2 Chronicles 25:11 “And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.”
Daniel 10:19“And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”
1. THE LORD PROVIDES STRENGTH WHEN WE ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND UP FOR HIM.
Colossians 1:11“Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
2 Timothy 4:17“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”
2. WHEN WE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR HUMAN WEAKNESS AND TURN TO GOD, WE ARE MADE STRONG BY OUR FAITH IN HIM.
Hebrews 11:34“Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” 2 Corinthians 12:10“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
3. WE CAN LOSE OUR STRENGTH FROM GOD WHEN WE DECIDE TO DO THINGS OUR OWN WAY, AND NOT HIS.
Judges 16:19-21“And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.”
4. GOD PROVIDES THE RESOURCES SO WE CAN BE STRONG.
COMPLETE FAITH IN THE PERSON OF OUR LORD.
Hebrews 6:18“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”
NOURISHMENT FROM THE WORD OF GOD.
Hebrews 5:12“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Hebrews 5:14“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
POWER FROM HIS SPIRIT.
Ephesians 3:16“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;”
5. THERE ARE GOOD RESULTS WHEN WE DEPEND ON GOD AND NOT OURSELVES.
Philippians 4:13“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Ephesians 6:10“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”
Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
1 Corinthians 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1. A SPIRITUAL PERSON THINKS ABOUT SPIRITUAL THINGS.
THEY ARE NOT OVERWHELMED WITH WORLDLY THOUGHTS.
Romans 8:6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
2. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS A DISCERNER.
THEY JUDGE WHETHER SOMETHING IS RIGHT OR WRONG RATHER THAN JUST FOLLOWING THE CROWD.
1 Corinthians 2:15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
3. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
THIS INVOLVES DEALING WITH UNSEEN FORCES THAT WOULD HINDER THE WORK OF GOD.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
4. A SPIRITUAL PERSON CONFIRMS WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY.
1 Corinthians 14:37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
5. A SPIRITUAL PERSON HAS SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND USES THEM FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSES.
1 Corinthians 12:1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 1 Corinthians 14:1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
6. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS MORE CONCERNED ABOUT RESTORING A BROTHER IN CHRIST RATHER THAN DWELLING ON HIS FAILURES.
Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
7. A SPIRITUAL PERSON IS A MUSICAL PERSON. THEY SING, THEY PLAY.
Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
8. A SPIRITUAL PERSON DOES THE WORK OF A PRIEST. INTERCESSION, SACRIFICES, OFFERINGS, ETC.
1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
9. A SPIRITUAL PERSON HAS DEEPER UNDERSTANDING.
SURFACE STUFF DOES NOT IMPRESS A SPIRITUAL PERSON. THEY ANALYZE AND COME TO CONCLUSIONS THAT GOD GUIDES THEM INTO.
Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
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.
SOME SAY THAT IT CAN’T BE DONE TODAY. THEY SAY THAT IN THE PAST, THE DISCIPLES WALKED WITH JESUS. THEY SAY THAT IN THE PAST, WHEN JESUS WAS ON EARTH, PEOPLE COULD HAVE THAT PRIVILEGE, BUT NOT TODAY. JESUS HAS TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT IN ORDER TO WALK WITH HIM… NOT SO ! LOOK AT THIS–
Genesis 3:8And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 5:22And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Genesis 6:9These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
COULD HE BE SEEN ? WAS HIS PRESENCE ALWAYS PHYSICAL ? IF NOT, CAN THIS SAME PRIVILEGE BE GRANTED TO PEOPLE TODAY ?
1. WALKING WITH HIM IS TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1 John 1:7But 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.
WHAT IS FELLOWSHIP ? IT MEANS ONE THING WITH ONE PERSON AND ANOTHER TO SOMEONE ELSE. GOD’S DEFINITION IS THE ONE THAT COUNTS.
FELLOWSHIP IS TURNING OUR ATTENTION ON GOD, NOT EVERYONE ELSE. (Rejecting the distracting appeal of idolatry).
