2 Chronicles 25:11 “And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.”
Daniel 10:19“And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”
1. THE LORD PROVIDES STRENGTH WHEN WE ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND UP FOR HIM.
Colossians 1:11“Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
2 Timothy 4:17“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”
2. WHEN WE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR HUMAN WEAKNESS AND TURN TO GOD, WE ARE MADE STRONG BY OUR FAITH IN HIM.
Hebrews 11:34“Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” 2 Corinthians 12:10“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
3. WE CAN LOSE OUR STRENGTH FROM GOD WHEN WE DECIDE TO DO THINGS OUR OWN WAY, AND NOT HIS.
Judges 16:19-21“And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.”
4. GOD PROVIDES THE RESOURCES SO WE CAN BE STRONG.
COMPLETE FAITH IN THE PERSON OF OUR LORD.
Hebrews 6:18“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”
NOURISHMENT FROM THE WORD OF GOD.
Hebrews 5:12“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Hebrews 5:14“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
POWER FROM HIS SPIRIT.
Ephesians 3:16“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;”
5. THERE ARE GOOD RESULTS WHEN WE DEPEND ON GOD AND NOT OURSELVES.
Philippians 4:13“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Ephesians 6:10“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”
MANY PEOPLE DON’T THINK THAT WHAT YOU DO IS IMPORTANT. THEY CONTEND THAT WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND THINK IN YOUR MIND WEIGHS MORE WITH GOD. NOT SO.
IT BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO THE LORD. THEN YOU CAN HEAR HIM, BE COMFORTED, STRENGTHENED, LED, AND FILLED.
IT HONORS GOD’S STANDARDS, AND SETS YOU UP AS A GOOD EXAMPLE. SOME DON’T WANT TO BE EXAMPLES. OK, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN ? YOUR BROTHERS, SISTERS ? WILL YOU LEAVE THEM WITHOUT AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW ?
GOD BRINGS JUDGMENT AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL, AND ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD EXAMPLES.
1 Corinthians 5:2And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. This man was a leader, was saved, but thought that sin what he did was important.
WE KNOW THAT THE WORLD WILL TRY TO GET US TO DO WRONG.
Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH ARE SUPPOSED TO BE EXAMPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK. BECAUSE CHURCHES HAVE FAILED GOD, THEY WILL BE JUDGED IN THE LAST DAYS.
1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God ?
IF WE DON’T DO RIGHT, THERE ARE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES. ISRAEL, IN DANIEL’S TIME WAS TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY, MADE TO BE SLAVES.
Daniel 9:10Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Daniel 9:13-14As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.
IT IS A LIFESTYLE THAT IS BLESSED BY GOD.
Hebrews 11:8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
IT PURIFIES THE SOUL WHEN WE DO RIGHT. IT PROVIDES FOR A CLEAN MIND AND GOOD FEELINGS THAT GO ALONG WITH THAT.
1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
IF WE DON’T DO RIGHT, IT WEAKENS OUR CONSCIENCE, AND RESULTS IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF RIGHT AND WRONG BEING DESTROYED.
Amos 3:9-10Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof. For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.
THIS IS ANTICIPATED IN THE LAST DAYS. DON’T BE A PARTY TO THIS !
1 Timothy 4:2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
IT HONORS GOD, AND GOD IS PLEASED WITH OBEDIENCE.
BECAUSE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS REQUIRES IT.
1 John 1:6-7If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
BECAUSE OF THE JUDGMENT FOR THE BELIEVER.
2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
BECAUSE OF JUDGMENT FOR THE UNBELIEVER.
YOUR WORKS WILL NOT SAVE YOU. BUT, BY ANY ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE, YOU HAVE SHOWN THAT YOU DO ACCEPT THE AUTHORITY OF GOD OVER YOU. THEREFORE, THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. ONLY ONE HOPE–RECEIVING THE PAYMENT WHICH JESUS MADE FOR YOU.
YOUR WORKS ONLY SERVE TO CONDEMN YOU.
Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
THERE IS A NEED TO KEEP CONSCIOUS AWARENESS OF YOUR PURPOSE AND GOALS IN LIFE.
John 21:21-22Peter seeing Him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou Me.
1. HOLDING ONTO THEM REQUIRES CONTINUAL EFFORT.
Jude 1:3-4Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
A. THE DEVIL WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.
And he uses people, demons, or whatever he can to do it.
MARK 8:33But when He had turned about and looked on His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind Me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
B. THE FLESH WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.
Will find it easy to forget them, or put them on a back shelf. God wants us to be about His Work ! We have to do whatever it takes to remember that ! Notes, reminders, daily ! IT TAKES LABOR–WORK–TO STAY ON COURSE FOR GOD.
Acts 20:35I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
–IF WE BACKSLIDE, IT BECOMES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO HEAR FROM GOD.
Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
C. FAMILY MAY OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD. THESE ARE THE MOST DIFFICULT TO REJECT WHEN THEY PULL YOU AWAY FROM GOD.
—Some family members actually oppose themselves ! But, we must help them.
2Timothy 2:25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Matthew 10:33-37But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
D. THE LOST—EVEN FRIENDS—WILL OPPOSE THE PLANS OF GOD.
Should we be shocked, surprised ? No.
John 15:20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.
WERE THERE FRIENDS WHO TRIED TO KEEP THE DISCIPLES FROM FOLLOWING THE LORD ? WHAT ABOUT RELATIVES OF THE DISCIPLES ? WHAT ABOUT THE WORLDLY FRIENDS OF MATTHEW ? THE PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE WHO MUST HAVE RIDICULED DR. LUKE.
2. KEEP THE VISION WHICH COMES FROM GOD. MAN’S VISION WILL DISTRACT, TAKE YOU AWAY.
A. SOMETIMES FAR FROM IT.
Galatians 1:6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
B. OUR OWN WILL MUST YIELD TO GOD‘S PURPOSE—A DAILY REQUIREMENT.
Whenever our own will gets in the way. Must be HIS purpose !
2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
C. THE FLESH TRIES FUTILE COVER-UPS.
A sacrifice is not a substitute for God’s calling.
1 Samuel 15:22And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
3. PRESERVE THEM REGARDLESS OF WHAT APPEARS PHYSICALLY.
2 Corinthians 5:7“(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”
We are speaking about a life that fails to actively submit to doing Divine purpose. Living a life that is without purpose, or without even knowing that there is a Divine purpose.
IMAGINE IF A MAN WAS SET DOWN BY HELICOPTER IN A CITY, AND JUST LEFT THERE. WHAT WILL HE DO ? MOST MEN WILL SEEK TO FIND SOME WAY TO PRESERVE THEIR OWN LIVES. FIND FOOD. FIND SHELTER.
BUT, THE CHRISTIAN IS ALWAYS DROPPED INTO THIS WORLD WITH A GREATER MISSION–TO PUT GOD FIRST ! WE HAVE A PURPOSE BEYOND MERELY SURVIVING.
WHAT ARE WE WITHOUT THE PURPOSE WHICH GOD HAS GIVEN FOR OUR LIVES ?
1. THE PURPOSE OF GOD IS A LIFE-LONG PURPOSE.
SOLOMON DIDN’T TAKE THAT SERIOUSLY. HE MADE IT A ONE-SHOT EFFORT.
1Kings 5:5 And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto My name. See I Kings 11:1-8
NOT ALL RELIGIOUS PURPOSES PLEASE GOD. HE SHOULD BE GIVEN EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTS.
Isaiah 1:11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto Me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
KING SAUL SACRIFICED AND WORSHIPED, BUT DISOBEYED GOD. DID HIS RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES NULLIFY HIS DISOBEDIENCE ? NO.
1 Samuel 15:21-26 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, He hath also rejected thee from being king. ¶ And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.
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SERVICE TO GOD SHOULD BE YOUR PURPOSE, NOT DOING SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD OR TO AVOID OFFENDING PEOPLE. WHAT DID JESUS TELL HIS DISCIPLES TO DO ? DID EVERYONE LIKE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ? NO. SO, DID JESUS TELL THEM TO SAY NOTHING ? OR, TO TRY AND KEEP THE PEACE BY MAKING NEUTRAL STATEMENTS ?
