DISCIPLESHIP SERMONS by Rev. Mike Jones
Gen 3:1-10 WHY IS GOD LOOKING FOR YOU?
Col 2:21-29 POWER TO PERSEVERE
Gen 17:1 AN EXTRAORDINARY WALK
Gen 3:1-10 WHY IS GOD LOOKING FOR YOU?
Have you ever been lost? As a young boy I was lost in the woods and in my panic I went away from those trying to help me.
Isn’t it strange that God seeks us instead of us seeking God? Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Aren’t you glad God came looking for You!)
God is looking for you because He is Seeking:
I. OBEDIENT MEN– I Sam 13:13-14 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou has not kept that which the Lord commanded thee. The Beginning of Saul’s Kingdom was the “beginning of the end” for Saul’s Kingdom. In the first test Saul had he became impatient and disobeyed God by offering sacrifice instead of waiting on Samuel. The circumstances looked bad (Saul’s army was disappearing while the enemy was growing stronger and Samuel was later than he said he would be) but God was looking for a man of Faith that would trust Him regardless of the circumstances.
Are YOU willing to be an obedient servant of God today?? Are you willing to obey God in the Good and the Bad?? God is looking for some men like Joseph who will obey His commandments in spite of Temptation and like Daniel who will obey His commandments in spite of personal Danger.
II. DEDICATED MEN– Ez 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord. Is there not a man that sees the multitudes going to a Devil’s Hell without God and without hope? Is there not a man who will sacrifice his Profit and his Person in order to “make up the gap”. God is still calling Fishermen and Tax Collectors today to leave everything and take up their cross and follow Him.
III. WORSHIPFUL MEN– John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. God is not simply interested in what you can DO–He wants your Love and Adoration. God is looking for men who’s desire is to fellowship with Him through the Word and in the Spirit.
IV. LOST MEN: Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. God is looking for men who are willing to admit their need and their inability to save themselves. Jesus came from Heaven to find the lost sheep wandering in the wilderness of sin and bring him to the green pastures at the Father’s house.
Lost in Hong Kong. Ended up at the Communist Headquarters in Hong Kong in an American Uniform- Bad place to Be. Not as bad as missing God and ending up in Hell.
DISCIPLE DUTIES
Will you disappoint God today with your:
Accusations
Attitude
Actions
Or will you disappoint the Devil?
Abraham’s Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Physical Needs: Survival, food, water, sexual gratification
Safety Needs: freedom from violence and an orderly society
Belonging Needs- Be accepted, friendships, feel loved, be part of a group
Esteem Needs- Positive self-image, to feel appreciated
Self-growth Needs- Realize potential and become a better person
The three callings of the Disciples-
1. After John Testified of Him- John 1:35‑41 (Early Judean Ministry) (Salvation- accepted as Messiah)
2. After John was put in Prison- Mark 1:14‑20 (Galilee Ministry) (Service- Work for the Lord)
3. After the great catch of fish- Luke 5:1‑11 (Final Year) (Commitment- Left fishing for ministry)
Lessons Scripture- John 1:35-51
Disciples Follow Jesus (Home). Are You willing to Follow Jesus to His “Home”?
Disciples allow Jesus to Change them (Peter / Cephas). Are you willing to allow Jesus to Change You?
Disciples lead others to Christ. (Phillip- Nathaniel). Will you share your faith in Jesus with someone this week? Not as a salesmen but as a Witness of what God is doing in your life.
When God calls us to “grow His garden” we have 4 choices:
Don’t Plow- Break up fallow ground (Hard heart). Allow Satan to control life.
Don’t Plant- No Goals, No determination of God’s will
Don’t Weed- No Standards. Choke off fruit; kill off young
Don’t Harvest- No Fruit. No Rewards
WORK for God: The Reason we work so hard- And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12)
WAIT on God: For the Strength and Direction you need- But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). [When People do NOT wait on God: Moses on Mount (40 days led to Israel abandoning God and giving all their money to build an idol). Saul waited 3 days and then offered sacrifice- and lost kingdom.
You are weak because your devotion time is running your mouth instead of waiting before God. Stop trying to tell God how to run the universe and spend time allowing God to tell you what a mess you are making of your life and how He can fix your life so the changes in you can help change the world!
BELIEVERS BODY
Believers are part of the BODY of Christ (Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular 1 Corinthians 12:27) so it is important that we make sure our “Particular Part” of the Body helps; and not harms, the work of Christ.
Here are some things you need to consider about your Body; What you:
1) Wear ON it- In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array (1 Tim 2:9).