2 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
FELLOWSHIP CANNOT BE OBTAINED IF WE DWELL IN UNBELIEF. IF WE ARE TO WALK WITH JESUS, WE MUST FOLLOW HIS WORD.
John 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
John 5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
John 5:12Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD MEANS NO TIME FOR EVERYTHING. YOU WILL HAVE TO DROP FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER THINGS IN ORDER TO MAKE THE ROOM. YOU CANNOT BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE. YOU CANNOT FULFILL ALL THAT YOU WANT TO DO. TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS, YOU MUST DENY YOURSELF.
Mark 8:34And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
IF A PERSON FAILS TO FOLLOW, THEY NO LONGER HAVE FELLOWSHIP.
Matthew 19:21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.
WAS PETER HAVING FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS WHEN HE FOLLOWED FROM A DISTANCE ? NO !
Matthew 26:58But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
2. BY PUTTING YOUR ATTENTION ON JESUS, YOU WILL LEARN THINGS THAT YOU WOULD MISS BY SIMPLY READING.
YOU SEE THE REAL STANDARDS. IT IS DIFFICULT TO REALLY TELL MUCH ABOUT A PERSON BY HEARING THEM IN A RELIGIOUS CONTEXT. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO KNOW THEIR STANDARDS WHEN IT ISN’T AROUND CHURCH. YOU SEE WHAT THE PERSON’S DESIRES REALLY ARE.
HOW CAN WE APPLY JESUS TRUE DESIRES TO OUR LIVES ?
SEEK & SAVE THE LOST. Mt 18:11 “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”
JERUSALEM. YOU WILL GET CONCERNED ABOUT ISRAEL. Luke 13:34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!”
HIS HURT OVER UNBELIEF. John 11:35 “Jesus wept.” (You don’t see such emotions while doing your own thing).
HIS FRUSTRATIONS OVER…
PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T COME TO UNDERSTAND THE BASICS ABOUT GOD. “HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN WITH YOU ?” John 14:7-11“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.”
PEOPLE WHO OUGHT TO HAVE FAITH, WHO DON’T EXERCISE IT. Luke 8:25“And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him.”
PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE TRUSTING GOD, BUT TRY TO REASON THINGS OUT LOGICALLY AMONG THEMSELVES. Mark 8:16“And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.”
3. YOU GET TO SEE WHAT GOD DOES.
A child often has no idea what the parent does at work unless they go there and walk with him. The same is true to the Christian life.
WALKING WITH JESUS IS ESSENTIAL TO RECOGNIZING AND DEFEATING DEMONIC ACTIVITY.
DEMONS OBEY. Luke 4:36“And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
WALKING WITH JESUS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHERE AND HOW TO PLACE OUR ACTIONS OF LOVE.
HIS COMPASSION.
THE HUNGRY CROWD. Matthew 15:32“Then Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”
THE CHILDREN THAT OTHERS REJECTED. Mark 10:14“But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
4. YOU GET TO SEE HIS ASSOCIATIONS.
THE PEOPLE WHO WALK WITH HIM SEE MORE. UNLESS YOU ARE WALKING WITH HIM, YOU MIGHT NOT SEE THEM. **SOME SAY, “I’M THE ONLY ONE SERVING THE LORD.”
Acts 9:26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
YOU SEE WHO ISN’T WALKING WITH HIM, BUT PUT THEIR OWN DESIRES AND WAYS AHEAD OF HIS. THEY SIMPLY WON’T BE THERE.
1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
2 Corinthians 11:25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
1 Timothy 1:19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
***SOME PEOPLE THINK DOCTRINE IS NOTHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT. BUT, THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS DOCTRINE, AND IT IS SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT ! FORGIVENESS FROM GOD IS DOCTRINE. AND IT IS SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT ! HEAVEN IS A DOCTRINE. AND IT IS SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT !
1. IMPORTANT DOCTRINE MAKES GOOD SENSE. LIKE WEARING A LIFE PRESERVER IN THE STORM. IT HELPS PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND AND CARRY OUT THE PLAN OF GOD.
Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
A. THE DOCTRINE JESUS TAUGHT WAS WITH POWER AND IT AMAZED PEOPLE. IT CHANGED LIVES, NOT JUST DID MIRACLES AND TELL INTERESTING STORIES.
Luke 4:32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for His Word was with power.
B. GOD’S DOCTRINE DOES AMAZING THINGS.
Acts 13:10-12And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
C. GODS’ PEOPLE FOLLOW THE UNCHANGING DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH WHICH JESUS GAVE US. WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE DOCTRINES OF MEN WITH THE SAME DEGREE OF RELIABILITY.
Acts 2:42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
2. GOD’S PEOPLE REJECT DOCTRINES THAT DON’T COME FROM GOD.
A. WE ARE TOLD TO TAKE A STAND FOR WHAT IS TRUE.
Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
B. THE LAST DAYS WILL BE FILLED WITH BAD DOCTRINE.
2 Timothy 4:3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
1 Timothy 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
C. WHERE DO WE GET OUR DOCTRINE ?
2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
3. FALSE DOCTRINE SINKS PEOPLE. IT IS OFTEN BECAUSE PEOPLE DON’T KNOW BETTER, OR THEY ARE ANGRY AT GOD.
A. PEOPLE WHO ACCEPT FALSE TEACHING REGARDING JESUS DON’T KNOW GOD.
2 John 1:9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
B. PEOPLE WHO ARE SHIPWRECKED SPIRITUALLY HAVE ABANDONED THE TRUE DOCTRINES OF GOD.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
C. GOD IS AGAINST THOSE TO REJECT HIS TRUTHS. EVEN IF THEY CALL THEMSELVES THE CHURCH. CALLING YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN IS NOT A PROTECTION FROM THE JUDGMENT OF GOD WHEN YOU HOLD BASIC BELIEFS CONTRARY TO WHAT GOD SAID. ***GROUP CALLED “CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.” THEY ARE NEITHER CHRISTIAN NOR SCIENCE.
Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Revelation 2:15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN REJECTING GOD’S DOCTRINE ? HE SAID THAT YOU NEEDED TO BE SAVED. HE SAID THAT YOU NEEDED TO PUT YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST AND REPENT OF YOUR SINS. IF YOU PUT THAT OFF, YOU PUT OFF GOD. YOU PUT OFF HIS DOCTRINE. YOU ARE SHIPWRECKED. YOUR LIFE WILL GO UNDER, AND YOUR SOUL WILL GO DOWN.
THIS SERIES ON “POWERFUL WORDS” EXAMINES SOME IMPORTANT WORDS USED IN THE BIBLE WHICH PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYMORE. EVEN MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR TRUE MEANING.
SERVICE
1. SERVICE THAT INVOLVES WORSHIP.
DO WE FAIL TO MAKE WORSHIP A PART OF OUR SEEKING GOD ?
…Or, do we come to Him as pleading for things instead of recognizing that He is greater than our problems. Most disappointment in prayer can be avoided if we come to Him with absolute faith in His greatness, and worship Him because of it. It helps us recognize that His answers are best.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service <2999>.
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What is service as the Bible defines it ? Here are a few of the words used to describe serving and ministering.
Strong’s Concordance #2999
λατρεία latreia lat-ri’-ah
AV-translated as “service” 4 times, “divine service” 1 time; used a total of 5 times
Definition:
1) service rendered for hire
1a) any service or ministration: the service of God
2) the service and worship of God according to the requirements of the Levitical law
3) to perform sacred services
Strong’s Concordance #3000
λατρεύω latreuo (pronounced = lat-ryoo’-o)
AV-translated as “serve” 16 times, “worship” 3, “do the service” 1, “worshipper” 1; used a total of 21 times.
