SERMON SEEDS
R2 – THE WEEK OF JANUARY 14, 2019
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LUKE 18:35 - 19:10 – TWO PEAS IN A POD
There is an expression “like as two peas in a pod” or “They’re two peas in a pod.” What does the term mean?
According to Answers.com the phrase means, “Very similar, bearing a close resemblance. For example, they’re not even sisters, but they're like as two peas in a pod. This expression alludes to the seeds contained in a pea pod, which do indeed look very much alike.” http://www.answers.com/topic/like-as-two-peas-in-a-pod
If two people are nuts about hunting, they’re like “two peas in a pod”.
If two people like the same sports team, they’re like “two peas in a pod”.
If two people have the same character traits, they’re like “two peas in a pod”.
This morning we are continuing our study of the Story of Jesus. Jesus has been making His way towards Jerusalem.
Luke 18:31-33
Obviously Jesus was getting more and more focused on the final events of this life. He was a man of purpose headed to do His Father’s will. But although Jesus had a purpose in view and a place to go, he still had time for people.
Jesus was almost to his goal, but when he passed through Jericho, he had time for “two peas in a pod”, Blind Bartimaeus and rich, powerful, head tax-collector, Zacchaeus. As set as Jesus was on getting to Jerusalem, he had time for the needs of these two men.
I am encouraged because Jesus hasn’t changed. He’s busy today holding the universe together and interceding on behalf of the saints, and yet in all his business he has time for you and me. Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to fulfill his destiny, but he still had time for the needs of two peas in a pod.
Now, when you first observe Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus you might think that they have very little in common.
Bartimaeus was a blind man. He had no fixed means of income. He was a beggar. His name is given to us in Mark.
Zacchaeus was a very wealthy man, probably one of the wealthiest men in Jericho. He was the head tax collector for the Roman government in the Jericho area, a principle area for collecting taxes. All the tax collectors paid Zacchaeus, who in turn paid the Roman government.
Despite their differences, Bart and Zach were “two peas in a pod”.
THEY BOTH HAD FRUSTRATIONS
Luke 18:35-37, Luke 19:1-3
Isaiah 64:6, 1 Peter 3:18
THEY BOTH EXERCISED FAITH
Luke 18:38-39, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:13-14
Luke 18: 40-41, John 14:13-14, Matthew 7:7-11,
1 John 5:14-15
Luke 19:3-8, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
THEY BOTH RECEIVED FAVOR
Luke 18:40-42, Acts 16:31, Mark 11:24
Luke 19:9, Galatians 3:13-14, Galatians 3:9
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EXODUS 14 – SOVEREIGN GOD AT WORK
God is sovereign, even when God's people are in a panic!
The children of Israel appeared to be in great jeopardy, but never were.
Their sovereign God was at work!
THE CONTROL OF GOD - Vss. 1-9
THE CONFUSION OF GOD'S PEOPLE - Vss. 10-12
THE CONFIDENCE OF GOD'S SERVANT - Vss. 13-14
THE COMPLETION OF GOD'S PLAN - Vss. 15-31
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Psalms 120-121 – ON THE WAY!
PSALMS FOR THE JOURNEY #1
THE SONGS OF ASCENTS
- This is a title given to Psalms 120-134.
- The word, ascents comes from a word that means “go up”. The word means “steps”.
- Although other ideas have been put forth, they appear to be a collection of Psalms used in Spiritual pilgrimages to Jerusalem. They have been referred to as “Pilgrim Psalms”.
- We can view them as a help as we progress along our Spiritual journey as pilgrims
DECIDING TO PROGRESS – Psalm 120
- A CALL - Vs. 1
- This appears to a flashback to times when God had answered prayer previously.
- Why is it helpful to remember when God has answered prayer?
- A COMPLAINT - Vss. 2-4
- The Psalmist was in an environment that was hostile, indicated by people using “lying lips” and a “deceitful tongue”. He was seeing God’s deliverance. Vs. 2
- Vs. 3 seems to be an indirect appeal for God’s intervention on such people who have such tongues.
- Even though we have salvation, we have to beware of using the same such tongues. James 3:1-12
- Vs. 4 – sharp arrows and hot coals are seen as the punishment for those who have unholy tongues.
- In what ways do we have to face the same type of environment that the Psalmist faced?
- A CONCLUSION - Vss. 5-7
- Vs. 5 – Meshech and Kedar were areas in two opposite directions. Meshech was in modern day Turkey. Kedar was in the Arabian desert.
