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.
Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
THERE COULD HAVE BEEN MANY WRONG POSSIBLE ACTIONS TAKEN BY PETER AND JOHN.
THEY COULD HAVE PLACED THE EXPECTATIONS OF MOST OF THE BEGGARS ON THEIR AGENDA (what were they people gathered for ? To obtain an alms).
THEY COULD HAVE PLACED THEIR OWN PRIORITIES UPON HIM. THEY WANTED TO GO AND WORSHIP, SO THE COULD HAVE BRUSHED HIM OFF.
THEY COULD HAVE LOWERED THEIR EXPECTATIONS BY ASKING FOR SOMETHING NICE FOR HIM. LIKE A NEW SUIT OF CLOTHES, OR A FULL HEAD OF HAIR.
THEY COULD HAVE EXCEEDED THE PLAN OF GOD BY ASKING FOR THE MOON. THEY COULD HAVE ASKED FOR HIS HEALING OF HIS LAMENESS, AND FOR EVERY MOLE, WART OR BLEMISH TO DISAPPEAR, FOR EVERY TOOTH TO BE HEALED, AND FOR HIS EYES AND EHARING TO BE PERFECT TILL HE DIES.
HOW DO YOU MINISTER TO OTHERS ? WITH GODLY LOVE ?
SOME HERE DO THAT, AND ARE SUCH POWERFUL BLESSINGS TO OTHERS. BUT, SOME COME UP VERY VERY SHORT.
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****Interactive portion of message where scriptures are given to each person who is asked to read the scripture aloud and tell what verse means to them.****
DO THESE VERSES TELL US WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO FOR EACH OTHER ?
YES !
–John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
–John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
–John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
–Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
–Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
–Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
–Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
–Romans 15:14 And 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.
–Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
–Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
–Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
–Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
–Colossians 3:16 Let 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.
–1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
–1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
–1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
–Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
–Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
–Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
–1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
–1 John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
–1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
–1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
–1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
–Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
–Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
–Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
–Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
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THREE QUESTIONS:
WHAT WOULD JESUS WANT DONE ?
WHAT WOULD THAT PERSON WANT DONE ?
WHAT WOULD I LIKE TO HAVE DONE IF I WAS THAT PERSON ?
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LOVE IS A COMMAND FROM GOD. AND IT IS FAR MORE THAN WHAT MOST CHRISTIAN WANT IT TO BE WHEN APPLIED TO OTHERS.
John 13:34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 15:12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Romans 13:8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Romans 14:13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
Romans 15:7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Romans 15:14 And 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.
LOVE DOES SOMETHING. IT JUST DOESN’T “FEEL.”
Galatians 6:2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Ephesians 4:2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Ephesians 4:32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
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.
1 Thessalonians 4:9But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
1 Thessalonians 4:18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 10:24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1 John 3:11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
1 John 3:23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
1 John 4:7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John 4:11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Hebrews 10:24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
BE HUMBLE.
Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
GOD FIRST, OTHERS SECOND.
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Luke 14:10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
TRYING TO HELP A BROTHER OR SISTER IN CHRIST ?
HOW DO WE DO THIS ? PASS THIS TEST–
HOW WOULD JESUS FEEL ? IF WE KNOW IT, CONSIDER HOW JESUS WOULD HANDLE IT. DO WE REALLY KNOW ? IS THERE A BIBLICAL BASIS FOR YOUR CONCLUSION ?
ARE WE DOING IT BECAUSE GOD COMMANDED US TO LOVE AS HE LOVED ? SOME SEE THIS AS THEIR ESCAPE FROM DOING SOMETHING. THEY FIGURE THAT IF THEY CANNOT LOVE AS JESUS DID THEY ARE EXCUSED FROM DOING ANYTHING. NOT SO ! INSTEAD, JESUS SET A STANDARD BEFORE US WHERE WE ARE SUPPOSED TO COME UP TO THOSE STANDARDS, NOT THROW THEM AWAY SAYING THAT WE CANNOT DO THEM.
HOW WOULD YOU FEEL ? CONSIDER HOW YOU WOULD FEEL IN THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
HOW WOULD THE OTHER PERSON FEEL ? CONSIDER HOW THE OTHER PERSON WOULD TAKE WHAT YOU SAY OR DO.
ASK YOURSELF WHAT RESPONSE A PERSON MIGHT HAVE TO WHAT YOU SAY. (Do NOT say, “I would have this or that reaction.” You could take things differently than the other person). THIS IS TAKING ANOTHER PERSON INTO CONSIDERATION. THE FIRST AND THIRD POINTS ARE MOST IMPORTANT.