Definition:
1) to serve for hire
2) to serve, minister to, either to the gods or men and used alike of slaves and freemen
2a) in the NT, to render religious service or homage, to worship
2b) to perform sacred services, to offer gifts, to worship God in the observance of the rites instituted for his worship
2b1) of priests, to officiate, to discharge the sacred office
1) to serve the state at one’s own cost
1a) to assume an office which must be administered at one’s own expense
1b) to discharge a public office at one’s own cost
1c) to render public service to the state
2) to do a service, perform a work
2a) of priests and Levites who were busied with the sacred rites in the tabernacle or the temple
2b) of Christians serving Christ, whether by prayer, or by instructing others concerning the way of salvation, or in some other way
2c) of those who aid others with their resources, and relieve their poverty
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Acts 13:2 As they ministered <3008> to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve <3000> God acceptably with reverence and godly fear
Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve <3000> with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
IT CAN BE USED FOR THE WRONG PURPOSE.
Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship <3000> the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
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2. SERVICE THAT FOCUSES UPON HELPING OTHERS.
IT MAY NOT ALWAYS BE ACCEPTED BY PEOPLE.
Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
THIS SERVICE IS HELPING OTHERS, BUT IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY INCLUDE WORSHIP.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving <1248>, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry <1248>.
Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry <1248> of the word.
AV-translated as “serve” 18 times, “be in bondage” 4, “do service” 3; used a total of 25 times
1) to be a slave, serve, do service
1a) of a nation in subjection to other nations
2) metaph. to obey, submit to
2a) in a good sense, to yield obedience
2b) in a bad sense, of those who become slaves to some base power, to yield to, give one’s self up to
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Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants <1401>, and delivered unto them his goods.
Galatians 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant <1401>; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
THIS IS THE WORD WHICH JESUS USED MOST TO DESCRIBE HIS CHILDREN,. THEY WERE SERVANTS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD. HE MADE THEM FOR THAT PURPOSE, AND GAVE THEM OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME MORE THAN SERVANTS.
THIS IS ALSO THE WORD WHICH PAUL USED TO DESCRIBE HIMSELF IN ALMOST EVERY EPISTLE, A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST.
Romans 6:16-17 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants <1401> to obey, his servants <1401> ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants <1401> of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Ephesians 6:7 With good will doing service <1398>, as to the Lord, and not to men
1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service <1398>, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
THIS SERIES ON “POWERFUL WORDS” EXAMINES SOME IMPORTANT WORDS USED IN THE BIBLE WHICH PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYMORE. EVEN MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR TRUE MEANING.
PRAISE
Psalms 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
PRAISE. WE KNOW WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DO IT, BUT WHAT IS IT THAT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DO ? WE KNOW WHAT IT IS (OR SHOULD KNOW) TO PRAISE OUR CHILDREN WHEN THEY DO SOMETHING GOOD. WE PRAISE SOMEONE WHO SAYS SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE AND HELPFUL, OR WISE. BUT, WHEN WE PRAISE GOD, IT IS A HIGHER LEVEL, A SUPREME PRAISE.
EXAMPLES OF PRAISE IN THE BIBLE:
PRAISE CAN BE AN AFFIRMATION OF SOMETHING THAT GOD SAID.
1 Chronicles 16:36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.
PRAISE CAN BE A STATEMENT OF THE LORD’S CHARACTER.
2 Chronicles 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
PRAISED FOR HIS NAME, AND WHAT IT MEANS.
Psalms 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.
PEOPLE DO NOT THINK UPON HIS NAME TODAY.
Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name.
PRAISED FOR HIS GREATNESS.
Psalms 145:3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.
PEOPLE DO NOT THINK UPON HIS GREATNESS VERY MUCH. ONE THING THAT KEPT DAVID CLOSE TO THE LORD WAS THE FACT THAT HE THOUGHT UPON THE GREATNESS OF GOD. FROM THAT, WE END UP REALIZING HOW UNIMPORTANT AND DEPENDANT WE ARE.
Psalm 8:3-6 “When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet:”
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED HOW GREAT THE THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE TO BE ABLE TO CREATE EVERYTHING THAT IS MADE ? AND HAVE IT WORK TOGETHER ?
Psalms 92:5 O LORD, how great are Thy works! and Thy thoughts are very deep.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
That very fact leads the heavens and everything God made want to praise Him. (All in different ways, but praising, nevertheless).
Psalms 69:34 Let the heaven and earth praise Him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.
