTY TO THIS !
1 Timothy 4:2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
IT HONORS GOD, AND GOD IS PLEASED WITH OBEDIENCE.
BECAUSE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS REQUIRES IT.
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.
BECAUSE OF THE JUDGMENT FOR THE BELIEVER.
2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
BECAUSE OF JUDGMENT FOR THE UNBELIEVER.
YOUR WORKS WILL NOT SAVE YOU. BUT, BY ANY ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE, YOU HAVE SHOWN THAT YOU DO ACCEPT THE AUTHORITY OF GOD OVER YOU. THEREFORE, THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. ONLY ONE HOPE–RECEIVING THE PAYMENT WHICH JESUS MADE FOR YOU.
YOUR WORKS ONLY SERVE TO CONDEMN YOU.
Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
WE HAVE STUDIED THIS BEFORE, BUT WHEN PEOPLE ASK, “HOW CAN I HEAR GOD ?”, IT IS A GOOD REMINDER TO REVIEW THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES.
GOD CONSIDERS OUR HEARING HIM TO BE A BIG DEAL. HE MENTIONS IT OVER AND OVER.
Revelation 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
1. GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT.
* When you have a lot of screens open on your computer, it tests the capabilities of the machine. When it reaches it’s limit, it cannot hear the commands given by the keyboard or the mouse. It is frozen, cold.
A. TAKE TIME TO MEDITATE. IT WILL BLESS YOU.
Joshua 1:8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.; that thy profiting may appear to all.
B. DON’T ALLOW YOUR LIFE TO BE FILLED WITH UNIMPORTANT THINGS.
Paul sorted things out, and labeled all things that do not profit the Lord.
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,
C. TAKING ON MORE THAN YOU GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE.
*GOD WILL NOT PLACE MORE ON YOU THAN YOU ARE ABLE.
1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2. SQUASH THE DISTRACTIONS.
A. ALLOWING TOO MANY VOICES TO BE HEARD AT ONCE. MUST STOP ALLOWING IT !
John 10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
B. OVERWHELMED BY YOUR OWN VOICE AND GOALS.
ESPECIALLY CONCERNING IS THAT FOR THE CHRISTIAN, THIS IS ALLOWING THE OLD NATURE TO RULE. REJECTED FIRST ANSWER, KEPT ON PLEADING WITH GOD. WAS DISTRACTED BY THE MEN, THE MONEY, AND HIS OWN HEART’S DESIRE. DIDN’T READ GOD’S TRUE WILL CORRECTLY.
BAALIM.
Numbers 22:12, 19-22.And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. … Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more. And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
—Simply put, it means that you really don’t want to hear. You want to do what YOU want to do, and that is what you think you hear from God. The results of this are foretold.
Luke 6:47-49Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
C. THERE ARE ALWAYS THINGS TO DO.
BUT, DO YOU FULFILL WHAT GOD WANTS FIRST ? DOES GOD GET TOP PRIORITY ALL THE TIME ? IT MAY BE THAT ONE TIME WHEN HE ISN’T MOST IMPORTANT THAT YOU NEED TO HEAR HIM THE MOST.
2 Timothy 4:11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
APOLLOS—Will come at a convenient time. He had other things to do.
1 Corinthians 16:12As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
D. NOT ENOUGH DEDICATION TO STUDY THE WORD.
3. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT CONDITIONS.
A. SOME CANNOT RECEIVE ANSWERS.
Matthew 13:9-12Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said unto Him, Why speakest Thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
B. YOU HAVE TO HAVE SPIRITUAL ROOTS TO HEAR.
Matthew 13:19-21When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
C. MUST RECEIVE THE SIMPLE SOUNDS FIRST—LIKE GETTING SAVED.
Revelation 22:17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
THERE IS A NEED TO KEEP CONSCIOUS AWARENESS OF YOUR PURPOSE AND GOALS IN LIFE.
John 21:21-22Peter seeing Him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me.
1. HOLDING ONTO THEM REQUIRES CONTINUAL EFFORT.
Jude 1:3-4Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
A. THE DEVIL WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.
And he uses people, demons, or whatever he can to do it.
MARK 8:33But 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.
B. THE FLESH WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.
Will find it easy to forget them, or put them on a back shelf. God wants us to be about His Work ! We have to do whatever it takes to remember that ! Notes, reminders, daily ! IT TAKES LABOR–WORK–TO STAY ON COURSE FOR GOD.
Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
–IF WE BACKSLIDE, IT BECOMES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO HEAR FROM GOD.
Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
C. FAMILY MAY OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD. THESE ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT TO REJECT WHEN THEY PULL YOU AWAY FROM GOD.
—Some family members actually oppose themselves ! But, we must help them.
2Timothy 2:25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Matthew 10:33-37But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
D. THE LOST—EVEN FRIENDS—WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.
Should we be shocked, surprised ? No.
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.
WERE THERE FRIENDS WHO TRIED TO KEEP THE DISCIPLES FROM FOLLOWING THE LORD ? WHAT ABOUT RELATIVES OF THE DISCIPLES ? WHAT ABOUT THE WORLDLY FRIENDS OF MATTHEW ? THE PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE WHO MUST HAVE RIDICULED DR. LUKE.
2. KEEP THE VISION WHICH COMES FROM GOD. MAN’S VISION WILL DISTRACT, TAKE YOU AWAY.
A. SOMETIMES FAR FROM IT.
Galatians 1:6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
B. OUR OWN WILL MUST YIELD TO GOD‘S PURPOSE—A DAILY REQUIREMENT.
Whenever our own will gets in the way. Must be HIS purpose !
2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
C. THE FLESH TRIES FUTILE COVER-UPS.
A sacrifice is not a substitute for God’s calling.
1 Samuel 15:22And 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.
3. PRESERVE THEM REGARDLESS OF WHAT APPEARS PHYSICALLY.
2 Corinthians 5:7“(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”
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:”
This is a multi-part series. On this page you will find links to all audio files in the series as well as the outlines for the entire series. Scroll down for study outlines.
The Callings Of God: Part 1 – 12-6-15 Sunday Morning
Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CALLINGS OF GOD ?
CALLED TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD.
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
CALLED TO BE SERVANTS TO ACCOMPLISH SPECIFIC THINGS IN LIFE.
ABRAHAM. CALLED TO A NEW WAY OF LIFE. DEEPER THAN HIS PARENTS. HIS PARENTS WERE BELIEVERS, MORAL, GOOD POPLE. BUT THERE WAS AN EVEN BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
AARON. DESPITE HIS FAILURES, GRACE CALLED HIM TO SERVICE.
Hebrews 5:4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
CALLED TO A LIFE OF OVERCOMING POWER.
Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
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SHEPHERDS
Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Luke 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
THE SHEPHERDS BECAME EVANGELISTS ! THE SHEPHERDS BECAME A VOCAL GROUP ! THEY WERE PRAISING GOD. IMAGINE THE IMPACT TO PEOPLE PASSING BY. IMAGINE THE GLORY GIVEN TO GOD !
–CALLED TO A SPIRITUAL VOCATION. THE SHEPHERDS PROBABLY NEVER SAW THEMSELVES AS EVANGELISTS OR CHOIR MEMBERS. NOW, THEY HAD A SPIRITUAL JOB TO DO.
**BIBLE DOES NOT SAY HOW THEY SOUNDED WHEN THEY SANG. BUT, TO GOD, IT MUST HAVE BEEN A BLESSING. THEY DIDN’T TURN PROFESSIONAL AND WERE NEVER KNOWN AS THE SHEPHERDS QUARTET. THEY HAD TO KEEP THEIR DAY JOBS.
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, [vocation= calling, or invitation]. Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
–CALLED TO GROW IN USEFULNESS AND AUTHORITY FOR GOD’S GLORY.
Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
–CALLED TO USE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
SERVANTS ARE OBLIGATED TO FOLLOW THE COMMANDS OF THEIR MASTER. ARE WE TRULY SERVANTS, OR PEOPLE WHO SIMPLY STEAL FROM THE GOD THAT WE THINK WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. ***LOOK AT WHAT THE CHURCH DID DURING THE 60’S. IT JUST WANTED MORE COMFORT, MORE SOCIAL ACTIVITES, AND FORGOT TO OBEY GOD’S COMMAND TO REACH THE LOST. NOW, 3 GENERATIONS LATER, GOD HAS MADE AMERICA PAY THROUGH VIOLENCE, FEAR, AND INSECURITY.
–CALLED TO BE HELPED BY GOD. FORGET TRYING TO FIND IT YOURSELF. ACCEPT GOD’S CALLING TO COME TO HIM.
Luke 13:12 And when Jesus saw her, he called [her to him], and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
GOD DOES NOT HEAL EVERYONE DOWN ON THIS EARTH WHO ASKS FOR HEALING. BUT, HE DOES HEAL WHEN THOSE HE CALLS TO BE HEALED RESPOND IN FAITH.