THIS IS WHAT JESUS SAID…
GO… TEACH… BAPTIZE.
NOT MAKE YOURSELF ACCEPTABLE AND PLEASING TO EVERYONE. BY TELLING THE TRUTH, YOU ALWAYS RISK REJECTION. YOU ALWAYS RISK HAVING PEOPLE NOT WANT TO BE AROUND YOU ANY MORE. BUT IT IS BETTER TO HAVE GOD PLEASED WITH YOU THAN PEOPLE !
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
PART OF OUR DIVINE PURPOSE MAY BE LAYING DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN.
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
IF YOU CAN’T STAND UP FOR THE BRETHREN YOU SURELY WON’T GIVE YOUR LIFE FOR THEM. HONOR THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST IN THE BRETHREN. DON’T ALLOW OTHERS TO TEAR THEM DOWN. STAND UP FOR TRUTH.
IT MAY INVOLVE SUFFERING FOR THE LORD. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE OBSERVE AND GIVE GOD GLORY WHEN THEY SEE A GODLY PURPOSE FOCUS ON THE LORD RATHER THAN THEMSELVES.
2. THE DEVIL WILL ALWAYS TRY TO PUSH PEOPLE AWAY FROM THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE.
When I was in high school, everyone was trying to get me to do things which were not the purpose of God. Even pastors were pointing me in the wrong direction.
EZRA. From the secular world.
Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
IF YOU TELL THE TRUTH SOME PEOPLE WILL SAY THAT YOU ALWAYS ARE AGAINST THEM WHEN THAT IS FURTHEST FROM THE TRUTH.
1 Kings 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
WE OFTEN SPEAK OF PETER’S FAILURE TO WALK ON WATER. BUT, IT IS SOMETHING THAT HE DID AT THE CALLING OF GOD. THE DEVIL TEMPTED HIM TO FAIL.
Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.
HE WANTED TO FULFILL THE PURPOSE OF GOD BY HIS OBEDIENCE AND FELL. WHAT HAPPENED THEN ? JESUS LIFTED HIM UP, AND HIS FAITH WAS INCREASED EVEN BY THE NUMBER OF STEPS WHICH HE MADE ON TOP OF THE WATER.
**HAVE YOU EVER FAILED AT SOMETHING YOU THINK GOD WANTED YOU TO DO ?
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
THINK OF THE NUMBER OF STEPS THAT YOU TOOK BEFORE YOU SANK. THE FACT THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO GET EVEN THAT FAR SHOULD ENCOURAGE YOUR FAITH AND CHALLENGE YOU TO TRY AGAIN. BEING FAITHFUL TO THE AUTHORITY OF GOD –even after we fail–IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO MOVE AHEAD TO SUCCESS.
HOW DID PAUL GET TO THIS POINT IN HIS LIFE ? BY SUCCEEDING EVERY TIME HE TRIED ? NO. AND CERTAINLY NOT BY QUITTING ONCE HE FAILED. HE CAME TO THIS POINT BECAUSE EACH FAILURE HAD A LITTLE SUCCESS IN IT, AND HIS FAITH KEPT GROWING.
3. ABOVE ALL IT IS GOD’S DIVINE PURPOSE FOR YOU TO BE SAVED AND SERVING HIM ACCEPTABLY !
Galatians 1:3-4“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”
1 Timothy 2:1, 3-6” I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
2 Peter 3:9“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
John 3:16“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Hebrews 12:28“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”
THIS SERIES ON “POWERFUL WORDS” EXAMINES SOME IMPORTANT WORDS USED IN THE BIBLE WHICH PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYMORE. EVEN MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR TRUE MEANING.
SERVICE
1. SERVICE THAT INVOLVES WORSHIP.
DO WE FAIL TO MAKE WORSHIP A PART OF OUR SEEKING GOD ?
