James 4:13-16 This passage appears that the Lord does not want us to make plans. But a closer look shows us that our plans should be first brought to the Lord.
Christians should plan and tonight I want to show you some Biblical texts speak to this.
Luke 14:27-29
How do we plan?
1. Prayer Jeremiah 33:3 God is available
2. The Word Psalm 119:105 Proverbs 19:21 The Lord has the last Word
3. Obedience Psalm 37:5
4. Wise Counsel Proverbs 15:22, 20:8, 20:18
Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would have preferred to talk. Doug Larson
5. Common Sense Heb 5:13-14
What to remember
1. Plans Benefit Pro 21:5
2. Isaiah 30:1 Be careful where you get counsel
3. Isaiah 32:7, Pro 6:18, don’t plan sin
4. Be aware of following your own plans Jeremiah 18:11-13 men following their own plans “way that seems right”
5. God is in ultimate control Proverbs 16:9, Acts 17:26-28 God put you where you are
6. We need to be willing to accept plans that don’t seem fun or comfortable. Paul Phil 4:10-12 Jesus Matthew 26:36-44 GOSPEL this was always the plan Rev. 13:8
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
"How We Live" :Together
Tonight I want to look at the conclusion of Colossians in a different way, rather then looking at it as a “final greeting”, look at what the character of the people that Paul was naming, and as church we need to look at our own lives and how we compare to them.
Over the last 15 weeks we learned many different things from this letter and Paul wraps it all up with “How We Live’ (orthopraxy) together by mentioning the people that serve with him and on many levels are living for Jesus.
vrs 7-8 Tychicus=servant and comforter
1. How well do you serve?
2. Are you comforting to be around?
Reminds us of Encouragement
Vrs 9 Onesimus=useful- Was a runaway slave who stole something from his master Philemon and then met Paul and became a Christian, Paul wrote a letter to Philemon to accept the slave back and forgive Him like Jesus forgave us.
Reminds us that through Prayer people come to Jesus & Our Perspective of them must change. And Christians are to Act as Jesus sees you
3. Can people tell there is a life change?
Vrs 10-11 Aristarchus, Mark and Justus “of the circumcision” Jewish Believers Paul has three guys that are backing him. Everyone needs a little posse to remind us that Jesus is more important then, mans philosophy, religion and our old self. And hang with people who are good to one another.
4. Do you have a group of Christian friends? If not maybe you are not that type of Christian friend for others. Or maybe you are just not looking.
Vrs 12-13 Epaphras, Pastor, cares and prays and brings you the message.
Share the GOSPEL, teach and equip you for works of righteousness. I must say you all are a great group of people to serve in that way, you don’t “bite the hand that feeds you” many pastors are bitten by the very people they serve. When that happens to a pastor what should they do? What Jesus did…He served them and PRAYED, that is what pastors do they pray.
Vrs 14 Luke was with Paul in his Roman imprisonment, same Luke of the Luke and acts
Physician was his vocation, he used this to promote the name of Jesus
Uses his intellect and vocation to benefit Christ. Whne he wrote the gospel of Luke he did it as a journalist.
5. How do you use your abilities to promote Jesus?
Demas according to 2 Tim 4:10 apparently loved the world more then service of Christ
Along the way we will always have people that fall away. Maybe they were never a Christian, maybe they are and they are sidetracked. But we need to pray for them, reach out to them, challenge them and love them. (I don’t let this get me down)
6. Have you been sidetracked by the world? (The Plan two week series into the new year)
Vrs 15 Greeting other believers.
We as believers have to remember other believers; it is not about our church it is about Jesus.
Vrs 16 The Word is intended for all not just the leadership. Our relationships to one another should be based on the Word
Laodicean letter??? Lost letter not a biblical letter but something that Paul wrote. Possibly for encouragement and teaching.
Vrs 17 Archippus (Philimon’s son) the fill in for Epaphas. Sometimes people need a pat on the back or a staunch reminder about their calling and pray for them.
7. Do you need a reminder of what your calling is?
Vrs 18 from Paul, remember my chains, remember that I am still serving despite the fact that I am in jail and the odds are stacked against me. This is “How We Live”
Over the last 15 weeks we learned many different things from this letter and Paul wraps it all up with “How We Live’ (orthopraxy) together by mentioning the people that serve with him and on many levels are living for Jesus.
vrs 7-8 Tychicus=servant and comforter
1. How well do you serve?
2. Are you comforting to be around?
Reminds us of Encouragement
Vrs 9 Onesimus=useful- Was a runaway slave who stole something from his master Philemon and then met Paul and became a Christian, Paul wrote a letter to Philemon to accept the slave back and forgive Him like Jesus forgave us.
Reminds us that through Prayer people come to Jesus & Our Perspective of them must change. And Christians are to Act as Jesus sees you
3. Can people tell there is a life change?
Vrs 10-11 Aristarchus, Mark and Justus “of the circumcision” Jewish Believers Paul has three guys that are backing him. Everyone needs a little posse to remind us that Jesus is more important then, mans philosophy, religion and our old self. And hang with people who are good to one another.
4. Do you have a group of Christian friends? If not maybe you are not that type of Christian friend for others. Or maybe you are just not looking.
Vrs 12-13 Epaphras, Pastor, cares and prays and brings you the message.
Share the GOSPEL, teach and equip you for works of righteousness. I must say you all are a great group of people to serve in that way, you don’t “bite the hand that feeds you” many pastors are bitten by the very people they serve. When that happens to a pastor what should they do? What Jesus did…He served them and PRAYED, that is what pastors do they pray.
Vrs 14 Luke was with Paul in his Roman imprisonment, same Luke of the Luke and acts
Physician was his vocation, he used this to promote the name of Jesus
Uses his intellect and vocation to benefit Christ. Whne he wrote the gospel of Luke he did it as a journalist.
5. How do you use your abilities to promote Jesus?
Demas according to 2 Tim 4:10 apparently loved the world more then service of Christ
Along the way we will always have people that fall away. Maybe they were never a Christian, maybe they are and they are sidetracked. But we need to pray for them, reach out to them, challenge them and love them. (I don’t let this get me down)
6. Have you been sidetracked by the world? (The Plan two week series into the new year)
Vrs 15 Greeting other believers.
We as believers have to remember other believers; it is not about our church it is about Jesus.
Vrs 16 The Word is intended for all not just the leadership. Our relationships to one another should be based on the Word
Laodicean letter??? Lost letter not a biblical letter but something that Paul wrote. Possibly for encouragement and teaching.
Vrs 17 Archippus (Philimon’s son) the fill in for Epaphas. Sometimes people need a pat on the back or a staunch reminder about their calling and pray for them.
7. Do you need a reminder of what your calling is?
Vrs 18 from Paul, remember my chains, remember that I am still serving despite the fact that I am in jail and the odds are stacked against me. This is “How We Live”
Sunday, December 13, 2009
"How We Live" :Opportunities
Take the opportunity to…
PRAY
Vrs 2 Take opportunity...to pray
-Continue-it should be a habit. Think about the fact that you have Jesus willing and waiting to listen any time you want to talk.
"The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, buy un-offered prayer."F.B. Meyer
-Vigilant-watchful-answers to pray are something we should be looking for as we should be looking for opportunities to pray.
There are no unanswered prayers
-Thanksgiving-reminder to be thankful for what you have. An ungrateful spirit is resented by God, remember Jonah.
Vrs 3-4 Take opportunity… to pray for fellow Christians and ministers that they will have opportunities to share the GOSPEL
You need to keep me in your prayers (I preach the gospel every week)
"Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure." D. L. Moody
Take opportunity…to ask others to pray for you. because you should be preaching the gospel
Why is it called a mystery? Through shadows, types and sacrifices Jesus is foretold.
Take opportunity…to work on a clear presentation of the gospel, not just the words we say. Its How We Live the gospel, mercy, grace, compassion, sacrifice
Remember Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel
As far as bringing the gospel to the people around us this is where it counts, your testimony.
LIVE
Vrs 5 Take opportunity…to act wise toward unbelievers.
Early Christians were criticized because they did not bow to the Roman or Greek gods they were accused of being cannibals because of communion. Paul encouraged about the way they act because they already don’t trust us or think we are crazy.
What you do and how you act can either be a good opportunity to be an example of Jesus or an opportunity for others to criticize and mock.
Ask this question… Is what I am doing going to promote Jesus?
Take opportunity… use time to benefit the cause of Jesus. “Redeeming” buying back, so much time is wasted and Eph 5:16 says the “days are evil”
Question: How do you use your time with unbelievers? What do you do? What do you talk about?
Notice Paul challenges our actions then our speech
The words we say will teach if we practice what we preach.
SPEAK
Vrs 6 Take opportunity… to talk about things that please Jesus.
Gentle, kind, loving, encouraging
Matt 12:34 abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
Take opportunity…to learn how to answer questions about Jesus, be a student of the Word
PRAY
Vrs 2 Take opportunity...to pray
-Continue-it should be a habit. Think about the fact that you have Jesus willing and waiting to listen any time you want to talk.
"The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, buy un-offered prayer."F.B. Meyer
-Vigilant-watchful-answers to pray are something we should be looking for as we should be looking for opportunities to pray.
There are no unanswered prayers
-Thanksgiving-reminder to be thankful for what you have. An ungrateful spirit is resented by God, remember Jonah.
Vrs 3-4 Take opportunity… to pray for fellow Christians and ministers that they will have opportunities to share the GOSPEL
You need to keep me in your prayers (I preach the gospel every week)
"Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure." D. L. Moody
Take opportunity…to ask others to pray for you. because you should be preaching the gospel
Why is it called a mystery? Through shadows, types and sacrifices Jesus is foretold.
Take opportunity…to work on a clear presentation of the gospel, not just the words we say. Its How We Live the gospel, mercy, grace, compassion, sacrifice
Remember Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel
As far as bringing the gospel to the people around us this is where it counts, your testimony.
LIVE
Vrs 5 Take opportunity…to act wise toward unbelievers.
Early Christians were criticized because they did not bow to the Roman or Greek gods they were accused of being cannibals because of communion. Paul encouraged about the way they act because they already don’t trust us or think we are crazy.
What you do and how you act can either be a good opportunity to be an example of Jesus or an opportunity for others to criticize and mock.
Ask this question… Is what I am doing going to promote Jesus?
Take opportunity… use time to benefit the cause of Jesus. “Redeeming” buying back, so much time is wasted and Eph 5:16 says the “days are evil”
Question: How do you use your time with unbelievers? What do you do? What do you talk about?
Notice Paul challenges our actions then our speech
The words we say will teach if we practice what we preach.
SPEAK
Vrs 6 Take opportunity… to talk about things that please Jesus.
Gentle, kind, loving, encouraging
Matt 12:34 abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
Take opportunity…to learn how to answer questions about Jesus, be a student of the Word
Sunday, December 6, 2009
"How We Live" :Work
3:22-4:1
Jewish slavery at that time was different then Roman slavery or even the slavery that happened in our country many years ago. A slave would serve for seven years then leave with a payment of some of his masters assets, so in some senses it would be similar to enlisting in the military, there is a commitment and a benefit.
Paul’s intention here is to not change the rules by to inwardly impact how this economy is lived out.
Today we can apply this to our current work situations employee and employer
-Before we do that we have to look at a Theology of Work -Back to Genesis
How do you know if your career choice is your calling?
-Do you get a sense of fulfillment in your work?
-Do the benefits outweigh the stress? 70/30 rule
-Does it allow you adequate time for your other responsibilities?
-Does it provide for your family?
-Does it give you opportunities to share your Christian example and speak to others about Christ?
Obviously there is always tension in situations where there is a long term commitment and Paul speaks to how the Christian should respond in this passage.
Vrs 22
The way we should work (this includes the stay at home mom)
-“in all things obey” Obedient to the rules of your workplace
-“not with eye-service or men-pleasers” Look good for Jesus. Not to please others but so they know you are a believer.
Are there other believers at your workplace that can encourage you, pray for you and fellowship with you?
-“fearing the Lord” Obedient to the Lord- Unethical behavior Total Truth Illustration
Your boss asks you to sin
Vrs 23
-“do it heartily” Diligently
-“as to the Lord” For Jesus, In each situation you need to ask…”if Jesus asked me to do this what would I do?” or “If Jesus where watching me how would I work?”
Vrs 24
-“receive a reward” Focus on the reward. temporal spiritual, future spiritual (motivation)
-“you serve Jesus” Not condoning sin but is careful not to condemn others GOSPEL Jesus did not come to condemn John 3:17
Remember this is the job of the Holy Spirit let Him do that convicting work
Vrs 25
- Rest in the justice of Jesus, things at work will be unfair but trust that Jesus will not only make them right but deal out justice in His perfect plan. Conditions are unfair? God does not say” too bad you are not the boss” HE says “I will take care of that”
Vrs 4:1 If you are the boss…
-Give a fair wage
-Give proper benefits
-Give adequate time of rest.
-Treat with respect & dignity
-Act like Jesus
The Boss still have to answer to Jesus
Jewish slavery at that time was different then Roman slavery or even the slavery that happened in our country many years ago. A slave would serve for seven years then leave with a payment of some of his masters assets, so in some senses it would be similar to enlisting in the military, there is a commitment and a benefit.
Paul’s intention here is to not change the rules by to inwardly impact how this economy is lived out.
Today we can apply this to our current work situations employee and employer
-Before we do that we have to look at a Theology of Work -Back to Genesis
How do you know if your career choice is your calling?
-Do you get a sense of fulfillment in your work?
-Do the benefits outweigh the stress? 70/30 rule
-Does it allow you adequate time for your other responsibilities?
-Does it provide for your family?
-Does it give you opportunities to share your Christian example and speak to others about Christ?
Obviously there is always tension in situations where there is a long term commitment and Paul speaks to how the Christian should respond in this passage.
Vrs 22
The way we should work (this includes the stay at home mom)
-“in all things obey” Obedient to the rules of your workplace
-“not with eye-service or men-pleasers” Look good for Jesus. Not to please others but so they know you are a believer.
Are there other believers at your workplace that can encourage you, pray for you and fellowship with you?
-“fearing the Lord” Obedient to the Lord- Unethical behavior Total Truth Illustration
Your boss asks you to sin
Vrs 23
-“do it heartily” Diligently
-“as to the Lord” For Jesus, In each situation you need to ask…”if Jesus asked me to do this what would I do?” or “If Jesus where watching me how would I work?”
Vrs 24
-“receive a reward” Focus on the reward. temporal spiritual, future spiritual (motivation)
-“you serve Jesus” Not condoning sin but is careful not to condemn others GOSPEL Jesus did not come to condemn John 3:17
Remember this is the job of the Holy Spirit let Him do that convicting work
Vrs 25
- Rest in the justice of Jesus, things at work will be unfair but trust that Jesus will not only make them right but deal out justice in His perfect plan. Conditions are unfair? God does not say” too bad you are not the boss” HE says “I will take care of that”
Vrs 4:1 If you are the boss…
-Give a fair wage
-Give proper benefits
-Give adequate time of rest.
-Treat with respect & dignity
-Act like Jesus
The Boss still have to answer to Jesus
Monday, November 30, 2009
"How We Live": Parents and Children
Deut 6:1-9 is a theology of living life and building Godly families
Vrs 1-3 The What
1. Keep commands
2. Fear the Lord
3. Pass that down to the next generation
Vrs 4-6 This needs to be your hearts purpose GOSPEL
Vrs 7-9 This is how it needs to be done, life lived for the Lord is how we teach others, close to your minds and the work of your hands.
Colossian 3:20-21
At face value if I were talking to a group of people under the age of 18 I would simply say “obey” your parents and there is connection with Ephesians 6 and Exodus 20, the promise is you will live long.
But the under 18 crowd only makes up a slice of our fellowship and I believe God has a Word for us adult children. By way of “honor” to our parents.
Obey- to comply or follow commands of.
Honor-high respect or rank and distinction. they have a special position in your life and they are generally be a people that look out for you and have your best interests in mind.
This was a concept that Jesus taught
Matthew 15:1-7 A Pharisee’s tradition was to dedicate their possessions to God in order to keep them for themselves. Jesus challenged this practice because they were using it is a loophole in order to not help their parents in which case they were not honoring their parents and acting like the dedication to God was more important.
Vrs 20 As an adult child of your parents how are you being pleasing to the Lord? ,
How to bring honor to your parents as an adult.
-Help them Matt 15:1-7
-Be a blessing, children are a blessing Psalm 127:3-5
Your life, decisions, helping them, calling them, including them etc..
-Listen to their wisdom Pro 4:1, 5:7, 7:24, & 8:32
-Have kids and raise them to be Godly men and women Pro 17:6
-Respect them 1 Tim 5:3-5 showing piety sense of worth excellenceG
The transition years of college, not under 18 but not fully self sufficient. This is when it gets a little dicey because it is not God’s intention for an adult to live off their parents and it is not God’s intention for Parents to rule over their adult child.
Helpful steps to figure this out…
Childs responsibility is to..
-Seek out independence (be responsible)
-Listen to wisdom
-Make decisions that encourage parents
-Know when it is time to make the decision
Vrs 21 “provoke” sometime parents have a tough time letting go of their childrens decisions and allowing them to be a functioning adult this frustrates and provokes their children to anger.
During the transition years
Parents responsibility is to…
-Push toward independence
-Guide with wisdom not force or manipulation
-Source of encouragement
-Know when to back off
-Teach them the things of the Lord Deut 6:1-9
As a parent of a child under 18 in specific Fathers
How not to provoke
1. Be fair in discipline
2. Encourage them
3. Spend time with them
4. Pray for them and with them
5. Teach them things of the Lord
Many or most of you did not or do not have parents like this which makes it hard to be a parent like this. The good news is that we all have a Heavenly Father whose love runs deep for us and sets an example for us.
Vrs 1-3 The What
1. Keep commands
2. Fear the Lord
3. Pass that down to the next generation
Vrs 4-6 This needs to be your hearts purpose GOSPEL
Vrs 7-9 This is how it needs to be done, life lived for the Lord is how we teach others, close to your minds and the work of your hands.
Colossian 3:20-21
At face value if I were talking to a group of people under the age of 18 I would simply say “obey” your parents and there is connection with Ephesians 6 and Exodus 20, the promise is you will live long.
But the under 18 crowd only makes up a slice of our fellowship and I believe God has a Word for us adult children. By way of “honor” to our parents.
Obey- to comply or follow commands of.
Honor-high respect or rank and distinction. they have a special position in your life and they are generally be a people that look out for you and have your best interests in mind.
This was a concept that Jesus taught
Matthew 15:1-7 A Pharisee’s tradition was to dedicate their possessions to God in order to keep them for themselves. Jesus challenged this practice because they were using it is a loophole in order to not help their parents in which case they were not honoring their parents and acting like the dedication to God was more important.
Vrs 20 As an adult child of your parents how are you being pleasing to the Lord? ,
How to bring honor to your parents as an adult.
-Help them Matt 15:1-7
-Be a blessing, children are a blessing Psalm 127:3-5
Your life, decisions, helping them, calling them, including them etc..