–CALLED TO BE BLESSED PHYSICALLY NOW. CAME THROUGH OTHERS. SOMETIMES GOD USES OTHER PEOPLE. PEOPLE WHO REMIND US OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, OF BETTER DOCTORS, OR MEDICAL HELP. GOD CAN CALL THROUGH ANY MEANS HE CHOOSES. DON’T LIMIT GOD. WHAT IF THE BLIND MAN REFUSED THE CALLING, SAYING HE WANTED IT DIRECTLY FROM GOD ?
Mark 10:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
–PAUL WAS CALLED TO A POSITION OF AUTHORITY. PAUL, AN APOSTLE.
1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
HE DIDN’T EVEN HAVE TO WORK HIS WAY UP. GOD CALLED HIM FROM THE DIRT OF THE DAMASCUS ROAD. HE CAN CALL YOU TO IMPORTANT SPIRITUAL ENDEAVORS THAT REALLY COUNT IN ETERNITY !
–BELIEVERS. CALLED TO A LIFE OF HOLINESS.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
–BELIEVERS. CALLED TO PEACE. GREAT INTERNAL PEACE.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
–BELIEVERS. THE PLACE YOU FIND YOURSELF IS USUALLY WHERE GOD CALLED YOU. BORN A JEW. DON’T TRY TO BECOME A GENTILE. BORN A GENTILE, DON’T TRY TO BECOME A JEW. BORN A SERVANT, DON’T BECOME A MASTER. DO YOU HAVE ALL THE ADVANTAGES OF EDUCATION AND OPEN DOORS IN BUSINESS ? USE THEM FOR THE LORD. IT IS YOUR CALLING.
1 Corinthians 7:17-24 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 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. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
***IF YOU ARE YOUNG, ACCEPT IT. IF YOU ARE OLDER, ACCEPT IT. YOU WON’T CHANGE FACTS. USE WHATEVER YOU ARE TO THE ADVANTAGE OF THE LORD. WHATEVER CALLING YOU HAVE, USE IT !
1 Corinthians 7:21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
USE AGE AS AN ADVANTAGE ! YOUNG, OR OLD.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Philemon 1:9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
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ANNA
ANNA WAS A WOMAN WHO WAS A WIDOW AND SHE USED IT TO FOCUS ON THE LORD.
Luke 2:36-38 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
–MANY ARE CALLED AWAY FROM DANGER. TYRANNY SURROUNDED JOSEPH, MARY AND JESUS. THEY WENT TO EGYPT. GOD BLESSED THEM WHEREVER THEY WENT SO LONG AS THEY LISTENED TO GOD’S CALLING.
Matthew 2:15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
–WE ARE CALLED INTO FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD.
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
WHY DO WE HAVE TO BE CALLED TO THIS ? IT IS LOST WITH ALL THE OTHER CALLINGS OF THE WORLD. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN US CREATES A HUNGER FOPR FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD.
–WE ARE ALL CALLED TO BE A TESTIMONY FOR THE LORD.
Acts 24:21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day. 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Luke 21:12-13 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
–WE WILL BE CALLED TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR LIVES, AT JUDGMENT.
Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
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CALLED PEOPLE:
SHEPHERDS WHO WERE OBEDIENT TO THEIR CALL.
DID SOME REMAIN IN THE CITY, PARTYING ? IF THEY DID, THEY WOULD HAVE MISSED THE MESSAGE, THE ANGELS AND BLESSINGS.
THE WISE MEN.
THEY HAD TO BE SURE OF THEIR CALLING TO TRAVEL SUCH A LONG DISTANCE TO SEE JESUS.
THE CALL OF GOD IS NOT JUST TO PREACH OR BE A MISSIONARY. IT DEALS WITH EVERYTHING IN OUR LIVES. GOD IS ALMIGHTY AND CAPABLE OF MAKING HIS VOICE KNOWN, NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE.
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
IN MANY CASES, GOD’S CALLING IS NOT EXPECTED OR PLANNED FOR. GOD CHOOSES THE TIME AND PLACE. HE CHOOSES PEOPLE TO DO HIS WORK.
THE CALL OF MARY.
A CALLING THAT MADE NO REASON OR LOGIC TO THE HUMAN MIND.
Luke 1:29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
THERE WAS AN ACCEPTANCE OF THE CALLING FROM GOD.
Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
THE CALL OF JOSEPH.
A CALLING THAT HAD TO SET ASIDE ALL THE INFLUENCES OF MAN AND CONCERNS OVER WHAT THEY MIGHT THINK.