Modest Apparel is normally applied to women but everyone should obey its expectations. Modest here means “an ordered system, a harmonious arrangement, order”. This orderliness does not extend merely to the relationship of the various articles of clothing to one another but also to the relationship of that clothing to Christian character and testimony. This does not mean a person has to be a “plain” in order to be a Christian but they do need to wear clothing which promotes their belief instead of their body. They are to wear “good works” instead of gold array.
2) Put IN it- Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
3) Do WITH it- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
4) Control OVER it But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:27).
5) How You END it- Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: (John 7:6). Recognize that God has a plan for YOUR Life. Do not allow the fact that Circumstances or Sickness limit you to cause you to Love God less or serve Him as a “watcher” as well as a Witness.
Matt 24:13 Enduring
We have entered a time when the “drop out” rate among Church people is staggering. People need to again see the importance of staying faithful to God and His work.
I. WHAT IT MEANS TO ENDURE
A) To Stay Under- Matt 24:13 He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. The idea is to remain faithful even though Pressures and Problems remain and increase. Mk 4:16-17 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, but so endure for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
B) To Hold up against- II Thess 1:4-5 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.
C) To maintain Faith- Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the King; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Strong enough to Forsake Sin, not to Fear the King, and to live by Faith. Heb 6:15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
II. WHY SHOULD WE ENDURE????
A) For our own salvation’s sake- Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Don’t allow Persecutions and Problems to make you an Apostate.
B) For other’s Salvation’s sake- II Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. II Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. Jesus DIED to get Salvation to men. I should be able to endure persecution in order to share it!
C) To Build our Character- II Tim 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Heb 12:7 If ye endure Chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (vs 10 says He chastens us for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
D) To Encourage other Christians- James 5:10-11 Take, my brethern, the prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
E) For Conscience’s Sake- I Pet 2:19 For this is thanksworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. May the Lord deliver us from “Jelly-fish” Christians who aren’t willing to stand for anything that involves suffering.
F) For the JOY to come- Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
III. HOW CAN WE ENDURE??
A) Pace Yourself- Jacob found that in a journey you must Pace yourself. Gen 33:14 Let my Lord, I pray thee, pass over before thy servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir. You renew Strength as you Wait on the Lord. You don’t want the Father to take you out of the oven while you are “half-baked”.
B) Seek Help from Others- In Ex 18 Moses’ father-in-law told Moses he would not be able to endure unless he obtained help. Seek support from Family, Friends, and Fellow Christians (They can help with Concern, advice, and Prayer support.)
C) Remember who is in control- Ps 30:5 Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning. God has not forsaken or forgotten you and He will never allow the circumstances to be greater than the strength He supplies.
D) Hold to God’s Love for you and your love for Him- I Cor 13:7 Love endureth all things.
May God grant us some people who will STICK TO IT when the going gets rough, who will HANG ON when the storms of life hit us, and who will never, never, never, never, never, never QUIT.
FASTING
- When to Fast:
Time of National Repentance (Public) Neh 9:1 Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. Jonah 3:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
Time of National Trouble (Public) Esther 4:3 And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 2Ch 20:3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Time of Personal Distress (Private) Dan 6:18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.
Time of Seeking God (Private) Dan 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
Time of Spiritual Combat (Private) Matt 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Time of seeking God’s Power and leadership (Private/Public) Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Time of Personal Dedication (Private) 1Cor 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
Time of Sickness (Private) 2Sam 12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
Fasting Faults:
Fasting is not a Form to follow: Isa 58:3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.
Fasting is not just doing without: Isa 58:5-6 Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Fasting is not for Pride: Mt 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Fasting is not always appropriate: Mt 9:14-15 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Fasting Methods: From these verses we learn that Fasting is Denying yourself- Food, Normal Pleasures, Music (TV), Sleep, Self desires, Sex.
Neh 1:4 Fasting
Neh 1:4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
Fasting is something seldom preached on; and practiced even less!! Yet when Nehemiah was faced with the burden of Jerusalem broken walls, the first thing he did was to fast and pray.
Why don’t people fast today? Is it because they view it as an Old Testament principle to be ignored today? Or do they neglect it because they’re confused about what it is, about when it should be practiced, and about how it should be done? Are they missing a great help for their spiritual and physical life? Let’s look for the Bible answers.
I. WHAT IS FASTING? Fasting in the Bible comes from words meaning (1) “to not eat”, (2) “without grain or food”, (3) “to cover the mouth” (I wonder how many people would prefer giving up food for a day instead of giving up talking!!), and (4) “to afflict or humble oneself”.
Therefore Fasting= “To voluntarily deny the body something for a specific purpose”. For Christians this means we abstain from something in order to draw near to God (Note the difference- Dieting means we abstain from food to lose weight. Fasting means we abstain from food in order to spend that time drawing near to God. It is not just doing without; it is drawing near to God).
