1 John 5:1 – 5
What is a Christian?
My concerns: 1.) Christianity out of balance due to theological emphasis or practice. 2.) Christian church in America takes the minimum as sufficient [Benjamin Waite]. 3.) Christian church allowing non-believers to define Christianity.
Four necessary, inter-related parts: the mind (“I believe”), the heart (“I feel”), the will (“I choose”), the behavior (“I do”). All are necessary for salvation and the Christian life. All are responses to God’s initiative.
I. I believe
A. Believe in the existence of God.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6]
1. Atheism is a religious system that denies the existence of any God. (Religion does not need a “god” only a spiritual belief/system.)
a. The real issue is “faith” not “proof.” If you can prove the existence of something (such as Europe) then it is not faith.
b. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” [Hebrews 11:1]
2. Many people are what C. S. Lewis (“Chronicles of Narnia”) called “Practical Atheists.”
a. The existence of God is not the issue... They may or many not believe or practice a religious system.
b. The “practical atheist” lives like there is no God.
B. Believe in Jesus.
“They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.” [Acts 16:31]
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” [1 John 5:13]
1. Jesus claimed that this was “exclusive.” [Jesus only, not Jesus plus ...]
a. “Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” [John 14:6]
b. This is the intellectual stumbling block. People love a generic “god.” but will not accept Jesus as the only way.
c. The reason Jesus is “exclusive” is because of the idea of sin (another unacceptable concept in this modern world).
“But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.” [Galatians 3:22]
“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. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” [John 3:16 – 18]
2. The disciples claimed the belief in Jesus was “exclusive.”
a. (John) “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” [John 20:31]
b. (Paul) “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” [1 Timothy 1:16]
c. (Peter and others) “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12]
d. (First church council) “No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” [Acts 15:11]
C. The “problem” with belief.
1. It is not enough to only believe.
a. “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.” [James 2:9]
1.) The demons know who Jesus is. “Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, [24] "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!” [Mark 1:23 – 24]
2.) The fact is this (correct) knowledge/belief did not change their (the "evil spirit"/demon's) loyalty or behavior.
b. Belief by itself has no root or long term value.
1.) “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. [12] Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. [13] Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.” [Luke 8:11 – 13]
2.) Jesus was talking about people who “believe for a while.” In other words, they do not allow their belief to create a long term change (“they have no root.”)
3.) “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” [Hebrews 10:39]
2. Belief cannot be disconnected from life.
a. “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.... As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” [James 2:24, 26]
b. We have harsh words for those who disconnect belief from actions: such as “hypocrite.”
c. The struggle with unbelief is a key component of belief: “Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” [Mark 9:24]
*** This struggle translates into real life battles, bruises, and victories.
II. I feel
“Jesus replied: " `Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment.” [Matthew 22:37 – 38]
A. The role of the heart.
1. The heart is often portrayed in the Bible as the human component that motivates a choice.
a. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” [2 Corinthians 9:7]
1.) Giving is an emotional choice. You give based on how you feel.
2.) Yet it is also an “decision” (and act of the will... “I chose” will be covered later.)
b. (Jesus rebuking two followers on the road to Emmaus) “He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” [Luke 24:25]
1.) Jesus speaks to their mind (foolish: “I believe”) and their heart (slow).
2.) The witness to/about Jesus has been established but the heart can be blinded.
2. The heart has a strong emotional component. (“I feel”)
a. “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” [Romans 9:2]
1.) Paul is agonizing over the eternal destiny of unbelievers of his “own race.” (The Jews)
2.) He uses this emotional anguish as vital to his theology (belief) and motivation for his actions (“I do”).
b. “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?” [Acts 2:37]
1.) This was the emotional response to Peter’s preaching on the Day of Pentecost.
2.) This emotional response motivated people to action.
B. The heart (emotions) is necessary in salvation/defining Christianity.
1. It can make us choose for or against Christ.
a. FOR: “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” [Romans 10:9 – 10]
1.) Here is action (confession), belief, and emotion (heart) at work in justification/salvation
2.) Notice the Bible says, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified.” There is a emotional quality to knowledge.
b. AGAINST: “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.” [Romans 2:5]
1.) Stubbornness is a serious problem... the prophet Jeremiah addresses the stubbornness of the “evil hearts” seven times as an explanation of why people refuse to obey God.