- The Psalmist seems to be talking of areas where pilgrims normally lived.
- Vs. 6 – The Psalmist is coming to the conclusion that he is dwelling in the wrong place. He needs, at least Spiritually, to move.
- Vs. 7 – The Psalmist was looking for peace, but when he spoke his opponents were contentious!
- To me, the implication of this Psalm is that it was time for a pilgrimage because Spiritual wickedness where he lived. 1 John 2:15-17
- How can we tell that it’s time to pay better attention to our Spiritual “walk”? Revelation 2:4-5
ASSURED AS YOU GO – Psalm 121
- NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE YOU ARE KEPT BY GOD. - Vss. 1-2, 8, Psalm 139:7-10
- NO MATTER WHAT THE OBSTACLE YOU ARE KEPT BY GOD. Vs. 3a
- NO MATTER WHAT THE HOUR YOU ARE KEPT BY GOD. Vss. 3b-4
- NO MATTER WHAT THE CONDITIONS YOU ARE KEPT BY GOD. Vss. 5-6
- NO MATTER WHO THE ENEMY YOU ARE KEPT BY GOD. Vs. 7
- NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES YOU ARE KEPT BY GOD. Vs. 8, Psalm 23:4,6
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PROVERBS 15:1 Etc. – WORDS
Words are used every day by just about everyone. There are all kinds of words.
- There are generous words. There are stingy words.
- There are loving words. There are hateful words.
- There are kind words. There are unkind words.
- There are words spoken in anger. There are words spoken in peace.
- There are loud words. There are quiet words.
And on we could go.
The words that Christians use are very important. Our words will either draw people to faith in Christ and a deep walk with God, or our words will drive people away.
I have heard Christians say some wonderful things that have had a positive effect on unbelievers. And I have heard Christians say some nasty things that have had a negative effect on unbelievers.
I have heard Christians say some nasty things to believers that have hurt Christ's church. I have heard Christians say some wonderful things that have strengthened Christ's church.
Consider some of the types of words Christians should use.
CALM WORDS - Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
You have heard men or women explode in anger.
You have probably been the victim of a tirade of words that have left you reeling.
You have probably been incensed when someone has lashed out verbally at you, and might have responded with your own heavy artillery of harsh, angry words.
We can not control the temperature, harshness, or volume of the words of another. We can, however, try to control the temperature, harshness and volume of our own words.
Often, a soft answer will cause the person who is "hot under the collar" to cool down. A person who is yelling, just might realize how ridiculous he must sound in comparison to the one who is talking softly.
A soft answer, in dealing with people who have done wrong or offended us, will also help keep us from a lot of angry, violent reactions. People are less likely to become angry if they are talked to in a quiet way.
One of the secrets to giving a soft answer involves controlling our own anger. Proverbs gives us some good advice on that as well.
Proverbs 3:30 - Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
Proverbs 19:11 - The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
We must learn to ask God to control us through His Holy Spirit.
As the Holy Spirit controls us, our words will be under control as well as our anger. Galatians 5:22-23
CAUTIOUS WORDS - Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 10:19 - In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Have you ever said something you were sorry for later?
We say things especially in anger, that we don't really mean, and yet the damage is done!
Have you noticed that the more a person talks, the more likely he or she is to say something they shouldn't say?
When we put no damper on our words, we are likely to say things that are either sinful or disturbing to someone else.
Psalm 141:3 is a good prayer for us to memorize and say every day. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Not only should we cautious about the amount of our words, but we need to be cautious about the quality of our words.
Proverbs 11:13 - A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
We should be cautious not to repeat things we know are not true.
We should be cautious not to repeat things we are not sure are true.
We should be cautious not repeat things that are true, but are not worth repeating.
We do more to hurt the credibility of other Christians, often when we don't mean to, just by repeating things that need not be repeated.
Gossip is a terrible thing.
CORRECTIVE WORDS - Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 25:12
Proverbs 11:14 - Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Every Christian should have a mentor.
A mentor is a person that will help us grow in our Christian faith, and one we trust for good, solid counsel. A mentor is also a person not afraid to correct us when we need it.
You are probably familiar with two friends in the Bible. The older man was named Jonathan. He was the king's son. The younger man was David. They were fast friends, I'm sure David was able to learn and be encouraged by the words and actions of Jonathan. One time David was on the run, fleeing for his life from King Saul.