-Listen to their wisdom Pro 4:1, 5:7, 7:24, & 8:32
-Have kids and raise them to be Godly men and women Pro 17:6
-Respect them 1 Tim 5:3-5 showing piety sense of worth excellenceG
The transition years of college, not under 18 but not fully self sufficient. This is when it gets a little dicey because it is not God’s intention for an adult to live off their parents and it is not God’s intention for Parents to rule over their adult child.
Helpful steps to figure this out…
Childs responsibility is to..
-Seek out independence (be responsible)
-Listen to wisdom
-Make decisions that encourage parents
-Know when it is time to make the decision
Vrs 21 “provoke” sometime parents have a tough time letting go of their childrens decisions and allowing them to be a functioning adult this frustrates and provokes their children to anger.
During the transition years
Parents responsibility is to…
-Push toward independence
-Guide with wisdom not force or manipulation
-Source of encouragement
-Know when to back off
-Teach them the things of the Lord Deut 6:1-9
As a parent of a child under 18 in specific Fathers
How not to provoke
1. Be fair in discipline
2. Encourage them
3. Spend time with them
4. Pray for them and with them
5. Teach them things of the Lord
Many or most of you did not or do not have parents like this which makes it hard to be a parent like this. The good news is that we all have a Heavenly Father whose love runs deep for us and sets an example for us.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
"How We Live" Marriage Part 3
Lovable Woman www.proverbs31.org
1. Good Character
Works on her character 1 Peter 3:3-4
3 types
-Concerned about outward
-Looks outwardly disheveled (which could indicate problems)
-Concerned about Character and therefore it comes out in her appearance.
2. Good wife Proverbs 31:10-12
3. Devotion to her household 31:13-19 & 21-24
4. Generous 31:20
5. Impacts the next generation 31:25-26
6. Good mother 31:27-29
7. Loves Jesus 31:30-31
Respectable men
1. Loves his wife: GOSPEL
2. Self control
Doesn’t lose his cool Pro. 12:16
Watches what he says Pro 16:23 (Nabal was a fool)
3. Works 2 Thess 3:10-11
4. Perseveres Pro 24:16
5. Is Generous Pro 11:25
6. Is humble Pro 29:23
7. Impacts the next generation Pro 20:7 (integrity) 1 Tim 5
8. Righteous Isaiah 1:16-17
9. Loves Jesus
1. Good Character
Works on her character 1 Peter 3:3-4
3 types
-Concerned about outward
-Looks outwardly disheveled (which could indicate problems)
-Concerned about Character and therefore it comes out in her appearance.
2. Good wife Proverbs 31:10-12
3. Devotion to her household 31:13-19 & 21-24
4. Generous 31:20
5. Impacts the next generation 31:25-26
6. Good mother 31:27-29
7. Loves Jesus 31:30-31
Respectable men
1. Loves his wife: GOSPEL
2. Self control
Doesn’t lose his cool Pro. 12:16
Watches what he says Pro 16:23 (Nabal was a fool)
3. Works 2 Thess 3:10-11
4. Perseveres Pro 24:16
5. Is Generous Pro 11:25
6. Is humble Pro 29:23
7. Impacts the next generation Pro 20:7 (integrity) 1 Tim 5
8. Righteous Isaiah 1:16-17
9. Loves Jesus
Sunday, November 15, 2009
"How We Live" Marriage Part 2
As we see from last week we looked through the theology of marriage and how before the fall God put Adam in the garden and Eve as his “Comparable Helper” simply meaning that they were equals in dignity, value, worth and Salvation but have differing roles, neither is greater or lesser but different.
Sin enters in and the problems start, husbands drop the ball, they fail to lead, serve and love their wives and families which negatively affects the women and their capability to respect and trust their husbands.
Then we come to these passages in New Testament about husbands and wives.
Col 3:18-19
Eph 5:22-33
1st Peter 3:1-7
Really these passages are not just talking about the family structure but they are in essence telling men and women what the makeup of their spouse is and how to deal with them.
When we look at the Biblical commands we have to see there are at least three reasons why God gives us these
1. Glorify God
2. Glorify my spouse
3. Have a Christ centered marriage that can be an example to others
To sum it we have Eph 5:33 Unconditional love Men are commanded to love because it is not their tendency and women are commanded to unconditionally respect because it is not their tendency.
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs wrote a book with this being the main topic, called Love and Respect
Men’s deepest need is to be respected, and women’s deepest need is to be loved.
Without Love the wife reacts in disrespect without respect the husband reacts unloving. Calls this the Crazy Cycle (Eggerichs)
Respect- Esteem for or a sense of worth or excellence of a person.
Wives are called to respect their husband due to the position they hold
Love-affection for another person
Husbands are called to respect their wives due to the position they hold.
Unconditional love Unconditional respect
This is misunderstood, because we feel that respect is something earned and love is something owed.
We do not accuse women as being prim donnas for wanting to loved but men are accuse of being arrogant if they want respect.
What if the man is not respectable?
Two Choices. 1. Find things to respect or 2. Continue the cycle and nothing will change.
Same if your wife is not lovable?
Be a student of your spouse. What makes your spouse tick?
Painting the living room ill Love and respect
Its all in communication “Can you live with this color”
How to disrespect your husband…
1. Compare him to other guys (guys hate the Chick Flick movie guy) Eph 5:33
2. Remind him of his faults and correct him 1 Peter 3:1
Wives see the correction of their husbands as an act of love to help them be more loving, husbands see it as an belittling and treating him like a child. The two responses of a man can either be he puts up walls (whatever attitude, nothing is good enough) or he starts to act like one of the kids. Both of these options leave the wife feeling like she is doing everything alone. (unloved)
3. Nag him to change.
Wives will complain and criticize and husbands will “stonewall” in an attempt to keep from losing it and dishonoring himself. Women feel this “stonewalling” is an unloving act.
Contentious women Proverbs 21:9, 21:19, 25:24 Dripping 19:13, 27:15
4. Ridicule him to other people (if he is a dope what does that make you for marrying him?) Pro 12:4
This is why men seek to be respected outside the home.
Ill pg 68 (photo copy) extreme situation
How to be unloving toward your wife…
1. Don’t listen to her when she is sharing her feelings. 1Peter 3:7 “understanding” “weaker vessel” emotional
2. Stonewall her when you have a disagreement or yell. 1 Sam 25:3 Nabal the Lord condemns a harsh man Malachi 2:14-15
3. Make her in charge of everything from raising the kids to your schedule (women will do this and first think it is great, because they feel in charge, but eventually they feel alone)
Illustration A husband who makes his wife work. What is your problem.
4. Don’t do anything special for her Proverbs 5:18 Rejoice in wife
Who should go first? To the men I say men, to the women I say women
Phil 2 The mature one
Story of love and a husband going first on page 98 (photocopy)
Some may say that is humiliating (what about what Jesus did for you) GOSPEL
What if you don’t get the love? What if you don’t get the respect
Matt. 5:38-46 sentiment of Christ is go the extra mile.
An important aspect of this change in the relationship is see things from your spouses perspective.
The sentiment of Christ’s teaching is concentrate on yourself and your responses and your short comings, don’t play the blame game.
It is not your job to change your spouse it is just your job to be obedient to Jesus.
Forgiveness Matt 18:22, Eph 4:32
John 8:7 remember that you have sinned against your spouse as well
Next week being a respectable man, and being a lovable women
Sin enters in and the problems start, husbands drop the ball, they fail to lead, serve and love their wives and families which negatively affects the women and their capability to respect and trust their husbands.
Then we come to these passages in New Testament about husbands and wives.
Col 3:18-19
Eph 5:22-33
1st Peter 3:1-7
Really these passages are not just talking about the family structure but they are in essence telling men and women what the makeup of their spouse is and how to deal with them.
When we look at the Biblical commands we have to see there are at least three reasons why God gives us these
1. Glorify God
2. Glorify my spouse
3. Have a Christ centered marriage that can be an example to others
To sum it we have Eph 5:33 Unconditional love Men are commanded to love because it is not their tendency and women are commanded to unconditionally respect because it is not their tendency.
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs wrote a book with this being the main topic, called Love and Respect
Men’s deepest need is to be respected, and women’s deepest need is to be loved.
Without Love the wife reacts in disrespect without respect the husband reacts unloving. Calls this the Crazy Cycle (Eggerichs)
Respect- Esteem for or a sense of worth or excellence of a person.
Wives are called to respect their husband due to the position they hold
Love-affection for another person
Husbands are called to respect their wives due to the position they hold.
Unconditional love Unconditional respect
This is misunderstood, because we feel that respect is something earned and love is something owed.
We do not accuse women as being prim donnas for wanting to loved but men are accuse of being arrogant if they want respect.
What if the man is not respectable?
Two Choices. 1. Find things to respect or 2. Continue the cycle and nothing will change.
Same if your wife is not lovable?
Be a student of your spouse. What makes your spouse tick?
Painting the living room ill Love and respect
Its all in communication “Can you live with this color”
How to disrespect your husband…
1. Compare him to other guys (guys hate the Chick Flick movie guy) Eph 5:33
2. Remind him of his faults and correct him 1 Peter 3:1
Wives see the correction of their husbands as an act of love to help them be more loving, husbands see it as an belittling and treating him like a child. The two responses of a man can either be he puts up walls (whatever attitude, nothing is good enough) or he starts to act like one of the kids. Both of these options leave the wife feeling like she is doing everything alone. (unloved)
3. Nag him to change.
Wives will complain and criticize and husbands will “stonewall” in an attempt to keep from losing it and dishonoring himself. Women feel this “stonewalling” is an unloving act.
Contentious women Proverbs 21:9, 21:19, 25:24 Dripping 19:13, 27:15
4. Ridicule him to other people (if he is a dope what does that make you for marrying him?) Pro 12:4
This is why men seek to be respected outside the home.
Ill pg 68 (photo copy) extreme situation
How to be unloving toward your wife…
1. Don’t listen to her when she is sharing her feelings. 1Peter 3:7 “understanding” “weaker vessel” emotional
2. Stonewall her when you have a disagreement or yell. 1 Sam 25:3 Nabal the Lord condemns a harsh man Malachi 2:14-15
3. Make her in charge of everything from raising the kids to your schedule (women will do this and first think it is great, because they feel in charge, but eventually they feel alone)
Illustration A husband who makes his wife work. What is your problem.
4. Don’t do anything special for her Proverbs 5:18 Rejoice in wife
Who should go first? To the men I say men, to the women I say women
Phil 2 The mature one
Story of love and a husband going first on page 98 (photocopy)
Some may say that is humiliating (what about what Jesus did for you) GOSPEL
What if you don’t get the love? What if you don’t get the respect
Matt. 5:38-46 sentiment of Christ is go the extra mile.
An important aspect of this change in the relationship is see things from your spouses perspective.
The sentiment of Christ’s teaching is concentrate on yourself and your responses and your short comings, don’t play the blame game.
It is not your job to change your spouse it is just your job to be obedient to Jesus.
Forgiveness Matt 18:22, Eph 4:32
John 8:7 remember that you have sinned against your spouse as well
Next week being a respectable man, and being a lovable women
Monday, November 9, 2009
"How We Live" Marriage Part 1
Intro, What the Bible says about men’s and women’s roles in marriage are. Why the God teaches us this, the deepest needs of women and man. How… being a respectable husband and being a lovable wife (interview with John and Joan)
Single people, either plan life or react to life. If you plan life you will give an attentive ear.
Tonight we are going to examine the Biblical foundation for marriage.
Read Col. 3:18-19
Lets do a crash course overview of Biblical marriage
Gen 1:27-29
Men and womens purpose is to rule, and procreate
Gen 2:18 “Helper Comparable” someone to rule with, collaborate with, enjoy with and celebrate with
Gen 2:22-23 Creation of women was out of man “one flesh” issue. First marriage.
Gen 2:24-25 This could be one of the most important verses for a married couple. You have a new life, you are the new family, you have new commitments and new responsibility .
The Fall Gen 3:16-19
If man had not sinned, he would always have ruled with wisdom and love; and, if the woman had not sinned, she would always respected her husband with humility and meekness; and then the dominion would have been no grievance: but our own sin and folly make our yoke heavy.
Then Old Testament issues due to the Fall
Biblical history of Israel records.
Polygamy, Adultery, Divorce, Homosexuality, Dilution of gender distinctions,
Which leads to a denigration and abuse of women, men thinking they are in charge of women and treating them like property and second class citizens. This was not God’s intention but a direct result of sin.
And Satan will continue to attack the marriage relationship.
Now we Fast forward to the New Testament
Eph 5:22-24
The parallel with man and Jesus is not putting men on an equal plain as Jesus but it is saying a husband should treat his wife like Jesus treats the church.
So rightly when a husband is emulating Jesus a wife will follow that lead.
Headship means to go first and pursuer you wife. Like Christ pursued the church
The Husband should be the first to lay down his life, the first to say they are sorry and forgive, the first to take spiritual leadership, the first show unconditional love. First to take responsibility.
Cultural argument
Some have said this was to go along with a patriarch society and Christianity would not look good if wives were not treated as property like the rest of the culture did. But that is false.
Culturally speaking men at this time period would have a harem of women and then when they got older would take a young wife so his name would go forth.
Paul is teaching here is no no no, this should not be, husbands should have one wife and treat her like Jesus treats the church.
Vrs 25-31 Husband love as Christ loved GOSPEL
Vrs 32 The mystery of Marriage is that foreshadows What Jesus did for the church. We are the bride of Christ and look forward to the day of the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Vrs 33 Respect and love is how you glorify spouse
Over the next two weeks we are going to talk about how to do this.
Single people, either plan life or react to life. If you plan life you will give an attentive ear.
Tonight we are going to examine the Biblical foundation for marriage.
Read Col. 3:18-19
Lets do a crash course overview of Biblical marriage
Gen 1:27-29
Men and womens purpose is to rule, and procreate
Gen 2:18 “Helper Comparable” someone to rule with, collaborate with, enjoy with and celebrate with
Gen 2:22-23 Creation of women was out of man “one flesh” issue. First marriage.
Gen 2:24-25 This could be one of the most important verses for a married couple. You have a new life, you are the new family, you have new commitments and new responsibility .
The Fall Gen 3:16-19
If man had not sinned, he would always have ruled with wisdom and love; and, if the woman had not sinned, she would always respected her husband with humility and meekness; and then the dominion would have been no grievance: but our own sin and folly make our yoke heavy.
Then Old Testament issues due to the Fall
Biblical history of Israel records.
Polygamy, Adultery, Divorce, Homosexuality, Dilution of gender distinctions,
Which leads to a denigration and abuse of women, men thinking they are in charge of women and treating them like property and second class citizens. This was not God’s intention but a direct result of sin.
And Satan will continue to attack the marriage relationship.
Now we Fast forward to the New Testament
Eph 5:22-24
The parallel with man and Jesus is not putting men on an equal plain as Jesus but it is saying a husband should treat his wife like Jesus treats the church.
So rightly when a husband is emulating Jesus a wife will follow that lead.
Headship means to go first and pursuer you wife. Like Christ pursued the church
The Husband should be the first to lay down his life, the first to say they are sorry and forgive, the first to take spiritual leadership, the first show unconditional love. First to take responsibility.
Cultural argument
Some have said this was to go along with a patriarch society and Christianity would not look good if wives were not treated as property like the rest of the culture did. But that is false.
Culturally speaking men at this time period would have a harem of women and then when they got older would take a young wife so his name would go forth.
Paul is teaching here is no no no, this should not be, husbands should have one wife and treat her like Jesus treats the church.
Vrs 25-31 Husband love as Christ loved GOSPEL
Vrs 32 The mystery of Marriage is that foreshadows What Jesus did for the church. We are the bride of Christ and look forward to the day of the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Vrs 33 Respect and love is how you glorify spouse
Over the next two weeks we are going to talk about how to do this.
"How We Live" :Be Good to One Another
Vrs 12-Elect You are chosen, God called you, you did not call Him
Paul is saying here now that you understand that Jesus is over, mans philosophy, religion and our old self you need to live to the new self and the next passage is what we need to do to live to that new self.
Put on…these things don’t come naturally so we have to put them on. Action
Compassion- A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another that is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. A way to alleviate that is through…kindness
Kindness-
***Show operation cc video, because of the compassion & kindness of a person another person met Jesus.
Humility- test,
1. How often do you talk about yourself and your accomplishments?
2. How often do you think or know you are right?
3. Do you ask other people for their opinion or advice?
Gentleness- The way we handle issues and problems in the church and in our relationships, compliant
Patience- Waiting on God in situations and also dealing with people that may not get it yet.
When people do not put these things on it has a negative and many times sinful effect on other people.
When you choose to not put these things on it can and will cause others to sin as well.
But in the church and as followers of Jesus we need Be Good to One another and not help the cycle of sinful responses in our fellow believers life.
Vrs 13
Bear with each other. This is where it counts and where it is hard as a Pastor and that is why the body of Christ needs to step up certain things. When people are in a time of need they need others to be there for them.
Outworking of the church “Pastor Dad model in a negative sense”
Paint the picture of this model…
Problems, Not Biblical, Not enough of him to go around, people become closed to new comers, when the Pastor dies or morally fails the people are lost.
Forgiving one another, even if someone has a complaint. Why? Christ forgave you.
Jesus’ response to sin against Him, “I will die for you” “You have sinned against Me and I will pay for it” GOSPEL
Vrs 14 Love binds it all together
Galatians 5:14-15 (bite and devour)
Luke 10:25-37 Vertical & Horizontal
Before dealing with people ask yourself…
1. Is this deed showing love to the people around me? You may be doing something that you think is right and good but it may be unloving toward others.
2. Is what I am saying loving toward others? Know when to say what needs to be said, sometimes Christians are so dumb on this point.
3. Did I ask Jesus to help me love?
A Benefit asking these questions is that it leads to love that is perfected
1 John 4:18 Perfect love casts out fear (children feel love of their parents, they feel security) if you know someone who has not experienced that it is our job as followers of Jesus to try our best to give them that type of love.
Back to Luke 10:28 “You will Live”
You may be the agent of change in that persons life that helps them bring more functionality to their family.
Impact their future biological family. (find illustration about someone who took someone else in)
Vrs 15 One of the best expressions of love that we can live by as a body of believers is peace with one another. Keeping the peace is actually applying all of the things that Paul tells us to “Put On”
So now Paul’s counsel on how we should be encouraged to “Put On” these things. Vrs 16
The Word teaching and admonishing (caution advise or counsel against)
Songs and Hymns
So we come together…This is how learn and worship together, the Word, hymns and spiritual songs.
Vrs 17 Whatever you do…so in all your dealing with people in and out of the church do it view of the Lord and give thanks to the Lord that he allows and calls you to do it.
Paul is saying here now that you understand that Jesus is over, mans philosophy, religion and our old self you need to live to the new self and the next passage is what we need to do to live to that new self.
Put on…these things don’t come naturally so we have to put them on. Action
Compassion- A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another that is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. A way to alleviate that is through…kindness
Kindness-
***Show operation cc video, because of the compassion & kindness of a person another person met Jesus.
Humility- test,
1. How often do you talk about yourself and your accomplishments?
2. How often do you think or know you are right?
3. Do you ask other people for their opinion or advice?
Gentleness- The way we handle issues and problems in the church and in our relationships, compliant
Patience- Waiting on God in situations and also dealing with people that may not get it yet.