2.) Stubbornness is refusing to change course or attitude.
2. It is the heart that shows us most clearly who we are.
a. “Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” [Matthew 15:19] And again He said, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” [Matthew 12:34]
1.) The reason we do rotten things is because we are motivated by our emotions to do rotten things.
2.) Emotions are the hardest thing to pretend. They are difficult to control.
3.) Here’s the problem for the believer: “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” [Hebrews 3:12]
a.) Eventually the heart can turn us away from God.
b.) Which is why in “evangelism” we tell people not to trust how they “feel” at moments of doubt.
b. “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” [1 Timothy 1:5]
III. I chose
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” [John1:12]
A. The “will” has been a topic of heated theological debate.
1. God tells us to choose: “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” [Joshua 24:15a]
a. Choosing is an Old Testament concept, so is faith or love.
b. Choosing is an act of the will on the part of an individual who is responding to God’s initiative.
2. The New Testament translates the concept of choosing as receiving: “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” [1 Peter 2:10]
a. God’s offer must be received (as a choice)... in other words, it can be rejected (as a choice).
b. We are warned “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” [Hebrews 4:7] (We get hung up on specific examples like Pharaoh and Judas... but these were individuals who’s hearts were hardened for a specific purpose, not a general rule.)
B. At some point, there is a choice.
1. “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. [2] As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.” [1 Peter 4:1 – 3]
a. When we were/are without Christ we “choose” to live a certain way. The contrast is that when we are in Christ we choose to be “done with sin” and “evil human desires.”
b. Notice that a huge part of the choice here is “attitude.”
2. “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. [12] Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. [13] Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.” [Romans 6:11 – 13]
a. The word translated “count” is in the continual sense and is often translated “reckon.” (It’s an accounting term that means to take an inventory... “fearless moral inventory.”)
b. Who you obey is your master. (You will obey sin and “its evil desires” or obey God.) Who you obey will be who you allow to rule your body.
IV. I do
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. [4] The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. [5] But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: [6] Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” [1 John 2:3 – 6]
A. Obedience is the proof of our relationship with God.
1. “Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. [24] He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.” [John 14:23 – 24]
a. Obedience results in God moving in with us. John used the word “home” to describe this relationship.
b. Obedience is a result of loving Jesus. Typically we do not “hang out” around people we do not like. Certainly we will not obey someone we do not love/respect on our own free will.
2. “And, once made perfect, he (Jesus) became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” [Hebrews 5:9]
a. If Jesus is the source, it makes sense that our behavior would align with what He expects of us.
b. If we have eternal salvation, it makes sense that our behavior would align with the source and pattern of that salvation. (Ill. A tuning fork.)
B. Obedience lives up to our standing and responsibilities.
1. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. [10] If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.” [John 15:9]
a. Jesus demonstrated His relationship to God the Father through His obedience. In other words, He lived up to the relationship....
b. Through obedience we stay tuned to God and His love. Disobedience weakens us and weakens our relationship with God.
2. “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” [2 Corinthians 7:1]
a. Responsibility to do our part, participate with God’s kindness and work in our lives to remove contaminates.
b. If we do not then we expose ourselves to judgement (“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17).
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Ruth 1:14 – 17
Courage, Commitment, and Clarity
The book of Ruth is about a woman who demonstrates what many feel are extraordinary qualities and characteristics. She becomes the “great-grandmother” of King David (who also displays these qualities).
In this passage there are three characteristics modeled by Ruth that can help us become extraordinary mothers.
I. Courage to face the unknown.
A. “Where you go I will go.” [v 16]
1. The only thing Ruth knew about Israel or Bethlehem would have been:
a. Word of mouth (rumor) and Moabite prejudices.
b. The life of Naomi and here family.
2. Ruth did not know the culture or religious beliefs.
a. Except what she had seen and heard from her husband and Naomi’s family.
b. Probably not impressive.
B. “Where you stay I will stay.” [v 16]
1. She probably did not know much about the conditions she would be moving into.
a. Israel, at this time, was constantly raided...
b. Economic conditions were typically poorer than more organized countries.
2. They did not have a home to move to and Israelites hated Moabites (because of their history). Of course the feeling was mutual.