YOU CAN CONSIDER HOW YOU WOULD REACT, BUT THE FOREMOST CONSIDERATION IS THE OTHER PERSON.
WRONGLY, MOST CHRISTIANS MINISTER TO OTHERS AS IF IT WAS NOT BIG DEAL TO BE CONSIDERATE. JUST SPEAK YOUR MIND AND SAY SOMETHING SPIRITUAL, AND EVERYTHING WILL BE OK. NOT SO !
POSSIBLE SITUATIONS:
A PERSON HAVING FINANCIAL TROUBLES. You don’t talk about all the things that they COULD have done. Help them think about what’s ahead if they seek God’s will.
A PERSON WHO IS SICK. Do we tell them about all the problems at work that they missed out on ? Is that thoughtful ? Do you tell them all the problems at work, and how bad different people have been ? Do you drop the rumor that says their job is about to be taken by someone else ?
A WOMAN IN THE HOSPITAL WITH 2 BROKEN LEGS FROM CAR ACCIDENT. Do you visit and tell how the Lord saved you from a very similar situation ? Or, do you tell her that you had a relative who had the very same thing, and she never was able to walk right again ? What does THAT leave her thinking ?
“CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER”
HAVE I CONSIDERED THEIR SPIRITUAL CONDITION ? ARE THEY BACKSLIDDEN ? IN REBELLION ? WEAK ? A NEW CHRISTIAN ? **You will be totally unsuccessful if you spend time talking about specifics of the Greek language or intricate meanings of a Greek word in Scripture that blessed you so much this morning. If you expect too much of them, you miss the mark. If you shoot too low, you insult their intelligence and their spiritual life.
DO I HAVE A PLAN TO EDIFY ? Or, do I speak off the top of my head, which may not bring the best results ?
DID I PUT MYSELF IN THAT PERSON’S PLACE AND KNOWING THEIR (NOT my own) PERSONALITY, DO I UNDERSTAND WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP THAT PERSON ? People often say, “I would take it this way.” BUT, you are NOT them ! Try to consider them, not yourself !
We are speaking about a life that fails to actively submit to doing Divine purpose. Living a life that is without purpose, or without even knowing that there is a Divine purpose.
IMAGINE IF A MAN WAS SET DOWN BY HELICOPTER IN A CITY, AND JUST LEFT THERE. WHAT WILL HE DO ? MOST MEN WILL SEEK TO FIND SOME WAY TO PRESERVE THEIR OWN LIVES. FIND FOOD. FIND SHELTER.
BUT, THE CHRISTIAN IS ALWAYS DROPPED INTO THIS WORLD WITH A GREATER MISSION–TO PUT GOD FIRST ! WE HAVE A PURPOSE BEYOND MERELY SURVIVING.
WHAT ARE WE WITHOUT THE PURPOSE WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN FOR OUR LIVES ?
1. THE PURPOSE OF GOD IS A LIFE-LONG PURPOSE.
SOLOMON DIDN’T TAKE THAT SERIOUSLY. HE MADE IT A ONE-SHOT EFFORT.
1Kings 5:5 And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto My name. See I Kings 11:1-8
NOT ALL RELIGIOUS PURPOSES PLEASE GOD. HE SHOULD BE GIVEN EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS.
Isaiah 1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
KING SAUL SACRIFICED AND WORSHIPED, BUT DISOBEYED GOD. DID HIS RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES NULLIFY HIS DISOBEDIENCE ? NO.
1 Samuel 15:21-26 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king. ¶ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
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SERVICE TO GOD SHOULD BE YOUR PURPOSE, NOT DOING SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD OR TO AVOID OFFENDING PEOPLE. WHAT DID JESUS TELL HIS DISCIPLES TO DO ? DID EVERYONE LIKE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ? NO. SO, DID JESUS TELL THEM TO SAY NOTHING ? OR, TO TRY AND KEEP THE PEACE BY MAKING NEUTRAL STATEMENTS ?
THIS IS WHAT JESUS SAID…
GO… TEACH… BAPTIZE.
NOT MAKE YOURSELF ACCEPTABLE AND PLEASING TO EVERYONE. BY TELLING THE TRUTH, YOU ALWAYS RISK REJECTION. YOU ALWAYS RISK HAVING PEOPLE NOT WANT TO BE AROUND YOU ANY MORE. BUT IT IS BETTER TO HAVE GOD PLEASED WITH YOU THAN PEOPLE !
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
PART OF OUR DIVINE PURPOSE MAY BE LAYING DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN.
