SERMON SEEDS
Q22 – THE WEEK OF JUNE 4, 2018
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LUKE 12:35-40 – ON THE WATCH
Watching is something which we as Christians are told to do! Ephesians 6:18, Colosians 4:2, Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 3:20
Every one of the verses that I just quoted are from the Epistles, the letters of Jesus' followers. However, our Lord Jesus also told us that we should be on the watch!
Our Lord Jesus promised to return. John 14:3
One of the passages in which Jesus tells us to be watching is the passage which is Luke 12:35-40.
We, as Christians, are looking forward to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in an event known as the rapture. This will be the removing of the church before the great Tribulation. At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus will come to earth. Before the Tribulation Jesus will come in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Jesus could be coming for us at any time, and not only by way of appearing in the clouds to take us home on the family plan, but way of death. We aren’t guaranteed another breathe in this life, that’s why we must always be ready!
It is for this reason that we need to be reminded of such passages as the one before us this morning. We should be anticipating, looking forward, watching for his coming. We should be ON THE WATCH!
AN ACTIVE WATCH Vss. 35-36
Vs. 35 - We are told first, to have our loins girded.
And most of us say, "Huh", what does that mean?
The men of that day wore long, flowing, robes. I imagine that these were comfortable when a person was relaxing or walking at a leisurely pace. When there was serious work to be done, however, these loins could certainly hinder the progress of the worker. The long, flowing robes would certainly get in the way. The equivalent today would be trying to do a major house cleaning in an evening gown or trying to fix the car wearing a tux!
Today, if we are wearing dress clothes and are called upon to work, we would simply, if able, change our clothes. In Jesus' day, a person who was wearing the long, flowing robes who was called upon to work would gird up his loins. He would gather the robes and tuck them into what we would call his belt. This would allow him to move freely. Someone who had his loins girded, was ready for work.
If you are a Christian who is waiting for his Lord to come, you are not expected to be in a casual mode, or a dressed-up mode, but in a work mode! This is to be an active watch, not a leisurely one! The Lord Jesus has left us with work to do till he comes.
Becoming a Christian costs nothing. Ephesians 2:8-9
Living the Christian life the way God wants you to live, will cost you everything.
1 Peter 1:15-16, Luke 9:23-24, Romans 12:1-2
The first part of the active watch means your loins are girded. You are working while you are waiting for your Lord to come.
The second part of this active watch is that your lamps are burning bright. This means the lights are on.
We are expecting the Lord Jesus at any time. This means we are to be expecting his arrival. The houses of our lives should be well lit.
If we have the lights on, we will see any dirt that's needs attention before He arrives. 1 John 1:5-7
There is another way that we have the lights on in anticipation of Jesus coming. When we are expecting company, we put on the porch light, so people can see to get here.
When Jesus comes back, we want our friends and loved ones to also be ready for his coming. In order for them to be ready, they need to come to know Christ as well. So right now, we are to have the lights on so they can see to come to Christ. Matthew 5:14-16
How do you make your light shine?
By living a life that's different.
By having hope during hopeless times.
By inviting others to join you at church and special events where the Gospel will be shared.
By being ready to share the message of salvation. 1 Peter 3: 15
The active watch for the coming of the Lord Jesus means you're in a work mode - your loins girded.
The active watch for the coming of the Lord Jesus means the lights are on - your lamps are burning bright.
The active watch for the coming of the Lord Jesus means your ready to open the door.
Vs. 36 - Have you ever had people arrive before you were ready for them?
The picture in Verse 36 is of a man coming back from a wedding. His servants are to be all ready for him to arrive, no matter what the hour, so they can quickly open the door and let him in!
When Jesus comes back, it will be too late to work for him.
When Jesus comes back, it will be too late to witness for him.
When Jesus comes back, it will be too late to clean up my life.
Whatever I want to do in preparation for Jesus' coming needs to be done before He comes. And just as the servants did not know when their master was coming back, we do not know when our Lord is coming back. Whatever needs to be done in preparation for the Lord's coming, needs to be done now!
The active watch means that I have my loins girded - I'm working.
The active watch means that I have my light burning - I'm witnessing.
The active watch means I expect Jesus at any moment - I'm ready.
THE ALERT WATCH Vss. 38-40
This watch is very similar to the active watch.
