Free for joyful celebration

Isaiah 42:1 – 10 Free for joyful celebration!

Here’s the situation:

God is often seen as one of two things:

1. So loving He would never cause or allow harm to people.

2. So spiteful He is always looking for an excuse to punish us.

This leads to misleading concepts of God.

1. If God is “loving” why do bad things happen?

a. This question misunderstands the “problem.”

1.) It expects God to prevent all forms of “bad,” “harm,” and “pain.”

2.) Bad things are a matter of perspective.

(Ill.) While America was angry and mourning over September 11, others celebrated in the streets.

A person who trusts Jesus for salvation dies. The family may mourn but the person, in the presence of Jesus is in joy beyond description.

***** The interpretation of events as “good” or “bad” is not universal. *****

b. The question misunderstands the nature of God.

1.) God has given humans the freedom to choose, the responsibility to care for this world, and the requirement to face judgment for those choices and actions.

2.) God has set certain physical and spiritual laws in motion. (The law of sin and death.) God will not violate those laws… it would make God a “law breaker” (a.k.a. “sinner”).

If God were to intervene and prevent a person from sinning, then God would be breaking His own laws, like the law of free will and the law of sin.

We cannot be insulated from the consequences of other people’s action. Imagine if you got shot and the bullet harmlessly bounced to the ground. That’s comic book stuff, not life.

2. Accusation: God is spiteful and always looking for reason to punish us.

a. This misunderstands the nature of “justice.”

A person falsely accuses another of a crime. The accused gets sent to prison. Where is the justice?

Your child is in school and a person comes into the school and shoots them. Regardless of what happens to them… where is the justice?

You’re daughter is one of the 30,000 girls in this country that is kidnapped and sold into the sex industry as a slave (CBS). Even if you get your daughter back she has long term emotional damage. What would count as justice for you?

***** Our problem is that ultimately there is no earthly justice that satisfies us when we feel we have been wronged. *****

b. This misunderstanding denies our responsibility as sinners.

1.) “There is no one righteous, not even one.” [Romans 3:10] In other words… nobody is without guilt.

2.) “All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” [Romans 3:12] In other words, we do not do things God’s way. As a result we are “worthless.” Without exception.

Here’s the solution:

1. God intended to send a “servant” one who was “chosen.”

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.” [Isaiah 42:1]

a. The KJV (and many others) translate it “Behold my servant…”

1.) Into our dismal in infested situation, God send a “servant.” Not a conquering King, not a great person… a servant… a slave.

2.) It is a HUGE surprise… (That’s the idea of “behold.”) It is Isaiah’s way of saying WOW!

b. The idea of “chosen one” was what the Jews called the Messiah, we call the Christ. Jesus.

2. Jesus came with God’s Spirit on Him to bring justice to the nations.

a. That’s the job description here in Isaiah 42. (There are others.)

b. In our concept of justice, someone has to pay for the wrong in someway.

“God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-- [26] he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” [Romans 3:25 – 26]

3. What does this mean?

a. God sent Jesus Christ as a sacrifice to pay for all the wrong (sin).

b. Jesus’ life blood became the only means for that sacrifice to satisfy the requirements of justice.

c. Only by faith do we accept this sacrifice as completely sufficient to pay for our sin.

d. Jesus sacrifice shows God was right to tolerate, be patient, and forgive what was done in the past.

e. Jesus sacrifice shows God is right to accept those who have faith in Jesus because Jesus paid the price of our law breaking (sin).


Here’s the stink:

1. How can God do this?

a. God’s servant would take a “humble” and “gentle” approach.

1.) [v 2] He would not raise his voice. People who raise there voice have lost control… they are naturally scary people… bad people.

2.) [v 3] He would not further hurt those who are damaged. (bruised reed, smoldering wick)

“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group [4] and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. [5] In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" [6] They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. [7] When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." [8] Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. [9] At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. [10] Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" [11] "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." [John 8:3 – 11]

b. Jesus does not condemn the woman AND He will not let her go back to her sin.

1.) When we talk about sin we cannot separate it from forgiveness and freedom from sin.