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
IF YOU CAN’T STAND UP FOR THE BRETHREN YOU SURELY WON’T GIVE YOUR LIFE FOR THEM. HONOR THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST IN THE BRETHREN. DON’T ALLOW OTHERS TO TEAR THEM DOWN. STAND UP FOR TRUTH.
IT MAY INVOLVE SUFFERING FOR THE LORD. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE OBSERVE AND GIVE GOD GLORY WHEN THEY SEE A GODLY PURPOSE FOCUS ON THE LORD RATHER THAN THEMSELVES.
2. THE DEVIL WILL ALWAYS TRY TO PUSH PEOPLE AWAY FROM THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE.
When I was in high school, everyone was trying to get me to do things which were not the purpose of God. Even pastors were pointing me in the wrong direction.
EZRA. From the secular world.
Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
IF YOU TELL THE TRUTH SOME PEOPLE WILL SAY THAT YOU ALWAYS ARE AGAINST THEM WHEN THAT IS FURTHEST FROM THE TRUTH.
1 Kings 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
WE OFTEN SPEAK OF PETER’S FAILURE TO WALK ON WATER. BUT, IT IS SOMETHING THAT HE DID AT THE CALLING OF GOD. THE DEVIL TEMPTED HIM TO FAIL.
Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.
HE WANTED TO FULFILL THE PURPOSE OF GOD BY HIS OBEDIENCE AND FELL. WHAT HAPPENED THEN ? JESUS LIFTED HIM UP, AND HIS FAITH WAS INCREASED EVEN BY THE NUMBER OF STEPS WHICH HE MADE ON TOP OF THE WATER.
**HAVE YOU EVER FAILED AT SOMETHING YOU THINK GOD WANTED YOU TO DO ?
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
THINK OF THE NUMBER OF STEPS THAT YOU TOOK BEFORE YOU SANK. THE FACT THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO GET EVEN THAT FAR SHOULD ENCOURAGE YOUR FAITH AND CHALLENGE YOU TO TRY AGAIN. BEING FAITHFUL TO THE AUTHORITY OF GOD –even after we fail–IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO MOVE AHEAD TO SUCCESS.
HOW DID PAUL GET TO THIS POINT IN HIS LIFE ? BY SUCCEEDING EVERY TIME HE TRIED ? NO. AND CERTAINLY NOT BY QUITTING ONCE HE FAILED. HE CAME TO THIS POINT BECAUSE EACH FAILURE HAD A LITTLE SUCCESS IN IT, AND HIS FAITH KEPT GROWING.
3. ABOVE ALL IT IS GOD’S DIVINE PURPOSE FOR YOU TO BE SAVED AND SERVING HIM ACCEPTABLY !
Galatians 1:3-4“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”
1 Timothy 2:1, 3-6” I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
2 Peter 3:9“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
John 3:16“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Hebrews 12:28“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”
THIS 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 !
SOMETIMES WE NEED TO REVIEW WHAT WE ARE REALLY ALL ABOUT.
Police officers attempted to stop a guy for running a stop sign. They chased him through many high-traffic areas throughout the city, barely avoiding hitting several pedestrians. Finally, they got a break when he lost control of his car, drove up an embankment, and hit the wall of a business. As he was getting out of his car, they shot him to death. He had no weapon, and was surrendering from all reports. Several of the officers as a punishment were made to go through some retraining courses. They forgot what they wee supposed to be. Instead of protecting the public they MADE the fleeing car and themselves a danger to everyone. They forgot their purpose.
SOMETIMES WE NEED REMINDING THAT WE HAVE A GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE AND NEED TO LIVE DOING THE PURPOSE HE ASSIGNED TO EACH OF US.
1. YOUR CALLING FROM GOD CAME BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.
A. GOD KNEW YOU AND LAID OUT HIS PLAN FOR YOU BEFORE YOU WERE BORN.
Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
B. GOD WANTS US TO SEEK HIM BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.
Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
C. GOD DESERVES TO BE FIRST IN OUR LIVES.
Psalms 135:5For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
Ephesians 1:21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
D. GOD DESERVES FIRST RECOGNITION OF WHAT GOOD HAS HAPPENED.
Genesis 8:20And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar
E. GOD SHOULD RECEIVE OUR FIRST LOVE—BEFORE AND ABOVE ALL ELSE.
Revelation 2:4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
2. WHAT TO HELP OTHERS ? DEAL WITH YOUR OWN SINS FIRST.
A. TAKING CARE OF OUR SINS BEFORE WE HELP OTHERS IS A MAJOR BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE.
Hebrews 7:27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself.