C. Courage challenges the need for security.
1. Security is an important priority.
2. The security issue can be a symptom of the lack of trust (either the inability or a specific individual).
II. Commitment to be unconditional.
A. She did not set conditions!
1. Some people are “conditional.”
a. The “if” clause sets conditions based on the “right” things happening. [I will love you if I am happy.]
b. The “but” clause sets conditions based on the wrong things happening. [I will love you but if I get unhappy, then I’m gone.]
2. Conditions are based on SOMEONE else.
a. This means:
1.) The person setting the condition will not have to take responsibility (always have someone else to blame).
2.) The person will always have an excuse (“boloney stuffed in the skin of reason” – unknown)
b. Conditions are others-based and centered on external circumstances.
1.) This guarantees eternal misery and problems.
2.) Fairy tales have a literary devise of a “magical” solution.... In other words, the FALSE solution is always found outside the individual. (e.g. Prince charming, fairy god-mother, wishing star, etc...)
(Ill.) A little girl hears the story of Cinderella at school. Excited she tells the story to her Mom. When she gets to the end of the story, she ask, “do you know what happens then?”
Mom: “Yes, the live happily every after.”
Girl: “No, silly. They get married.” [Unknown]
(This is better ending because Cinderella is not depending on someone else or circumstances for her “happily every after.”)
***** As long as you are depending on someone or something other than God, in this fallen world, you are going to be disappointed. *****
B. Unconditional means being willing to follow.
1. These are fighting words!
a. Dr. Phil’s philosophy: “Empower women.”
1.) Based on the idea that all men are ignorant at best or idiots at worst. (Truth: we are scared and confused.)
2.) Based on the idea that all men are bad. (Truth: as sinners ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is possible.)
b. On second thought: What else is there when men refuse to live by biblical principles. (“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself.” Ephesians 5:25, 33a)
1.) “Needy” women set themselves up as targets for predators of all sorts.
2.) It doesn’t take much to spot one... You don’t need to be a psychologist to profile an unhealthy dependence person.
2. Following or serving is not weakness.
a. Jesus had another name for it: “leadership.”
“They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" [34] But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” [Mark 9:33 – 35]
b. The fact that we can not get our minds around this shows us just how messed up we are about the concepts of following and leading.
III. Clarity to be unmovable.
A. Clarity of conviction.
1. “Your God (will be) my God.” [v 16]
a. This would mean she had a lot to learn.
b. This would mean she had to overcome the prejudices.
c. This meant a shift in comfort.
1.) It can be uncomfortable to learn new things (especially in religion).
2.) New forms of worship can be uncomfortable.
2. “Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.” [v 17]
a. Ruth commits to a life to “life plus a day.”
b. There is no turning back.
c. Contrast between clarity (stable) and double minded (unstable).
B. Clarity of conviction comes from one place: Conversion.
1. A solid faith in God places us on solid footing in life.
2. Acknowledge separation, Believe that Jesus died/rose again for your salvation, Chose to follow Jesus.
IV. Conviction to unswervingly trust God.
A. “May the LORD deal with me.” [v 17]
1. Her oath was based on the LORD.
a. Not a law. (A law never stopped someone from behaving badly... it only gives society a legal means to retaliate.)
b. Not a human.
c. Ultimately we are accountable to God (the LORD) and we find our lives in God.
2. Her oath was not based on her past, it was based on her future.
a. She must have had some sort of conversion experience.
b. This was a personal choice, not based on obligation (Naomi released them from any obligations).
B. This choice made Ruth special.
1. “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation.” [Deuteronomy 23:3]
2. “All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character.” [Ruth 3:11b]
3. “And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” [Ruth 4:17b]
Courage, Commitment, and Clarity
The book of Ruth is about a woman who demonstrates what many feel are extraordinary qualities and characteristics. She becomes the “great-grandmother” of King David (who also displays these qualities).
In this passage there are three characteristics modeled by Ruth that can help us become extraordinary mothers.
I. Courage to face the unknown.
A. “Where you go I will go.” [v 16]
1. The only thing Ruth knew about Israel or Bethlehem would have been:
a. Word of mouth (rumor) and Moabite prejudices.
b. The life of Naomi and here family.
2. Ruth did not know the culture or religious beliefs.
a. Except what she had seen and heard from her husband and Naomi’s family.
b. Probably not impressive.