…Or, do we come to Him as pleading for things instead of recognizing that He is greater than our problems. Most disappointment in prayer can be avoided if we come to Him with absolute faith in His greatness, and worship Him because of it. It helps us recognize that His answers are best.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service <2999>.
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What is service as the Bible defines it ? Here are a few of the words used to describe serving and ministering.
Strong’s Concordance #2999
λατρεία latreia lat-ri’-ah
AV-translated as “service” 4 times, “divine service” 1 time; used a total of 5 times
Definition:
1) service rendered for hire
1a) any service or ministration: the service of God
2) the service and worship of God according to the requirements of the Levitical law
3) to perform sacred services
Strong’s Concordance #3000
λατρεύω latreuo (pronounced = lat-ryoo’-o)
AV-translated as “serve” 16 times, “worship” 3, “do the service” 1, “worshipper” 1; used a total of 21 times.
Definition:
1) to serve for hire
2) to serve, minister to, either to the gods or men and used alike of slaves and freemen
2a) in the NT, to render religious service or homage, to worship
2b) to perform sacred services, to offer gifts, to worship God in the observance of the rites instituted for his worship
2b1) of priests, to officiate, to discharge the sacred office
1) to serve the state at one’s own cost
1a) to assume an office which must be administered at one’s own expense
1b) to discharge a public office at one’s own cost
1c) to render public service to the state
2) to do a service, perform a work
2a) of priests and Levites who were busied with the sacred rites in the tabernacle or the temple
2b) of Christians serving Christ, whether by prayer, or by instructing others concerning the way of salvation, or in some other way
2c) of those who aid others with their resources, and relieve their poverty
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Acts 13:2 As they ministered <3008> to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve <3000> God acceptably with reverence and godly fear
Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve <3000> with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
IT CAN BE USED FOR THE WRONG PURPOSE.
Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship <3000> the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
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2. SERVICE THAT FOCUSES UPON HELPING OTHERS.
IT MAY NOT ALWAYS BE ACCEPTED BY PEOPLE.
Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
THIS SERVICE IS HELPING OTHERS, BUT IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY INCLUDE WORSHIP.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving <1248>, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry <1248>.
Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry <1248> of the word.
AV-translated as “serve” 18 times, “be in bondage” 4, “do service” 3; used a total of 25 times
1) to be a slave, serve, do service
1a) of a nation in subjection to other nations
2) metaph. to obey, submit to
2a) in a good sense, to yield obedience
2b) in a bad sense, of those who become slaves to some base power, to yield to, give one’s self up to
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Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants <1401>, and delivered unto them his goods.
Galatians 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant <1401>; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
THIS IS THE WORD WHICH JESUS USED MOST TO DESCRIBE HIS CHILDREN,. THEY WERE SERVANTS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD. HE MADE THEM FOR THAT PURPOSE, AND GAVE THEM OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME MORE THAN SERVANTS.
THIS IS ALSO THE WORD WHICH PAUL USED TO DESCRIBE HIMSELF IN ALMOST EVERY EPISTLE, A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST.
Romans 6:16-17 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants <1401> to obey, his servants <1401> ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants <1401> of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Ephesians 6:7 With good will doing service <1398>, as to the Lord, and not to men
1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service <1398>, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
THIS LACK OF UNDERSTANDING COMES FROM THE CHURCH’S FAILURE TO FAMILIARIZE THE SAINTS OF GOD WITH GOD’S WORD. PLENTY IS KNOWN ABOUT JESUS, BUT THE DEVIL HAS MANIPULATED SOME VERY CLEAR TEACHING ABOUT JESUS AND TURNED IT INTO A THEOLOGY WHICH IS DIRECTLY OPPOSED TO GOD’S WORD.
1. JESUS WARNS OF SIN, JUDGMENT, AND HELL.
THE FALSE JESUS NEVER SAYS ANYTHING NEGATIVE.
Matthew 5:29-30And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
RICH MAN AND LAZARUS.