Matthew 7:5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye
John 8:7So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
B. IN THE MATTER OF SERVICE—GOD ALWAYS COMES FIRST. EVEN BEFORE FAMILY.
No one else is worthy of the devotion God is worthy of. No one else died on the cross for you, and no one else redeemed you—or COULD redeem you.
—MORE THAN OUR OWN VIEWS. (This man actually thought that he WOULD follow the Lord).—
Luke 9:57And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto Him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
—MORE THAN PARENTS—
Luke 9:59And He said unto another, Follow Me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
—MORE THAN FAMILY—
Luke 9:61And another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
—MORE THAN SPOUSE.—
Luke 14:20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
***THESE PEOPLE WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR PRIORITIES RIGHT NEVER DID ANYTHING POWERFUL FOR THE LORD. THEY WERE ALL TALK. THEY CLAIMED THEY WOULD FOLLOW THE LORD. DID GOD REWARD THEIR WORDS OR ACTIONS ?
Matthew 19:29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
3. THE FIRST PRIORITY IN EDUCATION IS TO KNOW GOD.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO ?
SOMETIMES INVOLVES DOING SOMETHING ELSE FIRST.
Acts 9:6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
GETTING RIGHT WITH SOMEONE YOU HAVE WRONGED.
Matthew 5:24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 7:5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
IS THERE ANYTHING HINDERING ME FROM DOING IT ?
Acts 8:36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
THE ENTRAPMENTS OF THE WORLD.
1 Samuel 17:39And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
A LACK OF BELIEVING GOD.
Jeremiah 1:6Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
HOW DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO IT ?
1 Samuel 16:2And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.
Deuteronomy 7:17If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?
WHEN DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO IT ? **Timing is an important issue in spiritual things. There are times when if we miss an opportunity by five minutes, it will be gone forever. WHEN the HS speaks to us about something, we can be sure that if He didn’t say, “Do this in 5 years,” He wants us to do it immediately or soon.
4. WE MUST SEEK GOD BEFORE TRYING TO CHANGE OUR LIVES.
A. TRYING TO CHANGE FIRST RESULTS IN CHAOS AND AGONY.
Matthew 12:45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
5. THERE ARE PRIORITIES IN DEALING WITH OTHERS.
A. GIVE THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT FIRST.
Luke 10:5And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
B. HEARING A MATTER MUST COME BEFORE MAKING A DECISION.
Proverbs 18:13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
WHEN WE REALIZE THAT WE HAVE SINNED, AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE IN LIFE FOR WHAT WE DO, WE TURN TO GOD FOR FORGIVENESS. IT IS A LOGICAL AND REASONABLE THING TO DO. BUT, HOW DO WE GET TO GOD SINCE WE ARE SINFUL, AND HE CANNOT TOLERATE US IN HIS PRESENCE ? OUR ANSWER–THE ONLY ANSWER–IS JESUS.
FORGIVENESS THROUGH CHRIST IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT CAN HAPPEN TO US. WITHOUT IT, WE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO HOPE ! BUT, JESUS DEMANDS SOMETHING FROM US— IF WE WANT TO BE FORGIVEN, WE MUST FORGIVE OTHERS. THIS SHOULD BE A WAY OF LIFE FOR THE TRUE CHRISTIAN. IT BRINGS NOT ONLY BLESSING FOR US, BUT FOR OTHERS, TOO.
1. FORGIVEN PEOPLE ARE HAPPY PEOPLE.
A. FORGIVING PEOPLE–WHO DO IT RIGHT–BECOME HAPPIER PEOPLE.
There are many accounts of such people in the Bible.
Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
B. THEY FORGIVE, AND THEY DON’T DWELL ON THE SINS OF OTHERS.
Readiness to forgive is an attitude which doesn’t dwell on other’s faults, but examines our own relationship with God.
Philippians 3:13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
WHAT IS GOD SPEAKING OF HERE ? IN MOST AREAS OF SCRIPTURE, HE ADMONISHED PEOPLE TO REMEMBER THINGS. THERE ARE SOME THINGS WHICH SHOULD BE BRUSHED TO THE PAST AND LEFT THERE. MOSTLY THINGS THAT OFFENDED YOU. FORGIVE THEM AND LEAVE THEM AS FAR IN THE PAST AS POSSIBLE (IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET SUCH THINGS, BUT YOU CAN RESOLVE THEM BY PUTTING THEM INTO THE PAST).
C. GOD IS READY TO FORGIVE.
Psalm 86:5For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
We must be like Him, READY TO FORGIVE.