PRAISE CAN SOMETIMES BE A JOINT EFFORT, WITH SOME HELPING OTHERS TO PRAISE.
2 Chronicles 7:6 And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because His mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood.
2 Chronicles 30:21 And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD.
PRAISE CAN BE ANNOUNCING OR GIVING THANKS FOR SOMETHING GOD HAS ACCOMPLISHED.
Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
Luke 19:37 And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
GOD’S ACTIONS THROUGH US ARE DESIGNED TO BRING ABOUT PRAISE TO GOD.
Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
GOD’S POWER, SEEN IN YOU DURING TIMES OF TRIAL, ARE TO BRING PRAISE TO GOD.
NOT COMPLAINTS OR GRUMBLINGS.
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
WE SHOULD PRAISE GOD WITH WHATEVER RESOURCES WE HAVE.
Luke 1:64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
WE ARE TO PRAISE HIM THROUGH EVERY WORD WE SPEAK.
WE SHOULD SPEAK AS THE ORACLES OF GOD.
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.
WE ARE INSTRUCTED THAT WE SHOULD PRAISE GOD.
Psalms 150:1-5 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to his excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals.
YOU SHOULD PRAISE HIM TODAY BY GIVING BACK TO HIM WHAT THE DEVIL TOOK AWAY–YOUR LIFE !
1. FILLED WITH THE RIGHT THINGS…IF WE RECEIVE THEM BY FAITH.
A. IS MY MOUTH FILLED WITH THE RIGHT THINGS ?
Profanity has become an acceptable language for the average person today. But Christians are not average, and profanity does not belong anywhere in their speech. Christians have better things to talk about than damning people and talking about excrement and immoral sex.
Psalms 71:8Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise and with Thy honour all the day.
Psalms 104:28That Thou givest them they gather: Thou openest Thine hand, they are filled with good.
–SPEAKING IN A GODLY WAY OFTEN BRINGS THE SCORN OF THOSE WHO ARE UNGODLY.
Psalms 123:4Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
B. IS MY ENTIRE BEING FILLED WITH THE LORD ?
***HOW DID THEY KNOW THEY WERE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ?
Acts 13:52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
–IT IS A COMMAND FROM GOD FOR US, TOO.
Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
C. ARE WE FILLED WITH COMFORT OVER DEATH ?
NOT JUST LOSS OF LOVED ONES, BUT LOSS OF THINGS PRECIOUS TO US. OUR COUNTRY HAS DIED. MANY ARE LAMENTING EVERY DAY WHEN THEY SEE THE STENCH OF DEATH OVER WASHINGTON DC. MANY CHRISTIANS FALL BY THE WAYSIDE. DO WE FEEL THE COMFORT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT REMINDING US THAT JESUS IS COMING SOON AND WE WILL HAVE REWARDS FROM HIM ?
2 Corinthians 7:4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
D. ARE WE FILLED ENOUGH TO BE DOING GOOD THINGS THAT GET NOTICED.
WE ARE NOT TO BE NOTICED, BUT CHRIST IN US IS. (ACTIONS—ALL CALCULATED TO DO GOOD FOR HIM).
Romans 15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
2. WE NEED TO GET RID OF THE THINGS WHICH FILLED US BEFORE.
WE NEED TO HATE THE THINGS THAT WERE IN OUR LIVES PREVIOUSLY. NOT JUST JOKE ABOUT THEM OR SIMPLY RECOGNIZE THEIR PRESENCE.
A. WITH THE DEVICES OF THE SINFUL HEART.
Proverbs 1:30-31They would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
B. WE NEED TO BE AWARE THAT WE CAN FALL BACK INTO THE WRONG WAYS IF WE DO NOT TREASURE AND MAINTAIN OUR WALK WITH THE LORD.
Proverbs 14:14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
3. ARE THERE CONSEQUENCES TO BEING ONLY PARTLY FULL ?
*For one thing, you won’t go as far on half a tank as you can with a full tank. If you are working like a bulldozer, you can only get half the work done that God wants before you run out of steam.
