1. THERE WOULD BE NO HOME FOR OUR SOUL AND SPIRIT.
A. IT IS TRAGIC TO SAY GOD IS WRONG. THERE IS NO HOPE WITHOUT HIS PROMISES.
PEOPLE WHO DON’T BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION HAVE TO BE SAD, YOU SEE.
Acts 23:8“For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.”
(***Biblical joke… In New Testament times, the Sadducees were a group of religious Jews who did not believe in an afterlife of any kind – that when you die, that is all there is. Without this hope of eternal life, physical resurrection or even heaven, they must have been “sad, you see”.)
GOD MADE THE HOUSE FIRST, AND THEN BREATHED LIFE TO DWELL INSIDE IT.
Genesis 2:7“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
2. THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH THAT WHICH IS PHYSICAL.
The rich man could not communicate with those in the body unless he had a body. But, his souls and spirit could feel pain, just like a body does.
Luke 16:23-24“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”
3. THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF GOD.
BECAUSE HE PROMISED A NEW BODY. HE SET THE EXAMPLE BY RISING FROM THE DEAD. HE GIVES SPECIFIC PROMISES WHICH WE CAN COUNT ON.
PREACHING FROM JESUS, THE PROPHETS, AND THE APOSTLES ALL SAY THAT THERE IS A RESURRECTION.
THE PROPHETS.
Luke 20:37 “Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” 1 Corinthians 15:12 “Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?” 1 Corinthians 15:13 “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:”
JESUS SPECIFICALLY SAID HE WOULD RISE FORM THE DEAD BODILY.
Matthew 16:21 “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Matthew 17:23“And they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.”
THE TOMB WAS EMPTY. IF IT WAS JUST A SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION, THE BODY WOULD STILL BE THERE.
Matthew 28:6“He is not here: for He is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:7“And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.”
JESUS LEFT US EVIDENCE THAT HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE.
Luke 24:36-40“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then 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.”
WHY DON’T CHRISTIANS TODAY DESIRE THE RESURRECTION LIKE EARLY CHRISTIANS DID ?
**THIS DESIRE WAS NOT JUST FOR THAT GENERATION WHICH EXPERIENCED THE LORD WALKING WITH THEM ON THE EARTH. IT IS EXPRESSED BY GOD’S PEOPLE UNTIL RECENT TIMES.
TODAY, PEOPLE ARE TOO BUSY TO WALK WITH HIM. THEY HAVE THEIR KIDS, THEIR GRANDKIDS, THEIR DOCTORS, THEIR GARDENS, THEIR PETS, THEIR HOUSES, AND THEIR JOBS. THEY HAVE TIME TO SPEND WITH THEIR RELATIVES, BUT DON’T HAVE THE TIME TO COME TO KNOW JESUS BETTER. THEY SAY THOSE THINGS KEEP THEM BUSY. THEY DON’T HAVE THE TIME.
BUT THEY MAKE TIME FOR THEIR INTERNET CHATS AND EMAILS. THEY MAKE TIME TO VISIT ONE ANOTHER. THEY MAKE TIME TO SEE DVD’s WHICH ARE NOT MORALLY UPLIFTING. THEY MAKE THE TIME TO SEE DOCTORS, LAWYERS, AND BUSINESSMEN. BUT, THEY CAN’T MAKE THE TIME TO WALK WITH JESUS AS ALL PAST GENERATIONS OF CHRISTIANS HAVE DONE.
YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE TIME ! THEN, THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS WILL BE IMPORTANT TO YOU. IT WILL COMFORT YOU. THAT IS HOW THIS CHAPTER ENDS. BUT, IF WE ARE TOO BUSY TO APPRECIATE WHAT JESUS DID, WE HAVE NO COMFORT AND NO EXPECTATION.
2 Corinthians 4:18While 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. THE UNSEEN HELP FOR US ALL.
A. BLESSINGS WE NEED.
1 Corinthians 2:9-12But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
B. THE PROMISES OF GOD FULFILLED TOTALLY. AN EXAMPLE IS THE PROMISE OF A NEW BODY.
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2For 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. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
C. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS. UNSEEN, BUT PRESENT DAILY.