D. DON’T COLLECT IMAGINARY SINS.
One mistake teachers often make is to setup a case against any student who has misbehaved in the past. Now, most of the time, a track record is valid. We act upon their track record. BUT, what if they change ? Do we come expecting that they are going to do wrong ? Do we make them examples with warnings even before they do wrong ? This can lead to a student not responding to a teacher at all. It, in effect, is unforgiveness.
Often, people misinterpret the actions or words of someone else. But, if they are in a bad spiritual state they could quickly make the wrong conclusions, and assume that someone sinned against them.
Proverbs 18:13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Matthew 25:24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
HE MADE A CASE AGAINST HIS MASTER WITHOUT FACTS.
2. PEOPLE WHO DO THE FORGIVING BECOME HAPPIER.
Carrying around a grudge only makes our lives miserable.
Matthew 6:14-15For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
WE CAN BE HAPPY KNOWING THAT WE HAVE PLEASED THE LORD IN FOLLOWING HIS EXAMPLE OF FORGIVING.
3. FORGIVENESS REQUIRES MORE THAN ONE PERSON TO BECOME EFFECTIVE.
A. FORGIVENESS IS NEEDED ONLY WHEN SOMEONE COMMITS AN OFFENCE DIRECTLY TO YOU.
Some hate a brother or sister “without cause.”
Proverbs 3:30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
DON’T TAKE THE GRUDGES OR ANGER OF OTHERS AS YOUR OWN. “IF MY BEST FRIEND IS ANGRY WITH SOMEONE, I AM ANGRY AT THEM, TOO.” THE BIBLE SAYS THIS IS WRONG.
B. IT DEPENDS UPON TRUE REPENTANCE.
Luke 17:3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. You have a Biblical obligation to tell him the fault face to face, not behind his back.
Matthew 18:15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
How can this be done, if the person you want to forgive is dead ?—Get it right with God. If it even matters to the person, and they are in Heaven, there is forgiveness.
C. IT DEPENDS ON THE WILLINGNESS OF THE OFFENDED PARTY.
—IT IS REQUIRED WHEN CONDITIONS ARE MET.
Matthew 6:15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Many carry around bitterness and anger from years past. Tragic ! It affects their health, their mental state, and their relationship with God. Even Christians who carry grudges areound for even as little as a couple weeks can be negatively affected.
4. GOD’S FORGIVENESS IS WHAT COUNTS THE MOST.
WHENEVER YOU SIN, YOU SIN AGAINST GOD FIRST. SIN IS A VIOLATION OF HIS LAW. WHEN WE SEEK FORGIVENESS, WE DON’T ASK THE ANGELS TO FORGIVE US. WE HAVE TO ASK THE PERSON WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST.
FORGIVENESS GETS US ON A RIGHT COURSE WITH THE PERSON WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST. BUT, SOMETIMES WE HAVE SET IN MOTION THINGS THAT WILL COMES AGAINST US, EVEN THOUGH GOD HAS FORGIVEN US.
**Like a man robbing a store. He is caught, he goes to trial, and is found guilty. While in jail, he receives a letter from the store owner. In it, the store owner says that he has forgiven the man. So what ? It doesn’t get him out of jail any more than self– forgiveness will get you out of Hell or out of a bad relationship with the Lord.
A. HIS FORGIVENESS IS REAL & LASTING.
1John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
FOR US, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF US FORGIVING OTHERS ? PEACE, HAPPINESS, KNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE PLEASING GOD AND MAKING ANOTHER PERSON BLESSED BY UNLOADING THAT WEIGHT FROM HIM.
Matthew 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Many have never experienced anything except the world’s concept of rest and vacation. As a result, they don’t get all God wants them to have !
1. PLAN FOR YOUR PHYSICAL REST.
A. GOD’S PLAN IS FOR ONE DAY OUT OF THE WEEK TO BE A TIME OF PHYSICAL REST.
—GOD DID IT.
Exodus 31:17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
B. RECOGNIZE THAT YOU WON’T GET PHYSICALLY RESTED UNLESS YOU ARE SPIRITUALLY RESTED FIRST. IF ONE PART IS NOT RESTED, IT WILL HAVE AN EFFECT UPON ALL THE OTHER PARTS.
2. PLAN FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL REST.
A. GET THE ISSUES THAT TROUBLE YOU REMOVED IF POSSIBLE.
Many times, the phone, email, or mail can pull you down. Try not checking on them for a day or two. The world won’t collapse.
Psalm 55:6And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
B. WHAT IS IT THAT CAUSES THE SPIRIT OF MAN TO WORK HARDER ? FOR THE CHRISTIAN, IT IS BATTLING TEMPTATIONS. AVOID UNNECESSARY TEMPTATIONS.