2.) The idea is not to damage hurting people further; it is to bring hope and healing from the hurt sin causes.

2. Why would God do this?

a. Because God can… (God is the ONLY one who can)

1.) [v 5] God created… God has decided to buy us back from the slavery of sin and save us from the eternal consequences by sending His own son to Hell for us.

2.) That is the message we remember and prepare for during Lent. Jesus died and went to Hell in our place.

3.) This message is followed by Easter, where we learn that neither death nor Hell can hold Jesus… or anyone whose faith is in Jesus.

b. Because we are helpless.

1.) [v 7] “blind,” “captives,” “sit in darkness.”

2.) We are in a desperate situation that if we truly understood… we would not want to be in.

3.) Trouble is that we are in darkness… we don’t really see (understand).

Wesley: “Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature’s night. Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke the dungeon flamed with light! My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.” [From “And Can It Be?”]


Here’s the significance:

1. [v 8] God will not share glory with another or loose praise to an idol.

a. Only God the Father has accomplished our saving freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ.

b. God does not need to be represented by an idol because God is in those who believe and trust in Jesus.

2. [v 9] Because of Jesus, something new happens…

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” [2 Corinthians 5:17]

a. This must be chosen or we continue in the same old rut that is not taking us to heaven.

b. We can continue in the slavery of sin or follow Jesus.

3. [v 10] Joyful celebration will be the result as evidenced by praise to God.

(Ill. Footprints rewrite) Person looked back and saw two sets of foot prints, then one, then foot prints all over the place. Asked for an explanation.

Two sets, you learned to walk with me. One set, when I needed to carry you. The scattered foot prints, when we celebrated with joy.

What Joy!

John 16:20 – 24
What Joy!

There are some odd expectations and definitions of the Christian life loose in our society. For instance, some people, by the way they look give the impression that God is opposed to any emotions... except being sour.

Others believe that the one who believes in and follows Jesus should never have a negative emotion. I have heard some go as far as saying that these negative emotions are “sin.” Along with this is an unrealistic meeting of sad and bad things with some sort of forced “joy.”

All this has made it difficult for us to find the proper perspective in understanding that Jesus expected us to have an underlying joy that can never be taken from us. We also must remember that “joy” is the second of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

I. Jesus noted that there would be a time of conflict between what was expected and the circumstances.

“I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.” [v 20a]

A. REALITY: what gives the world joy can be a cause for us to weep and mourn.

1. Specifically Jesus was talking about His death and resurrection.

a. Jesus was not telling them it was wrong to weep and mourn. There is a time to be “down” because of the circumstances of life.

b. Jesus was telling them that after that, they would have a time of great joy.

“. . . You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” [v 20b]

2. There is something about expectations that changes the nature of things, especially grief.

“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. [14] We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” [1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 14]

a. “Ignorance” is something both Jesus and Paul were addressing.

b. The problem is that we tend to live in the “now.” Really, we have to... but the tendency is to lose sight of what is in the future.


***** It is ok to have negative feelings in response to negative events, if they are in perspective.*****

II. Jesus used an example of extreme pain and extreme joy to illustrate His point.

A. The pain of child birth is natural.

1. REALITY: sometimes there is pain that we can do nothing about.

a. Emotional pain happens in the course of life or as a result of life itself.

1.) The pain of being rejected by someone you love.

2.) The emotional turmoil from a physical trauma, such as the death of a loved one. (80% of marriages were a child dies end in divorce.)

3.) Some people have chemical imbalances. (Some are caused by addictions, some addictions are used to self-medicate.)

4.) Some people suffer from “clinical depression” that are beyond our ability to understand.

b. Sometimes these pains are life long and cannot be appropriately dulled.

2. Joy is an issue that is beyond physical pain.

a. Expectation is something even those in the most pain can understand (the woman giving birth).

1.) It does not lessen the immediate pain BUT...

2.) It does give something to look forward to beyond the immediate.

b. Expectation of a future joy can get us past the “now” and give us a future hope.