B. “Where you stay I will stay.” [v 16]
1. She probably did not know much about the conditions she would be moving into.
a. Israel, at this time, was constantly raided...
b. Economic conditions were typically poorer than more organized countries.
2. They did not have a home to move to and Israelites hated Moabites (because of their history). Of course the feeling was mutual.
C. Courage challenges the need for security.
1. Security is an important priority.
2. The security issue can be a symptom of the lack of trust (either the inability or a specific individual).
II. Commitment to be unconditional.
A. She did not set conditions!
1. Some people are “conditional.”
a. The “if” clause sets conditions based on the “right” things happening. [I will love you if I am happy.]
b. The “but” clause sets conditions based on the wrong things happening. [I will love you but if I get unhappy, then I’m gone.]
2. Conditions are based on SOMEONE else.
a. This means:
1.) The person setting the condition will not have to take responsibility (always have someone else to blame).
2.) The person will always have an excuse (“boloney stuffed in the skin of reason” – unknown)
b. Conditions are others-based and centered on external circumstances.
1.) This guarantees eternal misery and problems.
2.) Fairy tales have a literary devise of a “magical” solution.... In other words, the FALSE solution is always found outside the individual. (e.g. Prince charming, fairy god-mother, wishing star, etc...)
(Ill.) A little girl hears the story of Cinderella at school. Excited she tells the story to her Mom. When she gets to the end of the story, she ask, “do you know what happens then?”
Mom: “Yes, the live happily every after.”
Girl: “No, silly. They get married.” [Unknown]
(This is better ending because Cinderella is not depending on someone else or circumstances for her “happily every after.”)
***** As long as you are depending on someone or something other than God, in this fallen world, you are going to be disappointed. *****
B. Unconditional means being willing to follow.
1. These are fighting words!
a. Dr. Phil’s philosophy: “Empower women.”
1.) Based on the idea that all men are ignorant at best or idiots at worst. (Truth: we are scared and confused.)
2.) Based on the idea that all men are bad. (Truth: as sinners ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is possible.)
b. On second thought: What else is there when men refuse to live by biblical principles. (“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself.” Ephesians 5:25, 33a)
1.) “Needy” women set themselves up as targets for predators of all sorts.
2.) It doesn’t take much to spot one... You don’t need to be a psychologist to profile an unhealthy dependence person.
2. Following or serving is not weakness.
a. Jesus had another name for it: “leadership.”
“They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" [34] But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” [Mark 9:33 – 35]
b. The fact that we can not get our minds around this shows us just how messed up we are about the concepts of following and leading.
III. Clarity to be unmovable.
A. Clarity of conviction.
1. “Your God (will be) my God.” [v 16]
a. This would mean she had a lot to learn.
b. This would mean she had to overcome the prejudices.
c. This meant a shift in comfort.
1.) It can be uncomfortable to learn new things (especially in religion).
2.) New forms of worship can be uncomfortable.
2. “Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.” [v 17]
a. Ruth commits to a life to “life plus a day.”
b. There is no turning back.
c. Contrast between clarity (stable) and double minded (unstable).
B. Clarity of conviction comes from one place: Conversion.
1. A solid faith in God places us on solid footing in life.
2. Acknowledge separation, Believe that Jesus died/rose again for your salvation, Chose to follow Jesus.
IV. Conviction to unswervingly trust God.
A. “May the LORD deal with me.” [v 17]
1. Her oath was based on the LORD.
a. Not a law. (A law never stopped someone from behaving badly... it only gives society a legal means to retaliate.)
b. Not a human.
c. Ultimately we are accountable to God (the LORD) and we find our lives in God.
2. Her oath was not based on her past, it was based on her future.
a. She must have had some sort of conversion experience.
b. This was a personal choice, not based on obligation (Naomi released them from any obligations).
B. This choice made Ruth special.
1. “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation.” [Deuteronomy 23:3]
2. “All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character.” [Ruth 3:11b]
3. “And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” [Ruth 4:17b]
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Mark 6:1 – 6
The Importance of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
“I believe in God the Father Almighty...” (“Apostles’ Creed”)
I. Unbelief will never lack an excuse.
A. THE FACTS: Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith (unbelief).
1. They questioned Jesus’ wisdom.
a. They wondered where it came from.
b. They could not accept Jesus’ wisdom.
2. They questioned Jesus’ miracles.
a. The language implies “charlatan.”
b. They saw His miracles and heard about them but they did not believe.