When I am alert, I'm on the ball, I'm functioning. I am in anxious anticipation.
Vs. 38 - I have waited up for the arrival of my children when they have come for a visit. The lights were on, their bed made, and I was in the chair, asleep! But the moment they walked in, I was awake! I was alert.
Jesus is saying, even if I arrive in the middle of the night, the second or third watch of the night, between 9 - 3, I want you to be alert!
Vs. 39 - There is an illustration here. If a man knows a thief is on the way, he is ready for him!
That's why thieves don't send greeting cards which say,
"Hi, I'm a thief, I'm going to arrive to rob you on Thursday night at 11:45 P.M. The thief wants to surprise you. So, if you are in an area vulnerable to crime, you are required to be ready for the thief at all times.
Vs. 40 - The Lord Jesus tells us to be ready, because He is coming at a time when we don't think he is coming. People make predictions about when Jesus is coming, but He'll come when people are not expecting Him. That's why we must be alert! And remember, he could come for you today! Titus 2:11-13
THE AWARDED WATCH Vs. 37
Vs. 37 - When we have guests, we usually serve them! When Jesus comes, He will reward us, if we have been faithful to Him!
The Son of God's nature is that of a servant. Luke 22:26-27
And what did Jesus do the night before He was crucified?
He washed the feet of the disciples.
He took on the form of a servant!
Even now, the Lord is in Heaven, and He is serving.
He is High Priest - Hebrews 4:14-16
He is our advocate. - 1 John 2:1-2
When Jesus comes back, He will be king!
We will all bow down and worship Him!
But, he will also reward his faithful servants!
In spite of who He is, He will still serve.
There will be no doubt about who is Lord, who is King, who is God! He will still serve those who have been faithful.
And if he takes us home by means of death, we will be on Heavenly Sabbatical until Jesus unites our spirits with our resurrection bodies.
2 Corinthians 5:8-10
Let us be able to say with the the Apostle Paul 2 Timothy 4: 6-8
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2 SAMUEL 22
PRAYER OF A GRATEFUL KING
- If you were president of the United States what would you be grateful for?
- If you were president of the United States what would you pray for?
- Why should every prayer of ours be with gratitude?
David, at the end of his life, could look back with gratitude to God for all He had done in David’s behalf.
DAVID’S RESOURCE – Vss. 1-3 – God
- Using word pictures, David lists 8 things that God is for David.
- How are each of these things significant in our own lives?
- Why do we forget that God is such a great resource?
DAVID’S Requests – Vss. 4-7 – For help in times of trouble
- Vs. 4 – Notice that David praised God when he asked Him for help. How easy it is to run into God’s presence with our requests and forget to thank Him for past and current blessings.
- Vss. 5-7 – David testifies that when things are at their worst, he went to God in prayer. We have a place to turn when things seem to be at their worst. 1 Peter 5:7
- Vs. 7 – David was assured that God heard his pleas. We have that same assurance. 1 John 5:14-15 - And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
GOD’S RESPONSE – Vss. 8-20 – With Almighty power
- Vss. 8-16 – What do these verses tell you about the speed in which God acts?
- What do these verses tell you about God’s power?
- Even though we do not see these things David describes when they happen, why should we be encouraged to pray and to trust?
- Vss. 17-20 - Can you think of a time when God acted decisively in your behalf?
- Vs. 18 – Why is it important for us to remember that our enemies are too strong for us?
- Vs. 20 – How do we know when the Lord delights in us?
GOD’S REWARD – Vss. 21-28 – According to David’s righteousness
- As you read this passage, why would you take issue with David about his righteousness?
- I believe that David is talking about the pattern of his life, and not the times when he went astray. David was quick to repent when confronted.
Psalm 51:1-3 - Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
- Why is righteousness a condition for answered prayer? Psalm 66:18, James 4:3
- Vss. 26-27 remind us that God does reward us according to our behavior. Matthew 7:1-2
DAVID’S RELIANCE – Vss. 29-33 – On God
- Vs. 29 – Can you think of a time when God gave you light during a dark time?
- Vss. 30, 33 – God provides strength for those who trust Him.
- Vss. 31, 33 - How does God make our ways “perfect”? Romans 8:28
- Vs. 31 – God’s Word guided David and it was “tried” or flawless.
- A “buckler” is a shield.
- How does verse 32 encourage you?