1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
THERE ARE SOME PLACES OF TEMPTATION YOU NEED TO STAY AWAY FROM. STAY OFF THE iPOD, THE PC, THE PHONE, THE STORES, ETC. ANYTHING WHERE YOU BATTLE TEMPTATIONS, STAY AWAY !
3. PLAN FOR YOUR MENTAL REST.
A. CONSIDER JESUS. HE GOT AWAY WITHIN HIS OWN AREA.
Luke 9:18And it came to pass, as He was alone praying, His disciples were with Him: and He asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
Luke 22:39-40And He came out, and went, as He was wont, to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him. And when He was at the place, He said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Matthew 14:23And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone.
MANY SEEK TO REST THE MIND, BUT WEAR OUT THE BODY IN THE PROCESS. FOR INSTANCE – GOING ON LONG, TIRING TRIP, BUT DON’T TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT THE BODY AFFECTS THE REST OF YOU.
JESUS WAS ABLE TO DO IT–GO THROUGH TROUBLES, THEN BE RESTED–SO CHRIST IN US CAN DO THE SAME.
Hebrews 12:3For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
B. SOME FAIL TO RENEW THEIR MINDS BY TAKING CLEAN WATER ALONG.
Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
C. MEMORY CAN HURT YOUR RESTFULNESS.
GET YOUR MIND OCCUPIED ON OTHER THINGS. YOU WON’T GET REST THINKING ABOUT ISSUES THAT YOU HAVE TO BATTLE ALL THE TIME. TAKE A BREAK FROM THE THINGS WHERE YOU HAVE TO DO A LOT OF THINKING.
***Obviously, you don’t stop thinking. BUT, you need to rest from the areas of mental troubles. If you are mentally fatigued at thinking about someone in your past, quit thinking about them. remove yourself from their thoughts.
–GET YOUR MIND ON THINGS THAT ARE HAPPY, LOVELY. PLAY CHRISTIAN MUSIC, FIND SOME GOOD CLEAN COMEDIES, WATCH SOME EDIFYING CHRISTIAN MOVIES.
NOT FOREVER. JUST AS A REST FOR A TIME.
3. THE FINAL REST—WILL IT BE REST, AT ALL ?
A. MEMORY IS NOT DESTROYED WHEN WE GET TO HEAVEN.
WILL THERE BE PAINFUL TIMES, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE PAST, AND YOUR FAILURE TO GIVE TO GOD WHAT HE HAS COMMANDED YOU TO DO ? WHEN UNDER CONVICTION, THERE WILL NOT BE MUCH REST, UNLESS YOU HAVE BECOME INSENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Jeremiah 45:3Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.
B. THE “REST” OF SOME WILL CONTAIN NO REST WHATSOEVER.
Isaiah 57:21There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
C. THE ONLY TRUE REST BEGINS WHEN WE STOP TRYING TO WORK OUR WAY INTO HEAVEN, AND RECEIVE GOD’S PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS.
Hebrews 4:9-11There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Micah 6:1-2 Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear Thy voice. Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD’S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with His people, and He will plead with Israel.
What a blessing to know that God hears us. BUT, if we don’t work at our relationship with God above everything else, we will not have that closeness. The world looks at the true Christian in amazement, and says, “look at them under stress—they are still smiling, still serving God !”
SO—WHY do most Christians not have that when at one time many of them did ? It is called incrementalism. Many small compromises, till the Christian is miserable, without being conscious of why it happened. The devil uses the same in the loss of freedoms in this country. Most don’t even notice what freedoms are gone today—but they know that it isn’t the same as it was years ago.
Incrementalism gives people a false idea that seems reasonable to them. Then, it builds upon that false idea, and before long, they are powerless to resist anything that is said against evil.
1. THROW OUT THE IDEA THAT YOU CAN BE JUST AS CLOSE TO GOD IN ONE PLACE AND TIME AS ANOTHER.
A. EVEN JESUS’ MOTHER THOUGHT INCORRECTLY.
Luke 8:19Then came to Him His mother and His brethren, and could not come at Him for the press.
B. SOMETIMES WE LOOK FOR GOD TO SPEAK THROUGH THE WRONG THINGS.
1 Kings 19:11And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
2. THROW AWAY THE IDEA THAT GOD ACCEPTS OUR PRAYERS NO MATTER WHAT CONDITION WE ARE IN.
A. CAN’T FIND GOD BECAUSE SIN IS IN THE WAY.
Psalms 66:18If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
B. DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF GOD’S TRACK RECORD.
He uses people and speaks through them. Sometimes we nee to listen. Other times, we need to dismiss what they say. But, we need to be close enough to the Lord to hear God’s discernment on the matter,
Isaiah 63:11Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him ?
C. ACCEPT THE TRUTH THAT THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE DON’T KNOW. JUST TRUST GOD, AND EVENTUALLY, YOU WILL KNOW WHAT NEEDS TO BE KNOWN.
Job 30:20 I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not.
D. DON’T THINK THAT WHEN JUDGMENT COMES THAT GOD WILL ALWAYS KEEP ON SPEAKING.
Micah 3:4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.
E. BE AWARE THAT GOD GIVES A LIMITED TIME TO RESPOND TO HIS VOICE.
We know that America is going to be judged soon. If we know that, and know the time is short, we should be doing all we can and listening to God’s Word faithfully.
Isaiah 65:12Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.
FELLOWSHIP IS A TWO WAY STREET. BOTH PARTIES COMMUNICATE. GOD CAN SPEAK WITHOUT HAVING FELLOWSHIP WITH YOU.
–MOST PEOPLE WANT THE FELLOWSHIP SO THEY CAN TALK TO GOD. GOD GAVE YOU ONE MOUTH AND TWO EARS. TWICE AS MANY THINGS FOR HEARING BECAUSE HEARING WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN BEING HEARD.
3. GOD WILL NOT HEAR CERTAIN THINGS.
A. PRAYERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE REMOVED THEMSELVES FROM HOPE.
Jeremiah was instructed not to pray for Israel any more.
Jeremiah 14:11Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.
—The prayers of sinners after He has already closed the door of opportunity.
Genesis 7:1And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
B. THAT GOD WILL ACCEPT A PLEA BARGAIN FOR OUR JUDGMENT.
Moses praying that he could see the promised land.
Deuteronomy 3:26But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.
C. WHEN WE ASK FOR THINGS NOT ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL.
Asking for things just to satisfy self is not proper for a Christian. James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
D. OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S VOICE OUGHT TO BE A MORE DEDICATED LIFE FOR THE LORD.
But, God in His great mercy has extended an invitation to all.
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.
CAN YOU HEAR THAT ? SOMEONE MAY HAVE TOLD YOU BEFORE, AND YOU REFUSED TO HEAR IT. IF YOU DO NOW, NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR DECISION. TOMORROW YOU MAY NOT HEAR IT ONCE MORE, AND BE LIKE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO TELL THOSE WHO CARE ABOUT THEM, “I JUST DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT.”
JUST HEARING FROM GOD DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE OK. YOU HEARD FROM GOD BEFORE YOU GOT SAVED. BAALAM HEARD FROM GOD. THE RICH MAN WANTING TO BUILD BIGGER BARNS HEARD FROM GOD. EVIL KINGS HEAR FROM GOD.
FELLOWSHIP ONLY COMES BY BEING IN A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD JESUS.
MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T HAVE IT. THAT’S WHY THE TITLE OF MY MESSAGE IS, “HOW TO BE LESS MISERABLE.” SOME CHRISTIANS ARE MISERABLE PEOPLE, ATTRACTING FEW OUTSIDERS TO KNOW GOD BECAUSE OF THEIR SOUR FACES AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT LIFE. BUT, YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN JOY FROM GOD.
HOWEVER, IF YOU IGNORE SOMETHING LONG ENOUGH, YOU FORGET YOU HAVE IT.
TWO THINGS WEAR THE BELIEVER DOWN–
–THE WORLD NEWS
–MEDICAL CONCERNS
A woman saw the same movie 15 times. Each time, she cries for 30 minutes or more, and is difficult to be around. She complained to her husband that the movie always puts her in a very depressed state. He gives a simple answer: “Do you want to feel better ? QUIT WATCHING THE STUPID MOVIE !”
2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
THIS MORNING, I WANT TO HELP YOUR JOY.
1. ACTING IN FAITH ACCORDING TO THESE TRUTHS CAN BRING YOU FULLNESS OF JOY.
A. GREAT THINGS HAPPEN WHEN GOD ENCOMPASSES YOUR WHOLE LIFE.
John 15:11These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
♦ YOU CAN GET YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED.
John 15:7 If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
♦ YOU CAN BE A DISCIPLE IN MODERN TIMES.
John 15:8Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.
♦ GOD LOVES YOU, AND YOU SHOULD MAINTAIN YOUR LOVE FOR HIM.
John 15:9As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love.
♦ YOU MAINTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD BY DOING WHAT HE SAYS.
John 15:10-11If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
B. JOHN CONFIRMS THAT THESE THINGS WORK.
Almost 60 years after Jesus ascended into Heaven, John had a chance to see God’s teachings work. So, he once again reminds the Believers of their powerful practical work.