A. CONSEQUENCES TO BEING FILLED WITH THE WRONG THINGS.
Haggai 1:6Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
B. CONSEQUENCES TO BEING FILLED WITH BAD THINGS LEADS TO MORE BAD ACTIONS.
Luke 6:11And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
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 complete outlines.
Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Revelation 11:17 Saying, We give Thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned.
THE HOLY SPIRIT TELLS US OF THINGS TO COME.
John 16:13 Howbeit 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.
1. A NEW GENERATION WHERE A FEW ARE FAITHFUL.
THE LAST DAYS YOUTH. HOPE FOR A FEW. PARENTS WHO ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT PAYING BILLS THAN THEY ARE RAISING CHILDREN TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS.
2 Timothy 3:1-2This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
WHERE DOES THIS COME FROM ? IT COMES FROM PARENTS WHO DIDN’T TEACH THEIR KIDS. THEY FED THEM, TOOK THEM TO DOCTORS, KEPT THEM ALIVE, BUT DIDN’T INSIST THAT THE CHILDREN LEARN SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES.
GENERATIONS TO COME ARE LOST WHEN PARENTS DO NOT PASS DOWN GOD’S LAWS TO THEIR CHILDREN. THIS IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO AMERICAN CHRISTIANS. PARENTS ARE TOO BUSY. TOO BUSY ON THEIR CELL PHONES AND COMPUTERS TO TAKE TIME TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN.
Psalm 78:5-8For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLE OF A PARENT IS TO BRING THEIR CHILDREN TO KNOW GOD AND DETERMINE WHAT GOD’S WILL FOR THEIR LIVES.
BUT, PARENTS CAN RAISE THEIR CHILDREN IN A BIBLICAL WAY THAT INVOKES THE PROMISES OF GOD. THEY CAN BE SUCCESSFUL. DISCIPLINE. EFFECTIVE, LOVING, CONSISTENT, AND JUST.
EDUCATION. AT HOME. SHOW THEM THE DANGERS OF THE REAL WORLD. REVEAL THEIR TRUE ENEMIES. BASE THEIR LEARNING UPON THE WISDOM OF GOD. FRIENDS. NOT OF THIS WORLD.
FUTURE. SEEKING THE WILL OF GOD.
2. WHO WILL RULE IN THE WORLD TO COME ?
OBVIOUSLY, JESUS WILL BE THE HIGHEST RULER OVER ALL.
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:
NOT THE ANGELS.
Hebrews 2:5For unto the angels hath He not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
–WE SHALL JUDGE THE ANGELS.
1 Corinthians 6:3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
WE SHALL RULE ON EARTH.
Revelation 5:10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
HOW CAN WE PREPARE ? IMPORTANT TASKS AHEAD. WE NEED GOOD JUDGMENT AND DISCERNMENT. NEED TO GET OUR PRIORITIES RIGHT, AND SEE GOOD AND EVIL FOR WHAT EACH ONE REALLY IS.
–ASK FOR IT.
James 1:5-6If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
–LEARN WHAT GOD SAYS THROUGH HIS WORD AND GODLY TEACHING.
Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
GOD WILL RAISE UP GODLY PRIESTS IN THE MILLENIUM THAT WILL TEACH THE JEWISH PEOPLE.
Ezekiel 44:23And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
3. THERE ARE VICTORIES UP AHEAD.
FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS CAN WIN OVER THE WORLD. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE REST OF THE WORLD DOES. WE CAN BE ON FIRE FOR GOD !
Joshua 24:15And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
–WE HAVE THE AUTHORITY AND POWER TO DO IT.
Luke 10:19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
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.
Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.
–THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO BE LUKEWARM. THERE IS NO EXCUSE TO PLAY LIKE YOU LOVE THE LORD WHEN YOU LOVE OTHER THINGS MORE. GOD’S POWER HAS NOT CHANGED.