1.) Think about it: as good as this life is, there is nothing permanent here for us.

2.) Someday, in the presence of Jesus, there will be no more pain, or sorrow, or suffering, of any kind.


***** Joy is not part of a sequence, it is the consequence of the sorrow. Following Christ does not exempt us from sorrow or cause us to forfeit joy. *****

III. Joy is finally set on the facts and the promises of God.

A. What are the facts Jesus pointed out?

1. Jesus’ resurrection (and the future promise of ours) would give us “wonderful joy.”

2. Anguish would give way to joy in new life.

3. Jesus return would be a cause of rejoicing (a.k.a. “Joy”)

***** Notice that Jesus is the difference, the point of reference, for all our hopes and joys. *****

B. What are the promises Jesus gave us?

1. [v 22] “no one will take away your joy.”

2. Your prayers will be answered, leading to joy.

“Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” [v 24b]

IV. Why is this so hard?

A. Some people chose Jesus as “the lesser of the two evils” over going to hell.

1. “He goes for a miserable life and heaven in the end.” [Garriock]

a. The result is like the child who, when told to sit down declared, “I may be sitting down but on the inside I’m standing up.”

b. We follow Jesus as “slaves” (to sin) and not “sons” (of God).

2. Rather than acquiring the power of living in right relationship to God, we go through the motions as if there were nothing better or else.

B. Understanding that joy is a provision for all of life.

1. Joy give us a whole bunch of things: confidence in prayer, certainty of answered prayer, expectation that God WANTS to give us what is best.

2. Joy becomes, not just the fruit of our relationship with God, it becomes the pivot point for every experience (good or bad) in this life.

The Ultimate Christmas

Isaiah 12

The Ultimate Christmas

Introduction: Christmas is a time we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a time we wish others peace. It is a time of hope for peace. In Isaiah 11 the time of the rule of the Messiah is described in verses 6 – 9 (read). Isaiah 12 is a psalm describing what would be said at that time. It starts with “In that day.”

 

I.         God’s relationship to us will change (12:1 – 3)

 

            A.        There will be an end of separation (v1).

 

                        1.         All are separated from God. (Romans 3:23)

 

                                    a.         It stared in the Garden of Eden. This separation is also between people. (Tell Garden of Eden story of shame and blame.)

 

                                    b.         Tossed out of the Garden and the way is guarded by a flaming sword (implied death)

 

                        2.         All are under God’s wrath. “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” (Romans 1:18 NIV)

 

                                    a.         God’s anger is gives way to comfort (on going effect)

 

                                    b.         (ill.) the child that is disciplined by a loving parent is also comforted by that parent.

 

            B.        There will be an end of fear (v2).

 

                        1.         The fear of God will be gone. There will be no need to fear others. Our other fears will melt (like fear of failure/ “deferred success.”)

 

                        2.         It will be replaced with trust. (The opposite of fear is not courage, it is trust.)

 

                        3.         It will be because of salvation.

 

                        4.         There is an extremely rare expression used to inspire absolute perfect, unwavering confidence: “The LORD, the LORD.”

 

            C.        There will be an end of want (v3).

 

                        1.         Image of a well in a hot, dry country.

 

                        2.         Jesus told the woman at the well, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water... [14] but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."” John 4:10, 14 (NIV)

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews would bring water in a golden picture from the fountain of Siloam. They would pour this out on the alter as a thank offering with great rejoicing.

Image of our most basic necessity becomes the image of God’s provision of salvation through Jesus.

 

II.       God will be plainly known (12:4 – 5)

 

            A.        God’s name will be known (v4).

 

                        1.         There is confusion over who is God.

 

                                    a.         Modernists seem to think that Man is God... We are not!

 

                                    b.         Postmodernists seem to think that Man is God... We are not!.

 

                                    c.         Other religions have invented God in their own image. (BTW, there is a false “Christianity” that does the same thing.)

 

                        2.         Who God is, what God has done will be proclaimed clearly.

 

                                    a.         A celebration, like a memorial.

 

                                    b.         (ill.) TV show “This is your life.”