The Bible list Four Things that can be abstained from when we fast:
1) Food This can be abstaining from ALL food for 1 meal or for 1 day or longer (Several in the Bible fasted for 40 days; but only under God’s direction. Fasting is not starving! It does not exhaust the bodies resources and abuse the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit).
It can also be abstaining from CERTAIN foods for spiritual reasons (As Daniel and his friends in Dan. 1:-. This fasting not only produced a greater spiritual witness and awareness but it also made them much healthier and more mentally alert- Dan. 1:15,20).
2) Sleep II Sam 12:16 David praying for sick child
Dan 6:18 Darius praying for Daniel’s deliverance from the lion’s den
Practically this could mean getting up an hour early to pray and read the Bible (How many people are willing to sacrifice several hours sleep for a ball game or movie but aren’t willing to give up any sleep for God?).
3) Sex I Cor 7:5 (By mutual consent of husband and wife, in order to pray)
4) Anything you have a right to do, but you abstain from doing in order to draw near to God in prayer (A night of TV, a day of fishing or hunting, a day of shopping, etc.)
II. WHEN SHOULD I FAST? Jesus did not say “if” but “when” you fast (Matt 6:16). He also said that we would need to fast after the bridegroom left (Luke 5:35). Fasting is part of the Christian life.
1) In time of Need- The heart just naturally seeks to have God’s close presence. During these times earthly matters lose their appeal.
a. Hannah seeking a child- I Sam 1:7
b. David praying for sick child- II Sam 12:16
c. Paul’s shipmates fasted 14 days in storm- Acts 27:33
2) In time of Sorrow. See Luke 5:33-35. Jesus said we don’t fast when God is blessing and the sun is shining but we do when the storm clouds are hanging over head.
3) In time of approaching Danger. Esther 4:16. Esther requested that people fast and pray for her before she put her life on the line by approaching the King.
4) To defeat Satan. Certain demons are only defeated by fasting and prayer- Matt 17:21
5) To draw near to God. Anna “served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:27). Jesus fasted at the beginning of his ministry (Matt 4:2) and Paul fasted while he awaited God’s direction for his life (Acts 9:9). Paul said that one of the marks of a good minister was fasting (II Cor 6:5) and when he listed the things he had done he listed “fasting often” among them (II Cor 11:27).
III. HOW SHOULD YOU FAST?? There are 3 basic types of Fast and the type of Fast will determine how you Fast.
1) National– There were 3 Times of National Fasts:
a) When Disaster strikes- I Sam 31:11-13 The King died.
b) National Repentance- I Sam 7:3-6 Samuel fasted as he led in Revival
c) Set times by God. Zech 8:19 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; the fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts: therefore love the truth and peace.
2) Church Wide Acts 13:2. When seeking what to do and who to lead (Most people make their plans and then ask God to bless them !!). Ezra 8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there…That we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us..
3) Personal
a) In Secret- Not to be seen of men but to draw near to God Matt 6:16-18. Not as a ritual. The Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 fasted twice a week but didn’t draw near to God.
b) By Service- God told Isaiah that we could fast not only by giving up something FOR self but also by giving OF self. Is 58:6-7 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Remember that Fasting, when properly done, is a way to increase:
1. Holiness- Joel 2:12-13 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your hearts, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. As you give up selfish desires to seek God you will find your spiritual life vastly improved.
2. Help- Matt 6:18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. When the loving heart of God sees his child in anguish He is naturally disposed to render the help needed. Jer 29:13 Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
3. Health- A practical Fast could go like this: Begin after supper and fast the next day and night until Breakfast the next day (Drink water during this time). An alternative is to begin after breakfast and fast until breakfast the next day. (There are some who say that God set aside 1 day in 7 to rest and we should do the same thing for our digestive system. That way we are continually strengthened physically as well as spiritually (By waiting on the Lord- Is. 40:31). A day’s fast allows the body to dispose of excess waste that tends to poison our system. As these wastes are eliminated you will have increased energy, be more alert, and possibly become less depressed, anxious, and worried (Notice how often a wounded animal will go off and lie down. This keeps them from being burdened with the poison of food waste and the lost of energy needed to digest that food).
Ever notice how tired and sleepy you get after eating a big meal?? It takes a lot of energy to digest food. But remember that this is simply dieting if there is no devotion. Use the saved time to seek God or to serve others. Fasting is helpful and needful. DO YOU??
LIFE IN THE CHURCH
5 attitudes every Church Member should practice.