Luke 16:23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
2. JESUS GIVES US SALVATION, HOPE AND JOY.
THE FALSE JESUS PRESENTS THE FALSE PROSPERITY GOSPEL OF PERFECT HEALTH, WEALTH, AND HAPPINESS ABOVE ALL.
Luke 10:17And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.
ZACCHAEUS. HE GAVE AWAY HIS FORTUNE, BUT RECEIVED THE JOY OF THE LORD.
Luke 19:6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
3. JESUS WAS HATED AND DESPISED.
THE FALSE JESUS IS LOVED BY EVERYONE AND ACCEPTED BY ALL.
Isaiah 53:3He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.
Luke 19:14But His citizens hated Him, and sent a message after Him, saying, We will not have this Man to reign over us.
John 7:7The world cannot hate you; but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
4. JESUS HATES SIN AND REVEALS THE TRUTH.
THE FALSE JESUS NEVER CORRECTS YOU OF YOUR SIN, AND WOULDN’T WANT TO OFFEND YOU.
John 8:34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. John 16:8And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Luke 11:44Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them. Luke 11:46-47And He said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them .
5. JESUS GIVES COMMANDMENTS WITH AUTHORITY.
THE FALSE JESUS GIVES SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER.
1785 εντολη entole en-tol-ay’ = comandment
AV-commandment 69, precept 2; 71
1) an order, command, charge, precept, injunction
1a) that which is prescribed to one by reason of his office
2) a commandment
John 14:15If ye love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:21He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 15:10 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.
6. JESUS CAN BECOME ANGRY AND CARRY OUT JUDGMENTS.
THE FALSE JESUS WOULD NEVER DO ANYTHING TO HURT PEOPLE.
–THE REAL GOD WARNS PEOPLE
Ezekiel 33:7So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. 1 Thessalonians 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
–JESUS REVEALED HIS ANGER TOWARD SIN SO THAT ALL MIGHT SEE.
Matthew 21:13And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. Mark 3:5And when He had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
HE REFUSED TO DO MIRACLES IN NAZARETH. MANY NEEDED HEALING. MANY WANTED PRAYERS ANSWERED. HE DID NOT GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANTED BECAUSE OF THEIR UNBELIEF.
Matthew 13:58And He did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
7. JESUS WANTS US TO SERVE HIM.
THE FALSE JESUS SAYS THAT HE EXISTS TO SERVE US.
Luke 17:7But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
8. JESUS WANTS US TO DENY OURSELVES AND LIVE FOR HIM.
THE FALSE JESUS WANTS US TO LOVE OURSELVES AND SO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BE HAPPY.
–NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY TO LOVE YOURSELF. THE BIBLE NOTES THAT IT IS NATURAL FOR A PERSON TO LOVE THEMSELVES, BUT THIS IS NEVER A COMMAND. HOWEVER, IT DOES TELL US HOW OUR LOVE IS TO BE DIRECTED —
FIRST: LOVE GOD.
Mark 12:30And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
SECOND: LOVE THE BRETHREN.
Romans 12:10“Be kindly affectioned <5387> one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another”; (“affectioned” <5387> literally means = cherishing one’s kindred, especially parents or children)
1 John 3:14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 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.
HOW ??? IT COMES THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD.
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:
THIRD: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR.
LUKE 10:27-29And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And He said unto Him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
FOURTH: LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.
Matthew 5:43-44Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Acts 2:47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
–BEHAVIOR.
1 Timothy 3:15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
–THE CHURCH IS ORGANIZED ACCORDING TO GOD’S SYSTEM. BISHOPS, ELDERS, PASTORS, EVANGELISTS, ETC.,
2 Timothy 4:22The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. «The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.»
Titus 3:15All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. «It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.»
–IT IS FOR BELIEVERS TO WHOM SPECIAL SPIRITUAL GIFTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN.
Acts 13:1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
–EVERY MEMBER HAS A GIFT AND A DUTY.
1 Corinthians 12:27-31Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And 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. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
–THE CHURCH SHOULD STRIVE TO BE WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO BE.