 

            B.        God’s work will be known (v5).

 

                        1.         Jesus entered the world as a baby. (We call this Christmas.)

 

                        2.         Jesus walked through this life facing everything we face to save us. “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil.... [17] For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. [18] Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:14, 17 – 18 (NIV) (We call this Easter.)

 

III.      God’s presence will cause a reaction (12:6)

 

            A.        Joy will be a reaction.

 

                        1.         There will be shouting (like when our favorite sports team is doing will).

 

                        2.         There will be singing (like when we are happy and excited).

 

            B.        God will be among us!

 

                        1.         There is coming a time when God will “physically” live with us and we with God. Or as it says in Revelation 21:3 – 4, “[3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. [4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” (We call this Heaven!)

 

                        2.         Right now we have a small piece, a down payment, on that time. God has given us the Holy Spirit.

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What does “Christian perfection” look like?

1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18

What does “Christian perfection” look like?

John Wesley – “Rejoice always in uninterrupted happiness in God. Pray without ceasing, which is the fruit of always rejoicing in the Lord. In everything give thanks, which is the fruit of both the former. THIS IS CHRISTIAN PERFECTION. Further than this we cannot go, and we need not stop short of it.”

 

I.         Jesus purchased our joy and righteousness.*

 

            A.        Joy and righteousness is ours through Jesus Christ.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” [1 Peter 1:3 – 9]

 

                        1.         Joy is based on our standing in Jesus, not circumstances. [v 6]

 

                                    a.         In Jesus we have a “new birth” and a “living hope.” [v 4]

 

                                    b.         Suffering plays an important part in “proving” our faith. [v 7]

“RO 3:21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” [Romans 3:21]

 

                        2.         Righteousness is based on the work of Jesus Christ, not our work.

 

                                    a.         The keeping of the law implied the possibility of earning or deserving salvation.

 

                                    b.         Righteousness comes through one source: Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and coming again.

 

            B.        Joy killers:

 

                        1.         The desire to gratify the imagination.*

 

                                    a.         These are things that were never designed to satisfy the desire to gratify the immortal spirit.*

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” [1 John 2:15 – 17]

 

                                    b.         The real trouble is that all the things we crave (want) outside of Jesus is false and will eventually let us down or betray us.

 

                        2.         Bitterness.*

“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” [Hebrews 12:15]

 

                                    a.         Bitterness is connected to missing the grace of God.

 

                                    b.         This affect can be both initially and eventually.

 

                        3.         “Looking for life in things that make you die.” [“Life begins at the cross” by the Alter Boys]

 

                                    a.         When we chase what is false, the end will always be bad.

 

                                    b.         We have so much to confuse us. We add so much to the exercise of religion. We become “smorgasbord” in our approach because we don’t know the Bible.

 

II.       Prayer is the breath of our spiritual life.*

 

            A.        Joy makes us want to be constantly in the presence of God.*

 

                        1.         “Sweet of hour of prayer” vs “pray without ceasing”

 

                                    a.         Someplace we get the idea that the presence of God is something we can enter and leave at will.

 

                                    b.         While at times we are invited into God’s presence for special times, such as church services, Bible reading, prayer... we are constantly in God’s presence!

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” [Colossians 1:27]

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” [2 Corinthians 1:21 – 22]

 

            B.        Of all our physical functions... (outside of our heart beating) breathing is the most critical (we die the quickest if this it denied).

 

                        1.         Spiritually, it works the same way... if we disconnect from God in prayer... we will cease to live spiritually.

[Ill. There is an octopus that changes color and is about the size of a golf ball. It is considered the most lethal creature on earth. If a person comes in contact with the octopus, death results in about four minutes and there is no known antidote. The problem is not the octopus, it is a deadly bacteria that grows on its skin. It works because it causes the body to stop breathing which causes cardiac arrest. Basically, its drowning without the water.]

 

                        2.         When you are in love with someone, there is a joy that fills you when you are around them... Joy that is real will compel us to be in the presence of God, constantly in prayer.

 

                                    a.         Here’s life: in Jesus Christ we are alive in the presence of God. There is joy and a desire to continue in that joy is expressed in prayer.

 

                                    b.         We breath spiritually in prayer.

 

III.      Thanksgiving is inseparable from true prayer.*

 

            A.        Thanksgiving in all circumstances?

 

                        1.         Suffering produces good things.

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” [Romans 5:3 – 5]

 

                                    a.         This is contrary to our desire for comfort and ease.

 

                                    b.         Typically we see suffering as negative (even a curse).

 

                        2.         Suffering confirms relationship.

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? [8] If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. [9] Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! [10] Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. [11] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” [Hebrews 12:7 – 11]

 

                                    a.         Discipline is direction and training, not just punishment.

 

                                    b.         Hardship/suffering helps produce good things in us: holiness, righteousness, and peace.

 

            B         Notice that we are to give thanks IN all circumstances not FOR all circumstances.

 

                        1.         God wants us to maintain rejoicing, constant prayer, and thanksgiving regardless of the circumstances.

 

                                    a.         Nothing can separate us from the love of God. [see Romans 8:35 – 39]

 

                                    b.         If God is still around with His infinite love for us and we have not thrown away our confidence in the saving work and blood of Jesus Christ... Then regardless what circumstance we find ourselves in, we maintain joy, constant prayer, and thanksgiving.

 

                        2.         Pain is still pain.

 

                                    a.         Pain is very useful in teaching us and keeping us safe. (Ill. Hot stove...)

 

                                    b.         God uses the everyday grind, the natural painful parts of life, the inevitable wear and tear to teach us and point us in the way we should go.

 

IV.      What does this mean.

 

            A.        It can be a test.

 

                        1.         A “standard” is something that gives us an idea of what to expect and what is good.

 

                                    a.         Joy, constant prayer, and thanksgiving are the “standards” for the Christian life. They are the constant. They are the consistent marks. They are the expected outcomes.

 

                                    b.         If any of them are missing then something is wrong... in some cases very wrong.

 

                        2.         If something is wrong, then you need to change courses.

 

                                    a.         Navigating the Great Lakes was a very treacherous thing. Light houses were built to help ships navigate. Detailed maps were drawn showing the depth and dangers. Even adjustments to compasses were charted (to compensate for the heavy mineral deposits in the area). All intended to keep ships safe.

 

                                    b.         Still, they built the “widow’s walk” on houses. You can see them today, on top of the houses near the river... a walk way built on the roof so wives could go out and see if their husband’s ships were returning. If they didn’t see the ship, it meant it had gone down and they had probably lost their husband.

 

            B.        It can be necessary correction.

 

                        1.         Shipwrecks are terrible things... There is desperate work to stop the possible. There is frantic desire to avoid the inevitable. A shipwrecked life is a terrible thing.

 

                                    a.         Lives are uprooted and destroyed.

 

                                    b.         Families and churches are destroyed.

 

                        2.         It’s time to take an honest check on our bearings: joy, prayer, and thanksgiving.

 

                                    a.         If something is missing then you are off course. If you are off course then you are in danger.

 

                                    b.         Maybe you are hung up on jealousy, evil surmising (suppose without having evidence – Oxford), groundless or unreasonable suspicions, envy, resentment of past injuries or insults.

 

                        3.         Make the correction: repent... let God’s love and joy fill you again.

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The Joy of the Cross: The answer to the Ultimate Question

Psalm 24

The Joy of the Cross: The answer to the Ultimate Question

 

[Ill.] A game show where questions were asked.  The host would ask, “Is that your final answer?”  It has been said, to know the answer you have to have the right question.

 

This Psalm may have been written for when the Ark of the Covenant was moved into Jerusalem by King David.  It has prophetic implications referring to Jesus entry into the temple.  It also has practical applications to our spiritual journey.

 

 

I.                   God is awesome!

 

A.                 God is the hand-on creator of the earth.

 

1.                  One theory of God is that he is like the clock maker who designed the earth, wound it up, and left it.