1) Love one another
2) Be faithful in doing the Will of God
3) Be enthusiastic in your work for God
4) Be patient with circumstances and other believers
5) Be hospitable to all in the Church
The Problem The Solution
Hypocrisy in relationships In Love preferring one another
Laziness in Service Fervent Faithfulness
Discouraged in duty Rejoice in Hope,
Selfishness in living Cheerful hospitality.
Goals- He who aims at nothing normally hits his goal!! Who Flies the Kite?
Who flies the kite? “I,” said the boy; “it is my hands that fly the kite”
Who flies the kite? “I,” said the wind; “it is my strength that flies the kite”
Who flies the kite? “I,” said the string: “it is my hold that flies the kite”
Who files the kite? All are wrong; all are right; all fly the kite.
What are your goals for your Christian Life?
1) Regarding Bible Reading
2) Regarding Church Participation
3) Regarding Sharing the Gospel with others
4) Regarding developing your Christian Character
5) Regarding Building God’s Kingdom Financially and Physically
God always gives us what we pray for, or what we would have requested if we could see as He sees~ We only have to look at the supernatural success of the service of the first century saints to verify this. They begged, besought, beseeched, entreated, invoked, and implored. They prayed, pled, and persisted. Evangelist Hyman Appleman said, “Prayer nerved them, armed them, anointed them, sent them and magnetized them with Heaven’s attractiveness, gave then an aura of other-worldliness that drew people to their very presence.” Beloved, there is always triumph after travailing and prevailing prayer!
That old prayer warrior, David Brainerd, huddled himself in blankets against a snow bank to shield himself from the onslaughts of a New England blizzard, He prayed through the bitter, biting cold night for the souls of sinful, shameful Indians. The next morning the heat of his body had melted the drifts of snow where he had poured himself out in prostrate prayer.
That night he preached to the Indians, and his message had to be interpreted through the lips of a drunken, thick lipped Indian. But as Brainerd sobbed out his sermon, suddenly the Spirit of God fell upon that idolatrous, iniquitous- congregation of Indians. They fell upon their faces as though they had been flogged, crying out and calling upon the true and living God for mercy and salvation.
We are inclined to reflect: “What powerful preaching!” But may we realize it was rather, what powerful praying! And, what happy results!
LIFE CHOICES
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way (Proverbs 23:19).
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory (Psalms 73:24).
God’s weakness is Loneliness. God created man in God’s image but when He looked around at all the Good He said it was not good for man to be alone, and MADE woman from man for man.
When God created man He set boundaries for him and warned him of the consequences of violating those boundaries but God allowed Man to freely choose his own course of action. God could have made us do everything but He allows us to do anything!
This is because God calls us to be servants; not slaves. The nature of God is to allow those around Him to choose to choose Him. Even Satan and the angels who followed him were given the freedom and ability to choose to rebel against God or remain His loyal servants.
The fact that God allows us to be the “god” of our own fate has astonishing implications!
THE CHOICES YOU MAKE WILL GENERALLY DETERMINE THE CHOICES YOU MAKE. (For Example, your Job will generally determine your prosperity, location, time allotment)
Bad Choice: Choice to take cocaine ONE time. Lost Job, Wife and children, all his (and her money), Life
Good Choice: How many have seen their choice to accept Christ into their life change people around them for the better?
1) We can choose to IGNORE God: The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts (Psalms 10:4). God calls but we can ignore that call- We are saved by Grace through Faith. That Faith is initiated by God but it must be activated by the individual when they “open the door” of their heart by asking God to forgive them of sins while at the same time giving God permission to come into their life and change who they were into what God wants them to be
2) We can choose to DENY God by our lifestyle: They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate (Titus 1:16).
3) We choose to CHOOSE God: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).
WHEN YOU ARE DONE WITH LIFE YOU ARE NOT DONE WITH WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WITH LIFE: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live (Deuteronomy 30:19).
LIFE QUESTIONS
When people come to me confused about life and living I try to get them to answer 5 Life Questions:
1) What do you Love?
2) Why are you Running?
3) Where do you take a Stand?
4) How are you Growing?
5) Who is the Boss of your Life?
LIVING LIKE A SON OF GOD
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).
Becoming a “son of God” is a gift of God’s Grace- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).