HEALING. STIRRED THE WATERS AT BETHSAIDA. John 5:4For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
MINISTRY TO ENCOURAGE AND LIFT. TEMPTATION OF JESUS. Matthew 4:11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS. ELIJAH—FOOD. I Kings 19:5And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
BRING JUDGMENT—SODOM. Genesis 19:13For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
BRING PHYSICAL DELIVERANCE—BRINGING LOT & GIRLS OUT OF SODOM. Genesis 19:16And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
KEEPING MAN FROM A WORSE FATE. (ACCIDENTS, ETC. ?) KEPT ADAM FROM GARDEN. Genesis 3:24So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
CARRIED MESSAGES FROM GOD. DANIEL. Daniel 8:15-17And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
CARRY OUT DECREES OF JUDGMENT. REVELATION. Revelation 15:6And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
TO BRING SOULS TO THEIR PLACE OF JUDGMENT. 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; —AND THIS IS FUTURE, TOO.— Matthew 24:31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
2. WE MUST HAVE FAITH IN GOD TO ACCEPT THE UNSEEN.
A. WE HAVE NOT SEEN JESUS. He was before our time.
John 20:29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
B. WE HAVE NOT SEEN THE FATHER.
Colossians 1:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
C. WE HAVE NOT SEEN GOD’S WRATH OR THE RAPTURE, BUT WE KNOW IT WILL COME.
Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
3. WE MUST DEPEND UPON HIS WORD TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNSEEN.
A. THAT IS THE BASIS FOR OUR FAITH.
Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
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.
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:”
GIVING AND RECEIVING ARE SIGNIFICANT ACTIONS OF CHRISTIANS. WE GIVE THE GOSPEL FREELY. WE GIVE FORGIVENESS, AND LOVE. BUT WE MUST ALSO BE TAUGHT HOW TO RECEIVE.
Philippians 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
FAITH IS THE KEY TO GOD’S GRACE. WITHOUT IT, WE GET ONLY JUDGMENT.
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
WITHOUT FAITH, THERE ARE UNPLEASANT THINGS THAT WILL HAPPEN.
Romans 11:8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
1. THE WORLD’S GIFT IS NOT WHAT YOU REALLY WANT.
WE HAVE TO BATTLE AGAINST THE DESIRES OF THE OLD NATURE THAT WANTS TO HAVE THE GIFTS OF THIS WORLD.
1 John 2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
—its’ conversations revolve around the things of this world. We must center our lives—and conversation around the Lord Jesus.
1 John 4:5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
THE GIFTS OF THIS WORLD ARE OFTEN DECEPTIVE. ***Parents bought daughter a cell phone. Soon, she spent much her time on it, and developed relationship with people who finally brought her into the world of drugs and promiscuous sex.
Matthew 23:27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
2. WE CAN RECEIVE THINGS FROM GOD, BUT MUST EXERCISE OUR FAITH.
A. THE BLIND MAN WAS NOT FORCED TO SEE. HE WAS OFFERED A GIFT AND RECEIVED IT.
Mark 10:48-52And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 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. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
3. WE KNOW THINGS FREELY GIVEN TO US BY GOD.
A. WE CAN RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE WORD, OR JUST HEAR IT AND FORGET IT.
James 1:21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
MORE THAN JUST MENTALLY. DO CHRISTIAN LEARN FROM THE WORD, BUT DO LITTLE ABOUT IT ? How would you classify them ? Strong or weak ? *(But, they almost always put on as if they are strong).
—DO YOU TRULY RECEIVE THE REALITY OF BIBLE PROPHECY ? ***SOMEONE IN A DOCTOR’S OFFICE ASKED THE TIME. THEIR WATCH HAD STOPPED. ONE PERSON SAID IT WAS 1:30. ANOTHER SAID THEIR CLOCK SAID IT WAS 1:00. THEY REPLIED, “I LIKE YOUR TIME BETTER.” DO WE CHOOSE TO ACCEPT WHAT TIME IT IS ?
Mark 13:34For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
B. WE CAN RECEIVE THE GIFT OF GOD’S POWER.
BUT WHAT IS DONE WITH IT ? IS IT USED TO GLORIFY GOD ? —purpose is=“TO BE WITNESSES UNTO ME”
Acts 1:8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
C. WE HAVE TO OUT-VOTE THE OLD NATURE, AND RECIEVE THE THINGS OF GOD RATHER THAN THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD.
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.
EACH OF US HAS A MINISTRY WHICH CAN BE RECEIVED OR REJECTED. [PAUL RECEIVED HIS. ARE WE BLESSED BECAUSE HE RECEIVED IT ? YES. HOW MANY WILL NOT BE BLESSED BECAUSE YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE MINISTRY GOD HAS GIVEN YOU. IT MAY BE TEACHING, A MINISTRY OF FINANCES, A MINISTRY OF PRAYER, OF CONSOLATION, ETC.
Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
MANY RECEIVE THE OFFER TO BE SAVED, BUT DO NOTHING WITH IT. JUDAS.
John 13:30He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
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.
Isaiah 48:17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.
Psalms 23:2-3 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
1. WE NEED LEADING WHEN GOING THROUGH A FIELD OF LAND MINES.
A. TRYING TO AVOID TROUBLES YOURSELF RESULTS IN DISAPPOINTMENT. YOU DON’T HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE THAT JESUS DOES.
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.
B. JESUS LEADS US INTO HIGHER EXPERIENCES WITH GOD.
Mark 9:2And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and He was transfigured before them.
TOO MANY ARE SATISFIED TO BE “AVERAGE CHRISTIANS.” IN TODAY’S WORLD, THAT IS BARELY EVEN A CHRISTIAN AT ALL. Someone was telling me about a young person who he described as average. What does that mean, I asked. “She reads her Bible once a day or less, prays before meals, and tries not to cuss and get mad at people.” If THAT is the AVERAGE CHRISTIAN today, we are in trouble. God has MORE than that for us ! Seek His leadership !
2. JESUS LEADS US TO BETTER ACTIVITIES.
THERE ARE PLENTY OF THINGS TO DO, BUT SOME ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS.
A. SOME THINGS ARE ETERNAL.
**Give a man a fish, and he can eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he can have food for a lifetime. God sets the standard even higher. He has activities for us which will bring rewards for eternity.
Mark 1:17And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
3. JESUS LEADS US TO GOOD THINGS AND A BLESSING FROM GOD.
A. THOSE WHO FOLLOW JESUS ARE NOTICED. YOU CAN’T BE A SILENT DISCIPLE.
Matthew 18:2-6And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
WHAT DID JESUS DO IN BRINGING THE DISCIPLES TO HIMSELF ? HE CALLED THEM FIRST, DIDN’T HE ? THEN, HE SET THEM IN TEAMS AND TOLD THEM WHAT TO DO. HE IS USING A LITTLE CHILD TO ILLUSTRATE THIS.
4. JESUS IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN GET US SAFELY THROUGH THE ROAD OF LIFE.
MANY PEOPLE WILL TRY TO LEAD YOU, INFLUENCE YOU. BEWARE !
Proverbs 3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
HE ALONE LEADS US TO SALVATION. NO ONE ELSE CAN DO THIS. THIS IS WHY WE CALL HIM SAVIOR.
Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless His name.
WE SHOULD ABOUND IN THANKSGIVING BECAUSE OF OUR FAITH.
Colossians 2:7Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
OUR THANKS SOMETIMES SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE.
Psalms 116:17I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
1 Timothy 2:1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
HOW CAN WE GIVE THANKS FOR EVIL PEOPLE ? WHAT DOES IT ACCOMPLISH ?
1. IT SHOWS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRULY SAVE AND LOST PEOPLE. PEOPLE CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE. 2. PEOPLE CAN SEE THAT TRUE CHRISTIANS HAVE BETTER SENSE AND A BETTER GRASP ON REALITY THAN PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW THE LORD. 3. GOD IS SHOWING THAT EVIL PEOPLE DO EVIL THINGS.
GIVE THANKS OVER THINGS THAT PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND.
MANY TIMES CHRISTIANS GIVE THANKS FOR THINGS THAT OTHER TAKE FOR GRANTED. ***THE AIR WE BREATHE., ETC.
1 Corinthians 14:16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
WE ARE TO PRAY A SPECIFIC WAY. THAT INCLUDES GIVING THANKS TO GOD.
Philippians 4:6Be careful [LIT.=”ANXIOUS”] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR WHEN WE WATCH ?
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Romans 1:21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
FALSE CONFIDENCE IS THE CONDITION OF MANY TODAY. PEOPLE ARE DEPENDING UPON THE GOVERNMENT FOR THEIR SAFETY. THEY THINK THE GOVERNMENT CAN STOP ALL HARM FROM COMING TO THEM.
Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
CONFIDENT IN SELF.
Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
1. OUR CONFIDENCE IS IN GOD.
THERE ARE TIMES WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO ACCEPT THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD.
A. THE WORLD DOES NOT UNDERSTAND IT.
Isaiah 36:4And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
B. IT IS BASED ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW THE BIBLE, OR RECEIVE WHAT THEY HEAR THE BIBLE SAYING, CANNOT BE CONFIDENT IN GOD EASILY.
Ephesians 3:11-12According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.
SOLUTION: STUDY THE WORD.
2. CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OTHER CHRISTIANS.
A. WE CAN ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVES.
DON’T BE FOOLISH AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN PEOPLE WHO HAVE A TRACK RECORD OF NOT BEING SPIRITUALLY MATURE OR SPIRITUALLY STABLE.
2 Corinthians 7:16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
B. A TRACK RECORD IS IMPORTANT IN DISCERNING WHERE WE CAN PLACE OUR CONFIDENCE.
2 Thessalonians 3:4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
WE KNOW THAT WE CAN PLACE OUR ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD BECAUSE HIS TRACK RECORD OF LOVE FOR US AND FAITHFULNESS TO US IS PERFECT.
C. THERE IS CONFIDENCE IN THE FAIRNESS AND COMING JUDGMENT OF GOD.
Galatians 5:10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
3. BELIEVERS WAIT FOR GOD’S WILL WITH CONFIDENCE.
A. THERE IS A TEMPTATION TO BE AFRAID IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. THE WORLD PANICS.
Luke 21:26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
–CHRISTIANS HAVE GOOD SENSE–UNLIKE THE WORLD THAT IS GOING CRAZY.
2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
–PEOPLE ARE MANIPULATED INTO FEAR BY THE MEDIA AND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNS GOD IS GIVING EVERYONE.
Hebrews 10:35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
B. CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER—TODAY, IF YOU NEED SALVATION, OR NEED HELP TO GROW SPIRITUALLY, YOU MUST COME WITH FAITH.
1 John 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
IF WE ARE TEMPTED EVERY DAY, WE NEED HELP EVERY DAY. WHAT IS THAT HELP ?
WE CAN’T BE HELPED WITHOUT A HELPER. IN OUR CASE, IT IS “THE HELPER..” THE HOLY SPIRIT.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
A. OUR HELP DEPENDS UPON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
IF WE ARE NOT IN FELLOWSHIP, WE DON’T EVEN SEE HELP WHEN IT IS RIGHT THERE. HIS VERY PRESENCE IS HELP INDEED. (THE HOLY SPIRIT).
Psalm 42:5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
IF WE DO NOT HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, WE ARE AT A TERRIBLE DISADVANTAGE IN COMMUNICATING WITH THE LORD. WILL THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKE INTERCESSION FOR US WHEN JESUS HIMSELF WOULD NOT ? WOULD THE HOLY SPIRIT HELP US WITH PRAYER IF THE LORD WON’T EVEN HEAR US ? NO. SO, OUR SINS NEED TO BE DEALT WITH.
Romans 8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
B. OUR HELP DEPENDS UPON US LOOKING UP, NOT DOWN.
Psalm 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
C. WE ARE HELPED BY RECEIVING BLESSINGS FROM GOD.
Psalms 116:13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
D. COUNT ALL THINGS AS A BLESSING FROM GOD.
Psalms 116:17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
***DIFFICULT TIMES ARE MEANT TO SHOW THE STRENGTH OF THE CHRISTIAN’S GOD.
Hebrews 13:5-6Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
2. GOD CAN USE A VARIETY OF WAYS TO HELP. EVEN THROUGH PEOPLE.
A. SOMETIMES HE WORKS THROUGH OTHER PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE FAITHFUL.
God delights in using people. But, you have to count on them. If they don’t put God first, they are not dependable, and therefore they are not instruments of God’s help.
1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
EVEN THROUGH PRAYER—IT HELPS IN THAT GOD RESPONDS TO THE CRIES OF HIS PEOPLE.
2 Corinthians 1:11Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
3. WE OFTEN HAVE TO DO SOMETHING TO GET HELPED.
A. I MUST BE CLOSE ENOUGH TO HEAR AND SPEAK WITH HIM.
Luke 6:47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
B. I MUST BE WILLING TO THOROUGHLY RECEIVE HIS INSTRUCTION.
FROM HIS SPIRIT AND HIS WORD. **SOME TRY TO GET BY ONLY WITH WHAT THEY THINK ARE LEADINGS OF THE SPIRIT (BUT IN FACT ARE THEIR OWN EMOTIONS). MUST KNOW THE WORD OF GOD.
2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
C. I MUST RESPOND CORRECTLY TO HIS HELP. THANKFULLY, NOT ASSUMING.
Psalm 63:7Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