When people do not put these things on it has a negative and many times sinful effect on other people.
When you choose to not put these things on it can and will cause others to sin as well.
But in the church and as followers of Jesus we need Be Good to One another and not help the cycle of sinful responses in our fellow believers life.
Vrs 13
Bear with each other. This is where it counts and where it is hard as a Pastor and that is why the body of Christ needs to step up certain things. When people are in a time of need they need others to be there for them.
Outworking of the church “Pastor Dad model in a negative sense”
Paint the picture of this model…
Problems, Not Biblical, Not enough of him to go around, people become closed to new comers, when the Pastor dies or morally fails the people are lost.
Forgiving one another, even if someone has a complaint. Why? Christ forgave you.
Jesus’ response to sin against Him, “I will die for you” “You have sinned against Me and I will pay for it” GOSPEL
Vrs 14 Love binds it all together
Galatians 5:14-15 (bite and devour)
Luke 10:25-37 Vertical & Horizontal
Before dealing with people ask yourself…
1. Is this deed showing love to the people around me? You may be doing something that you think is right and good but it may be unloving toward others.
2. Is what I am saying loving toward others? Know when to say what needs to be said, sometimes Christians are so dumb on this point.
3. Did I ask Jesus to help me love?
A Benefit asking these questions is that it leads to love that is perfected
1 John 4:18 Perfect love casts out fear (children feel love of their parents, they feel security) if you know someone who has not experienced that it is our job as followers of Jesus to try our best to give them that type of love.
Back to Luke 10:28 “You will Live”
You may be the agent of change in that persons life that helps them bring more functionality to their family.
Impact their future biological family. (find illustration about someone who took someone else in)
Vrs 15 One of the best expressions of love that we can live by as a body of believers is peace with one another. Keeping the peace is actually applying all of the things that Paul tells us to “Put On”
So now Paul’s counsel on how we should be encouraged to “Put On” these things. Vrs 16
The Word teaching and admonishing (caution advise or counsel against)
Songs and Hymns
So we come together…This is how learn and worship together, the Word, hymns and spiritual songs.
Vrs 17 Whatever you do…so in all your dealing with people in and out of the church do it view of the Lord and give thanks to the Lord that he allows and calls you to do it.
"How We Live" :Jesus Over Old Self
Paul here exhorts the Colossians to meditation upon the heavenly life.
Vrs 1 If you are a Christian your focus should be on the things that Jesus loves, will they always be? No, and that is why Paul needs to remind them and us. “Ascension of our mind”
Vrs 2 Man’s Philosophy and Religion will always distract from a Jesus centered life.
“Why do we have a problem with setting our mind on things above?”
Many times in life when our needs are met we do not seek out what we truly need.
The more we get our needs met by this world the less we feel the need for God
These ar not only sinful things…Good things can distract us from focusing in on Jesus and His purpose for us. “Hug Quota”???
“I don’t know what I would do, with no Christian friends?”
Vrs 3 Your Old self died, you are no longer the same person now that you trust in Christ.
“Hidden” two issues
Issue 1. If you think this is really life you are sadly mistaken (connects to verse 4)
Vrs 4 But when Christ, our life, shall appear. This will be the manifestation of our life. John Calvin
Issue 2 The inner change is invisible to others, no one can see what happens on the inside. So living a life that is obedient to Jesus shows others the inward change.
Therefore because this inner change is invisible…
Vrs 5 Mortify (Kill off) Puritian John Owen wrote an entire book called “The Mortification of Sin”
Why? “which is idolatry” much of our sin is wrapped up in what we worship. We are putting these things before Jesus (talk about each)
Vrs 6 “You love the things that are bringing about God’s Wrath” We a Christians escape the wrath but Paul is saying that it should be a constant reminder in our lives that sin is serious business to God and we should also take sin in our lives seriously and be concerned about it. Remember who took that wrath GOSPEL
Vrs 7 that was who you were so don’t act like that anymore, you are new.
Some things that bring out the old self…
1. Stress
2. Suffering
3. Pride
4. Feeding the sin (the more you sin the more you desire sin)
5. Identity crisis, We are damaged goods so we act like damaged goods,
Three reasons
1. Wallow in past sins … alcoholic, drug user, temper issues, honesty,
2. Think they can’t have victory over it. Its too hard, its who I am…
3. Others will not let them out of it… You are…abused
Remember Jesus is our Expiation means to cleanse, that means when He paid the price He washed all that stuff away. Whether it was a sin committed by you are something that happed to you.
A result of pursuing a sinful things is that our speech and attitudes are affected.
Vrs 8-9 Speech and attitudes that Christians should not have, because it is not pleasing to the Lord.
Anger-
Wrath-
Malice-
Blasphemy-
Filthy Language-
Lying-
These are attitudes that the world has or things the world says.
Vrs 10 We are new so act like new, we treat new things different don’t we? New Car ill ill
The New-When you have Jesus in your life, what happens is that this New Life starts to break out of the old one. Things that were appealing become disgusting and things you though you would never want to do you desire to do.
I want to…help people, read God’s Word, go to church or a bible study, volunteer for a ministry
We should be taking on the character of Jesus, He is our role model, hero and master
Vrs 11 therefore treat one another like something new, Jesus saves marriages, relationships, financial situations. Because as He has made us new we should treat one another in new way. When you get a new car.
Barbarian- person who did not speak Greek
Scythian-uncultured person from region around the Black Sea
Jesus has to be over Mans Philosophy, Religion and our Old Self in order to be Master of our lives.
Vrs 1 If you are a Christian your focus should be on the things that Jesus loves, will they always be? No, and that is why Paul needs to remind them and us. “Ascension of our mind”
Vrs 2 Man’s Philosophy and Religion will always distract from a Jesus centered life.
“Why do we have a problem with setting our mind on things above?”
Many times in life when our needs are met we do not seek out what we truly need.
The more we get our needs met by this world the less we feel the need for God
These ar not only sinful things…Good things can distract us from focusing in on Jesus and His purpose for us. “Hug Quota”???
“I don’t know what I would do, with no Christian friends?”
Vrs 3 Your Old self died, you are no longer the same person now that you trust in Christ.
“Hidden” two issues
Issue 1. If you think this is really life you are sadly mistaken (connects to verse 4)
Vrs 4 But when Christ, our life, shall appear. This will be the manifestation of our life. John Calvin
Issue 2 The inner change is invisible to others, no one can see what happens on the inside. So living a life that is obedient to Jesus shows others the inward change.
Therefore because this inner change is invisible…
Vrs 5 Mortify (Kill off) Puritian John Owen wrote an entire book called “The Mortification of Sin”
Why? “which is idolatry” much of our sin is wrapped up in what we worship. We are putting these things before Jesus (talk about each)
Vrs 6 “You love the things that are bringing about God’s Wrath” We a Christians escape the wrath but Paul is saying that it should be a constant reminder in our lives that sin is serious business to God and we should also take sin in our lives seriously and be concerned about it. Remember who took that wrath GOSPEL
Vrs 7 that was who you were so don’t act like that anymore, you are new.
Some things that bring out the old self…
1. Stress
2. Suffering
3. Pride
4. Feeding the sin (the more you sin the more you desire sin)
5. Identity crisis, We are damaged goods so we act like damaged goods,
Three reasons
1. Wallow in past sins … alcoholic, drug user, temper issues, honesty,
2. Think they can’t have victory over it. Its too hard, its who I am…
3. Others will not let them out of it… You are…abused
Remember Jesus is our Expiation means to cleanse, that means when He paid the price He washed all that stuff away. Whether it was a sin committed by you are something that happed to you.
A result of pursuing a sinful things is that our speech and attitudes are affected.
Vrs 8-9 Speech and attitudes that Christians should not have, because it is not pleasing to the Lord.
Anger-
Wrath-
Malice-
Blasphemy-
Filthy Language-
Lying-
These are attitudes that the world has or things the world says.
Vrs 10 We are new so act like new, we treat new things different don’t we? New Car ill ill
The New-When you have Jesus in your life, what happens is that this New Life starts to break out of the old one. Things that were appealing become disgusting and things you though you would never want to do you desire to do.
I want to…help people, read God’s Word, go to church or a bible study, volunteer for a ministry
We should be taking on the character of Jesus, He is our role model, hero and master
Vrs 11 therefore treat one another like something new, Jesus saves marriages, relationships, financial situations. Because as He has made us new we should treat one another in new way. When you get a new car.
Barbarian- person who did not speak Greek
Scythian-uncultured person from region around the Black Sea
Jesus has to be over Mans Philosophy, Religion and our Old Self in order to be Master of our lives.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
"How We Live" :Jesus Over Religion
1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “religion”?
2. Why do you think there are so many “religions”?
3. Have you been led astray by “religion” in your past?
4. What are the difference between Jesus and “religion”?
Religion- involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Being a Christian is not necessarily a religion, because religion is mans attempt at getting to God and Christianity is God coming to save sinners and bring them to himself. Unfortunately the church in Colossea was dealing with people trying to change faith in Jesus to a religion.
The religious are actually harder to reach and they are the people that Jesus rebuked the most.
Paul reminds them…in 11-14 what Jesus did.
Vrs 11 1. our standing in Christ - Gen 17 Circumcision was covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. Spiritual circumcision is the removal of sin by Christ.
Vrs 12 Old self dies and a 2. new creation is risen (Baptism issue) Gospel always includes the resurrection
Vrs 13 3. Alive
Vrs14 Jesus died on the cross took our sins with Him (we don’t have to pay, because He did) religion teaches that we pay.
Certificate of debt and Jesus nailed it to the cross 4. Jesus Paid our debt
Vrs 15 this is what was spiritually going on, 5. Victory in Jesus
Religion is man made rules to get to God and it is actually demonic and against Jesus.
Because of this the next three verses Paul tells us what to look out for.
Religion
1. is Judgmental with false grounds for judging V 16a (adds rules) who are we to make up rules and judge others by them. (playing tag with my kids)
2. is About ritual that ignores the reason v 16b-17 observing feasts Lev 23 records 7 different feasts that the Jews observed and all of them the purpose was Jesus. Passover Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits Feast of Weeks, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (experience over Jesus. churches do this all the time, traditions)
3. Cheats people out of truth, liberty & reward v18a Heb 11:6
4. is Self righteous (false humility) pious self denial V18a
5. is Wrong worship v18 we do not pray to anyone except the one true God, to the Father, through the Spirit in the name of Jesus.
6. Has false teachers v18 (has not seen) (they divide, Jesus unites) (they oppresses, Jesus has healing compassion)
7. puffs up Proud v18 pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick expect those who have it. “I am better”.
(Jesus is humble)
8. Is Ignorant of Jesus.
Vrs 20-23 So what does religion accomplish? Nothing, but corruption
Vrs 20 Living by the ways of the world, many times that statement tells us that we are living very liberal but this means we are living very religious.
Vrs 21-22 Works based salvation, “if I do this God will accept me”
Vrs 23 religion/self denial is not the answer to our spiritual well being, Jesus is
Religion warps but Jesus teaches us “How We Live”
2. Why do you think there are so many “religions”?
3. Have you been led astray by “religion” in your past?
4. What are the difference between Jesus and “religion”?
Religion- involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Being a Christian is not necessarily a religion, because religion is mans attempt at getting to God and Christianity is God coming to save sinners and bring them to himself. Unfortunately the church in Colossea was dealing with people trying to change faith in Jesus to a religion.
The religious are actually harder to reach and they are the people that Jesus rebuked the most.
Paul reminds them…in 11-14 what Jesus did.
Vrs 11 1. our standing in Christ - Gen 17 Circumcision was covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. Spiritual circumcision is the removal of sin by Christ.
Vrs 12 Old self dies and a 2. new creation is risen (Baptism issue) Gospel always includes the resurrection
Vrs 13 3. Alive
Vrs14 Jesus died on the cross took our sins with Him (we don’t have to pay, because He did) religion teaches that we pay.
Certificate of debt and Jesus nailed it to the cross 4. Jesus Paid our debt
Vrs 15 this is what was spiritually going on, 5. Victory in Jesus
Religion is man made rules to get to God and it is actually demonic and against Jesus.
Because of this the next three verses Paul tells us what to look out for.
Religion
1. is Judgmental with false grounds for judging V 16a (adds rules) who are we to make up rules and judge others by them. (playing tag with my kids)
2. is About ritual that ignores the reason v 16b-17 observing feasts Lev 23 records 7 different feasts that the Jews observed and all of them the purpose was Jesus. Passover Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits Feast of Weeks, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (experience over Jesus. churches do this all the time, traditions)
3. Cheats people out of truth, liberty & reward v18a Heb 11:6
4. is Self righteous (false humility) pious self denial V18a
5. is Wrong worship v18 we do not pray to anyone except the one true God, to the Father, through the Spirit in the name of Jesus.
6. Has false teachers v18 (has not seen) (they divide, Jesus unites) (they oppresses, Jesus has healing compassion)
7. puffs up Proud v18 pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick expect those who have it. “I am better”.
(Jesus is humble)
8. Is Ignorant of Jesus.
Vrs 20-23 So what does religion accomplish? Nothing, but corruption
Vrs 20 Living by the ways of the world, many times that statement tells us that we are living very liberal but this means we are living very religious.
Vrs 21-22 Works based salvation, “if I do this God will accept me”
Vrs 23 religion/self denial is not the answer to our spiritual well being, Jesus is
Religion warps but Jesus teaches us “How We Live”
Sunday, October 11, 2009
"How We Live": Jesus Over Mans Philosophy
Vrs 1 Paul’s conflict=is that they are being deceived and pulled away from the foundation.
Vrs 2-3 “Encouraged and knit together in love” one of he greatest encouragements is being in an environment in which you feel love and that should be the environment of the church.
I just want to warn you, churches can be brutal because they are made up of sinners. Paul’s charge and prayer is that it does not have to be that way, we can create a biblical church culture that attracts people and keeps people focused. Do you know where that starts…”the preached, studied and valued Word of God because it reveals the heart and mind of Jesus” If I teach you what the Word says about … then we do it to create this biblical culture.
“attainting to riches” You are rich when you know Jesus, no matter how poor you are. Why? Because we have full assurance of our salvation, our standing in Jesus and that anyone can be saved “mystery”
Paul in this passage was also dealing with the Gnostics believe that they have secret knowledge about God, humanity and the rest of the universe of which the general population was unaware.
A belief that salvation is achieved through relational and experiential knowledge “We know the mystery”
“Treasures of wisdom and knowledge” true knowledge and wisdom is found in Jesus and His Word. This is where we get our worldview of How We Live
Once Satan has a group of believers thinking that they are all alone and the Christians are not encouraging one another, not knit together in love, and don’t have all the wisdom and knowledge they need in Jesus that is the time in which he (Satan) swoops in with false teaching.
Vrs 4
Then Paul warns them, some will try to deceive you with “persuasive words”
What are some persuasive words that take people away from solid biblical teaching?
1. There must be more ways to God,
2. The Bible is just another religious book.
3. Power of positive thinking
4. You are in charge of your destiny
5. A loving God would not send people to hell
6. A loving God would not allow suffering
7. I am a good person
8. Science can explain questions of life
Nancy Pearcey in Total Truth says “ Theories like Darwinian evolution are not open to question, the students are not invited to judge for themselves whether or not it is true. It is treated as public knowledge that everyone is expected to accept, regardless of personal beliefs”
9. You are your first priority
10. Whatever makes you happy.
11. God is not there, He is impersonal.
What is Paul’s encouragement to combat those who are hearing and being taught mans philosophy?
1. Support from teachers and mature Christians Vrs 5 Paul is saying you will hear these things but remember “with you in spirit” I got your back even though I am not there. And I rejoice when you do good and stay focused.
2. Vrs 6 Your Salvation
3. Vrs 7 “rooted and built up” in the Word Luke 6:47-49 foundation
Let me tell you something about the Word
Reformers called Sola Scriptura – Highest authority not mans tradition
Different from Solo Scripture - alone is our authority, not an encyclopedia as long as it does not disagree with scripture we have freedom
4. Vrs 7 Be thankful that Jesus gave you salvations the Word and these teachers
Vrs 8 If someone lies to you and teaches you something that is against Jesus or not from Jesus (whether they mean to or not) they are cheating you. You will spend much of your life pursuing things that will not fulfill your deepest needs, due to the fact that you are believing a lie or lies.
These lies come through…
“Traditions of men” This can creep into the church. The reformation
“Principles of the world” Listening to society rather then Jesus. Society says…
What are they cheating you of? Truth, personal growth, fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. Living right
Vrs 9-10 It all comes down to Jesus
Vrs 2-3 “Encouraged and knit together in love” one of he greatest encouragements is being in an environment in which you feel love and that should be the environment of the church.
I just want to warn you, churches can be brutal because they are made up of sinners. Paul’s charge and prayer is that it does not have to be that way, we can create a biblical church culture that attracts people and keeps people focused. Do you know where that starts…”the preached, studied and valued Word of God because it reveals the heart and mind of Jesus” If I teach you what the Word says about … then we do it to create this biblical culture.
“attainting to riches” You are rich when you know Jesus, no matter how poor you are. Why? Because we have full assurance of our salvation, our standing in Jesus and that anyone can be saved “mystery”
Paul in this passage was also dealing with the Gnostics believe that they have secret knowledge about God, humanity and the rest of the universe of which the general population was unaware.
A belief that salvation is achieved through relational and experiential knowledge “We know the mystery”
“Treasures of wisdom and knowledge” true knowledge and wisdom is found in Jesus and His Word. This is where we get our worldview of How We Live
Once Satan has a group of believers thinking that they are all alone and the Christians are not encouraging one another, not knit together in love, and don’t have all the wisdom and knowledge they need in Jesus that is the time in which he (Satan) swoops in with false teaching.
Vrs 4
Then Paul warns them, some will try to deceive you with “persuasive words”
What are some persuasive words that take people away from solid biblical teaching?
1. There must be more ways to God,
2. The Bible is just another religious book.
3. Power of positive thinking
4. You are in charge of your destiny
5. A loving God would not send people to hell
6. A loving God would not allow suffering
7. I am a good person
8. Science can explain questions of life
Nancy Pearcey in Total Truth says “ Theories like Darwinian evolution are not open to question, the students are not invited to judge for themselves whether or not it is true. It is treated as public knowledge that everyone is expected to accept, regardless of personal beliefs”
9. You are your first priority
10. Whatever makes you happy.
11. God is not there, He is impersonal.
What is Paul’s encouragement to combat those who are hearing and being taught mans philosophy?
1. Support from teachers and mature Christians Vrs 5 Paul is saying you will hear these things but remember “with you in spirit” I got your back even though I am not there. And I rejoice when you do good and stay focused.
2. Vrs 6 Your Salvation
3. Vrs 7 “rooted and built up” in the Word Luke 6:47-49 foundation
Let me tell you something about the Word
Reformers called Sola Scriptura – Highest authority not mans tradition
Different from Solo Scripture - alone is our authority, not an encyclopedia as long as it does not disagree with scripture we have freedom
4. Vrs 7 Be thankful that Jesus gave you salvations the Word and these teachers
Vrs 8 If someone lies to you and teaches you something that is against Jesus or not from Jesus (whether they mean to or not) they are cheating you. You will spend much of your life pursuing things that will not fulfill your deepest needs, due to the fact that you are believing a lie or lies.
These lies come through…
“Traditions of men” This can creep into the church. The reformation
“Principles of the world” Listening to society rather then Jesus. Society says…
What are they cheating you of? Truth, personal growth, fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. Living right
Vrs 9-10 It all comes down to Jesus
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
"How We Live" :Suffer for the Gospel
Questions for further study…
Look at all the areas in your life (example: school, child, parent, husband, wife etc.) and answer these questions…
(My suggestion would be take your time and prepare these answers before you share with your Community Group or another person)
1. Have you ever been made fun of or mocked for being a Christian? Explain
2. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it went well.
3. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it did not go well?
4. What are some of the reasons you don’t share Jesus with others?
5. What are some things that inspire you to share Jesus with others?
Vrs 24 Here we see Paul a man who is living out verse 11 “strengthened by trouble” Paul went through alot for the Gospel. 2 Cor 11:22-33
But he had joy in suffering for the purpose of the Gospel.
“fill up what is lacking” Paul is saying He is a partner with Jesus and I am blessed to share in suffering because Jesus did.
The reason that Christ suffered was “the church” the elect but John Calvin says this on this point.
Christ has suffered once in his own person, so he suffers daily in his members
Not only did Jesus suffer for us He suffers with us.
Another aspect is that Paul in His suffering benefited the church
Vrs 25 It was obvious Paul had a gift from God to preach the Gospel, “Abnormally born” 1 Cor 15:8
Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, Jesus appears and says “Why are you persecuting me?”
Remember when you suffer Jesus suffers.
Vrs 26- 27 The mystery revealed is that now Gentiles (non-Jews) can be saved or are chosen
There is a solution for our dilemma GOSPEL
And now we find our mission
Vrs 28 to tell everyone around us about Jesus
We are all called to be a light to the world Matt 5:15-16
We all as Christians have been given the gift of being placed where you are to preach the Gospel.
Most of us want to rush through life, rather then look at each stage and place in life is an opportunity for the Gospel. Work, school, who you spend time with, family
We do this because we want good for others.
Jesus is the great cause, we participate in other causes because we want others to love Jesus
Sometimes we look at the people around us who are lost and we make fun or write them off or call them stupid. In “The God Who Is There” by Francis Schaeffer said “These people are dying while they live, where is our compassion for them?”
So what are some common excuses for not sharing Jesus with others?
Excuses
1. They don’t want hear it.
2. I feel awkward.
3. I don’t know enough
4. I don’t feel like it,
5. They may think I am a freak.
6. They will make fun of me.
So how do we talk to people about Jesus?
1. Have confidence that Biblical Christianity (Jesus) has a basis on which to give answers to people’s questions.
2. Remember a month ago I brought up the six different types of non-Christians and their worldviews
1. Indifferent- I don’t know or I don’t care
2. Intellectual- I am too smart to have a crutch like God, proud
3. Religious- I am a good person
4. Spiritual-Believe in yourself, usually agnostic -unknown
5. Hedonist-pleasure is the most important thing
6. Atheist- no God
Push people toward their belief system and they eventually come to conclusion that it does not work
How do we push? If we truly love the people around us will ask them questions that will help them realize their worldview cannot hold up and they need Jesus.
What are the questions?
Ask people…worldview issues. We want our friends thinking about these issues.
1. Where did we come from? Imago dei
2. What is wrong with the world? It is fallen
3. What is the remedy? Jesus
4. How is this working out for you? Great I love Jesus, I have hope, I know this world is not my home.
There is going to be an inconsistency because this world was created by Jesus. They will not be able to live that out in Jesus’ world.
This may bring some suffering to our lives but it will be for the gospel
Vrs 29 Paul then reminds them that he is working for the Gospel but it is really Jesus working through Him and that is “How We Live”
Look at all the areas in your life (example: school, child, parent, husband, wife etc.) and answer these questions…
(My suggestion would be take your time and prepare these answers before you share with your Community Group or another person)
1. Have you ever been made fun of or mocked for being a Christian? Explain
2. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it went well.
3. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it did not go well?
4. What are some of the reasons you don’t share Jesus with others?
5. What are some things that inspire you to share Jesus with others?
Vrs 24 Here we see Paul a man who is living out verse 11 “strengthened by trouble” Paul went through alot for the Gospel. 2 Cor 11:22-33
But he had joy in suffering for the purpose of the Gospel.
“fill up what is lacking” Paul is saying He is a partner with Jesus and I am blessed to share in suffering because Jesus did.
The reason that Christ suffered was “the church” the elect but John Calvin says this on this point.
Christ has suffered once in his own person, so he suffers daily in his members
Not only did Jesus suffer for us He suffers with us.
Another aspect is that Paul in His suffering benefited the church
Vrs 25 It was obvious Paul had a gift from God to preach the Gospel, “Abnormally born” 1 Cor 15:8
Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, Jesus appears and says “Why are you persecuting me?”
Remember when you suffer Jesus suffers.
Vrs 26- 27 The mystery revealed is that now Gentiles (non-Jews) can be saved or are chosen
There is a solution for our dilemma GOSPEL
And now we find our mission
Vrs 28 to tell everyone around us about Jesus
We are all called to be a light to the world Matt 5:15-16
We all as Christians have been given the gift of being placed where you are to preach the Gospel.
Most of us want to rush through life, rather then look at each stage and place in life is an opportunity for the Gospel. Work, school, who you spend time with, family
We do this because we want good for others.
Jesus is the great cause, we participate in other causes because we want others to love Jesus
Sometimes we look at the people around us who are lost and we make fun or write them off or call them stupid. In “The God Who Is There” by Francis Schaeffer said “These people are dying while they live, where is our compassion for them?”
So what are some common excuses for not sharing Jesus with others?
Excuses
1. They don’t want hear it.
2. I feel awkward.
3. I don’t know enough
4. I don’t feel like it,
5. They may think I am a freak.
6. They will make fun of me.
So how do we talk to people about Jesus?
1. Have confidence that Biblical Christianity (Jesus) has a basis on which to give answers to people’s questions.
2. Remember a month ago I brought up the six different types of non-Christians and their worldviews
1. Indifferent- I don’t know or I don’t care
2. Intellectual- I am too smart to have a crutch like God, proud
3. Religious- I am a good person
4. Spiritual-Believe in yourself, usually agnostic -unknown
5. Hedonist-pleasure is the most important thing
6. Atheist- no God
Push people toward their belief system and they eventually come to conclusion that it does not work
How do we push? If we truly love the people around us will ask them questions that will help them realize their worldview cannot hold up and they need Jesus.
What are the questions?
Ask people…worldview issues. We want our friends thinking about these issues.
1. Where did we come from? Imago dei
2. What is wrong with the world? It is fallen
3. What is the remedy? Jesus
4. How is this working out for you? Great I love Jesus, I have hope, I know this world is not my home.
There is going to be an inconsistency because this world was created by Jesus. They will not be able to live that out in Jesus’ world.
This may bring some suffering to our lives but it will be for the gospel
Vrs 29 Paul then reminds them that he is working for the Gospel but it is really Jesus working through Him and that is “How We Live”
Sunday, September 27, 2009
"How We Live": Act How Jesus Sees You
Act How Jesus Sees You
Vrs 19-20 “Pleased the Father” not only did Christ’s death please the Father’s wrath but it was also part of the master plan. Rev 13:8
Jesus is the fullness of God and is fully God and His purpose for coming to this earth and dying on the cross was to reconcile (Restore or bring back to) us to Himself.
This pleased the Father because it paid the debt of sin that was owed. God is a just God and because of that sin can not go unpunished.
John Calvin said “The blood of the cross, therefore, means the blood of the sacrifice which was offered upon the cross for appeasing the anger of God”
Jesus’ death illustrated how loving and just the triune God really is…He took it on Himself
Vrs 21a Let me remind you again… you were his enemy
How I was…
1. What were the false concepts of God that you had? Lack of knowledge of the Word
2. What were the sinful activities you were involved in? vices in your life
3. What did you put before Jesus? Idolatry
Your answer to these questions are a sample of your enmity with God.
Your old sinful ways, false concepts and idols will get in the way of your new life in Christ. Don’t be contaminated by what you once believed or did.
Your worldview has or should be changed into that of what Jesus teaches Roman 12:1-2
Questions to ask to keep yourself from falling back into your old patterns and ways.
1. What is your plan to learn more about Jesus? Read, study and memorize the Word, community groups, Listen
Kroll, Lutzer, Matt Chandler, Mark Driscoll, also John Piper, Ravi Zachrias, old 5 sermons
2. What is your plan for tempting situations? You know your vices
3. How are you making sure Jesus is first? Time, talent treasure
Vrs 22 Holy, Blameless and Above reproach This is how Jesus sees you when it comes to judgment and therefore we should act in these ways. I think Paul reminds the Colossians of this because He wants them to “Act how Jesus sees them”
Jesus sees you in two different lights, first is salvation He did the work so you are actually
1. Salvation-GOSPEL
Holy-set apart
Blameless-sinless
Above reproach-no accusation (Satan is the accuser of the Christains)
2. Following Jesus (sanctification and regeneration) He has made you those things so you will desire and be those things for Him on this earth
Holy-Devotion to Jesus
Blameless-No willful sin and not caught in habitual sin
Above Reproach- There are not areas in your life that people can question.
Response 1: Why would I bother living up to that standard. “I am going to heaven anyway”
To you I would say… you don’t love Jesus.
Response 2: It is impossible to live this out… to that I would say, you are right and that is why we need Jesus so when the day of judgment comes you will be able to stand.
And Jesus has given you the resources to show Him love, The Holy Spirit, a church, common sense, good works prepared in advance Eph 2:10
Vrs 23 “If indeed” (Eternal security)
Continue in the Faith- Trusting Jesus
Grounded-Knowing more about Jesus
Steadfast- fixed direction on Jesus
Hope of Gospel-This is where we get the power to live for Him, We get it from Him.
The Result is you will be more pleasing to Jesus, be close to Jesus, show Jesus love and be more effective for Jesus.
The believers call is to “Act How Jesus Sees You” by the power of Jesus.
Vrs 19-20 “Pleased the Father” not only did Christ’s death please the Father’s wrath but it was also part of the master plan. Rev 13:8
Jesus is the fullness of God and is fully God and His purpose for coming to this earth and dying on the cross was to reconcile (Restore or bring back to) us to Himself.
This pleased the Father because it paid the debt of sin that was owed. God is a just God and because of that sin can not go unpunished.
John Calvin said “The blood of the cross, therefore, means the blood of the sacrifice which was offered upon the cross for appeasing the anger of God”
Jesus’ death illustrated how loving and just the triune God really is…He took it on Himself
Vrs 21a Let me remind you again… you were his enemy
How I was…
1. What were the false concepts of God that you had? Lack of knowledge of the Word
2. What were the sinful activities you were involved in? vices in your life
3. What did you put before Jesus? Idolatry
Your answer to these questions are a sample of your enmity with God.
Your old sinful ways, false concepts and idols will get in the way of your new life in Christ. Don’t be contaminated by what you once believed or did.
Your worldview has or should be changed into that of what Jesus teaches Roman 12:1-2
Questions to ask to keep yourself from falling back into your old patterns and ways.
1. What is your plan to learn more about Jesus? Read, study and memorize the Word, community groups, Listen
Kroll, Lutzer, Matt Chandler, Mark Driscoll, also John Piper, Ravi Zachrias, old 5 sermons
2. What is your plan for tempting situations? You know your vices
3. How are you making sure Jesus is first? Time, talent treasure
Vrs 22 Holy, Blameless and Above reproach This is how Jesus sees you when it comes to judgment and therefore we should act in these ways. I think Paul reminds the Colossians of this because He wants them to “Act how Jesus sees them”
Jesus sees you in two different lights, first is salvation He did the work so you are actually
1. Salvation-GOSPEL
Holy-set apart
Blameless-sinless
Above reproach-no accusation (Satan is the accuser of the Christains)
2. Following Jesus (sanctification and regeneration) He has made you those things so you will desire and be those things for Him on this earth
Holy-Devotion to Jesus
Blameless-No willful sin and not caught in habitual sin
Above Reproach- There are not areas in your life that people can question.
Response 1: Why would I bother living up to that standard. “I am going to heaven anyway”
To you I would say… you don’t love Jesus.
Response 2: It is impossible to live this out… to that I would say, you are right and that is why we need Jesus so when the day of judgment comes you will be able to stand.
And Jesus has given you the resources to show Him love, The Holy Spirit, a church, common sense, good works prepared in advance Eph 2:10
Vrs 23 “If indeed” (Eternal security)
Continue in the Faith- Trusting Jesus
Grounded-Knowing more about Jesus
Steadfast- fixed direction on Jesus
Hope of Gospel-This is where we get the power to live for Him, We get it from Him.
The Result is you will be more pleasing to Jesus, be close to Jesus, show Jesus love and be more effective for Jesus.
The believers call is to “Act How Jesus Sees You” by the power of Jesus.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
"How We Live" : Prayer & Perspective
Questions for further study…
1. What is your prayer life like? Do you have habits that keep prayer part of each day? Share those habits with your group.
2. What are some of the things that you find yourself praying about?
3. Paul teaches us in verses9-11 that there are three areas in which he prayed for believers. They were knowing God’s will, doing His will and being strengthened by Him. Do you find yourself praying these things for others and yourself? Why or why not?
4. In verses 12-17 Paul teaches and reminds the believers about what Jesus did, he is doing this to motivate us on how we should live. Pick one of those things and tell your group how it makes you feel and how it impacts your daily life?
5. What do you think it means that “He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church”? (Vrs. 18)
It was not that often that Paul could hear how they are doing but he could always pray for them, they could not text Him, so he had a routine of praying these things for them.
Verses 9-11 Praying for them
1. (Know) Know God’s Will, wisdom and spiritual understanding. God’s Character, Theology and doctrine
2. (Do) our knowledge of Jesus and His character and doctrine would bear fruit (we would act on the knowledge) James talks about the mirror.
Pendulum swing Doctrine vrs application it needs to be both and that s what Paul’s prayer is about. One goal of Christian life is to have the general knowledge that God provides and then apply it to our particular situations
3. (Be) That they would have strength that only comes from Jesus. And also be strengthened by the trouble that comes into our lives. Suffering is a chance to do good, we need strength during the trouble and the trouble will strengthen us. When troubles come into our lives we don’t want to blow the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus.
Many times when problems come in they cause us to sin but we need to see the trouble as an opportunity to do good.
John 17:5 Jesus prays to the Father that He would be able to lift the name of the Father up.
We don’t have a culture of prayer like this, these are things that we need to pray for one another each day. I am not saying we don’t raise up the specifics but I am saying with a prayer life like this the specifics are not necessary to us praying, we can never say “I don’t know what to pray”
Verse 12 is the transition verse: We need to give thanks to Jesus for qualifying us. That we can even go to the throne.
Ok I can tell you what I told you, but let me show you why your perspective should be changed…
Perspective knowing these things about the Lord helps keep our perspective
This is the King that we are in service of and what He did. This should encourage our prayers.
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Kirkagaurd clip???
This is what King Jesus did…
Vrs 13-14
1. Delivered from the power of darkness 2 Cor 4:4 Vrs 13
2. Brought us into the Kingdom of the Son (Conveyed) members of the church Vrs 13
3. Redeemed with His blood Vrs 14
4. Forgave us Vrs 14
About King Jesus… Actually verses 15-20 was used as a hymn in the early church.
1. God in the flesh (incarnation) Vrs 15
2. Firstborn, rank and privilege (everything belongs to Him)
3. Creator Vrs 16 John 1
4. Sustainer Vrs 17
5. Head of the body and the church Vrs 18
Vrs 18 You hear or have a new teaching? Check with Jesus because He is in charge
Look at what He has done and who He is and not only does He let us come to Him but due to what He did we are reminded that He is willing and able to meet our needs and that is why we pray.
1. What is your prayer life like? Do you have habits that keep prayer part of each day? Share those habits with your group.
2. What are some of the things that you find yourself praying about?
3. Paul teaches us in verses9-11 that there are three areas in which he prayed for believers. They were knowing God’s will, doing His will and being strengthened by Him. Do you find yourself praying these things for others and yourself? Why or why not?
4. In verses 12-17 Paul teaches and reminds the believers about what Jesus did, he is doing this to motivate us on how we should live. Pick one of those things and tell your group how it makes you feel and how it impacts your daily life?
5. What do you think it means that “He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church”? (Vrs. 18)
It was not that often that Paul could hear how they are doing but he could always pray for them, they could not text Him, so he had a routine of praying these things for them.
Verses 9-11 Praying for them
1. (Know) Know God’s Will, wisdom and spiritual understanding. God’s Character, Theology and doctrine
2. (Do) our knowledge of Jesus and His character and doctrine would bear fruit (we would act on the knowledge) James talks about the mirror.
Pendulum swing Doctrine vrs application it needs to be both and that s what Paul’s prayer is about. One goal of Christian life is to have the general knowledge that God provides and then apply it to our particular situations
3. (Be) That they would have strength that only comes from Jesus. And also be strengthened by the trouble that comes into our lives. Suffering is a chance to do good, we need strength during the trouble and the trouble will strengthen us. When troubles come into our lives we don’t want to blow the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus.
Many times when problems come in they cause us to sin but we need to see the trouble as an opportunity to do good.
John 17:5 Jesus prays to the Father that He would be able to lift the name of the Father up.
We don’t have a culture of prayer like this, these are things that we need to pray for one another each day. I am not saying we don’t raise up the specifics but I am saying with a prayer life like this the specifics are not necessary to us praying, we can never say “I don’t know what to pray”
Verse 12 is the transition verse: We need to give thanks to Jesus for qualifying us. That we can even go to the throne.
Ok I can tell you what I told you, but let me show you why your perspective should be changed…
Perspective knowing these things about the Lord helps keep our perspective
This is the King that we are in service of and what He did. This should encourage our prayers.
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Kirkagaurd clip???
This is what King Jesus did…
Vrs 13-14
1. Delivered from the power of darkness 2 Cor 4:4 Vrs 13
2. Brought us into the Kingdom of the Son (Conveyed) members of the church Vrs 13
3. Redeemed with His blood Vrs 14
4. Forgave us Vrs 14
About King Jesus… Actually verses 15-20 was used as a hymn in the early church.
1. God in the flesh (incarnation) Vrs 15
2. Firstborn, rank and privilege (everything belongs to Him)
3. Creator Vrs 16 John 1
4. Sustainer Vrs 17
5. Head of the body and the church Vrs 18
Vrs 18 You hear or have a new teaching? Check with Jesus because He is in charge
Look at what He has done and who He is and not only does He let us come to Him but due to what He did we are reminded that He is willing and able to meet our needs and that is why we pray.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
"How We Live" :Encouragement
Questions for further study…
1. Do you find it difficult to encourage others? Why?
2. Discuss the last time someone encouraged you, how did it make you feel? How did you feel toward them?
3. Do you find that you get a lot of encouragement? Why or why not?
4. Paul said “we heard of your faith”, do you find that when you speak about other people you are building them up or tearing them down? Why?
5. How do you think non-Christians will respond to you if you are consistently encouraging them and others?
6. Select some Scriptures in which you can keep on hand to encourage others with.
7. Think of the people in your life that you have neglected to encourage and make an action plan to encourage them. (write a letter or tell them in person)
Sermon text/notes
Colossians “How We Live”: Week 1 Encouragement
Verses 1-2 Intro Paul and Timothy, Paul was in prison
To Christians at Colosse. Paul during his three year ministry in Ephesus a man named Epaphras became a Christian and then he went and preached the Gospel at Colosse and people became Christians and planted a church or churches. They were under attack with false teaching and Epaphras went and visited Paul and told him what was up.
So the occasion for the writing was the heresy that was seeping into the church.
By the way Paul starts the letter we get the feel that Epahras was like…”man they took off with an amazing start and there are many people whose faith is vibrant, they are just being led astray.”
He starts off with words of encouragement.
Encouragement makes rebuke and correction that much easier to take, because you realize the person loves you and notices that you do things well too. “its not all bad” sometimes people globalize?? A problem “ah everything is terrible, these people are terrible, what are they dumb, they can’t do anything right.
Vrs 3 He is thanking God for them and praying for them (we will hit pray more next week)
Vrs 4 Others were talking about you in a good way. It always feels good to know when someone says something nice about you.
Vrs 5 Scriptural encouragement Paul is encouraging them with Scripture in the sense that he reminds them of the promises God gives in His Word.
As Christians we should use the Word to encourage one another.
Christians should have a culture of encouragement and the Gospel penetrates a life in such a way that brings encouragement. The GOSPEL in and of it self is an encouragement from Jesus…we were dead He gives life, we were lost, He sought to find us, We owe a payment for our sin, He paid our debt, this world is seems to be getting worse, The next life will be far better.
Why we don’t encourage…
1. We are self centered. Paul was in prison and he was still able to encourage them. When we are in “prisons” of life usually we go out of our way to let people know how much our lives stink.
2. We are angry with the ones that are in need of encouragement. Paul had every right to be angry that they were believing false teachings.
3. We forget. Paul’s habits were prayer and thanksgiving for what God did in their lives v3-4
4. Not modeled to us. Maybe you were not encouraged by your parents or anyone else so you find it hard to encourage others. Or the culture we are setting is not of encouragement.
5. We think it feeds peoples egos I believe that encouragement rightly taken leads to humility not pride, because if we look at the things that the Lord has done in our lives we realize we could not have done those things on our own.
Vrs 6 Gospel
What should we encourage? If we see people striving in these areas we should encourage.
1. Gospel living, living in such a way that people see the Gospel in you, Sacrifice, service, kindness to enemies. Phil 1:27 Live among the unbelievers and in a manner worthy of the Gospel. This will bear fruit.
Verse 4-5
2. Faith-looking upward toward God, life of prayer, worship, the Word
3. Love-Looking outward towards others.
4. Hope- Looking forward to the future
When we see these things in the lives of others our response should be to encourage them.
Likewise we should strive to live these things out, not for the encouragement but because that what Jesus calls us to do.
People will notice when the Gospel takes root in your life
Vrs 7-8 Paul encourages them that they have a Pastor (Epahras) who loves them and desires to minister to them.
Ways to encourage…
1. Good memories,
2. Written word
3. Correction
4. Acts of service or kindness
5. Do good, this encourages whoever has taught you
6. Have fun/celebrate
How We Live will radically affect all of our relationships as followers of Jesus we need to create a culture of encouragement.
1. Do you find it difficult to encourage others? Why?
2. Discuss the last time someone encouraged you, how did it make you feel? How did you feel toward them?
3. Do you find that you get a lot of encouragement? Why or why not?
4. Paul said “we heard of your faith”, do you find that when you speak about other people you are building them up or tearing them down? Why?
5. How do you think non-Christians will respond to you if you are consistently encouraging them and others?
6. Select some Scriptures in which you can keep on hand to encourage others with.
7. Think of the people in your life that you have neglected to encourage and make an action plan to encourage them. (write a letter or tell them in person)
Sermon text/notes
Colossians “How We Live”: Week 1 Encouragement
Verses 1-2 Intro Paul and Timothy, Paul was in prison
To Christians at Colosse. Paul during his three year ministry in Ephesus a man named Epaphras became a Christian and then he went and preached the Gospel at Colosse and people became Christians and planted a church or churches. They were under attack with false teaching and Epaphras went and visited Paul and told him what was up.
So the occasion for the writing was the heresy that was seeping into the church.
By the way Paul starts the letter we get the feel that Epahras was like…”man they took off with an amazing start and there are many people whose faith is vibrant, they are just being led astray.”
He starts off with words of encouragement.
Encouragement makes rebuke and correction that much easier to take, because you realize the person loves you and notices that you do things well too. “its not all bad” sometimes people globalize?? A problem “ah everything is terrible, these people are terrible, what are they dumb, they can’t do anything right.
Vrs 3 He is thanking God for them and praying for them (we will hit pray more next week)
Vrs 4 Others were talking about you in a good way. It always feels good to know when someone says something nice about you.
Vrs 5 Scriptural encouragement Paul is encouraging them with Scripture in the sense that he reminds them of the promises God gives in His Word.
As Christians we should use the Word to encourage one another.
Christians should have a culture of encouragement and the Gospel penetrates a life in such a way that brings encouragement. The GOSPEL in and of it self is an encouragement from Jesus…we were dead He gives life, we were lost, He sought to find us, We owe a payment for our sin, He paid our debt, this world is seems to be getting worse, The next life will be far better.
Why we don’t encourage…
1. We are self centered. Paul was in prison and he was still able to encourage them. When we are in “prisons” of life usually we go out of our way to let people know how much our lives stink.
2. We are angry with the ones that are in need of encouragement. Paul had every right to be angry that they were believing false teachings.
3. We forget. Paul’s habits were prayer and thanksgiving for what God did in their lives v3-4
4. Not modeled to us. Maybe you were not encouraged by your parents or anyone else so you find it hard to encourage others. Or the culture we are setting is not of encouragement.
5. We think it feeds peoples egos I believe that encouragement rightly taken leads to humility not pride, because if we look at the things that the Lord has done in our lives we realize we could not have done those things on our own.
Vrs 6 Gospel
What should we encourage? If we see people striving in these areas we should encourage.
1. Gospel living, living in such a way that people see the Gospel in you, Sacrifice, service, kindness to enemies. Phil 1:27 Live among the unbelievers and in a manner worthy of the Gospel. This will bear fruit.
Verse 4-5
2. Faith-looking upward toward God, life of prayer, worship, the Word
3. Love-Looking outward towards others.
4. Hope- Looking forward to the future
When we see these things in the lives of others our response should be to encourage them.
Likewise we should strive to live these things out, not for the encouragement but because that what Jesus calls us to do.
People will notice when the Gospel takes root in your life
Vrs 7-8 Paul encourages them that they have a Pastor (Epahras) who loves them and desires to minister to them.
Ways to encourage…
1. Good memories,
2. Written word
3. Correction
4. Acts of service or kindness
5. Do good, this encourages whoever has taught you
6. Have fun/celebrate
How We Live will radically affect all of our relationships as followers of Jesus we need to create a culture of encouragement.
Psalm 1: Worldview Part 2
Verse 4-6 The Contrast between the Godly and ungodly
We learned that the Godly because they cling to the Word of God are like strong trees planted by rivers and bearing fruit, but…
Verse 4 “The Ungodly are not so” they are like a chaff which is blown away. Chaff-is the useless dry brittle part of the grain that is blown of the grain or separated at threshing.
This is heir worldview can be shattered and blown away.
C.H. Spurgeon says their views are …worthless, dead, unserviceable, without substance, and easily carried away. Here, also, mark their doom,
Types of non-believers (develop and shatter their world views)
They all have 2 Cor. 4:4 in common
1. Indifferent- I don’t know or I don’t care
2. Intellectual- I am too smart to have a crutch like God, proud
3. Religious- I am a good person
4. Spiritual-Believe in yourself, usually agnostic -unknown
5. Hedonist-pleasure is the most important thing
6. Atheist- no God
These worldviews are empty and will be blown away in the wind.
I believe there are common ways Christians respond to these world views
1. Make fun of, belittle and argue with these views.
2. Intimidated by so we clam up.
3. We buy into and believe the worldview that is being put forth.
So what should we do? We live in a culture in which in order to be effective we need to be prepared to deal with and meet the needs of these people in hopes that they trust Jesus.
Or we can ignore them and be Worldly Christians, Separatist Christians or Overzealous Understudied Christians.
So what did Jesus do? John 1:14 set up tent, came into culture, reached out to us. Remember religion is our attempt at God, but Jesus is God coming to us. Incarnation
Four ways that we can impact all these worldviews..
1. Gospel centered: Remember its about Jesus, its not my theology, or that I am right etc.
2. Strategically informed: Know the culture around you so you can speak into it.
3. Wisely prophetic: Speak, To Jesus… pray about using your words in way that will benefit. Speak to others
4. Creatively redemptive: Do, faith in action has an impact on people. Be there, all those worldviews discussed before will all have trouble and will need you.
This is hard work because it is relational ministry, it is befriending people and learning about them and their lives, it is realizing that there is some danger in getting close to people who have a Godless worldview because you will face temptation and be in situations that may suggest you compromise your values. You may also face criticism from fellow Christians (like Jesus did).
Vrs. 5 is the why we would do this
5a Their worldview will not help them in judgment
A person cannot stand in the judgment when they have the wrong answer. Ex, I don’t care, I am smart, I am good, I am spiritual, I was having fun, there is nothing more then what we see.
5b Truth be told, if they do not trust Christ they will not spend eternity with us.
One purpose for us to be here on earth is to be that light to non-Christians, and although they may be brutal, unloving and mocking. Jesus’ call for us is love and serve them so that they may come to know Jesus.
This is called Incarnational ministry
Vrs 6 is the comfort, the Lord is in control, we don’t need to stress
6a A sweet encouragement to the tired people of God.
6b Ungodly’s worldview of pleasure, of pride, of unbelief, of profanity, of persecution, of procrastinating, of self-deception, etc.: all these shall come to an end.
This Godless worldview will come to an end
We learned that the Godly because they cling to the Word of God are like strong trees planted by rivers and bearing fruit, but…
Verse 4 “The Ungodly are not so” they are like a chaff which is blown away. Chaff-is the useless dry brittle part of the grain that is blown of the grain or separated at threshing.
This is heir worldview can be shattered and blown away.
C.H. Spurgeon says their views are …worthless, dead, unserviceable, without substance, and easily carried away. Here, also, mark their doom,
Types of non-believers (develop and shatter their world views)
They all have 2 Cor. 4:4 in common
1. Indifferent- I don’t know or I don’t care
2. Intellectual- I am too smart to have a crutch like God, proud
3. Religious- I am a good person
4. Spiritual-Believe in yourself, usually agnostic -unknown
5. Hedonist-pleasure is the most important thing
6. Atheist- no God
These worldviews are empty and will be blown away in the wind.
I believe there are common ways Christians respond to these world views
1. Make fun of, belittle and argue with these views.
2. Intimidated by so we clam up.
3. We buy into and believe the worldview that is being put forth.
So what should we do? We live in a culture in which in order to be effective we need to be prepared to deal with and meet the needs of these people in hopes that they trust Jesus.
Or we can ignore them and be Worldly Christians, Separatist Christians or Overzealous Understudied Christians.
So what did Jesus do? John 1:14 set up tent, came into culture, reached out to us. Remember religion is our attempt at God, but Jesus is God coming to us. Incarnation
Four ways that we can impact all these worldviews..
1. Gospel centered: Remember its about Jesus, its not my theology, or that I am right etc.
2. Strategically informed: Know the culture around you so you can speak into it.
3. Wisely prophetic: Speak, To Jesus… pray about using your words in way that will benefit. Speak to others
4. Creatively redemptive: Do, faith in action has an impact on people. Be there, all those worldviews discussed before will all have trouble and will need you.
This is hard work because it is relational ministry, it is befriending people and learning about them and their lives, it is realizing that there is some danger in getting close to people who have a Godless worldview because you will face temptation and be in situations that may suggest you compromise your values. You may also face criticism from fellow Christians (like Jesus did).
Vrs. 5 is the why we would do this
5a Their worldview will not help them in judgment
A person cannot stand in the judgment when they have the wrong answer. Ex, I don’t care, I am smart, I am good, I am spiritual, I was having fun, there is nothing more then what we see.
5b Truth be told, if they do not trust Christ they will not spend eternity with us.
One purpose for us to be here on earth is to be that light to non-Christians, and although they may be brutal, unloving and mocking. Jesus’ call for us is love and serve them so that they may come to know Jesus.
This is called Incarnational ministry
Vrs 6 is the comfort, the Lord is in control, we don’t need to stress
6a A sweet encouragement to the tired people of God.
6b Ungodly’s worldview of pleasure, of pride, of unbelief, of profanity, of persecution, of procrastinating, of self-deception, etc.: all these shall come to an end.
This Godless worldview will come to an end
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Psalm 1: Worldview Part 1
Four types of Christians.
1. Worldly Christians. Carnal or nominal 1 Cor. 5 speaks about these people. (result others don’t get saved)
2. Separatist Christians-Light under a bowl (result others don’t get saved and there is no love for the unsaved)
3. Overzealous and understudied = they love the Lord and want other people too, but they tend not to keenly observe the Bible and the culture around them. They are ineffective and sometimes judgmental because others are not like them. ** Foot washing. **Public prayer at boardwalk
4. Christians that Influence their culture. In the world not of the world,
This Christian studies the Bible and observes culture around them
Result is they develop a biblical world view and with their cultural knowledge they apply those things to living in the real world.
If Christians don’t impact the culture and redeem the culture they live in they become ineffective.
So how do we develop this Biblical worldview and be an effective Christian. Psalm 1 teaches us this.
This is a psalm of instruction concerning good and evil, setting before us life and death, the blessing and the curse, and having a Biblical worldview and a non-biblical world view, that we may take the right way which leads to happiness and avoid that which will certainly end in our misery and ruin.
v1
The
Godly
1-3 The non-believers are described by three characters, ungodly, sinners, and scornful.
They are ungodly first, casting off the fear of God or are ignorant of Him and His presence
sinners, that is, they break out into open rebellion against God and engage in the service of sin and Satan. Omissions make way for commissions, and by these the heart is so hardened that at length they come to be
scorners, that is, they openly defy all that is sacred, scoff at religion, and make a jest of sin.
the bad grow worse, sinners themselves become tempters to others and advocates against God.
The word which we translate ungodly signifies such as are unsettled, aim at no certain end and walk by no certain rule, but are at the command of every lust and at the beck of every temptation.
The word for sinners signifies such as are determined for the practice of sin and set it up as their trade. The scornful are those that set their mouths against the heavens.
Walks in counsel of ungodly-Gets advice from the Word and not from the world
Stands = you cannot stop people from sinning, it is a heart issue that has to be dealt with, sinners need to know about Jesus, He changes them not us.
Sits=comfortable with people hate the Lord, I can be comfortable around people who openly and outwardly hate Jesus. If you hate my wife or my kids I am not going to buddy up with you.
In life we spend too much time being influenced by ungodly people rather then God’s Word and it gives us a warped world view that comes from Satan and world and it convinces us to accept sin into our lives.
But blessed is the person who does not fall into those traps.
2 This verse contrasts verse 1 in saying the godly man instead of delighting in sinful ways they delight in the Word, submits to the guidance of the word of God and makes that familiar to him,
This coupled with limited time with ungodly people protects him against their temptations. By the words of Your lips I have kept me from the path of the destroyer, Ps. 17:4.
The more we converse with the word of God the better furnished we are for every good word and work
Meditation. In silence and solitude
1. Study so you understand what it means,
2. Memorize Commit it to memory
3. Pray about the verse
4. Preach a sermon to yourself
Example with 2 Tim 3:16 Doctrine=teaching, Reproof=conviction or feeling bad about our sin. Correction=making things straight. Instruction in Righteousness=process of training
Useful sites: www.biblegateway.com www.bible.org
This should be going on Day and Night is a merism. Totality by contrast
Day and Night=Biblical World View-the Bible should have a profound impact on your everyday life, the decisions that you make. You don’t leave you worldview at home or at church.
**Wedding ring illustration
3
When we have and live by the Biblical worldview we will be like a “tree” planted by “Water”=Word
The Word will give life to the righteous person.
“Fruit” in season times of blessing and times of no blessing (not necessarily bad)
I feel now is a good time for me, in my family, ministry, school, & life.
But I know there will be status quo times and bad times. My spiritual life and the way I feel about the Lord should not necessarily depend upon how things are going.
Examples
Worldly Christian, when things go bad think God left them
Separatist Christians, think they control things going bad or good
Overzealous understudied Christian, thinks when things are status quo they need an experience to set a fire under them, or the other Christians are not serious enough, I need to get away from here.
The Christian with the healthy Biblical Worldview realizes there are natural seasons in their spiritual life and they need to press on in the good, not so good and bad
Whatever he does “prospers” according to the Word not the world.
The “righteous person” is always useful and productive to the Lord.
Remember it is not about our personal prosperity it is about lifting up Jesus’ name.
1. Worldly Christians. Carnal or nominal 1 Cor. 5 speaks about these people. (result others don’t get saved)
2. Separatist Christians-Light under a bowl (result others don’t get saved and there is no love for the unsaved)
3. Overzealous and understudied = they love the Lord and want other people too, but they tend not to keenly observe the Bible and the culture around them. They are ineffective and sometimes judgmental because others are not like them. ** Foot washing. **Public prayer at boardwalk
4. Christians that Influence their culture. In the world not of the world,
This Christian studies the Bible and observes culture around them
Result is they develop a biblical world view and with their cultural knowledge they apply those things to living in the real world.
If Christians don’t impact the culture and redeem the culture they live in they become ineffective.
So how do we develop this Biblical worldview and be an effective Christian. Psalm 1 teaches us this.
This is a psalm of instruction concerning good and evil, setting before us life and death, the blessing and the curse, and having a Biblical worldview and a non-biblical world view, that we may take the right way which leads to happiness and avoid that which will certainly end in our misery and ruin.
v1
The
Godly
1-3 The non-believers are described by three characters, ungodly, sinners, and scornful.
They are ungodly first, casting off the fear of God or are ignorant of Him and His presence
sinners, that is, they break out into open rebellion against God and engage in the service of sin and Satan. Omissions make way for commissions, and by these the heart is so hardened that at length they come to be
scorners, that is, they openly defy all that is sacred, scoff at religion, and make a jest of sin.
the bad grow worse, sinners themselves become tempters to others and advocates against God.
The word which we translate ungodly signifies such as are unsettled, aim at no certain end and walk by no certain rule, but are at the command of every lust and at the beck of every temptation.
The word for sinners signifies such as are determined for the practice of sin and set it up as their trade. The scornful are those that set their mouths against the heavens.
Walks in counsel of ungodly-Gets advice from the Word and not from the world
Stands = you cannot stop people from sinning, it is a heart issue that has to be dealt with, sinners need to know about Jesus, He changes them not us.
Sits=comfortable with people hate the Lord, I can be comfortable around people who openly and outwardly hate Jesus. If you hate my wife or my kids I am not going to buddy up with you.
In life we spend too much time being influenced by ungodly people rather then God’s Word and it gives us a warped world view that comes from Satan and world and it convinces us to accept sin into our lives.
But blessed is the person who does not fall into those traps.
2 This verse contrasts verse 1 in saying the godly man instead of delighting in sinful ways they delight in the Word, submits to the guidance of the word of God and makes that familiar to him,
This coupled with limited time with ungodly people protects him against their temptations. By the words of Your lips I have kept me from the path of the destroyer, Ps. 17:4.
The more we converse with the word of God the better furnished we are for every good word and work
Meditation. In silence and solitude
1. Study so you understand what it means,
2. Memorize Commit it to memory
3. Pray about the verse
4. Preach a sermon to yourself
Example with 2 Tim 3:16 Doctrine=teaching, Reproof=conviction or feeling bad about our sin. Correction=making things straight. Instruction in Righteousness=process of training
Useful sites: www.biblegateway.com www.bible.org
This should be going on Day and Night is a merism. Totality by contrast
Day and Night=Biblical World View-the Bible should have a profound impact on your everyday life, the decisions that you make. You don’t leave you worldview at home or at church.
**Wedding ring illustration
3
When we have and live by the Biblical worldview we will be like a “tree” planted by “Water”=Word
The Word will give life to the righteous person.
“Fruit” in season times of blessing and times of no blessing (not necessarily bad)
I feel now is a good time for me, in my family, ministry, school, & life.
But I know there will be status quo times and bad times. My spiritual life and the way I feel about the Lord should not necessarily depend upon how things are going.
Examples
Worldly Christian, when things go bad think God left them
Separatist Christians, think they control things going bad or good
Overzealous understudied Christian, thinks when things are status quo they need an experience to set a fire under them, or the other Christians are not serious enough, I need to get away from here.
The Christian with the healthy Biblical Worldview realizes there are natural seasons in their spiritual life and they need to press on in the good, not so good and bad
Whatever he does “prospers” according to the Word not the world.
The “righteous person” is always useful and productive to the Lord.
Remember it is not about our personal prosperity it is about lifting up Jesus’ name.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Proverbs: Drunkard "Blame it on the Ah-Ah-Ah Alcohol"
Most people look at the purpose of alcohol is to get drunk.
Drunkenness is a sin and Eph 5:18 Drunkenness leads to more sin.
If you are under 21 by the law of our land you cannot drink and Christians are called to obey the law that is set up, unless it tells us to disobey Jesus.
The sermon on gluttony I did two weeks ago can serve as sort of a introduction
What are the positive things that God’s Word says about alcohol?
-Used as an illustration of blessings- Pro 3:10, Psalm 4:7, Eccl 9:7
-There are some medicinal benefits Quotes from Medical news 1 Timothy 5:23
-Pleasure- Like food alcohol is for our enjoyment as well Psalm 104:15, Deut 14:22-26
John Calvin says that "it is lawful to use wine not only in cases of necessity, but also thereby to make us merry,
-Celebration – John 2:10-11 Wedding feast If it was wrong to drink wine and celebrate with it Jesus would not have performed that miracle. The word bridal
Bless others with it: Provebs 31:6-7
-Drinking of alcohol is not sin Matt 11:19 Jesus drank
Historically there are three main views
The youngest view
#1 Prohibition- Culmination in America in 1913 with the prohibition act.
I can see the reasoning and I think that the intent is not evil it is just not biblical to take away liberties of a person and in some cases make the Bible say things it does not.
This view takes the dangers of alcohol and says that because of these we should get rid of it.
The dangers
Pro 20:1-causes fights
21:17- lead you astray
23:20 – mix issue
23:21 poverty
26:9 dangerous
23:30-35 The cycle of alcohol abuse
Some say this is historical Christianity, no. Calvin payment as a Pastor was 7 barrels of wine a year in order to have something to serve his house guests, pilgrims brought 7,500 gallons of alcohol over with them and one of the first buildings they built was a brewery
Increase Mather a puritian ministrer in early 1700’s and president of Harvard, expressed the common view in a sermon against drunkenness: "Drink is in itself a good creation of God, and to be received with thankfulness, but the abuse of drink is from Satan; the wine is from God, but the drunkard is from the Devil."[
Martin Luther the Reformer quote "[W]e must not ... reject [or] condemn anything because it is abused.... [W]ine and women bring many a man to misery and make a fool of him so [we would need to] kill all the women and pour out all the wine
Should we ban the internet, books, movies phones etc. no as Christians we redeem (take them back) them and use them for good and for God.
Jesus came into culture and did not sin but was among culture
GOSPEL
Bottom line is it’s the person heart.
No matter what good thing there is some freak will try to abuse it
The trap prohibitionists fall into is legalism and not being true to the text, prohibitionist teach that anytime wine is used in a positive in the bible it is non-alcoholic and anytime it is used as a negative it is alcoholic.
#2 Abstention - would say there is nothing sinful about alcohol but I choose to abstain, that is a sound position to take but one must be careful not to impose your preference or conviction on another Christian.
Preferences, convictions and absolutes.
I can’t stand before you and teach that you should abstain. But I can as a Pastor warn you that maybe because of your lack of self control you should abstain, But I would suggest that the discipline of self control should be worked on because there are many things in life that can cause you to sin that cannot abstain from such as food,
The trap self righteousness and legalism
Moderation- This view is I believe the most biblical because it takes into consideration that alcohol is a good gift of God and can be rightly used. And also realizes the dangers of alcohol.
Moderation or self-control in all of one's behavior, not abstinence, is the biblical norm
Trap is self control, you can’t be a moderationist if you lack self control in this area.
How do you know you are heading down the wrong road toward drunkenness?
-You can’t have fun w/o a drink.
-You need a drink to get to sleep
-You focus too much on having a drink
-What you drink become your identity
-Drinking becomes an escape
In taking the Moderations viewpoint are there times that you should not drink.
-Work Proverbs 31:4 also Lev 10:9
-Around weaker Christians Romans 14:20-21
1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Drunkenness is a sin and Eph 5:18 Drunkenness leads to more sin.
If you are under 21 by the law of our land you cannot drink and Christians are called to obey the law that is set up, unless it tells us to disobey Jesus.
The sermon on gluttony I did two weeks ago can serve as sort of a introduction
What are the positive things that God’s Word says about alcohol?
-Used as an illustration of blessings- Pro 3:10, Psalm 4:7, Eccl 9:7
-There are some medicinal benefits Quotes from Medical news 1 Timothy 5:23
-Pleasure- Like food alcohol is for our enjoyment as well Psalm 104:15, Deut 14:22-26
John Calvin says that "it is lawful to use wine not only in cases of necessity, but also thereby to make us merry,
-Celebration – John 2:10-11 Wedding feast If it was wrong to drink wine and celebrate with it Jesus would not have performed that miracle. The word bridal
Bless others with it: Provebs 31:6-7
-Drinking of alcohol is not sin Matt 11:19 Jesus drank
Historically there are three main views
The youngest view
#1 Prohibition- Culmination in America in 1913 with the prohibition act.
I can see the reasoning and I think that the intent is not evil it is just not biblical to take away liberties of a person and in some cases make the Bible say things it does not.
This view takes the dangers of alcohol and says that because of these we should get rid of it.
The dangers
Pro 20:1-causes fights
21:17- lead you astray
23:20 – mix issue
23:21 poverty
26:9 dangerous
23:30-35 The cycle of alcohol abuse
Some say this is historical Christianity, no. Calvin payment as a Pastor was 7 barrels of wine a year in order to have something to serve his house guests, pilgrims brought 7,500 gallons of alcohol over with them and one of the first buildings they built was a brewery
Increase Mather a puritian ministrer in early 1700’s and president of Harvard, expressed the common view in a sermon against drunkenness: "Drink is in itself a good creation of God, and to be received with thankfulness, but the abuse of drink is from Satan; the wine is from God, but the drunkard is from the Devil."[
Martin Luther the Reformer quote "[W]e must not ... reject [or] condemn anything because it is abused.... [W]ine and women bring many a man to misery and make a fool of him so [we would need to] kill all the women and pour out all the wine
Should we ban the internet, books, movies phones etc. no as Christians we redeem (take them back) them and use them for good and for God.
Jesus came into culture and did not sin but was among culture
GOSPEL
Bottom line is it’s the person heart.
No matter what good thing there is some freak will try to abuse it
The trap prohibitionists fall into is legalism and not being true to the text, prohibitionist teach that anytime wine is used in a positive in the bible it is non-alcoholic and anytime it is used as a negative it is alcoholic.
#2 Abstention - would say there is nothing sinful about alcohol but I choose to abstain, that is a sound position to take but one must be careful not to impose your preference or conviction on another Christian.
Preferences, convictions and absolutes.
I can’t stand before you and teach that you should abstain. But I can as a Pastor warn you that maybe because of your lack of self control you should abstain, But I would suggest that the discipline of self control should be worked on because there are many things in life that can cause you to sin that cannot abstain from such as food,
The trap self righteousness and legalism
Moderation- This view is I believe the most biblical because it takes into consideration that alcohol is a good gift of God and can be rightly used. And also realizes the dangers of alcohol.
Moderation or self-control in all of one's behavior, not abstinence, is the biblical norm
Trap is self control, you can’t be a moderationist if you lack self control in this area.
How do you know you are heading down the wrong road toward drunkenness?
-You can’t have fun w/o a drink.
-You need a drink to get to sleep
-You focus too much on having a drink
-What you drink become your identity
-Drinking becomes an escape
In taking the Moderations viewpoint are there times that you should not drink.
-Work Proverbs 31:4 also Lev 10:9
-Around weaker Christians Romans 14:20-21
1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Proverbs: The Fool "I Pity the Fool"
In Jan 1983 the A-Team aired with Mr.T and shortly there after he coined the phrase “I Pity the Fool”
Mr. T a professed believer in Jesus Christ had a show that aired in 2007 called “I pity the fool” and he said “Having pity on the fool is showing them mercy” As a Christian he feels that he can help the fool to not be foolish.
Tonight from the book of Proverbs we want to look at what the Bible says about the fool and learn how we can avoid these behaviors and possible show mercy to them.
Fool- A life that does not bear fruit
The Old Testament has 5 different Hebrew words for fool which give us 5 different types or characteristics of fools.
1. Kesil- Know it all fat head thick skull, can’t get through to him, stubborn and thick headed Pro. 1:22 , 12:15,
The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned, but still 'tis nonsense. B. Franklin.
14:16, 15:5, 17:10, 23:9
Ap. Be a lifelong learner
2. Peti- wide eyed youth naïve Pro. 9:13, 13:20, 17:24
Ap. Don’t believe everything you hear or read Paul was encouraged that those in Berea checked on his teaching.
3. Awil- Obvious known for his folly, pranks on the edge. Pro. 3:35, 10:1, 10:23, 12:16, 13:16, 15:2, 18:6, 18:7, 29:11
Ap. What are you known for?
4. Litz- Mocker scorner, tear down everything value in you Pro. 10:8, 10:10, 10:18, 14:1, 14:9, 18:2, 24:9 Plan sin
Ap. Don’t tear down and justify sin.
5. Nabal 1 Samuel 25 fool is the atheist Psalm 14:1 and 53:1 Fool says there is no God. Pro. 1:7, 19:3, 28:26, 30:32
GOSPEL
Ap. Who do you say that Jesus is?
-So how do we deal with the fools in our lives?
Proverbs 26
1. Vrs 4-5 Answer them carefully
2. Vrs 6 Be hesitant about trusting them. Don’t put to much responsibility in their hands
Why? Vrs 11 HE will probably keep going in his foolishness.
What happens to the fool? Pro 19:29, 22:15, 26:3
26:10 There are consequences and God takes care of them.
Bottom line
We all make mistakes and we all sin but we are only truly fools if we don’t learn from them.
As Jim Fiebig said
You are not a fool just because you have done something foolish--only if the folly of it escapes you.
Mr. T a professed believer in Jesus Christ had a show that aired in 2007 called “I pity the fool” and he said “Having pity on the fool is showing them mercy” As a Christian he feels that he can help the fool to not be foolish.
Tonight from the book of Proverbs we want to look at what the Bible says about the fool and learn how we can avoid these behaviors and possible show mercy to them.
Fool- A life that does not bear fruit
The Old Testament has 5 different Hebrew words for fool which give us 5 different types or characteristics of fools.
1. Kesil- Know it all fat head thick skull, can’t get through to him, stubborn and thick headed Pro. 1:22 , 12:15,
The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned, but still 'tis nonsense. B. Franklin.
14:16, 15:5, 17:10, 23:9
Ap. Be a lifelong learner
2. Peti- wide eyed youth naïve Pro. 9:13, 13:20, 17:24
Ap. Don’t believe everything you hear or read Paul was encouraged that those in Berea checked on his teaching.
3. Awil- Obvious known for his folly, pranks on the edge. Pro. 3:35, 10:1, 10:23, 12:16, 13:16, 15:2, 18:6, 18:7, 29:11
Ap. What are you known for?
4. Litz- Mocker scorner, tear down everything value in you Pro. 10:8, 10:10, 10:18, 14:1, 14:9, 18:2, 24:9 Plan sin
Ap. Don’t tear down and justify sin.
5. Nabal 1 Samuel 25 fool is the atheist Psalm 14:1 and 53:1 Fool says there is no God. Pro. 1:7, 19:3, 28:26, 30:32
GOSPEL
Ap. Who do you say that Jesus is?
-So how do we deal with the fools in our lives?
Proverbs 26
1. Vrs 4-5 Answer them carefully
2. Vrs 6 Be hesitant about trusting them. Don’t put to much responsibility in their hands
Why? Vrs 11 HE will probably keep going in his foolishness.
What happens to the fool? Pro 19:29, 22:15, 26:3
26:10 There are consequences and God takes care of them.
Bottom line
We all make mistakes and we all sin but we are only truly fools if we don’t learn from them.
As Jim Fiebig said
You are not a fool just because you have done something foolish--only if the folly of it escapes you.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Gluttony: "C is for Cookie"
Gluttony is an accepted sin and some would probably think it is crazy to even think that it is sin.
Gluttony is the over indulgence of food. It can also be the over indulgence in anything but tonight we are talking about food.
Conservative Christianity often makes a bigger issue about drinking alcohol and never really speaks about food. But obesity in America is 33% only 5.5% Alcoholism. Heart disease is the leading cause of death.
So I think it is beneficial to see what the Bible has to say about it.
Myth 1 Gluttons are overweight Matt 11:19 Jesus was accused of Gluttony
Cookie illustration
Myth 2 Eating is not spiritual
Starts in the garden Gen 2:16-17
Control issue- Our Physical appetites are an analogy of our ability to control ourselves. The pendulum can swing either way. You can be an out of control eater or an over controlled eater both are forms of eating disorders.
Many times people rely on or can’t live without certain foods or beverages “I can’t start my day without coffee”
It is sin and drastic measures need to be taken. Proverbs 23:1-2 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.
Take drastic measures to stop gluttony. Jesus echoes this in the sermon on the mount, cut off your hand or pluck out your eye.
Desiring food that is bad for you Proverbs 23:3 Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.
Myth 3 There are certain foods Christians should not eat. Matt 15:15-20, Acts 10:9-16 and Acts 11:1-18
Why did God direct them to not eat certain things? Separation from other people, in some cases the food would make them sick, the law is a Tudor to show us we need Jesus.
Paul in Corinthians brings in the issue of conscience, with that being said if your conscience does not permit you to eat something, then don’t do it, but you can’t make that a rule for others. But be sensitive to the weaker Christians. If you have a friend that is struggling with their weight it would not be a good idea to invite them out to a fast food restaurant. Just as you would not want to invite a recovering alcoholic to bar.
Proverbs 23:20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
Mix issue, I don’t think this is saying don’t hang out or be around, I think the “mix” issue is don’t become part of. (making a cake, when you put the egg in a mix, it can never be taken out)
Myth 4 “Food is only for nutrition to keep us alive”
-For pleasure.
Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
Taste and see that the Lord is good Psalm 34:8
-Food is to celebrate Feasts in the Bible. The word “Feast” is used roughly 170 times in the Bible.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
Sometime feasts are out of hand and displeasing to the Lord Dan 5:1-6
There is a feast we look forward to, the wedding supper of the Lamb Rev 19 GOSPEL
If you struggle with gluttony what should you do?
-Don’t over eat.
Proverbs 25:16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
-Realize it is a stewardship issue. We are to take care of what God has given us, our body
-Physical exercise prophets little 1 Tim 4:7-8. When you work out you start to realize that eating too much or unhealthy foods is not worth it.
Make a plan
Proverbs 23:1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;
-Don’t make a good thing the ultimate thing
Romans 14:19-21
-Look for satisfaction in the Lord
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
Gluttony is the over indulgence of food. It can also be the over indulgence in anything but tonight we are talking about food.
Conservative Christianity often makes a bigger issue about drinking alcohol and never really speaks about food. But obesity in America is 33% only 5.5% Alcoholism. Heart disease is the leading cause of death.
So I think it is beneficial to see what the Bible has to say about it.
Myth 1 Gluttons are overweight Matt 11:19 Jesus was accused of Gluttony
Cookie illustration
Myth 2 Eating is not spiritual
Starts in the garden Gen 2:16-17
Control issue- Our Physical appetites are an analogy of our ability to control ourselves. The pendulum can swing either way. You can be an out of control eater or an over controlled eater both are forms of eating disorders.
Many times people rely on or can’t live without certain foods or beverages “I can’t start my day without coffee”
It is sin and drastic measures need to be taken. Proverbs 23:1-2 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.
Take drastic measures to stop gluttony. Jesus echoes this in the sermon on the mount, cut off your hand or pluck out your eye.
Desiring food that is bad for you Proverbs 23:3 Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food.
Myth 3 There are certain foods Christians should not eat. Matt 15:15-20, Acts 10:9-16 and Acts 11:1-18
Why did God direct them to not eat certain things? Separation from other people, in some cases the food would make them sick, the law is a Tudor to show us we need Jesus.
Paul in Corinthians brings in the issue of conscience, with that being said if your conscience does not permit you to eat something, then don’t do it, but you can’t make that a rule for others. But be sensitive to the weaker Christians. If you have a friend that is struggling with their weight it would not be a good idea to invite them out to a fast food restaurant. Just as you would not want to invite a recovering alcoholic to bar.
Proverbs 23:20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;
Mix issue, I don’t think this is saying don’t hang out or be around, I think the “mix” issue is don’t become part of. (making a cake, when you put the egg in a mix, it can never be taken out)
Myth 4 “Food is only for nutrition to keep us alive”
-For pleasure.
Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
Taste and see that the Lord is good Psalm 34:8
-Food is to celebrate Feasts in the Bible. The word “Feast” is used roughly 170 times in the Bible.
Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
Sometime feasts are out of hand and displeasing to the Lord Dan 5:1-6
There is a feast we look forward to, the wedding supper of the Lamb Rev 19 GOSPEL
If you struggle with gluttony what should you do?
-Don’t over eat.
Proverbs 25:16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
-Realize it is a stewardship issue. We are to take care of what God has given us, our body
-Physical exercise prophets little 1 Tim 4:7-8. When you work out you start to realize that eating too much or unhealthy foods is not worth it.
Make a plan
Proverbs 23:1 When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you;
-Don’t make a good thing the ultimate thing
Romans 14:19-21
-Look for satisfaction in the Lord
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
Sluggard: "As the Day is Long"
The sluggard test…and filter through 5 areas of life. School, Work, Relationships, Maintaining your life and Spiritual development.
Question 1 Proverbs 12:24
Are you self motivated or do people have to force you to do things?
-School
-Work-do you work the hard and efficient without being told?
If you have to tell a coworker what to do they probably are not the most effective in their field
-Relationships- Do people always have to tell you what is expected in the relationship?
-Maintaining life- Do you let things go, if no one comes to your door you don’t pay the bills
-Spiritual Development-Do you care about God and getting closer to Him
Do you want to make an impression on someone? Do something without being asked. Show that you are self motivated.
Question 2 Proverbs 13:4, 21:25
Are you a day dreamer?
-School-always thinking about being done
-Work-Always thinking about not working at that job
-Relationships-Dream about how everyone else needs to be better at their role in my life. Girls especially beware of the movies you watch
-Maintaining life- Dream about how you want a bigger house more money
-Spiritual Development-One day I am gonna do this and never do
Question 3 Proverbs 12:27, 19:24 & 26:15
Do you get the job done?
-School- do you wait till the last minute or beg for mercy from the teacher?
-Work- Not a good worker
-Relationships- don’t spend adequate time
-Maintaining life- Guys especially “what do we need a door knob on the bathroom door for”? Towell rack ill cut corners
-Spiritual Development- You make commitments that you don’t keep, church, prayer, bible reading
Question 4 Proverbs 22; & 26:13, 18:9
Do you do nothing, to your own detriment?
-School- Blow it off
-Work- Don’t care about the job you do
-Relationships- Don’t reach out to mend or put effort into it
-Maintaining life-House in tax sale
-Spiritual development – You don’t do anything Adam and Guys. Do nothing and that is what you amount to
Question 5 Proverbs 26:16
Do you think “ its not worth it”? Zane and rope illustration
-School- I don’t wanna learn this stuff
-Work- God has placed you there for a reason
-Relationships- HUGE we give up on people, do all you can to live at peace
-Maintaining life-
-Spiritual Development- Some say that God is a crutch or for faith is for the simple minded. It is worth it Pro 16:25
Good for nothing Proverbs 10:26, 26:14
The motivating factor…you are good for something because Jesus was willing to die for you.
So what do we do if we struggle with Laziness?
SOW
1. Practice Sabbath rest
2. Pro 6:6 Observe Ants. Facts about Ants
3. Pro 6:9 Wake up, Proverbs 19:15
If you SOW laziness you will reap… nothing and consequences of doing nothing
If you SOW productiveness you will reap from that work
Question 1 Proverbs 12:24
Are you self motivated or do people have to force you to do things?
-School
-Work-do you work the hard and efficient without being told?
If you have to tell a coworker what to do they probably are not the most effective in their field
-Relationships- Do people always have to tell you what is expected in the relationship?
-Maintaining life- Do you let things go, if no one comes to your door you don’t pay the bills
-Spiritual Development-Do you care about God and getting closer to Him
Do you want to make an impression on someone? Do something without being asked. Show that you are self motivated.
Question 2 Proverbs 13:4, 21:25
Are you a day dreamer?
-School-always thinking about being done
-Work-Always thinking about not working at that job
-Relationships-Dream about how everyone else needs to be better at their role in my life. Girls especially beware of the movies you watch
-Maintaining life- Dream about how you want a bigger house more money
-Spiritual Development-One day I am gonna do this and never do
Question 3 Proverbs 12:27, 19:24 & 26:15
Do you get the job done?
-School- do you wait till the last minute or beg for mercy from the teacher?
-Work- Not a good worker
-Relationships- don’t spend adequate time
-Maintaining life- Guys especially “what do we need a door knob on the bathroom door for”? Towell rack ill cut corners
-Spiritual Development- You make commitments that you don’t keep, church, prayer, bible reading
Question 4 Proverbs 22; & 26:13, 18:9
Do you do nothing, to your own detriment?
-School- Blow it off
-Work- Don’t care about the job you do
-Relationships- Don’t reach out to mend or put effort into it
-Maintaining life-House in tax sale
-Spiritual development – You don’t do anything Adam and Guys. Do nothing and that is what you amount to
Question 5 Proverbs 26:16
Do you think “ its not worth it”? Zane and rope illustration
-School- I don’t wanna learn this stuff
-Work- God has placed you there for a reason
-Relationships- HUGE we give up on people, do all you can to live at peace
-Maintaining life-
-Spiritual Development- Some say that God is a crutch or for faith is for the simple minded. It is worth it Pro 16:25
Good for nothing Proverbs 10:26, 26:14
The motivating factor…you are good for something because Jesus was willing to die for you.
So what do we do if we struggle with Laziness?
SOW
1. Practice Sabbath rest
2. Pro 6:6 Observe Ants. Facts about Ants
3. Pro 6:9 Wake up, Proverbs 19:15
If you SOW laziness you will reap… nothing and consequences of doing nothing
If you SOW productiveness you will reap from that work
Monday, July 20, 2009
Proverbs: Lying Tongue "Pants on Fire"
1810 Poem by William Blake
Deceiver, Dissembler. Your trousers are alight. From what polls or gallows shall they dangle in the night?
The concept Blake is teaching here is that if you are a liar eventually everyone will know, like pants on fire on a flag pole at night everyone can see it. It will not last Pro. 12:19
Jesus hates a “lying tongue” Proverbs 6:17 Why? Because He is truth and Satan native tongue is lies John 8:44
“A lie has no legs. It requires other lies to support it. Tell one lie and you are forced to tell others to back it up. Stretching the truth won't make it last any longer. Those that think it permissible to tell white lies soon grow colorblind”. Austin O'Malley
1. Why do we lie?
-Protect ourselves
- Embarrassed of the truth
- Consequences, we want to avoid consequences of the things we have did or said
If you are trying to protect yourself take heart to this verse Pro. 19:5+9
-Pride: we want to look good or promote ourselves
If you have pride issues take this verse to heart. Proverbs 30:8 Agur wrote this as a prayer against his own pride.
-Afraid to offend or hurt someone:
A manager was asked by his laziest employee for a recommendation for another job. The manager thought hard all night for something that would be honest without hurting the young man's chances. He finally wrote: "You will be lucky if you can get him to work for you."
I am not advocating being callous or harsh but look at the example of Jesus when he dealt with people. Two examples 1. Rich young ruler, Jesus knew his hang up, but He told him the truth because He knew the man would never trust Him if he was trusting his wealth. 2. The women who was brought out to be stoned, he had compassion but told her the truth.
If you have afraid to offend or hurt issues take heed to this passage Pro.27:6
-Becomes something we cannot control
From the French Enlightenment essayist, Michel de Montaigne, based on a proverb traced to the fourth century church father Jerome:
Lying is indeed an accursed vice. We have relations with one another only by speech. If we recognized the horror and gravity of an untruth, we should more justifiably punish it than any other crime. I commonly find people taking the most ill-advised pains to correct their children for their harmless faults, and worrying them about heedless acts which leave no trace and have no consequences. Lying, in my opinion, we should consistently oppose. They grow with a child's growth, and once the tongue has got the knack of lying, it is difficult to imagine how impossible it is to correct it.
2. Identifying a liar
-There always seems to be a reason to question them Pro. 17:20 You can’t trust them
“When regard for truth has been broken down or even slightly weakened, all things will remain doubtful” . Augustine.
“What upsets me is not that you lied to me, but that from now on I can no longer believe you”. Friedrich Nietzsche
-They are always looking for dishonest and shady ways to make money or get a head in life. Pro. 21:6
-Manipulate you with flattering words, Books about communication skills are many times about manipulation skills Pro. 6:24,
Unfortunately this has become things taught in leadership and church leadership books. I am not condemning all of this I am just saying be careful that the advice you follow is not encouraging you to be deceptive in any way.
Some of you may remember what Bill Clinton said when on trial questioned about inappropriate relationships with an intern “it depends what the meaning of the word “is” is”. Manipulation and trying to say based on my vocabulary I did not lie.
A store manager heard his clerk tell a customer, "No, ma'am, we haven't had any for a while, and it doesn't look as if we'll be getting any soon." Horrified, the manager came running over to the customer and said, "Of course we'll have some soon. We placed an order last week." Then the manager drew the clerk aside. "Never," he snarled, "Never, never, never say we're out of anything--say we've got it on order and it's coming. Now, what was it she wanted?" "Rain," said the clerk
3. What we are communicating when we lie
-False information Proverbs 14:5 Communicate truth GOSPEL
-Hatred Pro. 26:28 You don’t love the person enough to be truthful with them. That is why in dating a marital relationships when the trust is broken love is not communicated.
-You will take bad advice, you are not credible or discerning Pro. 17:4
4. Overcoming lies
I don’t believe that there is a 3 or 5 step plan for not lying.
The Bible is plain and simple “speak the truth in love” and ask Jesus everyday to help you do it. Not half the truth, not only the part that will not offend. The truth, one of Jesus’ favorite sayings is “I tell you the truth”
Conclusion Pro. 18:21 Love the truth
Deceiver, Dissembler. Your trousers are alight. From what polls or gallows shall they dangle in the night?
The concept Blake is teaching here is that if you are a liar eventually everyone will know, like pants on fire on a flag pole at night everyone can see it. It will not last Pro. 12:19
Jesus hates a “lying tongue” Proverbs 6:17 Why? Because He is truth and Satan native tongue is lies John 8:44
“A lie has no legs. It requires other lies to support it. Tell one lie and you are forced to tell others to back it up. Stretching the truth won't make it last any longer. Those that think it permissible to tell white lies soon grow colorblind”. Austin O'Malley
1. Why do we lie?
-Protect ourselves
- Embarrassed of the truth
- Consequences, we want to avoid consequences of the things we have did or said
If you are trying to protect yourself take heart to this verse Pro. 19:5+9
-Pride: we want to look good or promote ourselves
If you have pride issues take this verse to heart. Proverbs 30:8 Agur wrote this as a prayer against his own pride.
-Afraid to offend or hurt someone:
A manager was asked by his laziest employee for a recommendation for another job. The manager thought hard all night for something that would be honest without hurting the young man's chances. He finally wrote: "You will be lucky if you can get him to work for you."
I am not advocating being callous or harsh but look at the example of Jesus when he dealt with people. Two examples 1. Rich young ruler, Jesus knew his hang up, but He told him the truth because He knew the man would never trust Him if he was trusting his wealth. 2. The women who was brought out to be stoned, he had compassion but told her the truth.
If you have afraid to offend or hurt issues take heed to this passage Pro.27:6
-Becomes something we cannot control
From the French Enlightenment essayist, Michel de Montaigne, based on a proverb traced to the fourth century church father Jerome:
Lying is indeed an accursed vice. We have relations with one another only by speech. If we recognized the horror and gravity of an untruth, we should more justifiably punish it than any other crime. I commonly find people taking the most ill-advised pains to correct their children for their harmless faults, and worrying them about heedless acts which leave no trace and have no consequences. Lying, in my opinion, we should consistently oppose. They grow with a child's growth, and once the tongue has got the knack of lying, it is difficult to imagine how impossible it is to correct it.
2. Identifying a liar
-There always seems to be a reason to question them Pro. 17:20 You can’t trust them
“When regard for truth has been broken down or even slightly weakened, all things will remain doubtful” . Augustine.
“What upsets me is not that you lied to me, but that from now on I can no longer believe you”. Friedrich Nietzsche
-They are always looking for dishonest and shady ways to make money or get a head in life. Pro. 21:6
-Manipulate you with flattering words, Books about communication skills are many times about manipulation skills Pro. 6:24,
Unfortunately this has become things taught in leadership and church leadership books. I am not condemning all of this I am just saying be careful that the advice you follow is not encouraging you to be deceptive in any way.
Some of you may remember what Bill Clinton said when on trial questioned about inappropriate relationships with an intern “it depends what the meaning of the word “is” is”. Manipulation and trying to say based on my vocabulary I did not lie.
A store manager heard his clerk tell a customer, "No, ma'am, we haven't had any for a while, and it doesn't look as if we'll be getting any soon." Horrified, the manager came running over to the customer and said, "Of course we'll have some soon. We placed an order last week." Then the manager drew the clerk aside. "Never," he snarled, "Never, never, never say we're out of anything--say we've got it on order and it's coming. Now, what was it she wanted?" "Rain," said the clerk
3. What we are communicating when we lie
-False information Proverbs 14:5 Communicate truth GOSPEL
-Hatred Pro. 26:28 You don’t love the person enough to be truthful with them. That is why in dating a marital relationships when the trust is broken love is not communicated.
-You will take bad advice, you are not credible or discerning Pro. 17:4
4. Overcoming lies
I don’t believe that there is a 3 or 5 step plan for not lying.
The Bible is plain and simple “speak the truth in love” and ask Jesus everyday to help you do it. Not half the truth, not only the part that will not offend. The truth, one of Jesus’ favorite sayings is “I tell you the truth”
Conclusion Pro. 18:21 Love the truth
Monday, July 13, 2009
Proverbs: Gossip "Open Mouth Insert Foot"
-Intro for the 5
Last week I mentioned that Proverbs are not necessarily promises but trueisms 9 out of 10 times
I also mentioned that these are directives that help us in everyday life.
By and large when proverbs or any other book of the Bible refers to the tongue it is speaking about what we say
Jesus says in Matt 12:34 & 15:18 out of overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The wisdom of the book of Proverbs tells us what we should or should not talk about or say.
Over the next two weeks we are talking about “The Tongue”
-End of 5 intro
What we say has amazing power, power to encourage, build up, inspire, communicate truth and express positive things to one another.
But what we say also has amazing power to discourage, tear down, deceive and express negative things to one another
Gossip- idle talk or rumor, esp. about the personal or private affairs of others:
*Why do we gossip? Pro. 18:8 & 26:22
-It makes us feel important, we know something, that is why social media websites are so popular
-In a sick and sinful way it makes us feel good to talk about the misfortunes of others, We think it makes us look better when we make others look worse. But on the contrary it makes you look like a gossip
-Maybe it is jealousy or envy.
-It may be deeper, maybe we are not willing to confront someone who has hurt so we talk about them to other people. It is natural to talk about what is going on in our lives and when we have problems with other people we need to work them out and not confronting and talking with them about the situation almost forces us to talk to others about the problem
*What is the damage of gossip? Pro. 11:13 & 20:19 same verse
-Ruins the trust you have in a them
-Regret- A Greek sage once said I have often regretted my speech, never my silence."
-You can’t always make things right ***A man had told so many malicious untruths about the local rabbi that, overcome by remorse, he begged the rabbi to forgive him. "And, Rabbi, tell me how I can make amends." The rabbi sighed, "Take two pillows, go to the public square and there cut the pillows open. Wave them in the air. Then come back." The man quickly went home, got two pillows and a knife, hurried to the square, cut the pillows open, waved them in the air and hurried back to the rabbi's chambers. "I did just what you said, Rabbi!" "Good." The rabbi smiled. "Now, to realize how much harm is done by gossip, go back to the square..." "And?" "And collect all your feathers."
*The benefit of not gossiping? Pro. 26:20
-Things get worked out and do not escalate.
-You don’t ruin your reputation
So what do you need to do before we open our mouth. The book of James tells us that controlling our speech is one of the biggest challenges.
THINK about what you are going to say
Is it true? Pro. 15:2
Is it helpful? Pro. 12:18
Is it inspiring? Pro. 15:4
Is it necessary? Pro. 21:23
Is it kind? Pro. 31:26
Two traps that we can fall into when applying this to our lives…
-People error on the side of too cautious and don’t say anything about anyone
-People who justify everything and come up with a good reason for their gossip
Bottom line is takes wisdom and prayer to guard your words and say what needs to be said.
Last week I mentioned that Proverbs are not necessarily promises but trueisms 9 out of 10 times
I also mentioned that these are directives that help us in everyday life.
By and large when proverbs or any other book of the Bible refers to the tongue it is speaking about what we say
Jesus says in Matt 12:34 & 15:18 out of overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The wisdom of the book of Proverbs tells us what we should or should not talk about or say.
Over the next two weeks we are talking about “The Tongue”
-End of 5 intro
What we say has amazing power, power to encourage, build up, inspire, communicate truth and express positive things to one another.
But what we say also has amazing power to discourage, tear down, deceive and express negative things to one another
Gossip- idle talk or rumor, esp. about the personal or private affairs of others:
*Why do we gossip? Pro. 18:8 & 26:22
-It makes us feel important, we know something, that is why social media websites are so popular
-In a sick and sinful way it makes us feel good to talk about the misfortunes of others, We think it makes us look better when we make others look worse. But on the contrary it makes you look like a gossip
-Maybe it is jealousy or envy.
-It may be deeper, maybe we are not willing to confront someone who has hurt so we talk about them to other people. It is natural to talk about what is going on in our lives and when we have problems with other people we need to work them out and not confronting and talking with them about the situation almost forces us to talk to others about the problem
*What is the damage of gossip? Pro. 11:13 & 20:19 same verse
-Ruins the trust you have in a them
-Regret- A Greek sage once said I have often regretted my speech, never my silence."
-You can’t always make things right ***A man had told so many malicious untruths about the local rabbi that, overcome by remorse, he begged the rabbi to forgive him. "And, Rabbi, tell me how I can make amends." The rabbi sighed, "Take two pillows, go to the public square and there cut the pillows open. Wave them in the air. Then come back." The man quickly went home, got two pillows and a knife, hurried to the square, cut the pillows open, waved them in the air and hurried back to the rabbi's chambers. "I did just what you said, Rabbi!" "Good." The rabbi smiled. "Now, to realize how much harm is done by gossip, go back to the square..." "And?" "And collect all your feathers."
*The benefit of not gossiping? Pro. 26:20
-Things get worked out and do not escalate.
-You don’t ruin your reputation
So what do you need to do before we open our mouth. The book of James tells us that controlling our speech is one of the biggest challenges.
THINK about what you are going to say
Is it true? Pro. 15:2
Is it helpful? Pro. 12:18
Is it inspiring? Pro. 15:4
Is it necessary? Pro. 21:23
Is it kind? Pro. 31:26
Two traps that we can fall into when applying this to our lives…
-People error on the side of too cautious and don’t say anything about anyone
-People who justify everything and come up with a good reason for their gossip
Bottom line is takes wisdom and prayer to guard your words and say what needs to be said.
Proverbs: Wisdom "Oh A Wise Guy"
Topical through Proverbs: Some intro of the book of Proverbs
The book of proverbs is primarily about living a wise life and teaching others (children) to do the same.
Author is Solomon, wisest man that ever walked the earth for the bulk of the book, but there were others who contributed such as Agur and Lemuel and assistants to King Hezikiah
The introduction of the book is actually the first 9 chapters
It is not a book exclusively religious, its teachings apply to human problems. These are life situations that individuals go through.