 

2.                  Jesus is described as the creator: “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” [John 1:3]

 

3.                  God the Father sent Jesus the son: “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” [John 1:10]

 

B.        God is the hand-on owner of the earth.

 

1.         God is actively involved today. “For God so loved the world that he gave                 his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have             eternal life.” [John 3:16]

 

2.                  God’s ownership and activity is based on the fact He made                         everything.

 

Sometimes in our spiritual journey we make little progress.  The effort seems to not pay off.  Some quit or loose heart.  Others stumble and find it difficult to get up.  Everyone at some point feels drained. 

 

Which brings us to the question: “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?”  Spurgeon noted that the Christian life is uphill.  It takes energy and effort to overcome the gravity of sin.  What skills are needed?

 

David suggests four disciplines for a successful spiritual pilgrimage.

 

 

II.                How can anyone seek God?

 

A.        “Clean hands” [v 4a]

 

1.         Hands symbolize the work we do.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” [Colossians 3:23]

 

2.         This is holiness.  It is applied holiness in the form of behavior that conforms to the will of God.

 

B.        “Pure heart” [v 4a]

 

1.        The real test of the behavior is what comes from the heart.  “For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.  All these things come from inside and make a man unclean.”  [Mark 7:20 – 21]

 

2.         Motivations and thoughts, which only God can know.  “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You cleaned the outside of the cup and dish but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence... You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean.”  [Mathew 23:25]

 

C.        Undivided loyalty.  “…does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.” [v 4b]

 

            1.         What is an idol?

                       

a.         An idol is a false “god.”  Sometimes a false “god” is symbolized by a physical object, such as a rock.

 

b.         Technically, anything that is more important than God is an idol.  It may be stuff, life-style, comfort, pleasure, etc…  There is a lack of exclusive relationship to God.

 

c.         The first commandment is: “You shall have no other gods before me.”  [Exodus 20:3]

 

            2.         Allowing what is false in our lives divides our loyalties.

 

a.         Swearing by what is false is taking an oath (making a promise) with no intention of doing what you said.

 

b.         The intent to deceive and lack of integrity undermines our spiritual efforts.

 

D.        Submitted will.  “Lift up your heads…” [vv 7, 9]

 

            1.         Prophecy meets invitation.

 

                        a.         The desire of Israel was to see the Messiah enter Jerusalem.

 

                        b.         At the same time, it is expected that we allow Jesus to enter.

 

2.            Here is the ironic twist: With all our effort to apply all spiritual                      disciplines (which is good) we discover that God has been outside            the gates all along… waiting for us.

 

a.         Through cleans hands, pure heart, undivided loyalty we       learn the discipline of a submitted will.

 

                        b.         We are on our spiritual journey to find that Jesus is at the                                     door.  While we have been intimidated to approach God,                                     God has taken the step toward us.

 

 

III.             The secret to achieving your goal.

 

A.        You must be saved.  [v 5]

 

            1.         Blessing is root cause for joy.  Blessing is not arbitrary.

 

            2.         “Vindication” means given righteousness “from God his Savior.”                                    [v 5]

 

                        a.         Who do we really trust for our salvation?  Do we trust                                       our own works or God, through the blood Jesus spilled on                                       the cross? 

 

                        b.         God takes the initiative; we respond… that response is                                      always uphill because sin, like gravity, is always trying to                                      drag us into the pit of hell.

 

B.        You must be seeking. [v 6]

 

            1.         While God has taken the steps (offered the gift of eternal life), we                         need to put some effort into our spiritual journey.  Why?

 

                        a.         We are more likely to appreciate the gift if we actually use                                     it after it is given.

 

                        b.         What good is the gift if we do not  use it?

 

2.                 You will pursue something/someone.

 

a.                   We may not always recognize what is most important.

 

                                    b.         Ask yourself, if your life was one item in a box… what                                                  would that item be?

 

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” [1 Corinthians 2:2]

 

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” [Philippians 1:21]

 

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection…” [Philippians 3:10a]

 

Hands, heart, mind (undivided loyalty), spirit (submitted will)… all for Jesus and all on the alter.

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