DAVID’S RESULTS – Vss. 34-46 – Victory
- Vs. 34 – What is the advantage of a high place in the time of trouble?
- Vs. 36 – How is God’s salvation a shield?
- Vs. 37 – In times of trouble, how does God keep us from slipping?
- Vs. 40 – God has girded us Christians with strength for the battle in the form of our armor. Ephesians 6:11-18
DAVID’S REJOICING – Vss. 47-51 – In God’s help
- Vs. 47 – The fact that the Lord lives is certainly reason to rejoice.
- What does it mean when someone is your “rock”?
- How does the Lord being the rock of your salvation cause you to give praise?
- Vss. 48-49 – What happens when we forget that it is God who will fight our battles for us?
- Vs. 50 – What can we do so that we are more grateful for the victories that the Lord gives us?
- Vs. 51 – This is a great summary verse as to what God had done for David in his lifetime.
- Can you sum up what God has done for you in a sentence or two?
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1 KINGS 16:29-34 – THE DAYS OF ELIJAH
GOOD (FAITHFUL) SERVANT FOR BAD TIMES #1
- How are we living in bad times politically?
- How are we living in bad times morally?
- How are we living in bad times spiritually?
- What kind of people does God want in bad times?
The days in which Elijah the Prophet lived were bad times. Yet Elijah the Prophet stood as a good, faithful servant during those miserable days. Because we live in bad times as well, we need to learn from Elijah how to be faithful despite the circumstances in which we live. First, let’s see just how bad the times were in “The Days of Elijah”.
A SPLIT KINGDOM
- The prophecy of a split Kingdom – 1 Kings 11:28-40 - Jeroboam would be king.
- The coronation of and appeal to King Rehoboam – 1 Kings 12:1-5
- Rehoboam’s unwise decision – 1 Kings 12:6-15
- The formation of the Northern Kingdom (Called Israel) which left a Southern Kingdom (Called Judah) – 1 Kings 12:1-24
A PARADE OF WICKED KINGS OF ISRAEL
- Jeroboam – 1 Kings 12:25-33
- Nadab – 1 Kings 15:25-26
- Baasha – 1 Kings 15:27-34
- Elah – 1 Kings 16:8-14
- Zimri – 1 Kings 16:15-19
- Tibni – 1 Kings 16:21-22
- Omri – 1 Kings 16:23-28
THE WORST OF THEM ALL – AHAB
- He did more evil. – 1 Kings 16:29-30
- He married Jezebel. – 1 Kings 16:31
- He worshipped Baal and made an altar for him. – 1 Kings 16:31-32
- He provoked the Lord more than any other king of Israel. – 1 Kings 16:33
- He endorsed the rebuilding of Jericho. – 1 Kings 16:34, Joshua 6:34
TIME FOR A FAITHFUL SERVANT
- Elijah the prophet showed up apparently out of nowhere. 1 Kings 17:1
- Elijah was a person just like us, and mightily used of God. James 5:17-18
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PSALM 28 – WHEN OPPOSED
MY PLEA – Vss. 1-2
MY PROBLEM – Vss. 3-5
MY PRAISE – Vss. 6-7
MY POWER – Vs. 8
MY PRAYER – Vs. 9
ACTS 11:24 ETC. – A GOOD MAN
I want us to consider what it means to be a good man or a good woman according to the Scriptures.
A GOOD MAN IS FILLED - Acts 11:24
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
In the early church, Barnabas was Mr. Encouragement.
We meet him first in Acts 4:36-37
It was Barnabas who helped Paul get established in the church at Jerusalem. Acts 9:27
When Gentiles started to get saved, it was Barnabas, Mr. Encouragement that was sent to investigate.
Acts 11:19-23
It was also Barnabas, realizing that these new Christians needed a teacher, who recruited Paul into a teaching ministry. Acts 11:25-26
It was also Barnabas who went with Paul on the first missionary journey, and it was Barnabas who helped rehabilitate Mark, after Mark's initial failure in ministry.
Barnabas was indeed a good man, and in Acts 11:24, we see two things that helped make him a good man. Barnabas was a good man because, first of all, He was filled with the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost was promised by the Lord Jesus. John 14:16-18, John 16:12-14
The Holy Spirit lives inside of every Christian. Romans 8:9
When Barnabas was filled with the Spirit, he was simply doing what God wants every Christian to do. God wants every Christian to be under the influence of the Spirit. See Ephesians 5:18-21 and Galatians 5:22-23
A person who is filled with the Holy Spirit can not help being a good man or woman.