AS SUCH:
1) We receive the Love of the Father: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (Romans 8:15)
2) Our Judge becomes our Father: To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons (Galatians 4:5)
3) We receive the promise of inheritance: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Ephesians 1:5)
4) We Long to be with our Father and the “Family”: And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23)
5) God, the Father, calls us His Sons: 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. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:1-2)
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)
The Fatherhood of God implies 5 things:
1) We Live under the AUTHORITY OF GOD- For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. (John 6:38). I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do (John 17:4). Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise (John 5:19). Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work (John 4:34)
2) We Experience the LOVE OF GOD- For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel (John 5:20). To be right with God the Judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for my God the Father is a greater thing. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:7)
3) We Continuously Trust the FELLOWSHIP OF GOD- Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me (John 16:32)
4) We Receive GOD’S HONOR as God’s Workers: For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him (John 5:22-23)
5) We Exemplify GOD’S GRACE in our Lives: 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; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:44-45).
QUIZ ON LIVING LIKE A SON OF GOD
1) How do you become a son of God? _______________ For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
2) Who gives us the Authority to be a son of God? ________________ But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)
3) Name 3 things that Show we are Children of God
A) _____________________ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:16)
B) _____________________ (I John 3:10)
C) _____________________ In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother (1 John 3:10)
4) What Hope is available to the son of God concerning death? _________________Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:36)
ADOPTION: God uses the word “Adoption” (Greek means to “instate as a son) several times in Scripture to show us what it means to be “accepted as a son” in the family of God.
1) An adopted son is a true member of the family- But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:4-7)
2) An adopted son shares in all the family blessings- Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6)
3) An adopted son has a right to call on the “Father” to meet his needs- For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)
Note that we have received the Spirit as our agent of Adoption. The Spirit at work in the life of a child of God is displayed:
1- By manifesting the Family likeness (Conforming us to the image of Christ)
2- By furthering the Family welfare (Causing us to love the brethren)
3- By maintaining the Family honor (Sanctifying us to show God’s Glory).
Because of these great promises and provisions given to sons of God, How should we live in this present world?
1) Concerning those who do not treat us fairly- 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; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:44-45)
2) How does our relationship with God help our relationship with other Christians? By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (1 John 5:2)
3) According to Ephesians 4:17-5:1 what should change in our life as a result of following God as dear Children?
A) Concerning Daily Living- This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, (Ephesians 4:17)
B) Concerning the old patterns in our life- That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
C) Why should a child of God cease lying and speak the truth? Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:25)
D) What does continued anger do in the life of a child of God? Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
E) How does a child of God break their selfish patterns? Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. (Ephesians 4:28)
F) Name 2 reasons the child of God should “tame their tongue” and “watch their words”*
1) ___________________________ 2) ___________________________
*Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (Ephesians 4:29-31)
G) Why should a child of God treat other people better? And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
HOMEWORK (Not to be turned in). Prayerfully list 3 areas of your Christian life that you feel you need the Holy Spirit to help you develop or improve. Put that list with your prayer material this week and include it in your daily prayer time. [Preacher Mike’s list: {1} Help me to redeem my time better so I can accomplish more for the Lord. {2}Guide me to talk less and listen more so I can gain a greater understanding, and be better able to help, the people I come in contact with this week. {3} Guard my eyes, grow my mind, and guide my walk so I will be a good husband, Pastor, and Christian this week.
Gen 12-13 OBEDIENCE
God’s call me to leave home at 15. I left not knowing – and crossed a bridge for a lifetime!
God does not call us to “make a Decision”. He calls us to “Become Disciples”. This discipleship is many times said to be equivalent to being a Servant /Slave. Rom 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
OBEDIENCE IS OBEYING- For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. (Matthew 8:9)
Some people are Obedient as long as it is
Pleasurable
Profitable
Popular
Painless
Convenient
Sensible
1Sa 15:22 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.
Obedience is the Key to Blessing – Gen 12:1-3
Obedience goes beyond the comfortable and familiar- Gen 12:4-9
Obedience makes a Long Term Impact- Gen 13-14-18
What is there in your life that you need to learn to obey God about??
Col 2:21-29 POWER TO PERSEVERE
The life of a Pastor is filled with Tragedies and Troublesome circumstances as he tries to help people deal with marital problems, serious sicknesses, and the normal difficulties people face; but one of the saddest things any Pastor has to face is when a Christian turns back on the Lord. This is a “Double” problem for the Pastor since the Backslider not only turns BACK but also turns AWAY from the only real Help he has.
I want us to look today at What Happens when a Person looks back after putting their hands to the plow; at how such a Tragedy could happen; and, finally, I want to see how we can be Faithful to the end.
I. What a Backslider loses: In Relation to-
A) The World- His testimony and character. He is considered a coward and a traitor; people don’t even name their dogs Judas!! The world will try to get you to turn away from Christ but they will be repelled if you actually do so.
B) The Church- Some of the saddest words in the Bible are Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, (II Tim 4:10). A Backslider abandons the Fellowship of the Body of Christ and His Work in the Body of Christ. He turns his back on two of the main things every person needs; Help and Purpose. And the Church has to function without a “finger”.
C) The Lord-
1. His Love for Christ Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
2. His Power to work for Christ – Samson
3. His Fruitfulness- Mark 4:18-19 And these are they which are sown among thorns, such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (And Remember “Fruitfulness” was the way God judged whether you were pruned or placed in the fire!! John 15:2)
4. His Peace- Peter went out and wept bitterly. David Prayed Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit (Ps 51:12).
5. Eventually His Soul- James 5:19-20 Brethern, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
II. HOW A PERSON BECOMES A BACKSLIDER– Example of Abraham (Gen 12)
A) He left Bethel (House of God) “By easy Stages” vs 9. Gradually the Fires of Faith cool until one day you notice only ashes instead of flames.
B) Problems (Famine) came to him and he sought a worldly answer instead of resting in the Lord (Went to Egypt to live) vs 10
C) He began to rely on His Ability to handle problems instead of seeking God’s directions (Told Sarah to say she was his sister) vs 13
The Word never takes root in some hearts, has only a limited root system in others, but many people become distracted and then distrustful before finally becoming disbelieving (Mark 4:14-20).
ARE YOU “EASING” YOUR WAY BACKWARDS???
If Backsliding is so harmful; and even a “giant” like Abraham had to content with it, how can we (mere “normal” Christians) hope to avoid it’s traps?? The answer is found in one of the most dynamic concepts in the New Testament- Christ IN YOU, the hope of Glory.
The Sin Problem is not a simple Problem; not only is it fatal (Wages of Sin is Death), but it is also highly infectious!! Jesus on the Cross deals with the PENALTY of Sin but it takes Jesus living in you to deal with the PRESENCE of Sin!
Here are some things to know to “cut the Power on”:
1. The Source- IN Christ (Gal 2:20) Are You “Plugged In”??
2. The Switch- Faith Are you “turned On”??
3. The “Substation”- Knowledge. Do you have a “Battery” Christianity that runs down regularly; or are you constantly Connected??
To Begin: He cannot have Faith in what he does not know!
To Claim: Eph 1:17-19 Paul prayed for vision to comprehend what the Christian has in Christ.
God has provided Pardon and Power for the Christian Life. Don’t turn down either! “Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the World”. Hold on to God’s Unchanging Hand
Don’t Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and debts are high,
When you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit
Life is odd with it’s twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up, though the pace seems slow-
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor’s cup.
And learned too late, when the night slipped down
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit-
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.
PREPARING FOR PREACHING
It is not enough to simply “Show Up” at Church, listen to the music, and endure the preaching! A Worship Service should BRING YOU Peace, Comfort, and Joy; CHANGE YOUR Actions and Attitudes; and SEND YOU FORTH as a Disciple to your Family, your Friends, your Foes, and all you come in contact with.
1) Prepare your Heart:
– Come Hoping and Praying God will use YOU in the Service.
– Pray before the service for lost people to attend and for God to anoint the music and the sermon.
– Believe God is going to save people and YOU are going to need to be involved
2) Prepare your Body: Be concerned about your ABC:
A) Appearance. Ladies should be aware of low necklines and other appearance issues when kneeling and leaning over. Men should check simple things like zippers and cell phones.
B) Breath. Put a mint in your mouth as soon as the invitation begins in anticipation that you will be in close contact with a lost person or someone in need.
C) Cleanliness. Be aware of the amount of aftershave or perfume you use. Check before entering church for things on your teeth or other distractions.
3) Prepare your Place:
– Sit with or near those in Spiritual need.
– Pray for them during the Service.
– Share your Bible so they can see the Scriptures.
4) Prepare your Feet:
Be Ready to Respond immediately when needed at the Altar (Keep lifting your eyes to see if the Pastor needs you).
Recognize Prayer Needs of those who come to the Altar:
A) Again Prayers- Some people come to the altar on a regular basis because they feel the need to pray in a public place. There is nothing wrong with this but you soon recognize that they come again and again and really just want to pray.
B) Buddy Prayers- The person just needs to pray and needs a buddy to be there with them during their prayer time.
C) Conviction Prayers- A Song or special Circumstances (Death, Family Problem, etc) cause the person to come to the altar. May be for public rededication or may be simply to privately commit themselves to God or may be simply to pray about a situation
D) Decision Prayers- The person has come to make a decision and they need someone to guide them and pray with them- And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:30‑31)
Come to church believing that you are one of the most important people attending that service. You may get to help deliver a new born baby into the kingdom of God. What a privilege- and responsibility!!!
SNARES
Snare: A trapping device used for capturing something. Something that lures or entangles the unwary. Eve was snared when she decided to have a discussion with a snake. David was snared when he was restless on a roof top instead of being in a battlefield. Judas was snared when he counted coins instead of listening to his Lord.
Here are some Snared you need to avoid in your daily living:
1) Associating with the World until you think like them: Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee (Exodus 23:32-33).
2) Worldly Words: A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul (Prov 18:7).
3) Disregarding God’s Service and Holy Vows: It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry (Proverbs 20:25).
4) Allowing Anger to Control You: Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul (Proverbs 22:24-25).
5) Putting Public Opinion over Faith in Godly Directions: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe (Proverbs 29:25).
6) Becoming so involved in the Common until you forget the Coming: And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth (Luke 21:34-35).
7) Depending on Worldly Wealth instead of Godly Provision: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (1 Timothy 6:6-9).
8) Trying to argue a person out of sin instead of sharing God’s Word: The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
How do we Avoid Snares? Heed God’s Word and Diligently Walk in God’s Ways: The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death (Proverbs 13:14). The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27).
WORKING AT THE ALTAR
Helping someone who has come to the Altar during a Church Service is a TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT JOB. Here are some guidelines to assist you as you assist others.
Bring your Bible
Deal according to sex and age when Possible
Determine their need by asking them why they came. BE SURE.
Remember, they are already under conviction. They are ready to do something NOW.
1) Dealing with BACKSLIDERS: Use (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ask them if they know why they drifted from God. It is not necessary for them to tell you, but they need to tell God so they can repent of their actions.
Ask them if they believe the promise of 1 John 1:9 and are willing to obey its commands.
Lead them in a very brief, simple prayer- allow them to pray.
Thank God for their return to God. Review 1 John 1:9 with them and lean on its promises
2) Dealing with the LOST: (Use Rom 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:8-10,13)
– (Rom 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
– (Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
– (Rom 5:8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
– (Rom 10:8‑10) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
– (Rom 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
– Ask them if they know that they are lost and that Jesus died for them.
– Ask them if they are willing to turn from sin and trust Christ as their Savior right now
– Lead them in a brief prayer (Let them pray also)
– Thank God and show them (1 John 5:13) These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
– MAKE SURE they have assurance. Let them tell you!
– Introduce them to the Pastor (Before they leave the altar if possible) and tell him their decision.
AVOID: Talking too much. Don’t talk them out of conviction.
–Using too many Verses. This confuses the person.
–Attempting a case beyond your reach (Carry them to the Prayer Room and Call the Pastor after the Service to deal with them).
–Feeding them the Meat of the Word. Don’t debate with them; they are new born children and God will help them grow in time.
–Making Promises that God Will Not keep- Becoming a Christian is not a guarantee that their wife will return, their child will be come an angel, or their sickness will be healed.
FOLLOW UP ON THOSE WHO MAKE DECISIONS. Find a place to be seated with the new convert. – Get their name address and phone number so you and the Pastor can follow up on them. Contact them the next day. The first few weeks are critical!!
– Encourage new converts to: Record their new Birthday. Tell someone immediately about the decision they made. Read the Bible daily, Pray daily. Be Baptized. Attend and Join a Bible Believing Church
Gen. 17:1 HOW TO BE PERFECT
Are you Perfect? Do you want to be Perfect? The problem is that most people think that being perfect means being sinless. Being perfect in the Bible means being Spiritually Mature (Completeness of Growth).
I. THE NEED OF BEING PERFECT– God commands it:
Gen. 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God: walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Deut. 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God
Matt. 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your father which is in Heaven is perfect.
II. THE MEANS OF BEING PERFECT
A) Commitment to Christ above all Matt. 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me (He was a good moral man but he could not become Spiritually Mature until he realized the true value of “things” in this life). He had to learn that The Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by which we drew nigh unto God (Heb 7:19).
B) Growth in the things of God Heb. 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.
1. We grow with the help of Spiritual Leaders – Ep 4:11‑13 And he gave some Apostles, … for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ til we all come unto… a perfect man.
2. We grow thru the guidance of the Word – II Tim. 3:16‑17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
C) Suffering- Heb. 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto Glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect though sufferings. Heb. 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which be suffered. James 1:3‑4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (There is no growth without “growing pains”)
D) The Binding together of Christian Virtues with Love- Col. 3:12‑14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on Charity which is the bond of perfectness (It’s Legalism without Love!).
III. THE RESULTS OF BEING PERFECT
A) We become like Christ Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but everyone that is perfect shall be as his master.
Col 1:27‑28 Christ in you…whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (A Spiritually Mature person becomes like Christ!)
B) We control the Tongue Jam. 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able to bridle the whole body.