THE CALLING OF GOD CAN BE MISUNDERSTOOD BY MANY PEOPLE. MARY WAS PREGNANT.
Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
THE CALLING OF GOD CAN SOMETIMES BRING SUBSTANTIAL inconvenience into your life. but, remember, we are supposed to be servants.
Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
–WE ARE CALLED TO DEPART FROM THIS WORLD’S WAYS INTO A BETTER LIFE…ETERNAL LIFE !
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
PAUL WAS CALLED TO SALVATION. AND YOU ARE, AS WELL.
Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
Revelation 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
THE CALL OF JESUS.
WHY DID HE COME. HE FULFILLED THE FATHER’S PURPOSE TO PROVIDE SALVATION FOR THE LOST.
THE CALL TO REPENTANCE. PETER REMEMBERED THE WORDS OF JESUS.
Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
–THE CALLING FOR ALL MEN TO REPENT. THIS WAS THE PREACHING OF JESUS. THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TO REMIND YOU OF WHAT JESUS SAID.
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.
–WE WILL BE CALLED TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR LIVES, AT JUDGMENT.
Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
THE CALLING GOD HAS FOR YOU. TO BE SAVED. THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS TO YOU, JUST AS HE DID TO PETER.
MAKING A DISTINCTION BETWEEN WHAT IS NECESSARY AND WHAT IS MORE THAN NECESSITY, [i.e., “wants”].
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN, BECAUSE WE NEED TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN NEEDS AND WANTS. THE DEVIL TRIES TO GET THEM TO BE INTERCHANGEABLE.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
1. NOT ALL PARTS OF THE HUMAN BODY ARE NECESSARY FOR LIFE.
But, all parts of the Bride are necessary for the Church to function properly.
CAN THE HUMAN BODY FUNCTION WITHOUT ARMS AND LEGS ? YES. CAN IT FUNCTION WITH EYES OR EARS ? YES. CAN THE BODY FUNCTION WITHOUT ONE KIDNEY ? YES.
–BUT, IN ORDER FOR A BODY TO FUNCTION ITS’ BEST, IT REQUIRES THE EFFECTIVE WORKING OF ALL THE PARTS. THE SAME IS TRUE OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, EACH PART IS NECESSARY !
1 Corinthians 12:22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary :
2. WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR A CHRISTIAN’S LIFE ?
–FOR THE TRUE CHRISTIAN, TO HAVE CHRIST IS MORE THAN ENOUGH.
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,
An example–PAUL’S EXPERIENCE WAS THAT OF POVERTY AT TIMES.
Philippians 4:11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
1 Timothy 6:8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
CAN WE BE FILLED WITH JOY WHEN WE DO NOT HAVE OUR WANTS ? YES. AND GOD COMMANDS IT.
Hebrews 13:5Let 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.
–FOOD. Our nourishment is the Word of God.
1 Corinthians 3:1-2And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
–WATER. The Holy Spirit. A REAL relationship with Him. Not just “having” Him, but allowing Him to be a part of us entirely. ****What would happen if you had some specific part of your body drained of all water, all moisture ? It would die. The same is true when we do not allow the Holy Spirit to saturate us completely.
John 4:13-14Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
–PROTECTION. The promises of God. Our mental protection in these last days is important. Don’t allow yourself to be unprotected.
Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
3. SOME COMMANDMENTS ARE NOT JUST FOR GOOD, BUT ARE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. (can’t do without).
THE NECESSARY THINGS WHICH ARE COMMANDMENTS. THESE ARE NOT THE ONLY COMMANDMENTS, BUT THEY ARE NECESSARY. OF THE OTHERS, THE MORE YOU OBEY, THE CLOSER YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD.
Acts 15:25-29It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
4. SOME DUTIES ARE NECESSARY FOR EACH CHRISTIAN TO BE RIGHT WITH GOD.
NECESSARY ACTIONS (“USES” = “DUTIES”).
Titus 3:14And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
WHAT ARE NECESSARY USES ?
–LIVING BY FAITH IS NECESSARY TO PLEASE GOD.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
–THOSE ARE THE ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED TO KEEP THE WORK OF GOD FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND TO THE GLORY OF GOD. HOW THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED IS SPELLED OUT IN SCRIPTURE.
–CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
EVERYONE HAS BAD DAYS. IF YOU WANT PEOPLE TO BE UNDERSTANDING OF YOU, BE UNDERSTANDING OF THEM.
–LOVE ONE ANOTHER. DON’;T JUST SAY IT. DO THINGS FOR THE BRETHREN THAT SHOW YOUR LOVE.
1 Thessalonians 4:9But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
–EDIFY ONE ANOTHER. SHARE WHAT GOD IS DOING IN YOUR LIFE. CHALLENGE EACH OTHER TO GREATER FAITH.
Romans 15:2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
NECESSARY FRIENDS. [Necessary=needful”] These were the closest friends of Cornelius. Some would have been afraid of offending them, but he wanted to offer them the same great opportunity that he had.
Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
SOMETIMES WE NEED TO REVIEW WHAT WE ARE REALLY ALL ABOUT.
Police officers attempted to stop a guy for running a stop sign. They chased him through many high-traffic areas throughout the city, barely avoiding hitting several pedestrians. Finally, they got a break when he lost control of his car, drove up an embankment, and hit the wall of a business. As he was getting out of his car, they shot him to death. He had no weapon, and was surrendering from all reports. Several of the officers as a punishment were made to go through some retraining courses. They forgot what they wee supposed to be. Instead of protecting the public they MADE the fleeing car and themselves a danger to everyone. They forgot their purpose.
SOMETIMES WE NEED REMINDING THAT WE HAVE A GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND NEED TO LIVE DOING THE PURPOSE HE ASSIGNED TO EACH OF US.
1. YOUR CALLING FROM GOD CAME BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.
A. GOD KNEW YOU AND LAID OUT HIS PLAN FOR YOU BEFORE YOU WERE BORN.
Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
B. GOD WANTS US TO SEEK HIM BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
C. GOD DESERVES TO BE FIRST IN OUR LIVES.
Psalms 135:5For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
Ephesians 1:21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
D. GOD DESERVES FIRST RECOGNITION OF WHAT GOOD HAS HAPPENED.
Genesis 8:20And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar
E. GOD SHOULD RECEIVE OUR FIRST LOVE—BEFORE AND ABOVE ALL ELSE.
Revelation 2:4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
2. WHAT TO HELP OTHERS ? DEAL WITH YOUR OWN SINS FIRST.
A. TAKING CARE OF OUR SINS BEFORE WE HELP OTHERS IS A MAJOR BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE.
Hebrews 7:27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself.
Matthew 7:5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye
John 8:7So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
B. IN THE MATTER OF SERVICE—GOD ALWAYS COMES FIRST. EVEN BEFORE FAMILY.
No one else is worthy of the devotion God is worthy of. No one else died on the cross for you, and no one else redeemed you—or COULD redeem you.
—MORE THAN OUR OWN VIEWS. (This man actually thought that he WOULD follow the Lord).—
Luke 9:57And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto Him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
—MORE THAN PARENTS—
Luke 9:59And He said unto another, Follow Me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
—MORE THAN FAMILY—
Luke 9:61And another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
—MORE THAN SPOUSE.—
Luke 14:20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
***THESE PEOPLE WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR PRIORITIES RIGHT NEVER DID ANYTHING POWERFUL FOR THE LORD. THEY WERE ALL TALK. THEY CLAIMED THEY WOULD FOLLOW THE LORD. DID GOD REWARD THEIR WORDS OR ACTIONS ?
Matthew 19:29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
3. THE FIRST PRIORITY IN EDUCATION IS TO KNOW GOD.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO ?
SOMETIMES INVOLVES DOING SOMETHING ELSE FIRST.
Acts 9:6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
GETTING RIGHT WITH SOMEONE YOU HAVE WRONGED.
Matthew 5:24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 7:5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
IS THERE ANYTHING HINDERING ME FROM DOING IT ?
Acts 8:36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
THE ENTRAPMENTS OF THE WORLD.
1 Samuel 17:39And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
A LACK OF BELIEVING GOD.
Jeremiah 1:6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
HOW DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO IT ?
1 Samuel 16:2And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.
Deuteronomy 7:17If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?
WHEN DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO IT ? **Timing is an important issue in spiritual things. There are times when if we miss an opportunity by five minutes, it will be gone forever. WHEN the HS speaks to us about something, we can be sure that if He didn’t say, “Do this in 5 years,” He wants us to do it immediately or soon.