May I recommend to you that to be filled with the Spirit you should:
- Confess your sin
- Submit to God's will
- Ask to be filled
And being filled with the Spirit is a continual process.
Barnabas was filled with the Spirit and He was a good man.
Barnabas was also filled with faith. Hebrews 3:12-13, 11:1-2, 6, 12:1-2
A GOOD MAN FOLLOWS - Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
How we spend our time is of the utmost importance. Psalm 90:12, Ephesians 5:15-17
A GOOD MAN IS FAITHFUL - Micah 6:8
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
From the beginning God has wanted the things mentioned in this verse to be true of his followers. These are good things that make a good man or woman. They don't save a person, only faith in Christ does that. But these things found in a believer will please God. And notice each one of these things is not something to be done sporadically, but continually and consistently over a lifetime.
· DO JUSTLY
The believer should do whatever is right.
If it's in business or work, a believer should have ethics that all his business dealings are above board.
If it's in the neighborhood, a believer should have the reputation of doing what's right, even if it hurts financially.
If it's in the home, Mom or Dad should have the reputation with their kids of doing what is right. In fact it is better for a parent to change his or her mind, rather than not do what is right.
· LOVE MERCY
Some of the toughest people in the world can show mercy once in awhile. And some can show mercy in a grudging sort of way.
However we are to love mercy. And to love mercy means that we want to show kindness to people who may or may not deserve it.
In Psalm 136 there is a phrase referring to God is repeated in every verse, and his mercy endureth forever. If this is the character of our God, let us endeavor to show mercy to people whenever we can.
· WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD
There are many great men in the Bible, but two that stick out in my mind are Enoch and Noah. They had something in common.
They walked with God.
To me, walking humbly with God means that I know that I need God's guidance.
Walking humbly with God means that I know that I need God's help.
Walking humbly with God means that I know that I need God's fellowship.
A GOOD MAN IS FRUITFUL - Luke 6:45
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
The words that come out a person's mouth are fruit of sorts.
It can be good fruit or bad.
A good person has good words proceeding out his mouth. Proverbs 10:19, 15:1-2, 25:11-12, Ephesians 4:29
What comes out of the mouth is an indication of what is in the heart. So if we are going to have fruitful coming out of the mouth we must watch the heart!
Proverbs 4:23 - Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
The good news is as I keep my heart under the control of the Holy Spirit what is coming out of lips will be fruitful.
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2 CORINTHIANS 5:8-11a – LOOKING AHEAD
WE ARE CONFIDENT
Vs. 8 - We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
WE ARE CONCERNED
Vs. 9 - Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
WE ARE COGNIZANT (AWARE)
Vs. 10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
We know that we must all appear before the “Judgment Seat of Christ”.
WE ARE COMPASSIONATE
Vs. 11a - Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;
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ETERNALLY HIS – REVELATION 21-22
THE BACK OF THE BOOK #19 (REVELATION) (Last Lesson)
“The subject of eternity piques people’s interest as no other theme in Scripture. People intuitively know that there is a more fulfilling existence beyond this life because the transitory events on earth do not satisfy. But to affirm the reality of eternity requires, not intuitive speculation, but a source that transcends mankind itself. God has affirmed throughout Scripture that all believers will live forever. In the last two chapters of Revelation God provides mankind with an overview of what eternity will be like.” David Levy, Revelation: Hearing The Last Word, (Bellmawr, NJ, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc. 1999), p. 252
The Millennial reign of Christ is described in Revelation 20, as well as the final rebellion against God led by Satan and the “Great White Throne Judgment” of the resurrected unsaved dead. Now our text directs us to the last period of time, the Eternal State, where those of us who are saved will be eternally His!
PLACE – 21:1-2
- The old Heavens and Earth will be destroyed. Revelation 20:11, 2 Peter 3:10
- Vs. 1 – A new Heaven and a new earth will be created and appear after the old ones are destroyed.
- One of the new features of the new creation will be the absence of the sea. It appears that life in this new Heaven and earth will not be based on water.