1 Samuel 23:16 - And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
Who is your David? Who can you encourage this week? Who are you mentoring?
Proverbs 25:12 - As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
My friends there are times when we all need to be corrected.
And when we are let us be thankful when people do it in a kind, constructive way.
I don't think any of us want to be known as people who can't be corrected. Such people do exist.
Proverbs 9:8 - Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
There will also be times when we need to do the correcting. Just as a piece of gold jewelry is beautiful, so is the correction of a friend by a friend. It is beautiful when the one doing the correcting is wise and the one receiving the correction is open to constructive criticism.
Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
We all need corrective words.
We all need to learn to share corrective words tactfully.
COMMENDABLE WORDS - Proverbs 25:11
Proverbs 25:11 - A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Nobody is certain what "apples of gold in pictures of silver" refer to. Perhaps it refers to golden fruit on a silver serving tray. Or it might refer to ornamental golden jewelry in a silver setting. Whatever it refers to, we are being told that the right word spoken at the right time by the right person is a beautiful thing.
It is commendable.
There have been times when you've needed a word of encouragement and someone gave it. That was a word fitly spoken.
There have been times when you've need to know some information so your thinking wouldn't be clouded. Someone gave that. That was a word fitly spoken.
There have been times when you've need correction and someone quietly and tactfully did that. That was a word fitly spoken.
There have been times when a preacher has given just the message you needed to hear. That was a word fitly spoken.
There was probably a time when you needed to hear the Gospel of Christ, and someone shared the Gospel with you. That was a word fitly spoken.
Thank God for the people who have fitly spoken in your life. These were commendable words.
Ask God to help you speak to commendable words to others.
Ask God to give you a chance this week to share the right words with the right people at the right time.
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MARK 10:17-27 – ONE MAN’S PILGRIMAGE
When a person is on a pilgrimage he is searching for something. The rich young ruler was on a pilgrimage to Jesus, looking for eternal life.
THE SEARCH - Vss. 17
THE SCRIPTURES - Vss. 18-20
The man comes looking for life and Jesus points him to the 10 Commandments. The man needed to realize that he couldn't keep the commandments before he could be saved. The man claimed to have kept all the commandments Jesus mentioned. Romans 3:23, Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 6:23
THE STANDARD - Vs. 21
Nothing or nobody can be loved and trusted more than the Lord Jesus. Not every rich man must give up his money to be saved, but in this case it was the man's money that was keeping Him from trusting Jesus as Savior. John 14:6
THE SADNESS - Vs. 22
The man walked away! He loved his riches more!
THE STRUGGLE - Vss. 23-25
In the culture of the day it was thought that the rich people had an inside track on getting to Heaven. Jesus explains that it is a struggle for rich men to get to Heaven. Their riches get in the way!
THE STRENGTH - Vss. 26-27
The disciples figured if it was so hard for a rich man to be saved, who else could be saved.
The strength for salvation comes from God. The Holy Spirit convicts and people are saved by faith. John 16:8-11, Ephesians 2:8-9
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HEBREWS 11:32– LESSONS
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
There are many lessons to learn from the Heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11. Here are some lessons from the summary of heroes mentioned in verse 32.
Gideon - Little is much when God is in it.
Judges 6:10-16, Judges 7:1-7, 16-25
Barak - Don't add conditions to God's Call.
Judges 4:1-9, 14-15, 17-24
Samson - There is no greater burden than a great potential.
Samuel had great potential as a leader, but allowed personal sins to restrict his
effectiveness.
Judges 13:1-5, 14:-4, 16:1-31
Jephthae - Think before you speak.
Judges 11:30-40
David - A life worth living has a heart for God.
1 Samuel 13:14, 16:7, Psalm 23
Samuel - Instill devotion to God in the heart of a child.
1 Samuel 1:10, 20-28, 1 Samuel 3:1, 19-21
The Prophets - Expect God to do great things.
James 5:15-18, 2 Kings 4:1-7
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1 Peter 4:7-11 – SO, YOU’RE A CHURCH MEMBER!
In these last days, the church member who does these things will not "sit, soak and sour", but have a vital ministry for Christ and His church.
BE SENSIBLE (sober) Vs. 7
BE PRAYERFUL Vs. 7
BE LOVABLE (loving) Vs. 8
BE HOSPITABLE Vs. 9
BE USEABLE Vss. 10-11
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