–SOME PEOPLE WONDER HOW CHRISTIANS WHO WERE ONCE EXCITED ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE TO THE LORD COULD BECOME LUKEWARM. THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE. IF YOU TAKE A HOT CUP OF COFFEE AND LEAVE IT IN THE AIR, JUST LETTING IT SIT THERE, IT WON’T TAKE LONG BEFORE IT BECOMES LUKEWARM. TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE JUST SITTING THERE, MAKING ONE EXCUSE AFTER ANOTHER AS TO WHY THEY CAN’T BE DOING SOMETHING FOR THE LORD.
–HOW DOES A PERSON WHO IS LUKEWARM GET ON FIRE ? GET CLOSER TO THE FIRE. LOOK TO JESUS. SEE WHAT HE SEES, AND PREPARE YOURSELF TO BE IMMERSED IN A BAPTISM OF FIRE THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR WAYS.
Revelation 1:14His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire;
Revelation 2:18And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass;
Revelation 19:12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He himself.
–THERE IS A NEW NATURE THAT MAKES US BE CHRIST-LIKE.
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Galatians 6:15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
***YOU CAN TAKE A CAT AND PUT HIM IN THE MIDST OF A HERD OF PIGS, AND IT WON’T MAKE HIM A PIG. HE I STILL A CAT. YOU CAN TAKE THAT SAME CAT AND PUT HIM IN A CAGE WITH MANY CANARIES, AND HE WILL STILL BE A CAT. SURROUNDINGS, AND WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND HIM DOES NOT MAKE THE TRULY BORN AGAIN CHRIST LIKE WHAT IS AROUND THEM. THEY HAVE BEEN BORN-AGAIN, AND ARE NEW CREATURES IN CHRIST !
–IF YOU LOVE YOUR FAMILY, YOU WILL PUT GOD FIRST, BECAUSE THEN YOU HAVE THE POWER TO LOVE YOUR FAMILY RIGHT AND MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS FOR THEIR GUIDANCE.
THE VICTORIES BELONG TO A FEW. YOU CAN BE ONE OF THEM !
THERE ARE ALOT FEWER TRUE BELIEVERS THAN THERE WERE YEARS AGO. THAT GIVES YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY FILL THEIR SHOES BUT TO RUN TO GREATER HEIGHTS. MANY OF GOD’S PEOPLE WILL DIE, AS A BLESSING TO THEM.
Isaiah 57:1The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
–TRIBULATIONS.
John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
–FAITHFULNESS TO GOD GIVES US VICTORY OVER TRIBULATIONS. THE WORLD CANNOT TAKE OUR JOY OF FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, OR OUR POWER.
Romans 5:3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; Romans 8:35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 2 Corinthians 1:4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 7:4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
YOU CAN’T BUILD A SOLID HOUSE WITHOUT A GOOD FOUNDATION. ***Treehouses. Nice, big, modern. But, as the tree grows, the house tears apart.
SOME TRUE BELIEVERS WILL DEAL WITH SERIOUS PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY LEAVE THIS EARTH. AND THEY NEED A STRENGTH THAT ONLY COMES FROM GOD. IF IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM, WE COLLAPSE, AND WHINE LIKE PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD WHO HAVE NO POWER, WE MISREPRESENT THE LORD. WE ALSO WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES OF A BAD TESTIMONY BEFORE CHRIST.
1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
THERE IS THE ANGER OF GOD WAITING FOR SOME.
Acts 24:25And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
1 Thessalonians 1:10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
THE CHURCH NOW WAS ONCE THE CHURCH OF THE FUTURE. GOD PROMISED HIS CHILDREN A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS SPIRIT. ***(WE CAN COUNT ON THE PROPHECIES OF GOD TO BE TRUE).
HE WOULD DWELL INSIDE THEM.
John 14:17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
HE WOULD DWELL WITH THEM FOREVER.
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.
A DAY OF JUDGMENT.
FOR THE CHRISTIAN. A DAY OF SHAME AND SORROW.
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.
4. A SALVATION TO COME.
NEW LIFE BEGINNING NOW. “HATH” ETERNAL LIFE.
John 3:36He 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. 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 6:47Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
FORGIVENESS AND GOD’S LOVE.
Numbers 14:18The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
A PLACE WITH THE LORD.
1 Thessalonians 4:17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
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.
***********************
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.