- Vs. 2 – New Jerusalem, created by God, will descend to be the premier city in the New Heavens and earth. This is the city that Abraham looked for. Hebrews 11:10
- This new city appears as a “bride adorned for her husband”. It appears that in the Eternal State both redeemed Israel and the church will be the bride. All believers will have access to this city. Revelation 21:24-27
PROCLAMATION – 21:3-8
- Vs. 3 – A great voice makes a great proclamation. God will tabernacle or “pitch his tent” with His people. God will not be far off in any way. His presence with His people will be a glorious reality that anybody in this world is yet to experience!
- Vs. 4 – Sin will be absent. Because sin will be absent, tears will also be absent.
- Death, sorrow, crying, and pain will all be things of the past.
- Vs. 5 – All things will be made new! We can’t begin to fathom what that newness will be like, but we know that it is going to happen.
- It appears that John was overwhelmed and stopped recording his vision. He was commanded to write because the words are “true and faithful”. God’s Word can be trusted. Mark 13:31
- Vs. 6 – In our new resurrection bodies, physical thirst will not be an issue. Our spiritual thirst will be satisfied continually and fully. John 4:13-14, 7:37-39
- Vs. 7 – The true believer is the one who overcomes. He’ll inherit all things! Best of all, the true and living God will be his God, and he will be God’s son.
- Vs. 8 – Heaven is not for everyone! This verse gives a list of those who will not enter into the New Jerusalem. These people, who never turned from their sins to true faith will have their part in the Lake of Fire.
PREVIEW – 21:9-21
- Vs. 9 – John is invited to view the New Jerusalem. In this case it is the city that is viewed as “the bride”, because it is the place where the bride will dwell.
- Vs. 10 – The New Jerusalem will descend from God and will be like no other city. Some feel that this city will appear during the Millennial Kingdom suspended in space. There is not solid Scriptural evidence for this.
- Vs. 11 – This city will be brilliant, having the glory of God. The jasper here is more like a perfect diamond, beautifully reflecting the glory of God.
- Vss. 12-13 – The city will have 12 gates, each guarded by an angel and each bearing the name of a tribe of Israel. This indicates to me that this city is home for believing Israel.
- Vs. 14 – There are twelve foundations, one for each apostle, indicating to me that this city is home for the church.
- Vss. 15-17 – The city is in the shape of a cube. It is approximately 1, 380 miles wide, long, and high!
- Vs. 18 – This city will be made of the most perfectly cut translucent diamond like stones, and the purest gold anyone can imagine.
- Vss. 19-20 – Precious stones of all types will make up the foundations.
- Vs. 21 – Each gate will be a huge pearl!
PREEMINENCE – 21:22-23
- Vs. 22 – There will be no need for a temple in Heaven. God the Father and God the Son will be present, visible, and even approachable.
- Imagine how pure and glorious worship will be in this temple.
- Vs. 23 – There is no need for sun or moon. The Glory of God the Father and God the Son will illuminate the city brilliantly. Imagine the reflection of that glory on all the translucent stones, pearl, and pure gold.
- It is the preeminent presence of God that will make this city shine!
PEACE – 21:24-27
- Vs. 24 – The word “nations” means gentiles. Evidently those saved gentiles who are not part of the church or Israel will be the inhabitants of the earth.
- Those who are leaders of the earth will come to the city, giving their honor and glory to God.
- Vs. 25 – There will be no need to shut the gates. There will be no threats of enemy attacks, and there is no night there.
- Vs. 26 – The city will be open to all nations who will bring their honor and glory inside.
- Vs. 27 – This city will only house the redeemed! There will be no sin or unregenerate sinners entering in.
PARADISE – 22:1-5
- Vs. 1 – There will be a special river proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb. This river will provide spiritual life for the inhabitants of the city.
- Vs. 2 – The Tree of Life, once in Eden, is now in Jerusalem. It will bear 12 different kinds of fruit and its leaves will be for the health of the nations. The richness of Heaven will be enhanced by this tree.
- Vs. 3 – In Heaven there will be no curse. God the Father and Son will be present, and we, His servants, will joyfully serve Him!
- Vs. 4 – The most remarkable thing of all, we shall finally see God! Wow!
- We will bear His mark on our foreheads. We will proudly display His ownership.
- Vs. 5 – Light will come from God.
We will reign with God for all eternity! Hallelujah!