Being perfect is a Goal – Not a moments decision, but a life! After many years in the Faith Paul said, Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Phil 3:12
Gen 17:1 AN EXTRAORDINARY WALK
Three encouragements I give all churches:
1) Find your purpose (Why do you exist?).
2) Follow God’s Plan (This is God’s Church- do it the way He says do it).
3) Feel God’s Power (Trying to do the work of God without the power of God is like trying to empty the ocean with a pitchfork; you will work yourself to death and never accomplish anything).
Today I want to help you move from ordinary to extraordinary; from coming to church to being the church; from surviving to thriving.
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (Genesis 17:1). [First use of the name “El Shadday” as God reveals]. God is calling Abraham to father a nation and change the world!
In the same way God calls us to an extraordinary walk with Him:
1) A Revealing Walk- Adam: And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden (Genesis 3:8). God cannot do extraordinary things with people who are hiding their sins from Him. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3).Repent and renew your relationship with God.
2) A Responsible Walk- See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). A) Walk Alert (Circumspectly “looking around” Snake in Row). B) Walk Wisely- “redeeming the time” means using opportunities God gives you. Find out what God is doing and join Him at His work. ( I went to an India village holding a Muslim feast- I had to be extremely careful not to step on anything or touch anything. Riot waiting to happen). First time into Nepal- King and family had just been killed. I had to Move slowly and avoid angering guards; Looking for excuse to kill me.
3) A Rapturous Walk- Enoch: And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Genesis 5:21-24). Do you walk every day so you are ready to meet God every day?
Result of being Called to an extraordinary walk. In both of these situations in India and Nepal I mentioned and preached that day they now have a thriving FWB Church sharing the gospel!
You can use God as an emergency spare tire or a once a week meeting engagement or you can WALK DAILY WITH GOD AND LIVE AN EXTRAORDINARY ABUNDANT LIFE.
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more (1 Thessalonians 4:1).
Gen 17:1-2 MEASURING SUCCESS
- And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. (Genesis 17:1-2) [First use of the name “El Shadday” as God reveals
Isaiah 44 tells the story of a man who planted a tree, watched God bless it with sun and rain as it grew tall and straight, and then cut this tree to use in the creation of a “god” to worship. With part of the tree he made a “god” and with part of the tree he heated his home and cooked his meal; and he could not see the difference!
How do you measure a “god”? How do you measure a miracle? How do you measure a ministry?
I heard a statement recently that struck a chord with me- “Winners need to know what a win looks like”. We live in a changing society. Job security is a thing of the past. People in faraway places control how much I pay for gas. Morals in America continue to sink lower and lower. Why is the devil winning if God is all powerful and God’s church has more resources today than it has ever had? If this is winning, what does losing look like?
3 Ways to Measure Success (adapted from a message by Warren Wiersbe)
Am I where God wants me to be? God measures success by what I do where I am with what I have. Not in competition or comparison with others. God is looking for faithfulness.
Is God glorified by my life and ministry? God looks at motive more than actions.
Can God commend my work at the Judgment? False results come when we manipulate people and manufacture success.
God used several methods to measure the success of a church in Revelation 2-3:
Is your Love Right? (Rev 2:4) Ephesus
Is your Doctrine Right? (Rev 2:14) Pergamos
Is your Work Right? (Rev 3:1-3) Sardis
Is your Wealth Right? (Rev 3:14-19) Laodicea
In our scripture today, God gives just two requirements for success- Walk with God and Be Perfect. Let’s look at what these mean.
1) WALKING WITH GOD: (Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more 1 Thessalonians 4:1).
Daily Walk- Enoch: And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Genesis 5:21-24).
Watchful Walk- See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16). The Devil is a roaring lion seeking to devour you- Watch.
Agreeing Walk- Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3).Do you agree with God about:
Marriage- Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4).
Wealth- Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts (Malachi 3:8-12).
Language: Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (Exodus 20:7). [Women are not prostitutes so do not call them the “B” word. Unless you are talking about a donkey be careful how you use a certain word. Asking God to Dam a person is a very serious request.]
2) BEING PERFECT FOR GOD:
Be thou perfect- We are quick to say that no one is perfect and easily “blow this command away”. But it is still a requirement given by God to Abraham. Perfect here really means “Spiritually Mature”. It means looking at life and situations from a God view instead of a world view. It means you do not built your life – or your worship – simply on emotional moments and those things that feel good to the flesh at the moment.
This Perfect “Spiritually Mature” disciple was also sought by Jesus- Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48) The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. (Luke 6:40).
Paul said that the Spirit gives gifts to workers in the church in order that we all (can) come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Ephesians 4:13).