4. WE MUST SEEK GOD BEFORE TRYING TO CHANGE OUR LIVES.
A. TRYING TO CHANGE FIRST RESULTS IN CHAOS AND AGONY.
Matthew 12:45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
5. THERE ARE PRIORITIES IN DEALING WITH OTHERS.
A. GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT FIRST.
Luke 10:5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
B. HEARING A MATTER MUST COME BEFORE MAKING A DECISION.
Proverbs 18:13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
1. HOW LONG SHOULD WE PERSIST IN PUTTING GOD FIRST ?
A. WE CANNOT GO BACK AND CHANGE THINGS FROM THE WAY WE DID THEM. BUT, WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM, AND DO BETTER WHEN WE FACE THE SAME OR SIMILAR SITUATIONS.
SOME OPPORTUNITIES NEVER ARE GIVEN AGAIN. SO, BE PREPARED TO ACT IN FAITH TO EACH OPPORTUNITY WHEN IT COMES.
Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.
This is the only recorded time that Peter was invited to do this. He would never again have the opportunity. Yet, there are many things we have a chance to do again.
WHAT ARE OPPORTUNITIES ? PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT IDEAS. FOR OUR STUDY TONIGHT, IT IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A MEANINGFUL AND DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD, AND ALSO OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE HIM THAT ARE NOT JUST CONSIDERED USUAL OPPORTUNITIES.
SOME OPPORTUNITIES, WHEN OBEYED, BRING BIGGER AND BETTER OPPORTUNITIES LATER ON.
John 21:16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My sheep.
DID THE LORD MEAN THIS TO BE A ONE-TIME EVENT ? FEEDING THE SHEEP ONLY ONCE, AND THEN LETTING GO ? OF COURSE NOT !
OPPORTUNITIES, BY THEIR VERY NATURE, ARE FLEETING. SOME MUST BE REJECTED, AND OTHERS OBEYED.
Hebrews 11:15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
2. SHOULD WE WAIT BEFORE OBEYING GOD ?
A. SOME PEOPLE FEEL INCAPABLE OR UNPREPARED TO USE THE OPPORTUNITIES GOD GIVES THEM. THE FACT IS, SOME THINGS DON’T REQUIRE SPECIAL GIFTS. FOR SOME, HE ABILITIES.
1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
God does not expect a new Christian to use an opportunities like a mature Christian would. He is understanding and expects us only to use what resources and abilities we have.
2 Corinthians 8:12For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
B. BE PREPARED TO LEAN ON THE LORD FOR ALL SITUATIONS, EVERY DAY
Truly depending on God consciously is not something that comes automatically, but it does become a wonderful habit if we repeat it over and over again consciously.
—YOU CAN DO NOTHING WITHOUT CHRIST—YOU CAN DO SOME THINGS WITHOUT SPECIAL GIFTS.
John 15:5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in Him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.
C. HOW LONG ARE THE GIFTS AND TALENTS ACCESSIBLE ?
Romans 11:29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
D. ISN’T OBEDIENCE AN EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE FOR GOD ?
John 14:15If ye love me, keep my commandments.
E. USE YOUR TIME WISELY. YOU WILL NEVER HAVE THE SAME DAY AGAIN.
Did anyone come to the Upper Room the day after Pentecost ? What would they receive ? They could have been called by their family to help fix a window or a roof. They could have been out planting a crop with all intentions of coming there, but they came a day later. Then what ? Will God make a new opportunity for them to experience what those 120 people did ? No.
Acts 1:4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
–DO GOOD TO GOD’S PEOPLE. SOME WILL NOT BE AROUND FOR YOU TO BLESS THEM AT A LATER TIME.
Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
3. IS THERE A TIME LIMIT, OR ANY OTHER LIMIT PLACED ON THE COMMAND TO PUT GOD FIRST ?
Mark 12:30And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
HOW LONG DOES THIS STAND TRUE ?
4. HOW SOON SHOULD WE RESPOND TO GOD ? WHEN HE SPEAKS..
–FULL OBEDIENCE TO GOD WHEN HE SAYS TO DO SOMETHING RESULTS IN BLESSINGS.
She was willing to give him some water, but was reluctant to give him bread. God blessing complete obedience, and He blessed her when she obeyed fully.
1 Kings 17:11-14And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand. And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.
–JONAH. IF LIKE MANY PEOPLE TODAY, HE MAY HAVE SAID IN HIS MIND, “I HAVE TO GET MYSELF SPIRITUALLY READY BEFORE GOING TO NINEVEH. OTHERWISE I WOULDN’T;T BE MUCH USE.
Today, professing Christians sometimes say that God must wait for them to become closer to God, or to become more spiritual, or to overcome certain habits first. Not a good answer.
Luke 9:59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Luke 9:61And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
1. BECAUSE WITHOUT GOD WE ARE HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.
WE CAN SEE THE RESULTS OF DOING THINGS WITHOUT GOD. FAMILIES WHICH DON’T PUT GOD FIRST INHERIT HUGE AMOUNTS OF PROBLEMS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN, RANGING FROM DRUGS, BOOZE, MURDEROUS FRIENDS, RUN-INS WITH THE LAW, SICKNESSES WHICH CANNOT BE EXPLAINED, AND MANY MORE. JUST BECAUSE A PERSON CLAIMS TO BE A CHRISTIAN DOESN’T MEAN THAT HE IS, OR THAT HE FOLLOWS CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES. MOST PEOPLE TODAY WHO CALL THEMSELVES CHRISTIANS LIKE THE IDEA OF GOING TO HEAVEN, BUT HAVE NO COMMITMENT TO PUT GOD FIRST.
Colossians 1:14-17In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
“CONSIST” = literally means “ARE HELD TOGETHER”. Jesus is the one that holds families together. If you are half-hearted, don’t expect Him to reward that.
2. BECAUSE WE DIE. WE SEE DEATH ALL AROUND US.
Even if you are already saved and are resurrected at the Rapture, you will have to leave this old body behind. It will be completely changed as you ascend.
IF YOU LIVE LONG ENOUGH, YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A LOVED ONE DYING. IT IS OBVIOUS.
Hebrews 9:27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
A man once gave a testimony that as a church reader was reading Genesis 5, he thought how boring this passage was. It was just a list of different people, and how long they lived, who their kids were. He was young, and had never thought about himself dying. Suddenly, as he was listening he realized that one thing each person listed had in common was that they all died. Some lived longer, some had more children, but they all died. He understood that God was speaking with him about death and his need to get ready.
Genesis 5:5And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died. Genesis 5:8And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died. Genesis 5:11And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died. Genesis 5:14And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died. Genesis 5:17And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died. Genesis 5:20And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died. Genesis 5:27And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died. Genesis 5:31And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.
3. BECAUSE YOUR SOUL AND SPIRIT WILL LEAVE THIS BODY ONE DAY . . .
. . . AND WHEN THEY DO, WE NO LONGER HAVE CONTROL OVER WHERE WE END UP. IT IS UP TO GOD TO BRING US TO A PLACE WHERE WE WILL LIVE FOREVER. THE DECISION IS MADE WHILE WE LIVE, NOT AFTER WE DIE.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
4. BECAUSE THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES TO DISOBEDIENCE, OR SIN.
A. ALL IT TAKES IS ONE SIN TO BREAK THE LAW OF LIFE.
ADAM AND EVE SINNED ONCE, AND SPIRITUALLY DIED. GOD TOLD THEM IT TOOK ONLY ONE ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU DONE THE SAME ? MORE THAN ONCE ?
Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
A woman received a phone call telling her that her bank account had been accessed by a hacker, and all her life saving were gone. She was devastated. The voice on the other end said that the bank was committed to getting her money back, but they needed to verify that she was one who held the account. They asked for her social security number, and the account numbers. After which, they thanked her for her cooperation, and hung up. Shortly thereafter, she received a call from the REAL bank informing her that someone had accessed her accounts. The first called was a scam. She never fell for anything like that before. She did only once, and lost everything.
What if a man jumps off the top of a skyscaper ? On the way down, he changes his mind and decides it was the wrong thing to do. He complains that it was his first time to try something so stupid. It didn’t help. He died anyway. He did this only once. That is all it took.
ONE SIN PRODUCES AN AUTOMATIC VERDICT OF GUILT. ONLY ONE SIN !
Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
5. BECAUSE EVEN WHEN WE TRY TO DO OUR BEST, WE ARE UNWORTHY TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN WITHOUT GOD.
Isaiah 64:6But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
OUR FEEBLE EFFORTS ARE NOT TOTALLY PURE OR CLEAN ENOUGH TO MAKE IT INTO HEAVEN.
Psalm 24:3-5Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
When faced with the idea that one sin is enough to condemn them to hell, some contend that they are “Good people.” But, consider the number of murderers whose relatives and friends cannot believe they committed a crime. What about their neighbors who say they were always respectful and friendly. Does their good behavior outweigh them killing their children, their wife or others ?
6. BECAUSE OUR CREATOR SAYS THAT WE NEED TO BE BORN AGAIN.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER WHAT HE SAYS ? ONLY GOD CAN DETERMINE WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY. THINK ABOUT IT.
What government can give you a home in Heaven ? Which of your friends can bring you safely all the way to Heaven ? None. You relay solely upon God.
Isaiah 55:3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
JESUS PRESENTED THIS TRUTH TO A MAN WHO WAS VERY RELIGIOUS, KNEW THE BIBLE, AND SEEMED TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE. HOW MUCH MROE WOULD THIS APPLY TO EVERY ONE OF US !
John 3:7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
7. GOD PROMISES EVERLASTING LIFE TO THOSE WHOSE SINS ARE TAKEN AWAY AND ERASED.
It doesn’t matter how bad your sins have been, there is a God Who wants to free you from them, and bless you. But, you have to do it HIS way.
WHY WOULD ANYONE TURN DOWN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE FREED FROM THE POWER OF SIN ? WHY WOULD ANYONE PUSH GOD’S LOVE AWAY WHEN THERE IS STILL TIME TO RECEIVE IT ?
John 5:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
John 8:51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
JESUS SPOKE OF DEATH AND CONFRONTED PEOPLE WITH IT MORE THAN ALL THE PROPHETS.
Luke 16:22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
8. BECAUSE WE CANNOT CONTROL WHAT LIES AHEAD IN A WORLD WE CANNOT SEE RIGHT NOW.
CANNOT GET INTO HEAVEN OR MAKE ANYTHING IN OUR LIVES COUNT WITHOUT HIM.
John 15:5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.
9. BECAUSE WE ARE UNWORTHY TO MAKE IT TO HEAVEN WITHOUT GOD.
Psalm 24:3-5 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
1. JUST AS SURELY AS THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES TO SIN, THERE ARE ALSO CONSEQUENCES TO RIGHTEOUSNESS.
A. ABRAHAM.
ABRAHAM REJECTED THE WORLD’S VIEWS OF SALVATION, AND PUT HIS FAITH IN GOD. HE WAS CONSTANTLY SURROUNDED BY THE PAGAN IDOLS AND GODS. BUT, HE STOOD STRONG, AND INHERITED ETERNAL LIFE BY HIS FAITH THAT DID NOT WAVER.
Romans 4:20-22 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
B. JOHN THE BAPTIST.
HE WAS BLESSED WITH A POWERFUL TESTIMONY. NO ONE ELSE HAD BEEN ABLE TO STAND UP AGAINST THE ROMANS OR THE RELIGIOUS TEACHERS OF THE DAY. JOHN DID, AND PEOPLE WERE AMAZED AND RESPECTED HIM FOR IT.
Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
Jesus implied that they would not have gone out to see a man who was blown over and fallen down from the pressures of other people.
C. WE WILL HAVE TRUE LIFE WHEN WE STAND IN OUR FAITH.
1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
–THERE WILL BE TEMPTATIONS TO MOVE AWAY FROM BIBLICAL PROPHECY IN THESE LAST DAYS.
2 Thessalonians 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2. OUR WORK FOR THE LORD SHOULD BE UNMOVABLE.
A. WE ALWAYS SHOULD KEEP SERVING GOD.
THE DISCIPLES HAD DAYS OF SORROW. THEY HAD DAYS WHERE THEY WERE PHYSICALLY HURTING. YET, GOD COMMANDED THEM TO BE UNMOVEABLE IN THEIR WORK.
2 Corinthians 4:15-18 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
B. WE CAN’T AFFORD TO BE MOVED IN OUR FAITHFUL BELIEF OF GOD’S WORD.
Colossians 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
C. PRAYER THAT IS ANSWERED REQUIRES FAITHFULNESS AND FAITH.
Luke 18:1 And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
3. BLESSINGS FOLLOW THOSE WHO OVERCOME THE ENEMY’S DESIRE TO MOVE US AWAY FROM THE UNCHANGING TRUTH.
A. GOD WON’T ALLOW THE RIGHTEOUS TO BE MOVED.
WHAT MAKES A PERSON RIGHTEOUS ? FAITH. REAL FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS. REAL FAITH REQUIRES TURNING EVERYTHING – OUR LIVES, OUR BURDENS, OUR TEMPTATIONS, OVER TO GOD.
Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
When Jesus was tempted to back out in the Grden of Gesthemeny, He set the example of turning it all over to the Father.
Matthew 26:38-39 Then saith He unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me. And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
B. WHERE ELSE COULD WE GO ?
Psalms 62:6 He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved.
C. BY BLESSING GOD AND PRAISING HIM, WE WILL NOT BE MOVED. IF WE ARE SINGING ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE EXCEPT GOD’S BLESSINGS, WE WILL FALL.
Psalms 66:8-9 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.