Ephesians 5:27That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
2. THE CHURCH IS TO BE WHAT GOD WANTS IT TO BE.
–THE PILLAR OF TRUTH.
1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
–THE MESSENGER OF THE GOSPEL AND ANCHOR FOR THE BELIEVERS.
Matthew 28:19-20Go 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.
3. THE CHURCH IS ALL ABOUT JESUS. HE IS TO HAVE THE HIGHEST AND COMPLETE PRAISE.
Colossians 1:18And He is the head of the body, the church: Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.
–SOME PEOPLE WANT TO STEAL THE ATTENTION FROM THE LORD.
3 John 1:9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
–WORSHIP IS TO SURROUND AND FOCUS UPON JESUS.
Hebrews 2:12Saying, I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee.
4. THE GATES OF HELL CANNOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT.
Matthew 16:18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
HOWEVER, TAKEN WITH OTHER SCRIPTURES, THIS REQUIRES THE CHURCH TO BE OBEDIENT TO CHRIST.
1. FILLED WITH THE RIGHT THINGS…IF WE RECEIVE THEM BY FAITH.
A. IS MY MOUTH FILLED WITH THE RIGHT THINGS ?
Profanity has become an acceptable language for the average person today. But Christians are not average, and profanity does not belong anywhere in their speech. Christians have better things to talk about than damning people and talking about excrement and immoral sex.
Psalms 71:8Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise and with Thy honour all the day.
Psalms 104:28That Thou givest them they gather: Thou openest Thine hand, they are filled with good.
–SPEAKING IN A GODLY WAY OFTEN BRINGS THE SCORN OF THOSE WHO ARE UNGODLY.
Psalms 123:4Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
B. IS MY ENTIRE BEING FILLED WITH THE LORD ?
***HOW DID THEY KNOW THEY WERE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ?
Acts 13:52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
–IT IS A COMMAND FROM GOD FOR US, TOO.
Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
C. ARE WE FILLED WITH COMFORT OVER DEATH ?
NOT JUST LOSS OF LOVED ONES, BUT LOSS OF THINGS PRECIOUS TO US. OUR COUNTRY HAS DIED. MANY ARE LAMENTING EVERY DAY WHEN THEY SEE THE STENCH OF DEATH OVER WASHINGTON DC. MANY CHRISTIANS FALL BY THE WAYSIDE. DO WE FEEL THE COMFORT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT REMINDING US THAT JESUS IS COMING SOON AND WE WILL HAVE REWARDS FROM HIM ?
2 Corinthians 7:4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
D. ARE WE FILLED ENOUGH TO BE DOING GOOD THINGS THAT GET NOTICED.
WE ARE NOT TO BE NOTICED, BUT CHRIST IN US IS. (ACTIONS—ALL CALCULATED TO DO GOOD FOR HIM).
Romans 15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
2. WE NEED TO GET RID OF THE THINGS WHICH FILLED US BEFORE.
WE NEED TO HATE THE THINGS THAT WERE IN OUR LIVES PREVIOUSLY. NOT JUST JOKE ABOUT THEM OR SIMPLY RECOGNIZE THEIR PRESENCE.
A. WITH THE DEVICES OF THE SINFUL HEART.
Proverbs 1:30-31They would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
B. WE NEED TO BE AWARE THAT WE CAN FALL BACK INTO THE WRONG WAYS IF WE DO NOT TREASURE AND MAINTAIN OUR WALK WITH THE LORD.
Proverbs 14:14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
3. ARE THERE CONSEQUENCES TO BEING ONLY PARTLY FULL ?
*For one thing, you won’t go as far on half a tank as you can with a full tank. If you are working like a bulldozer, you can only get half the work done that God wants before you run out of steam.
A. CONSEQUENCES TO BEING FILLED WITH THE WRONG THINGS.
Haggai 1:6Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
B. CONSEQUENCES TO BEING FILLED WITH BAD THINGS LEADS TO MORE BAD ACTIONS.
Luke 6:11And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
This is a multi-part series. On this page you will find links to all audio files in the series as well as the outlines for the entire series. Scroll down for 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.
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:
