1 Thessalonians 5:15-24
Through and Through: Made Entirely Holy
I. Introduction
-Thessalonians could be the oldest book of the NT.
-It was written by the hand of a man who encountered Christ on a road to Damascus.
-Within the NT is the roots of all that we are as Christians
-When we step away from who we are, why do we think the results would be the same as those in the NT?
II. Scripture
III. Background
-This is not just some other doctrine, this is the Word of God.
1. Has it made a difference in your life?
2. Is it a reality in your life?
-Let's get the context.
-1 Thess. 1:1 "Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"
1. From Paul, Silas, & Timothy
2. To the church (called out... assembly) of Thessalonica.
3. "in God" (not ‘of God')
4. He is speaking to those who don't simply come to church, but those who are the church.
5. Paul is saying: "I want to talk to you who are really in God!"
-1 Thess 1:4 "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,"
1. "chosen you" = not a verb, but a noun.
2. It is not talking about what God did, but what you have become.
3. Paul: "I want to talk to you about your election."
4. Not about ‘the act' but about the ‘state of being.'
-I'm not making a doctrinal statement here.
-I'm trying to point out who Paul is writing to...
1. Not people who simply attend church or perform religious duties, but ppl who have become the possession of God.
2. Ppl in whom God exists.
3. Not to people who have declared that God has elected them w/out basis.
4. Those who become the chosen of God, by His son's sacrifice.
-1 Thess 3:9 "For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God"
1. Different from Corinthians, these are good people!
2. No need for rebuke, b/c they are good Christians!
3. This is a good church, where God is working!
-1 Thess 3:10 "...as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?"
1. What!?
2. "lacking in your faith?"
3. Paul is saying: "You are such a blessing! And I am losing sleep at night praying for what you are lacking in your faith."
4. These people are in God, salvation is sure, farther along than most churches today, but they are lacking something in their faith.
-This church had a reputation b/c of what God had done in their midst.
-1 Thess 1:8-9 "For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. [9] For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God"
1. People w/ a real born-again experience.
2. A testimony of what God had done.
3. People serving the Lord.
4. They were exemplary Christians.
IV. What is Lacking?
-1 Thess 3:11-13 "Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, [12] and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, [13] so that he may establish your hearts faultless [blameless] in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints."
1. May God do a work in your heart that cleanses everything that might be between you & Him.
2. May He establish your heart so that you will have an absolute cleansing.
-Ill. Car Wash Options
1. First few are only partial.
2. Number five is a full body wash, waxing, & detailing.
-What are we lacking?
1. Forgiveness of our sins.
2. We've "cleaned up our act."
3. We're living for God.
-1 Thess 4:7-8 "For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. [8]There-fore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit [in]to you."
1. Not impurity, but in holiness.
2. You are not disregarding a man (preacher, etc.), but God.
-Ill. What is God doing in Salvation?
1. Ill. Your life = a room.
2. Born again = God coming in and cleaning out the room.
3. He chases the Devil out of the room.
4. Then you take over managing the room & keeping the Devil out.
5. And it is a pushing match w/ the Devil on one side of the door & you on the other.
6. You're just trying to repress sin, to manage/ control it.
7. So as you fight the Devil, you don't get to vacuum or dust or clean up the clutter.
8. What we need is to remove "me" from the room so that the Spirit of God can fill it completely & thus make it completely holy.
-The Church of the Nazarene has gotten away from preaching the holiness that God calls us to.
1. If in the name of church growth & relativity we, as a church, we will fail to prepare ppl for eternity.
2. God's work in ppls lives doesn't change!
3. The problem that has always existed still is the problem today (sin).
4. And the solution is much deeper than forgiveness (the 1st step), it is a cleansing of the heart.
-The day you seek Him w/ your whole heart, He will be found.
-1 Thess 4:3 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality."
1. "will of God, that you would be made holy"
2. And abstain from the filth of this world.
3. That regardless of what goes on in this present age w/ it's trends & fads & sinfulness, you would maintain a holy purity.
-Point: I want to speak to those who are in God and are the church.
1. ...about the God you serve, who is holy,
2. ...and about the faith you have embraced, that is not complete.
V. To the Original Scripture
-1 Thessalonians 5:15
1. Jesus said: "Turn the other cheek."
2. How is the world going to change if we act the same way it does?
3. Ill. "Nazarene Nazi"
4. All of our human order, government, civility comes from punishment.
5. Lawsuits, wars, courts, punishments, prisons, fines, etc.
6. Jesus died for something different.
7. He wants a ppl who will live differently.
8. Doing good to everyone; always!
-v. 16
1. Sorrow, depression, misery of our world.
2. Ever told about the reason for your joy?
3. Ever showed your joy?
-v. 17
1. Live in the Spirit.
2. Cannot physically/mentally pray always.
3. This is possible.
-v. 18
-v. 19
1. That happens more in the sanctuary than anywhere else.
2. It could happen anywhere.
-v. 20
1. Do not reject anointed preaching.
-v. 21
1. Test for spiritual falsehood
2. So many false prophets, b/c no one tests the Spirit.
3. Hold fast to the good.
-v. 22
1. Abstain from every form of evil!
2. There is a right & wrong.
3. Stay away from the wrong.
VI. The Main Point
-v. 23 "Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy; and may your spirit, soul, & body be kept [preserved] faultless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes."
1. Preserved sounds like jars of fruit preservatives.
2. There may be Christians like that... or pickled.
-Body - Soma
1. Physical- Carnal- fleshly
2. Jesus in the flesh = incarnate
3. Baby ultrasounds = view of the Soma (physical)
4. Ultrasound look like weather report (partly cloudy)
5. Sometimes we have twins.
6. Identical twins = genetically the same.
7. When they are born they have the same Soma
8. Hard to tell apart, but not for the mother.
9. Why? B/c they are not alike.
10. B/c inside the Soma is the psyche.
-Psyche - Soul
1. Soul; not a good translation
2. Psyche = personality.
3. Psyche is expressed through the Soma/flesh.
4. Talk w/ your hands, way you move, way you dress is all expression of your Psyche through your Soma
5. Soma limits pysche at times
6. Jesus died not to save your Soma, but your Psyche.
7. Soma made holy so that your flesh will glorify God, by being His ambassador.
8. Flesh is a tool, given temporarily for us to use.
9. But he also wants to make holy our psyche.
10. The unmeasurable, unseen essence of who we are.
11. Our thoughts, our imagination, our desires, our priorities, all brought into a singular focus upon Christ.
-Pneuma - Spirit
1. Paul, in the Spirit, goes further.
2. W/in your pyche is the pneuma, where the breath of God is.
3. There is no way for us to articulate/communicate this part of us so we use physical lanugage.
4. "I feel God." "I hear God."
5. Not true, b/c God is way beyond the flesh.
6. That God's Holy Spirit would breathe upon me.
7. That the Spirit given to me when I was born-again would shape my psyche and ultimately my soma.
8. That God's Will would govern all of me, flesh, soul, spirit.
-What would it be called if this were true in my life?
1. That my spirit, soul, & body be made completely holy.
2. It would be called peace that passes all understanding.
-The conflict between soul & spirit, spirit & body, body & soul,... would be over!
VII. Soma in the Way of Pneuma!
-That's why Paul said it this way: "Now may the God of peace himself..."
-"Preacher, that's impossible."
1. Now we're on the same page
2. It is humanely impossible.
-Ill. How do we defend our beliefs?
1. Like 6 day creation- we fight like crazy!
2. The ESV is the best translation of the Bible- b/c you're stupid & unspiritual. (I did that in the Spirit of Jesus.)
3. How do we defend what we believe about God... fight, destroy, punish.
4. Why? B/c we are still living in the Soma/ flesh.
5. But it is totally out of line w/ the pneuma/ Spirit.
D. We do it b/c we really love God
-How can we be so in love with God yet so out of step with His Spirit?
-And why is it when we're trying our best to stand for/with God that we are so guilty!
VIII. Conclusion
-v. 23
-What if we just allowed God to make us holy?
1. Not through your effort.
2. Not through what you do.
-Just surrendering the conflict between Soma/flesh & Pneuma/spirit and allowing Him to make them all holy.
-"Preacher, I cannot do that."
1. That's why v. 24 says: "He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it."
2. Zechariah 4:6b "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."
-That takes the struggle out of the church.
-Nazarene Nazis... it's the way we do everything... even in the church (force, punish...)
-But God's Word says: He just wants us to open up to His Holy Spirit.
-So that He might adopt not only the title of Savior in your life, but also of Lord. (Spirit, Soul, & Body)
-I talk w/ Christians every week who are in love with Jesus, but have never come into the peace of God.
-The real sign of holiness is something like peace, not something like 'speaking in tongues'.
-This peace, is worth dying for...
-Could you lay all of the things that make you, you on the altar? (Spirit, soul, & body)
-Could you allow God to make you completely holy?
Response
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Have You Been With God Lately?
Exodus 34:27-35
Have You Been With God Lately?: Revival & God
I. Introduction
-What brings revival?
-As much as we'd like to believe it, we do not.
1. No formula/ no 10-steps to revival
2. "Drink a Ski!"??
-God's presence brings revival/renewal
II. Scripture
III. Getting With God
-Moses fasted 40 days & nights w/ God on the Mt.
-Fasting in the Bible....
1. Esther & Mordecai
2. Jesus, Paul, Anna (prophetess)
3. Cornelius, John's disciples.
-Fasted for 40 days...
1. Elijah, Jesus, Moses...
2. Daniel (3 weeks)
-Fasted during...
1. ...public/private calamities.
2. ...approaching danger.
3. ...ordaining/commissioning.
4. ...in times of sorrow.
5. ...before major decisions.
-But Fasting isn't the solution.
-But Moses, in v. 28, fasted
1. He fasted and communed w/ God
2. The focus was on God
-We don't believe God can handle revival anymore.
1. That's why churches have gotten away from it.
2. "It doesn't work."
3. Like it's an old beat up car.
-We are more focused on being good singers, entertaining preachers, & enlightening teachers, that we are no longer spirit filled.
1. We spend less & less time in the presence of God.
2. Communing w/ God?
-Bring in the right preacher/ singer/ program, etc. & we'll have revival.
IV. Our Focus
-Our focused is dominated with our reputation in the community.
-We want to accomplish what we want to do and what is best for us.
-We have a worldly preoccupation (not spiritual).
-There is very little difference between what we want & what the world wants.
-Query: Do you remember when we still thought "worldly" was a bad thing?
-How do we get the worldliness out of the church?
1. "Beat the Devil out of ‘em."
2. Do good to cancel out evil?
3. No, only the Savior can cleanse.
-Point: The only solution for worldliness and sinfulness in the church is being with God on the mountain of intimacy!
V. Worldly
-In Ch. 32 Moses is up on the Mt. w/ God and he comes back down to see the ppl dancing around the golden calf.
1. Aaron was dumb-founded!
2. Moses was angry.
-Point: If you spend a little time on the mt. w/ God you'll come back down and view things differently!
-How do I know that intimacy w/ God is a problem in the church today?
1. If it weren't I might see it in your face!
2. Being w/ God is powerful.
3. You cannot be the same.
-Biblical illiteracy is an epidemic in the church.
1. "Preacher, I know about Moses, Esther, & the Passion of Christ."
2. "No, you just saw the movie!"
-Parties, picnics, & potlucks have taken the place of prayer meeting!
-Sports, clubs, pageants, jobs, vacation, etc. have all taken precedent over church attendance.
-Feasting has replaced fasting
-Sin has become irrelevant.
1. Last I checked sin was still the problem!
2. We've turned sin into a mistake...
-Ill. A young girl once confessed to her priest that she thought she was guilty of the sin of pride.
1. "When I look in the mirror, I think I am beautiful."
2. Priest: "That's not a sin, that's a mistake."
-My goal is not to get you to read the Bible more or pray more...
1. That's another sermon.
2. You are missing the point.
-Query: Can the world tell you've been with God?
1. No: Have you been with God?
2. The world will be able to tell.
VI. Running from Intimacy
-I think we're running from intimacy.
1. TV, radio, computer, job, family, chores, ‘to-do' list, etc.
2. "So much to do; so little time."
-We are church shopping rather than God seeking.
-Seeker friendly church?
1. We are to seek the lost.
2. They don't care about God.
3. Problem: we're too friendly w/ sin and to foreign to holiness.
-Seeker friendly church = a church where you will be at home if you are seeking God.
-Ill. Somewhere in Acts after Pentecost the Bible says:
1. "One of the members saith unto Peter after the 3000 were baptized: ‘As surely as the Lord liveth thou hast not fed me today. Thou hast not encouraged me and my feelings are sorely oppressed because I have felt the Spirit of the Living God and He hath called me unto repentance. Therefore I have set my face to findth a church where by I might grow strong in the Lord without having to repent or worketh in the harvest."
2. "I'm not being fed."
3. You don't complain about that at the potlucks!
-Lots of churches are built around big personalities, charismatic leaders, gifted preachers, popular/ prestigious people.
1. It's hard to run a PR campaign for God.
2. Fewer & fewer churches are bringing people to Mt. Calvary to look upon the crucified Lord.
VII. Been with God?
-Being w/ God always makes you more like Him.
-v. 29b Moses didn't realize how different he really was b/c he was still focused on God
-Every service, every time God comes, we should leave reflecting the glory of God.
-Conviction is a good thing to us, b/c we want to be as close to God as we possibly can get!
-Some like to hear preaching on murder and homosexual, but do not talk about unsanctified attitudes and w/ words instigating hurt feelings.
1. Don't be proud about the fact you have hurt someone.
2. Ill. Board meeting fist fights
3. Note: "that's just the way I am" is the same excuse homosexuals use!
-Growing in grace does not make you more cranky & hard to get along with!
1. Closer to God = more loving.
2. Growing in grace is not becoming more prideful.
3. It is more humility.
-No sanctified person keeps track of their ‘holiness factor.'
1. Moses was not aware of the skin on his face shining.
2. He was still focused on God!
-Query: What has God done in your life lately?
1. B/c you're not doing a lot of things bad, doesn't mean you're growing/reflecting His glory.
2. Has anyone made a not of how much like Christ you look?
VIII. Cost of Discipleship
-We need to get back to the place where being a Christian cost you something!
-D. Bonhoeffer "Cost of Discipleship"
1. "Well, what's the draw in that?"
2. Hard to market Christianity as it is!
3. The HOLY SPIRIT is the draw!
-Virginia Owens: "Bible bookstores are now papered with announcements of Christian concerts instead of revival meetings."
1. Why is that?
2. B/c we can put on a concert ourselves, but a revival requires a coming of the Holy Spirit!
-Dr. G. Campbell Morgan: "The church patronized is the church paralyzed , therefore the church in peril. The church persecuted is the church prayerful, and thus powerful."
1. Why is that?
2. B/c they have had to be with God.
-Free, free, free salvation?
-It is free, but it will cost you everything!
IX. Christianity Isn't Easy...
-If we continue to proclaim that, we will continue to produce wimpy Christians! (delusion)
-There is peer pressure to conform to the world:
1. Reporters interviewing a 104 year-old woman:
2. "And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked.
3. "No peer pressure," she said
-Just b/c you're a Christian doesn't mean you won't...
1. ...ever get fired, you will have perfect health,
2. ...or your business will be successful, or you will be rich.
-That's not why you sacrifice and commit to God.
-Point: You commit to Him b/c He is God!
-Ill. From Moses' perspective, the glamor of the world faded.
1. He turned his back on the shallow/easy/worldly but chose desert trial/ wandering with God.
2. He chose reproach of Christ over all the world had to offer. (Heb. 11)
3. It's called sacrificial.
X. Conclusion
-The sin of the church is not...
1. ...that we murdered, lied, committed adultery,
2. ...coveted, stole, worshiped an idol, gossipped, looked at pornography, slandered, cussed, etc.
-Point: The sin of the church today is that we have not been with God!
-2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
1. That's not a formula for revival.
2. Those are all about getting into the presence of God!
-Leonard Ravenhill: "The more men pray the less worldly the become. The less men pray the more worldly they become."
-The sin of the church is that we have never (or rarely ever) been so close to God that it was reflected in our daily lives.
-The preacher preaches Sunday after Sunday... no change.
1. SS. Teacher... no change.
2. Service after service.
3. Bible study after bible study.
-v. 30 others were afraid of Moses b/c of how close he was to God.
1. The world does not know what to do with someone who has been w/ God.
2. Neither does the Devil!
-I fear that most of us have never experienced the kind of spiritual power at work in Moses.
-A real church service has lasting effect on our lives and lives of pppl we come in contact with!
-Point: Getting closer to God isn't preparation for revival... it is revival!
Response:
Have You Been With God Lately?: Revival & God
I. Introduction
-What brings revival?
-As much as we'd like to believe it, we do not.
1. No formula/ no 10-steps to revival
2. "Drink a Ski!"??
-God's presence brings revival/renewal
II. Scripture
III. Getting With God
-Moses fasted 40 days & nights w/ God on the Mt.
-Fasting in the Bible....
1. Esther & Mordecai
2. Jesus, Paul, Anna (prophetess)
3. Cornelius, John's disciples.
-Fasted for 40 days...
1. Elijah, Jesus, Moses...
2. Daniel (3 weeks)
-Fasted during...
1. ...public/private calamities.
2. ...approaching danger.
3. ...ordaining/commissioning.
4. ...in times of sorrow.
5. ...before major decisions.
-But Fasting isn't the solution.
-But Moses, in v. 28, fasted
1. He fasted and communed w/ God
2. The focus was on God
-We don't believe God can handle revival anymore.
1. That's why churches have gotten away from it.
2. "It doesn't work."
3. Like it's an old beat up car.
-We are more focused on being good singers, entertaining preachers, & enlightening teachers, that we are no longer spirit filled.
1. We spend less & less time in the presence of God.
2. Communing w/ God?
-Bring in the right preacher/ singer/ program, etc. & we'll have revival.
IV. Our Focus
-Our focused is dominated with our reputation in the community.
-We want to accomplish what we want to do and what is best for us.
-We have a worldly preoccupation (not spiritual).
-There is very little difference between what we want & what the world wants.
-Query: Do you remember when we still thought "worldly" was a bad thing?
-How do we get the worldliness out of the church?
1. "Beat the Devil out of ‘em."
2. Do good to cancel out evil?
3. No, only the Savior can cleanse.
-Point: The only solution for worldliness and sinfulness in the church is being with God on the mountain of intimacy!
V. Worldly
-In Ch. 32 Moses is up on the Mt. w/ God and he comes back down to see the ppl dancing around the golden calf.
1. Aaron was dumb-founded!
2. Moses was angry.
-Point: If you spend a little time on the mt. w/ God you'll come back down and view things differently!
-How do I know that intimacy w/ God is a problem in the church today?
1. If it weren't I might see it in your face!
2. Being w/ God is powerful.
3. You cannot be the same.
-Biblical illiteracy is an epidemic in the church.
1. "Preacher, I know about Moses, Esther, & the Passion of Christ."
2. "No, you just saw the movie!"
-Parties, picnics, & potlucks have taken the place of prayer meeting!
-Sports, clubs, pageants, jobs, vacation, etc. have all taken precedent over church attendance.
-Feasting has replaced fasting
-Sin has become irrelevant.
1. Last I checked sin was still the problem!
2. We've turned sin into a mistake...
-Ill. A young girl once confessed to her priest that she thought she was guilty of the sin of pride.
1. "When I look in the mirror, I think I am beautiful."
2. Priest: "That's not a sin, that's a mistake."
-My goal is not to get you to read the Bible more or pray more...
1. That's another sermon.
2. You are missing the point.
-Query: Can the world tell you've been with God?
1. No: Have you been with God?
2. The world will be able to tell.
VI. Running from Intimacy
-I think we're running from intimacy.
1. TV, radio, computer, job, family, chores, ‘to-do' list, etc.
2. "So much to do; so little time."
-We are church shopping rather than God seeking.
-Seeker friendly church?
1. We are to seek the lost.
2. They don't care about God.
3. Problem: we're too friendly w/ sin and to foreign to holiness.
-Seeker friendly church = a church where you will be at home if you are seeking God.
-Ill. Somewhere in Acts after Pentecost the Bible says:
1. "One of the members saith unto Peter after the 3000 were baptized: ‘As surely as the Lord liveth thou hast not fed me today. Thou hast not encouraged me and my feelings are sorely oppressed because I have felt the Spirit of the Living God and He hath called me unto repentance. Therefore I have set my face to findth a church where by I might grow strong in the Lord without having to repent or worketh in the harvest."
2. "I'm not being fed."
3. You don't complain about that at the potlucks!
-Lots of churches are built around big personalities, charismatic leaders, gifted preachers, popular/ prestigious people.
1. It's hard to run a PR campaign for God.
2. Fewer & fewer churches are bringing people to Mt. Calvary to look upon the crucified Lord.
VII. Been with God?
-Being w/ God always makes you more like Him.
-v. 29b Moses didn't realize how different he really was b/c he was still focused on God
-Every service, every time God comes, we should leave reflecting the glory of God.
-Conviction is a good thing to us, b/c we want to be as close to God as we possibly can get!
-Some like to hear preaching on murder and homosexual, but do not talk about unsanctified attitudes and w/ words instigating hurt feelings.
1. Don't be proud about the fact you have hurt someone.
2. Ill. Board meeting fist fights
3. Note: "that's just the way I am" is the same excuse homosexuals use!
-Growing in grace does not make you more cranky & hard to get along with!
1. Closer to God = more loving.
2. Growing in grace is not becoming more prideful.
3. It is more humility.
-No sanctified person keeps track of their ‘holiness factor.'
1. Moses was not aware of the skin on his face shining.
2. He was still focused on God!
-Query: What has God done in your life lately?
1. B/c you're not doing a lot of things bad, doesn't mean you're growing/reflecting His glory.
2. Has anyone made a not of how much like Christ you look?
VIII. Cost of Discipleship
-We need to get back to the place where being a Christian cost you something!
-D. Bonhoeffer "Cost of Discipleship"
1. "Well, what's the draw in that?"
2. Hard to market Christianity as it is!
3. The HOLY SPIRIT is the draw!
-Virginia Owens: "Bible bookstores are now papered with announcements of Christian concerts instead of revival meetings."
1. Why is that?
2. B/c we can put on a concert ourselves, but a revival requires a coming of the Holy Spirit!
-Dr. G. Campbell Morgan: "The church patronized is the church paralyzed , therefore the church in peril. The church persecuted is the church prayerful, and thus powerful."
1. Why is that?
2. B/c they have had to be with God.
-Free, free, free salvation?
-It is free, but it will cost you everything!
IX. Christianity Isn't Easy...
-If we continue to proclaim that, we will continue to produce wimpy Christians! (delusion)
-There is peer pressure to conform to the world:
1. Reporters interviewing a 104 year-old woman:
2. "And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked.
3. "No peer pressure," she said
-Just b/c you're a Christian doesn't mean you won't...
1. ...ever get fired, you will have perfect health,
2. ...or your business will be successful, or you will be rich.
-That's not why you sacrifice and commit to God.
-Point: You commit to Him b/c He is God!
-Ill. From Moses' perspective, the glamor of the world faded.
1. He turned his back on the shallow/easy/worldly but chose desert trial/ wandering with God.
2. He chose reproach of Christ over all the world had to offer. (Heb. 11)
3. It's called sacrificial.
X. Conclusion
-The sin of the church is not...
1. ...that we murdered, lied, committed adultery,
2. ...coveted, stole, worshiped an idol, gossipped, looked at pornography, slandered, cussed, etc.
-Point: The sin of the church today is that we have not been with God!
-2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
1. That's not a formula for revival.
2. Those are all about getting into the presence of God!
-Leonard Ravenhill: "The more men pray the less worldly the become. The less men pray the more worldly they become."
-The sin of the church is that we have never (or rarely ever) been so close to God that it was reflected in our daily lives.
-The preacher preaches Sunday after Sunday... no change.
1. SS. Teacher... no change.
2. Service after service.
3. Bible study after bible study.
-v. 30 others were afraid of Moses b/c of how close he was to God.
1. The world does not know what to do with someone who has been w/ God.
2. Neither does the Devil!
-I fear that most of us have never experienced the kind of spiritual power at work in Moses.
-A real church service has lasting effect on our lives and lives of pppl we come in contact with!
-Point: Getting closer to God isn't preparation for revival... it is revival!
Response:
Friday, December 12, 2008
Faith?
Hebrews 11:1-2,6
Faith?: Faith Defined
I. Scripture
II. Introduction
-Problem of faith = multi-faceted definitions.
-Hard to grasp something so simple as faith.
-Definitions are prevalent.
-Faith can mean a positive attitude.
1. "We have faith it will turn out all right."
2. Emphasis = optimism.
-Faith as a particular religion.
1. Christian faith, Jewish faith,
2. Muslim faith, etc.
- Faith sometimes means a blind leap in the dark.
1. To believe in something w/out reason or evidence.
2. Biblical faith does not abide well with biblical ignorance. (Why?)
-1 Peter 3:15 "but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
-Our culture values faith.
1. Atheists have a strong faith.
2. I am amazed at their faith.
-Point: It is not faith that is significant, but the object of faith.
-Everyone has some degree of faith in something.
1. Who cares?
2. What do you have faith in?
-What you believe in/ have faith in is what matters!
III. Two Kinds of Faith
-1st kind of faith is Belief
-v. 6 "...whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists...."
-Ppl in our post-modern culture have decided that belief is unessential.
1. It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you believe in something.
2. Sincere or sincerely wrong?
-Of course that is only applied in the realm of religion & moral values.
1. But not math.
2. No math teacher wants you to sit down & be broad minded about the rules of math.
3. Math requires precision.
4. What if your CPA was figuring your taxes arbitrarily?
-Physics, geometry, chemistry, etc. require narrow-mindedness.
-Real-life work....
1. Pharmacist, need precision.
2. Surgeon cannot decide where the heart is, it is already set!; etc.
-But our culture has decided we can pick whatever we want to believe b/c it does not matter.
-What you believe matters!
-We should be tolerant (& loving) of people who believe differently, but not tolerant of their beliefs.
IV. Basis for Faith/Belief
-Real faith/belief is bases on reasonable reason.
1. Not a hunch, not an impulse
2. Not a feeling, a fortune cookie, an inclination, etc
-If you believe that the Bible is God's Word, you need to have a reason for your belief.
1. Not just ‘in my heart I know' (that might be assurance of faith)
2. Reasonable reason why.
-If you have no reason, just ‘blind faith' you will land just as easily at Islam's Koran or Book of Mormon.
- I am not saying you have to have proof, just adequate evidence.
-Ill. Professor & student
1. Student: "Evidence of God"
2. Prof: "Don't give me evidence, give me proof!"
3. Most of what we believe is by evidence, not proof.
4. Ill. Sitting in chair w/out proof that it would hold him.
5. Ill. Eating a meal w/out proof that the food his wife fixed was not poisoned.
-Ill. I cannot prove ‘kindness.'
1. I cannot touch it, taste it, see it, heart it, etc.
2. I still believe in it.
3. Why? B/c there is evidence of it!
4. I have found that there are a few ppl who are kind in the world.
-Ill. secularist: "There is no God b/c of how evil the world is."
1. That's like saying:
2. "There are no doctors in the world b/c ppl sick."
-Ill. Atheist Doctor to patient.
1. "Can you hear God [no], can you inhale God [no], can you taste Him [no], can you see God, can you feel Him?"
2. Patient: "Oh yes, I can feel Him."
3. Dr. "Well, I have you 4 to 1, that there is no God."
4. P: "You prescribe medicine for patients in pain. Can you hear pain, can you inhale pain, can you taste pain, can you see pain, can you feel pain."
5. Dr: "Yes, I can feel pain."
6. P: "Well, I have you 4 to 1, there is no such thing as pain."
-Ill. I believe in love.
1. I cannot understand it, explain it or prove it.
2. I can demonstrate it.
3. But that is not proof?
4. Just b/c you cannot prove something does not make it unreal.
5. I can show you evidence of love.
-Ill. "I am in love."
1. "Prove to me that you are in love."
2. There is no math equation, litmus test, or physics formula that will prove it.
3. "You'll just have to take my word for it."
4. You cannot take a drop of blood and find the chemistry.
-Ill. Understand how a plane weighing tons can lift up in the air?
1. But you believe it will!
2. Why? You have evidence that it will, but not proof.
-Point: I believe in God!
1. I cannot understand God, I cannot prove God, I cannot control God, but He does exist.
2. You cannot put the omniscience of God into the human mind any more than you could put all the ocean into a coffee cup.
3. But there is evidence that there is a God!
-Evidence for God:
1. Changed lives!
2. The order of the universe (vs. randomness begets more randomness not order)!
3. As well as scientific, mathematical, physiological, etc.
-Evidence is overwhelming.
1. You would have to forfeit reason & evidence to doubt God's existence.
2. Not talking about proof, but evidence.
3. There is no proof either way (God vs. no God).
-Ill. You see, w/ a coffee cup of the ocean I would have evidence that the ocean exists, but not proof.
V. The Choice
-There is no proof that God exists or that he doesn't, but you must make the step of faith/ your decision.
-Faith must take the next step, by believing.
-The object of your faith is what is important.
-Ill. Spark plug = faith
1. Small part to start the engine
2. Faith ignites your spiritual life!
-Point: We sometimes believe faith holds us to God against reason.
1. Just the opposite is true.
2. Inner ‘feelings' can drive us away from God.
3. Faith coupled with reason helps us through.
4. Difficulty, frustration, grief, sorrow, depression, trial... can lead away from God.
5. Faith thwarts the Devils attacks.
-Ill. Has God ever failed you?
1. But our feelings dictate differently than what reason tells us.
2. Faith is not to keep you with God against the evidence, but to keep you with the evidence against the feelings that would lead you away!
VI. Faith #2: Trust
-Belief alone is inadequate for a definition of faith.
1. It requires Trust.
2. Trust = belief in action.
-Ch. 11 those with faith all did something!
1. By faith Noah built the ark.
2. ...Abraham went into a strange country.
3. ...the ppl of Israel crossed the Red Sea.
-Trust = activated faith!
-Ill. I may believe that a ladder can hold me, but I do not trust that until I get onto the ladder!
-Ill. Trust says let me hold the nail while you hammer.
1. I believe you will not hit my finger.
2. I trust you will not hit my finger.
3. Together they are faith!
4. Belief accepts the evidence.
5. Trust acts on the evidence.
-Hebrews 11:13 "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth."
1. I not only believe in Heaven.
2. I trust in that fact, b/c I live my life like I'm going there
-Many ppl go through life just believing in God, but never trusting in Him.
-Faith (belief + trust) in God leads us to repentance b/c if we really believe in God we trust in Him!
1. That means we believe he is truth & what he says is too.
2. For example: the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life.
3. If you are living in sin you do not really have faith in God.
-Trust side of faith becomes more personal.
1. Would you really risk eternity by not forgiving your enemy?
2. ...by gossiping & slandering others?
3. ...by sexual immorality?
4. ...by refusing to support the work of God on earth?
VII. Faith for Eternity & Earth
-Faith not only has to do with our heavenly home...
-It also has to do w/ the way we live our lives!
-Faith trusts in Christ as Savior & Lord.
-We trust in Him to get eternal life.
-But do we trust in Him enough to give to Him?
1. "Don't have enough money to tithe."
2. "Don't have enough time to come to church."
3. "Don't have enough time to participate in ministry."
-Ch. 11 Faith "Hall of Fame"
-Ill. Noah had faith w/ his reputation.
1. Faith to do the ridiculous.
2. Neighbors thought Noah was crazy!
3. Poor reputation in the community.
4. We need to be less concerned about what others think about us and more concerned about what God knows about us!
-Ill. Abraham had faith w/ his future & ambition.
1. Agenda, plans, programs
2. We want to write our own script for life.
3. It's why we validate our plans by claiming they are God's will.
4. A strong faith makes obedience look easy.
-Ill. Moses had faith to be sacrificial.
1. Lifestyle, values, to God.
2. He was a prince in the royal family.
3. Ch. 11 gives four verbs to describe his sacrifice...
4. Refused- princely title
5. Chose- to suffer w/ the ppl of God
6. Considered the approach of Christ greater than the wealth of Egypt
7. Endured- by seeing him who is invisible.
8. Two options: Egypt or God.
VIII. Conclusion
-Faith = belief & trust
-Do you have faith this morning?
-Is what you have the real thing?
-Ill. You hear a lot about "death bed conversion."
1. Something we don't like to talk about is "death bed doubters."
2. Why do ppl live their whole lives, sometimes in the church, but never experience faith in God?
3. Would you be afraid of eternity?
-Maybe it is time that you took the step of faith.
-I am too much of a coward to not have Faith in Him!
1. There is too much at stake.
2. There is too much to lose.
-Maybe you have been trying to live for God w/ no avail.
1. Would you like to settle the question by faith?
2. Would you like to unite belief & trust in your life today?
Response
Faith?: Faith Defined
I. Scripture
II. Introduction
-Problem of faith = multi-faceted definitions.
-Hard to grasp something so simple as faith.
-Definitions are prevalent.
-Faith can mean a positive attitude.
1. "We have faith it will turn out all right."
2. Emphasis = optimism.
-Faith as a particular religion.
1. Christian faith, Jewish faith,
2. Muslim faith, etc.
- Faith sometimes means a blind leap in the dark.
1. To believe in something w/out reason or evidence.
2. Biblical faith does not abide well with biblical ignorance. (Why?)
-1 Peter 3:15 "but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
-Our culture values faith.
1. Atheists have a strong faith.
2. I am amazed at their faith.
-Point: It is not faith that is significant, but the object of faith.
-Everyone has some degree of faith in something.
1. Who cares?
2. What do you have faith in?
-What you believe in/ have faith in is what matters!
III. Two Kinds of Faith
-1st kind of faith is Belief
-v. 6 "...whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists...."
-Ppl in our post-modern culture have decided that belief is unessential.
1. It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you believe in something.
2. Sincere or sincerely wrong?
-Of course that is only applied in the realm of religion & moral values.
1. But not math.
2. No math teacher wants you to sit down & be broad minded about the rules of math.
3. Math requires precision.
4. What if your CPA was figuring your taxes arbitrarily?
-Physics, geometry, chemistry, etc. require narrow-mindedness.
-Real-life work....
1. Pharmacist, need precision.
2. Surgeon cannot decide where the heart is, it is already set!; etc.
-But our culture has decided we can pick whatever we want to believe b/c it does not matter.
-What you believe matters!
-We should be tolerant (& loving) of people who believe differently, but not tolerant of their beliefs.
IV. Basis for Faith/Belief
-Real faith/belief is bases on reasonable reason.
1. Not a hunch, not an impulse
2. Not a feeling, a fortune cookie, an inclination, etc
-If you believe that the Bible is God's Word, you need to have a reason for your belief.
1. Not just ‘in my heart I know' (that might be assurance of faith)
2. Reasonable reason why.
-If you have no reason, just ‘blind faith' you will land just as easily at Islam's Koran or Book of Mormon.
- I am not saying you have to have proof, just adequate evidence.
-Ill. Professor & student
1. Student: "Evidence of God"
2. Prof: "Don't give me evidence, give me proof!"
3. Most of what we believe is by evidence, not proof.
4. Ill. Sitting in chair w/out proof that it would hold him.
5. Ill. Eating a meal w/out proof that the food his wife fixed was not poisoned.
-Ill. I cannot prove ‘kindness.'
1. I cannot touch it, taste it, see it, heart it, etc.
2. I still believe in it.
3. Why? B/c there is evidence of it!
4. I have found that there are a few ppl who are kind in the world.
-Ill. secularist: "There is no God b/c of how evil the world is."
1. That's like saying:
2. "There are no doctors in the world b/c ppl sick."
-Ill. Atheist Doctor to patient.
1. "Can you hear God [no], can you inhale God [no], can you taste Him [no], can you see God, can you feel Him?"
2. Patient: "Oh yes, I can feel Him."
3. Dr. "Well, I have you 4 to 1, that there is no God."
4. P: "You prescribe medicine for patients in pain. Can you hear pain, can you inhale pain, can you taste pain, can you see pain, can you feel pain."
5. Dr: "Yes, I can feel pain."
6. P: "Well, I have you 4 to 1, there is no such thing as pain."
-Ill. I believe in love.
1. I cannot understand it, explain it or prove it.
2. I can demonstrate it.
3. But that is not proof?
4. Just b/c you cannot prove something does not make it unreal.
5. I can show you evidence of love.
-Ill. "I am in love."
1. "Prove to me that you are in love."
2. There is no math equation, litmus test, or physics formula that will prove it.
3. "You'll just have to take my word for it."
4. You cannot take a drop of blood and find the chemistry.
-Ill. Understand how a plane weighing tons can lift up in the air?
1. But you believe it will!
2. Why? You have evidence that it will, but not proof.
-Point: I believe in God!
1. I cannot understand God, I cannot prove God, I cannot control God, but He does exist.
2. You cannot put the omniscience of God into the human mind any more than you could put all the ocean into a coffee cup.
3. But there is evidence that there is a God!
-Evidence for God:
1. Changed lives!
2. The order of the universe (vs. randomness begets more randomness not order)!
3. As well as scientific, mathematical, physiological, etc.
-Evidence is overwhelming.
1. You would have to forfeit reason & evidence to doubt God's existence.
2. Not talking about proof, but evidence.
3. There is no proof either way (God vs. no God).
-Ill. You see, w/ a coffee cup of the ocean I would have evidence that the ocean exists, but not proof.
V. The Choice
-There is no proof that God exists or that he doesn't, but you must make the step of faith/ your decision.
-Faith must take the next step, by believing.
-The object of your faith is what is important.
-Ill. Spark plug = faith
1. Small part to start the engine
2. Faith ignites your spiritual life!
-Point: We sometimes believe faith holds us to God against reason.
1. Just the opposite is true.
2. Inner ‘feelings' can drive us away from God.
3. Faith coupled with reason helps us through.
4. Difficulty, frustration, grief, sorrow, depression, trial... can lead away from God.
5. Faith thwarts the Devils attacks.
-Ill. Has God ever failed you?
1. But our feelings dictate differently than what reason tells us.
2. Faith is not to keep you with God against the evidence, but to keep you with the evidence against the feelings that would lead you away!
VI. Faith #2: Trust
-Belief alone is inadequate for a definition of faith.
1. It requires Trust.
2. Trust = belief in action.
-Ch. 11 those with faith all did something!
1. By faith Noah built the ark.
2. ...Abraham went into a strange country.
3. ...the ppl of Israel crossed the Red Sea.
-Trust = activated faith!
-Ill. I may believe that a ladder can hold me, but I do not trust that until I get onto the ladder!
-Ill. Trust says let me hold the nail while you hammer.
1. I believe you will not hit my finger.
2. I trust you will not hit my finger.
3. Together they are faith!
4. Belief accepts the evidence.
5. Trust acts on the evidence.
-Hebrews 11:13 "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth."
1. I not only believe in Heaven.
2. I trust in that fact, b/c I live my life like I'm going there
-Many ppl go through life just believing in God, but never trusting in Him.
-Faith (belief + trust) in God leads us to repentance b/c if we really believe in God we trust in Him!
1. That means we believe he is truth & what he says is too.
2. For example: the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life.
3. If you are living in sin you do not really have faith in God.
-Trust side of faith becomes more personal.
1. Would you really risk eternity by not forgiving your enemy?
2. ...by gossiping & slandering others?
3. ...by sexual immorality?
4. ...by refusing to support the work of God on earth?
VII. Faith for Eternity & Earth
-Faith not only has to do with our heavenly home...
-It also has to do w/ the way we live our lives!
-Faith trusts in Christ as Savior & Lord.
-We trust in Him to get eternal life.
-But do we trust in Him enough to give to Him?
1. "Don't have enough money to tithe."
2. "Don't have enough time to come to church."
3. "Don't have enough time to participate in ministry."
-Ch. 11 Faith "Hall of Fame"
-Ill. Noah had faith w/ his reputation.
1. Faith to do the ridiculous.
2. Neighbors thought Noah was crazy!
3. Poor reputation in the community.
4. We need to be less concerned about what others think about us and more concerned about what God knows about us!
-Ill. Abraham had faith w/ his future & ambition.
1. Agenda, plans, programs
2. We want to write our own script for life.
3. It's why we validate our plans by claiming they are God's will.
4. A strong faith makes obedience look easy.
-Ill. Moses had faith to be sacrificial.
1. Lifestyle, values, to God.
2. He was a prince in the royal family.
3. Ch. 11 gives four verbs to describe his sacrifice...
4. Refused- princely title
5. Chose- to suffer w/ the ppl of God
6. Considered the approach of Christ greater than the wealth of Egypt
7. Endured- by seeing him who is invisible.
8. Two options: Egypt or God.
VIII. Conclusion
-Faith = belief & trust
-Do you have faith this morning?
-Is what you have the real thing?
-Ill. You hear a lot about "death bed conversion."
1. Something we don't like to talk about is "death bed doubters."
2. Why do ppl live their whole lives, sometimes in the church, but never experience faith in God?
3. Would you be afraid of eternity?
-Maybe it is time that you took the step of faith.
-I am too much of a coward to not have Faith in Him!
1. There is too much at stake.
2. There is too much to lose.
-Maybe you have been trying to live for God w/ no avail.
1. Would you like to settle the question by faith?
2. Would you like to unite belief & trust in your life today?
Response
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Piece of Peace
Isaiah 26:1-9a, 12-13
A Piece of Peace: God's Peace
I. Introduction
-Got peace?
-Ppl like to talk about peace!
-But not everyone has it!
II. Scripture
III. What is Peace?
-Peace is another one of those words that we use, but don't really know what it means.
-Excessive use leads to excessive definitions.
-I'm concerned about a Biblical definition this morning.
-Dictionary definitions:
1. The absence of war
2. An agreement or treaty to end hostilities
3. Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmony
4. Serenity
-We use it...
1. Financial Peace = no struggles financially.
2. Peace of mind = no troubles/ worries or stressors.
3. Peace in the Middle East = cease fire that lasts; no more terrorists.
4. Rest in Peace = RIP
5. Peace at home = no fighting
6. Find my inner peace = self actualization.
-Peace seems to be elusive.
-It seems to be fragile.
1. Rare.
2. Easily lost/ damaged.
-Maybe b/c most definitions of peace have to do w/ ‘ego' rather than God.
1. You expected me to say that didn't you?
2. Think about it.
-Maybe more than you need peace of mind, you need peace in your soul.
1. Maybe more than in your soul, you need peace w/ God!
2. A spiritual peace.
IV. What Brings Peace?
-Everyone is always proposing something to bring peace.
1. Commercials make their claim.
2. "Soothing Peace bubble bath."
3. "Soft relaxing music."
4. These things won't do it.
-Jimi Hendrix: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace."
1. Do I have to say: ‘boo'?
2. I hope Hendrix isn't your spiritual advisor!
-Peace is not found in a treaty that is signed.
1. That's meaningless.
2. They can be broken, lost, or forgotten.
3. Peace is deeper than that.
-Money does not bring peace.
1. If just a little more...
2. Peace of mind!?
-Family doesn't bring peace.
1. Kids can take from peace.
2. Romance does not bring peace.
-Government doesn't bring peace!
1. $700 billion dollar bailout!?
2. Corrupt, wicked, immoral, confused, conflicted, etc.
3. Don't rely on the government!
4. Social security? Welfare? Education?
5. And we want to put them in charge of health care?
6. Hope you're not looking for peace in the government!
-Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
V. What Takes Away Peace?
-They take away peace:
1. Worry, stress, anxiety...
2. The rush of life.
3. Money problems.
4. Job problems.
5. Family problems.
6. Spiritual laziness.
7. Disobedience and sin
-Peace thieves:
1. Conflict with others (family, church, neighbors)
2. Failing to forgive
3. Bitterness.
4. Worry.
5. Sin.
VI. What is Peace?
-Someone said: "I don't feel at peace about that."
1. What's that mean?
2. Your decision isn't making a connection with what you know is right.
3. Sometimes you can't put your finger on it.
4. You are never at peace about a decision you know is wrong or sinful.
-Peace is a deep abiding "rightness" inside.
1. It's not about external circumstances.
2. It's about being right with God... righteousness.
C. You cannot have peace outside of a relationship with God!
-He is the...
1. ...Prince of Peace.
2. ...giver/orchestrator of peace.
3. ...creator/author of peace.
4. ...one who brings peace.
-Point: Peace is found in right relationship with God/ righteousness!
VII. Where Are You Looking?
-Ill. Danny Simpson, 24 year old Canadian, in jail for robbing a bank, in Ottawa.
1. The gun he used is in a museum.
2. He robbed a bank and got $6,000.
3. When caught, he went to jail for six years.
4. In the robbery he used a .45 caliber Colt semi-automatic.
5. It turned out to be an antique made by the Ross Rifle Company, Quebec City, in 1918.
6. Value of the pistol= $100,000
7. If Danny had known what he already had in his possession he wouldn't have felt the need to rob a bank.
-There are some Christians searching for peace, not realizing it is already available to them!
1. It's not elusive, concealed,...
2. ...secret, obscure, or hidden.
-Jesus told His disciples in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
-Jesus is talking to them about trials & temptations that they will have (he promised those too).
1. But the peace of God is not dependant upon everything else!
2. It's not dependant upon whether or not the Devil wants to harass you this week.
3. Not dependant upon whether or not you'll have a good week!
4. God's peace is dependant upon Him!
-Do we need to understand it to have it? No.
1. Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses [transcends/ passeth] all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
2. If you have this peace, you probably couldn't explain it.
3. If you have never had this peace you may not realize what you're missing.
VIII. Peace In Christ Jesus!
-The Hebrew word for peace is shalom.
1. Jews use it as a greeting.
2. Some churches will use it as a greeting too.
3. It's not trivial or superficial, but a deep peace.
-The Greek word for peace literally means to bind together or to weave together.
1. Peace w/ God is a weaving together of you w/ Him!
2. A binding that is inseparable.
-Point: Disjunction, separation, & conflict in your life steals peace.
1. That's why conflict can steal it.
2. Hypocrisy wipes it out.
-KEY: Though some have been born-again [forgiven of their sins], they have never allowed their affections to be changed.
1. Their desires/priorities/ dreams are still their former ones.
2. Same as sinners.
-1 John 2:16-17 "For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. [17] And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
-James 1:14-15 "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. [15] Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
-Ill. "Don't you think God wants me to be happy?"
1. Making a sinful decision.
2. Leaving a spouse that they "just don't love anymore."
3. How would you answer their question? No? Yes?
-Query: Is God more concerned about you being holy than He is you being happy?
-Query: Does your holiness and your happiness have to be mutually exclusive/ in competition?
IX. Surrender!
-We have limited God to forgiveness of sins and various assigned tasks we give Him.
-Query: What if the work of salvation God wanted to do in your life can make your desires holy?
1. So that you would desire to be holy.
2. So that God's will for you wasn't burdensome or unwanted... but desired by you.
-What if your peace could be perfect?
-Isaiah 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
-What if peace was found in absolute surrender to Him?
X. Conclusion
-Helen Steiner Rice wrote:
"Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair,
I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer;
I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely too,
That I am deeply burdened & don't know what to do.
But I know He stilled the tempest & calmed the angry sea,
And I humbly ask if in His love He'll do the same for me.
Then I just keep quiet and think on thoughts of peace,
And as I abide in stillness my restless murmurings cease."
-Ill. Submarine deep under water is not aware of the storm blowing on the surface.
-If you allow Him, He'll give you His peace!
-Maybe today you desire a deep inner peace.