Proverbs are not all promises but there are many “Trueisms” “As a general rule of thumb” Ex. Pro. 22:6 Train child, old depart
Proverbs are usually addressed to “The son” not literal son
Historically this was a king training his son the next king
“my son” refers to disciples in rabbinic world the great teachers are called “fathers”
In both OT and NT God never says give it your best shot He says “Be perfect”
First topic which encompasses the entire book
Wisdom the word is used 47 times in the book and the word wise is used 66 times
What is wisdom?
Wisdom- knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; discernment, or insight.
Wise- having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing discernment, judgment, or discretion.
In Proverbs Wisdom as a women in chapter 8 and 9 Chapter 8 the value of wisdom Personification in Proverbs 31 “The wife” a women in the most ideal situation you can have.
Chapter 31 is the ABC’s of wisdom
Don’t confuse book smarts with wisdom. I know people that are vats of useless information because they never apply it to life.
What is important about wisdom?
1. God is in control of who has wisdom. Pro. 2:5-7, 21:30
2. Brings happiness Pro. 3:13
3. It the principle thing. Pro. 4:7
4. Is worth getting and protecting. Pro. 4:5, 8:11, 16:16
5. Brings healing. Pro. 12:18
What does wisdom look like in everyday life?
1. Someone who is not constantly paying for bad decisions Pro. 10:13
2. What they say is helpful to others Pro. 10:31
3. Humility Pro. 11:2
4. People notice Pro. 12:8 if no one comes to you for advice
5. Gives self confidence Pro. 19:8
6. Makes your parents happy Pro. 29:3, 15:20
7. Works for the Lord. Pro. 11:30
8. Is productive Pro. 14:21
9. Not sinning out of anger. Pro. 29:8-11 ill: guy at gas station and glasses
How to get wisdom?
1. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord. Pro 9:10
2. Follows God’s Word Pro. 16:20
3. Responds to discipline 29:15, 13:1, 21:11
4. Choose wise people to be around. Pro.13:20
5. Sacrifice. Pro. 23:23
6. Listening Pro. 1:4, 3:7, 8:33, 15:31, 19:20
7. Retraining speech 10:19, 17:28
8. A lifelong learner Pro. 9:9
The book of proverbs is primarily about living a wise life and teaching others (children) to do the same.
Author is Solomon, wisest man that ever walked the earth for the bulk of the book, but there were others who contributed such as Agur and Lemuel and assistants to King Hezikiah
The introduction of the book is actually the first 9 chapters
It is not a book exclusively religious, its teachings apply to human problems. These are life situations that individuals go through.
Proverbs are not all promises but there are many “Trueisms” “As a general rule of thumb” Ex. Pro. 22:6 Train child, old depart
Proverbs are usually addressed to “The son” not literal son
Historically this was a king training his son the next king
“my son” refers to disciples in rabbinic world the great teachers are called “fathers”
In both OT and NT God never says give it your best shot He says “Be perfect”
First topic which encompasses the entire book
Wisdom the word is used 47 times in the book and the word wise is used 66 times
What is wisdom?
Wisdom- knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; discernment, or insight.
Wise- having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right; possessing discernment, judgment, or discretion.
In Proverbs Wisdom as a women in chapter 8 and 9 Chapter 8 the value of wisdom Personification in Proverbs 31 “The wife” a women in the most ideal situation you can have.
Chapter 31 is the ABC’s of wisdom
Don’t confuse book smarts with wisdom. I know people that are vats of useless information because they never apply it to life.
What is important about wisdom?
1. God is in control of who has wisdom. Pro. 2:5-7, 21:30
2. Brings happiness Pro. 3:13
3. It the principle thing. Pro. 4:7
4. Is worth getting and protecting. Pro. 4:5, 8:11, 16:16
5. Brings healing. Pro. 12:18
What does wisdom look like in everyday life?
1. Someone who is not constantly paying for bad decisions Pro. 10:13
2. What they say is helpful to others Pro. 10:31
3. Humility Pro. 11:2
4. People notice Pro. 12:8 if no one comes to you for advice
5. Gives self confidence Pro. 19:8
6. Makes your parents happy Pro. 29:3, 15:20
7. Works for the Lord. Pro. 11:30
8. Is productive Pro. 14:21
9. Not sinning out of anger. Pro. 29:8-11 ill: guy at gas station and glasses
How to get wisdom?
1. Wisdom begins with fearing the Lord. Pro 9:10
2. Follows God’s Word Pro. 16:20
3. Responds to discipline 29:15, 13:1, 21:11
4. Choose wise people to be around. Pro.13:20
5. Sacrifice. Pro. 23:23
6. Listening Pro. 1:4, 3:7, 8:33, 15:31, 19:20
7. Retraining speech 10:19, 17:28
8. A lifelong learner Pro. 9:9
Monday, June 15, 2009
Malachi's Burden: "Jesus is Coming"
Malachi 2:17-3:12 Primarily the book of Malachi is about bringing glory to God. Review past weeks. Now He is saying guess what? I am coming
Vrs. 17 “wearied” God is upset when we challenge His goodness
The accusation against God is that He is not just and did not take care of evil and He is not faithful to take care of those who love Him.
This is the age old question that continually comes up “if God is good why does He not stop evil”?
God’s Answer through Malachi is twofold
1. Jesus is coming and He is Just
Vrs 1-2a
1. I am coming Vrs 1 John the Baptist then Jesus (twofold 1st and 2nd coming Mountains ill)
2. You are accusing others of evil but really no one can stand in their sinful condition. Vrs 2a Look at yourself
Side note discussion, as Christians many times we are too concerned with the actions of others and not concerned enough with our own actions
God is saying guess what “you stink too” My kids illustration (soccer kids fighting illustration)
-if you are constantly going around pointing the finger at everyone else, it probably means you are trying to cover up your own guilt and sin.
-It is always easy to know what to do when we are on the outside looking in. Everyone is an expert. What the president should do… what less fortunate people should do…
-This does not mean that we don’t hold others accountable it just means that don’t be so quick to point out the faults of others and impose what we think they should do.
Application: we are not just and because of that we have no right to questions God’s justice.
So can anyone stand under God’s Judgment? Not without Jesus
GOSPEL
1. Purifies us. Vrs 2b-3 Jesus wants to purify. Silver smith ill
2. Makes us pleasing to Himself. Vrs. 4 Being pure pleases the Lord and then He accepts our glory and praise of Himself
3. Judges sinners Vrs 5 those who do not know the Lord will face the full effect of God’s Judgment
. Sins of Omission and commission,
Because they do not fear me..
Jesus enables us to escape the judgment
Jesus is coming and He is Faithful
Vrs. 6 God does not change and He keeps His promises.
Therefore… eternal security
Vrs 7 Unfortunately we do change and there are times in our lives that we turn from the Lord.
“In what way shall we return”? 2 ways to look at this response
1. Defiance, they don’t feel like they did anything wrong.
Need to Repent
2. Hopelessness, don’t know how to get back on track.
I am hanging out with these people, I am a slave to a certain sin.
Need to Trust His faithfulness, whatever you are dealing with God can help you with. Do some research on verses
Vrs 8-10
This is not God saying I am only faithful when you are faithful, He is saying trust that I am faithful and show Me you trust Me by trusting Me with everything. When you give it all to Me I will show you that I will take care of you and bless you.
Vrs 9 “Curse” Deut 28:47 They did not serve with joy and gladness.
I believe as Christians we realize that we can never be fulfilled in life if the Lord is not first.
Their ingratitude shows their unfaithfulness to God
Vrs 10 God is saying trust me on this one put me first in every area and I will show you the blessings you will receive.
What areas do you need to be faithful in?
Worship and service, Finances, relationships, school, work
If you are not willing to give God your time, talents and treasure, you are not trusting that He will take care of you no matter what happens. You are saying that your time, talents and treasure are what takes care of you and are more important then the Lord.
Vrs 11 God takes care and protects and this brings Himself glory
Vrs 12 as a Christian you will spur on curiosity of others and people will say
When you trust in God’s Justice and His faithfulness people will look and say. “I want what that person has”
Vrs. 17 “wearied” God is upset when we challenge His goodness
The accusation against God is that He is not just and did not take care of evil and He is not faithful to take care of those who love Him.
This is the age old question that continually comes up “if God is good why does He not stop evil”?
God’s Answer through Malachi is twofold
1. Jesus is coming and He is Just
Vrs 1-2a
1. I am coming Vrs 1 John the Baptist then Jesus (twofold 1st and 2nd coming Mountains ill)
2. You are accusing others of evil but really no one can stand in their sinful condition. Vrs 2a Look at yourself
Side note discussion, as Christians many times we are too concerned with the actions of others and not concerned enough with our own actions
God is saying guess what “you stink too” My kids illustration (soccer kids fighting illustration)
-if you are constantly going around pointing the finger at everyone else, it probably means you are trying to cover up your own guilt and sin.
-It is always easy to know what to do when we are on the outside looking in. Everyone is an expert. What the president should do… what less fortunate people should do…
-This does not mean that we don’t hold others accountable it just means that don’t be so quick to point out the faults of others and impose what we think they should do.
Application: we are not just and because of that we have no right to questions God’s justice.
So can anyone stand under God’s Judgment? Not without Jesus
GOSPEL
1. Purifies us. Vrs 2b-3 Jesus wants to purify. Silver smith ill
2. Makes us pleasing to Himself. Vrs. 4 Being pure pleases the Lord and then He accepts our glory and praise of Himself
3. Judges sinners Vrs 5 those who do not know the Lord will face the full effect of God’s Judgment
. Sins of Omission and commission,
Because they do not fear me..
Jesus enables us to escape the judgment
Jesus is coming and He is Faithful
Vrs. 6 God does not change and He keeps His promises.
Therefore… eternal security
Vrs 7 Unfortunately we do change and there are times in our lives that we turn from the Lord.
“In what way shall we return”? 2 ways to look at this response
1. Defiance, they don’t feel like they did anything wrong.
Need to Repent
2. Hopelessness, don’t know how to get back on track.
I am hanging out with these people, I am a slave to a certain sin.
Need to Trust His faithfulness, whatever you are dealing with God can help you with. Do some research on verses
Vrs 8-10
This is not God saying I am only faithful when you are faithful, He is saying trust that I am faithful and show Me you trust Me by trusting Me with everything. When you give it all to Me I will show you that I will take care of you and bless you.
Vrs 9 “Curse” Deut 28:47 They did not serve with joy and gladness.
I believe as Christians we realize that we can never be fulfilled in life if the Lord is not first.
Their ingratitude shows their unfaithfulness to God
Vrs 10 God is saying trust me on this one put me first in every area and I will show you the blessings you will receive.
What areas do you need to be faithful in?
Worship and service, Finances, relationships, school, work
If you are not willing to give God your time, talents and treasure, you are not trusting that He will take care of you no matter what happens. You are saying that your time, talents and treasure are what takes care of you and are more important then the Lord.
Vrs 11 God takes care and protects and this brings Himself glory
Vrs 12 as a Christian you will spur on curiosity of others and people will say
When you trust in God’s Justice and His faithfulness people will look and say. “I want what that person has”
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Malachi's Burden: "Marriage"
Key theme we have been seeing through Malachi is God’s glory
We talked about “how God loves”, “what we are trying to do on our own” “how we should respond in worship” “and what should be taught” and “what the call to the leaders are” all to lift up Jesus
The passage moves us away from church type glory to God into our personal lives. One aspect of life that can consume our lives is our spouse.
Vrs 10-11 One Father Malachi is talking to the Jewish people and reminding them they are God Chosen people, why would they deal treacherously with one another.
What was going on was they were showing disloyalty to God by marrying unbelievers which then led to divorce
“Treachery” or traitor. The law in Exodus 34 and Duet 7 prohibited marrying a heathen or pagan.
1. For the Single
11b reminds us that marriage is “The Lord’s Holy institution” Gen 2:24
If you marry out of the faith you are saying that God is not important. Your desire to bring glory to God is someone else that also brings glory to God. 2 Cor. 6:14
THE LIST non negotiable
I would say that the main reason why people would start to date someone who is not a believer is they are not willing to wait or don’t have faith that God has someone for them.
As we have learned in the previous weeks we are supposed to bring glory to God list everything we learned.
Now what you are doing is taking “God’s holy institution” and saying God I am going to bring glory to you but marry your enemy
Malachi is saying “how is this bringing glory to God”? The answer is… its not
Because you have unified yourself with God’s enemy
I want to tell you single people something “Your marriage becomes your life”
Vrs 12 The result… For them “Cut off” “Awake and aware” “brings an offering” A believer who is aware of their sin in this area would be rebuked and cast out of the religious community.
For us- don’t willfully sin and don’t be a hypocrite
Reap what you sow there will not be a blessing, it is unlikely that you will have a good marriage if you are trying to follow the Lord and your spouse is not
So what do you single people have to do?
Psalm 27:14 Wait- not like for a bus
What do we do while we wait?
-remain pure for God’s Glory
-commit to service for God’s glory. This is a great time to immerse yourself in ministry you will never have this kind of time again.
-Pray
-look, there is nothing wrong with looking. (Creepy stalker) Ruth and Boaz is a good example
The second thing that they did wrong was not only the marrying of the pagan women but they divorced their believing wives.
What does God say about divorce in this passage? Vrs 16 “He hates it” My life ill
What leads to broken marriages?
2. For the Married. All you single people don’t check out because if you learn this you are eventually going to start you marriage one day, why not start off right
Vrs 13a “tears” the offended women were crying out to God.
Men…it is not going to go well for you if you hurt a women and she goes crying to her father
13b When we are living and acting in sinful ways it effects our worship of God. It is very hard to worship the Lord when you are at odds with your spouse. “Hinders your prayers” 1 Peter 3:7 God is ticked you messed with His daughter
Vrs 14 “for what reason” Defiance. Does not us coming here cancel that stuff out?
1 Sam. 15 “Obey is better then sacrifice”
This was a vow before the Lord
Companion = equality in sharing Covenant=agreement
Vrs 15a
The oneness and covenant of marriage and Malachi is also speaking about the covenant God made with Israel to be the chosen people.
15b “Take heed” watch carefully “and let none” There is a responsibility among one another to hold marriage and one another accountable.
“Community Groups” come in handy here. Place for accountability
Vrs 16 “Hate” is not only to reject but detest
“violence” there is much trouble that will come from divorce
“You” personalizes the call to each person
***How to bring glory to God in your marriage is to treat your wife or husband right.
Practical principles in SOS to safeguard your marriage and have it bring glory to God
Chapter 1
1. Mutual Adoration, lavish praise on one another through life
2. Long to be with one another
Chapter 2
3. Reassure wife that she is the only one
4. Sense of place is together
Chapter 4
5. Marriage has to be protected. No flirting and no open doors (foxes) can be inlaws, work, children anything that gets in the way.
Chapter 5
6. Praise of their partner to other people. Way of safeguarding marriage
The unfortunate thing is people complain about their spouse
Chapter 6
7. At ease with one another
Chapter 7
8. Recapture their initial love, relive that exciting time
Chapter 8
9. Erase the memory of bad things happening to someone. (She had a bad experience with her brothers making her work hard in the vineyard)
Solomon was there for her emotionally
We talked about “how God loves”, “what we are trying to do on our own” “how we should respond in worship” “and what should be taught” and “what the call to the leaders are” all to lift up Jesus
The passage moves us away from church type glory to God into our personal lives. One aspect of life that can consume our lives is our spouse.
Vrs 10-11 One Father Malachi is talking to the Jewish people and reminding them they are God Chosen people, why would they deal treacherously with one another.
What was going on was they were showing disloyalty to God by marrying unbelievers which then led to divorce
“Treachery” or traitor. The law in Exodus 34 and Duet 7 prohibited marrying a heathen or pagan.
1. For the Single
11b reminds us that marriage is “The Lord’s Holy institution” Gen 2:24
If you marry out of the faith you are saying that God is not important. Your desire to bring glory to God is someone else that also brings glory to God. 2 Cor. 6:14
THE LIST non negotiable
I would say that the main reason why people would start to date someone who is not a believer is they are not willing to wait or don’t have faith that God has someone for them.
As we have learned in the previous weeks we are supposed to bring glory to God list everything we learned.
Now what you are doing is taking “God’s holy institution” and saying God I am going to bring glory to you but marry your enemy
Malachi is saying “how is this bringing glory to God”? The answer is… its not
Because you have unified yourself with God’s enemy
I want to tell you single people something “Your marriage becomes your life”
Vrs 12 The result… For them “Cut off” “Awake and aware” “brings an offering” A believer who is aware of their sin in this area would be rebuked and cast out of the religious community.
For us- don’t willfully sin and don’t be a hypocrite
Reap what you sow there will not be a blessing, it is unlikely that you will have a good marriage if you are trying to follow the Lord and your spouse is not
So what do you single people have to do?
Psalm 27:14 Wait- not like for a bus
What do we do while we wait?
-remain pure for God’s Glory
-commit to service for God’s glory. This is a great time to immerse yourself in ministry you will never have this kind of time again.
-Pray
-look, there is nothing wrong with looking. (Creepy stalker) Ruth and Boaz is a good example
The second thing that they did wrong was not only the marrying of the pagan women but they divorced their believing wives.
What does God say about divorce in this passage? Vrs 16 “He hates it” My life ill
What leads to broken marriages?
2. For the Married. All you single people don’t check out because if you learn this you are eventually going to start you marriage one day, why not start off right
Vrs 13a “tears” the offended women were crying out to God.
Men…it is not going to go well for you if you hurt a women and she goes crying to her father
13b When we are living and acting in sinful ways it effects our worship of God. It is very hard to worship the Lord when you are at odds with your spouse. “Hinders your prayers” 1 Peter 3:7 God is ticked you messed with His daughter
Vrs 14 “for what reason” Defiance. Does not us coming here cancel that stuff out?
1 Sam. 15 “Obey is better then sacrifice”
This was a vow before the Lord
Companion = equality in sharing Covenant=agreement
Vrs 15a
The oneness and covenant of marriage and Malachi is also speaking about the covenant God made with Israel to be the chosen people.
15b “Take heed” watch carefully “and let none” There is a responsibility among one another to hold marriage and one another accountable.
“Community Groups” come in handy here. Place for accountability
Vrs 16 “Hate” is not only to reject but detest
“violence” there is much trouble that will come from divorce
“You” personalizes the call to each person
***How to bring glory to God in your marriage is to treat your wife or husband right.
Practical principles in SOS to safeguard your marriage and have it bring glory to God
Chapter 1
1. Mutual Adoration, lavish praise on one another through life
2. Long to be with one another
Chapter 2
3. Reassure wife that she is the only one
4. Sense of place is together
Chapter 4
5. Marriage has to be protected. No flirting and no open doors (foxes) can be inlaws, work, children anything that gets in the way.
Chapter 5
6. Praise of their partner to other people. Way of safeguarding marriage
The unfortunate thing is people complain about their spouse
Chapter 6
7. At ease with one another
Chapter 7
8. Recapture their initial love, relive that exciting time
Chapter 8
9. Erase the memory of bad things happening to someone. (She had a bad experience with her brothers making her work hard in the vineyard)
Solomon was there for her emotionally
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