1 John 1:4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
WHAT THINGS WAS HE ABOUT TO WRITE TO THEM ? (HE INCLUDED BASICALLY THE SAME THINGS THAT JESUS SAID IN JOHN 15).
♦ WE CAN MAINTAIN FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD BY DOING WHAT HE SAYS.
1 John 1:6-7If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 2:5-6But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.
♦ YOU CAN MAINTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD BY DEALING WITH YOUR SINS.
1 John 1:9-10If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
♦ YOU CAN BE A DISCIPLE OF SOME DEGREE IN THESE END TIMES.
1 John 1:12-14I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
*NOTICE THE SPIRITUAL MATURITY LEVELS THE HOLY SPIRIT IDENTIFIES HERE. LITTLE CHILDREN, YOUNG MEN, AND FATHERS. WHERE ARE YOU ON GOD’S CHART ? YOUR SPIRITUAL MATURITY DETERMINES HOW MUCH YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH.
DON’T EXPECT TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS WHEN YOU HAVEN’T MATURED SPIRITUALLY. It would be like a three year old child telling you that he will win the Boston Marathon race this year. The child MIGHT do that later in life, but he has to grow up first. But, they aren’t going to do it later, either unless that child grows up and fills their body with good things that enable it to deal with the stress and heart-pounding exertion of such a race. Same is true with Christians. We need to be filled with all the fullness of Christ !
♦ WE HAVE THE POWER TO BE THE DISCIPLES THAT JESUS WANTS US TO BE.
1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.
2. KEEPING OTHER THINGS OUT WILL ALLOW YOUR HEART TO BE FULL
A. LET GOD FILL YOUR LIFE.
HE COMMANDS US TO BE FILLED WITH HIM. HE IS TO TO YOUR GUIDE IN ALL DECISIONS. HE IS TO BE YOUR SECURITY, YOUR SOURCE OF HELP OF ALL KINDS.
The devil tries to reduce the amount of space for God by filling people with other influences. Someone spoke with me about a recent phone call with a senior Christian. The senior Christian spoke of only two things in a two hour conversation unless she was pushed into another subject. Do you know what those two things were ? Medical conditions and how bad the world is.
Ephesians 3:19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
On the other hand, when we are filled with the Spirit of God, He gives us purpose and a focus that fills us with JOY !
3. YOU CAN’T BE FULL OF THE JOY OF THE LORD AND BE FULL WITH THE WORLD’S PROPAGANDA AND NEWS, TOO !
THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH INTELLIGENCE, AND ONLY SO MUCH TIME, AND ONLY SO MUCH ROOM IN EACH PERSON’S LIFE.
A. THIS WORLD IS FILLED WITH THE WRONG THINGS, AND IT WANTS TO PUSH THEM DOWN YOUR THROAT, TOO.
The devil’s goal seems to be to bring the world to the same condition it was in right before the Flood.
Genesis 6:5And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
THAT IS FILLING THE THOUGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH THOUGHTS OF NOT DEPENDING ON GOD, OF MAKING MAN’S ANSWERS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOD, PUSHING FEAR AND ANXIETY ON US -YES, EVEN ON BELIEVERS TODAY. WHAT IS THAT ? FILLING THEM WITH THE WRONG THINGS.
Romans 1:28-32And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
B. FILL YOUR MIND AND SOULS WITH THE THINGS THAT GOD SAYS ARE IMPORTANT
Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
♦ BRINGING THE GOSPEL TO EVEN ONE PERSON IS LOVELY. ♦ SERVING GOD BY FIXING THINGS AROUND HIS HOUSE IS LOVELY. ♦ USING YOUR TALENTS TO MAKE MONEY THAT CAN KEEP THE CHURCH RUNNING AND REACH SOULS OVERSEAS IS LOVELY.
AS BAD AS SOME PEOPLE THINK THINGS ARE TODAY – THERE ARE SOME VERY IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT HAVE NOT CHANGED.
1. THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE STILL TRUE. 2. THE COMMANDS OF GOD ARE STILL IN EFFECT. 3. YOU STILL HAVE THE POWER OF CHOICE THAT GOD GAVE TO YOU.
RIGHT NOW, YOU ARE EITHER FILLED WITH YOUR OWN SINS, OR YOU HAVE BEEN CLEANSED BY THE POWER OF CHRIST. YOU HAVE THE CHOICE TO RECEIVE GOD’S CLEANSING, OR KEEP YOUR SINS AND PAY FOR THEM FOREVER.