1. Not asking all your problems to go away.
2. Not asking for a signed treaty.
-Just God to stand up in your inner most being and say: "Peace, Be still!"
-Where can we find peace?
In Him, only in Him!
G. Response: Haven of Rest
Closing Blessing:
God gave this blessing to Moses and Aaron for the priests to bless the people who assembled together...
Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; [25] the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; [26] the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."
A Piece of Peace: God's Peace
I. Introduction
-Got peace?
-Ppl like to talk about peace!
-But not everyone has it!
II. Scripture
III. What is Peace?
-Peace is another one of those words that we use, but don't really know what it means.
-Excessive use leads to excessive definitions.
-I'm concerned about a Biblical definition this morning.
-Dictionary definitions:
1. The absence of war
2. An agreement or treaty to end hostilities
3. Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmony
4. Serenity
-We use it...
1. Financial Peace = no struggles financially.
2. Peace of mind = no troubles/ worries or stressors.
3. Peace in the Middle East = cease fire that lasts; no more terrorists.
4. Rest in Peace = RIP
5. Peace at home = no fighting
6. Find my inner peace = self actualization.
-Peace seems to be elusive.
-It seems to be fragile.
1. Rare.
2. Easily lost/ damaged.
-Maybe b/c most definitions of peace have to do w/ ‘ego' rather than God.
1. You expected me to say that didn't you?
2. Think about it.
-Maybe more than you need peace of mind, you need peace in your soul.
1. Maybe more than in your soul, you need peace w/ God!
2. A spiritual peace.
IV. What Brings Peace?
-Everyone is always proposing something to bring peace.
1. Commercials make their claim.
2. "Soothing Peace bubble bath."
3. "Soft relaxing music."
4. These things won't do it.
-Jimi Hendrix: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace."
1. Do I have to say: ‘boo'?
2. I hope Hendrix isn't your spiritual advisor!
-Peace is not found in a treaty that is signed.
1. That's meaningless.
2. They can be broken, lost, or forgotten.
3. Peace is deeper than that.
-Money does not bring peace.
1. If just a little more...
2. Peace of mind!?
-Family doesn't bring peace.
1. Kids can take from peace.
2. Romance does not bring peace.
-Government doesn't bring peace!
1. $700 billion dollar bailout!?
2. Corrupt, wicked, immoral, confused, conflicted, etc.
3. Don't rely on the government!
4. Social security? Welfare? Education?
5. And we want to put them in charge of health care?
6. Hope you're not looking for peace in the government!
-Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
V. What Takes Away Peace?
-They take away peace:
1. Worry, stress, anxiety...
2. The rush of life.
3. Money problems.
4. Job problems.
5. Family problems.
6. Spiritual laziness.
7. Disobedience and sin
-Peace thieves:
1. Conflict with others (family, church, neighbors)
2. Failing to forgive
3. Bitterness.
4. Worry.
5. Sin.
VI. What is Peace?
-Someone said: "I don't feel at peace about that."
1. What's that mean?
2. Your decision isn't making a connection with what you know is right.
3. Sometimes you can't put your finger on it.
4. You are never at peace about a decision you know is wrong or sinful.
-Peace is a deep abiding "rightness" inside.
1. It's not about external circumstances.
2. It's about being right with God... righteousness.
C. You cannot have peace outside of a relationship with God!
-He is the...
1. ...Prince of Peace.
2. ...giver/orchestrator of peace.
3. ...creator/author of peace.
4. ...one who brings peace.
-Point: Peace is found in right relationship with God/ righteousness!
VII. Where Are You Looking?
-Ill. Danny Simpson, 24 year old Canadian, in jail for robbing a bank, in Ottawa.
1. The gun he used is in a museum.
2. He robbed a bank and got $6,000.
3. When caught, he went to jail for six years.
4. In the robbery he used a .45 caliber Colt semi-automatic.
5. It turned out to be an antique made by the Ross Rifle Company, Quebec City, in 1918.
6. Value of the pistol= $100,000
7. If Danny had known what he already had in his possession he wouldn't have felt the need to rob a bank.
-There are some Christians searching for peace, not realizing it is already available to them!
1. It's not elusive, concealed,...
2. ...secret, obscure, or hidden.
-Jesus told His disciples in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
-Jesus is talking to them about trials & temptations that they will have (he promised those too).
1. But the peace of God is not dependant upon everything else!
2. It's not dependant upon whether or not the Devil wants to harass you this week.
3. Not dependant upon whether or not you'll have a good week!
4. God's peace is dependant upon Him!
-Do we need to understand it to have it? No.
1. Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses [transcends/ passeth] all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
2. If you have this peace, you probably couldn't explain it.
3. If you have never had this peace you may not realize what you're missing.
VIII. Peace In Christ Jesus!
-The Hebrew word for peace is shalom.
1. Jews use it as a greeting.
2. Some churches will use it as a greeting too.
3. It's not trivial or superficial, but a deep peace.
-The Greek word for peace literally means to bind together or to weave together.
1. Peace w/ God is a weaving together of you w/ Him!
2. A binding that is inseparable.
-Point: Disjunction, separation, & conflict in your life steals peace.
1. That's why conflict can steal it.
2. Hypocrisy wipes it out.
-KEY: Though some have been born-again [forgiven of their sins], they have never allowed their affections to be changed.
1. Their desires/priorities/ dreams are still their former ones.
2. Same as sinners.
-1 John 2:16-17 "For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. [17] And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
-James 1:14-15 "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. [15] Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
-Ill. "Don't you think God wants me to be happy?"
1. Making a sinful decision.
2. Leaving a spouse that they "just don't love anymore."
3. How would you answer their question? No? Yes?
-Query: Is God more concerned about you being holy than He is you being happy?
-Query: Does your holiness and your happiness have to be mutually exclusive/ in competition?
IX. Surrender!
-We have limited God to forgiveness of sins and various assigned tasks we give Him.
-Query: What if the work of salvation God wanted to do in your life can make your desires holy?
1. So that you would desire to be holy.
2. So that God's will for you wasn't burdensome or unwanted... but desired by you.
-What if your peace could be perfect?
-Isaiah 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
-What if peace was found in absolute surrender to Him?
X. Conclusion
-Helen Steiner Rice wrote:
"Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair,
I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer;
I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely too,
That I am deeply burdened & don't know what to do.
But I know He stilled the tempest & calmed the angry sea,
And I humbly ask if in His love He'll do the same for me.
Then I just keep quiet and think on thoughts of peace,
And as I abide in stillness my restless murmurings cease."
-Ill. Submarine deep under water is not aware of the storm blowing on the surface.
-If you allow Him, He'll give you His peace!
-Maybe today you desire a deep inner peace.
1. Not asking all your problems to go away.
2. Not asking for a signed treaty.
-Just God to stand up in your inner most being and say: "Peace, Be still!"
-Where can we find peace?
In Him, only in Him!
G. Response: Haven of Rest
Closing Blessing:
God gave this blessing to Moses and Aaron for the priests to bless the people who assembled together...
Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; [25] the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; [26] the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."
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