3. They questioned Jesus’ authority.
a. Jesus did not quote others, society, or culture.
b. Jesus quoted Scripture and spoke the truth.
B. THE FILTERS: This is perception, or what we know as “spin.”
1. They claimed to know the family.
a. That Jesus was a carpenter and carpenter’s son.
b. They knew the brothers and sisters (very ordinary people).
c. They knew were Jesus was from, no place special.
*** Irony: the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus for exactly the opposite reason. “We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from.” (John 9:29) So we see “spin” at work.
The Bible says, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:11)
Describing Jesus tactic, the bible says, “but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7)
2. The filters were derogatory. (Concerning Jesus, they always are... Everyone likes “God” but mention Jesus and it’s a different reaction.)
a. They had contempt.
b. They saw no reason to believe He was different or God.
C. THE FEELING: This is were filters are solidified.
1. They were offended.
a. Their attitude was based on what they wanted to believe.
b. The facts (about Jesus) were run through filters (perception that Jesus was not special).
c. The end result was opposite of what it should be...
2. Jesus’ miracles were “acknowledged” but explained as meaningless.
a. They were “offended” (literally “scandalized”).
b. The miracles (like raising the dead girl) became a snare.
II. Unbelief will always bring results.
A. Result #1: LACK OF RESPECT. (For Jesus)
1. “Familiarity breeds contempt.” (Caution against the “buddy-buddy” attitude of Evangelical Christianity.)
2. Jesus noted He was “without honor.” Actually, that is a kind way to say He was dishonored and despised.
(Ill.) When we lived in Iowa, people (including us) would go outside when the tornado sirens went off. They went off so often that nobody really believed them... It was also a form of entertainment looking for tornados. Once one touched down, everyone would rush to their cars to go look at the damage.
B. Result #2: LACK OF POWER.
1. “He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” (Mark 6:5)
2. Unbelief hardens the heart and makes us unable to see or understand what is happening.
3. Unbelief forfeits the power of God. When the Kingdom of God is not moving forward, it is due to unbelief.
C. Result #3: LACK OF POSSIBILITIES.
1. Verse 2 says, “He began...” Jesus started but did not finish.
2. Verse 7 says that Jesus was “amazed” at their lack of faith.
a. Others who didn’t have the background believed.
1.) The Roman centurion (Luke 7:9)
2.) The Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:28)
b. Those in His home town had the information and background to know the truth about Jesus.
3. Verse 7 says “Jesus went.”
a. Jesus was rejected.
b. Jesus moved on.
Doubters lose two things: they lose powerful works and they lose the one who does them (Jesus).
Facts are run through filters to justify feelings to justify unbelief. Thus, we lose respect for God, we lose His power in our lives, we lose the possibilities of what God wants to do.
III. So, what’s the big deal?
A. Unbelief is the only thing that “limits” the Almighty.
1. Even if God acted, we wouldn’t understand. (Religious people of Jesus day who explained away Jesus’ miracles.)
2. In some ways, God limits Himself to our willingness (faith).
B. Faith is on of the keys (faith, hope, love, obedience) for the believer. Look at 1 Peter 1:3 – 9
1. Faith is our shield.
a. It is a battle shield.
b. It is a heat shield.
2. Faith brings glory to God.
a. When our faith is tested by fire, it draws attention to God.
b. Only when we have to use faith do we grow.
3. Faith brings joy (“inexpressible and glorious”)
a. The goal of faith is salvation.
b. The “goal” in the sports world is the winning goal.
The Importance of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
“I believe in God the Father Almighty...” (“Apostles’ Creed”)
I. Unbelief will never lack an excuse.
A. THE FACTS: Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith (unbelief).
1. They questioned Jesus’ wisdom.
a. They wondered where it came from.
b. They could not accept Jesus’ wisdom.
2. They questioned Jesus’ miracles.
a. The language implies “charlatan.”
b. They saw His miracles and heard about them but they did not believe.
3. They questioned Jesus’ authority.
a. Jesus did not quote others, society, or culture.
b. Jesus quoted Scripture and spoke the truth.
B. THE FILTERS: This is perception, or what we know as “spin.”
1. They claimed to know the family.
a. That Jesus was a carpenter and carpenter’s son.
b. They knew the brothers and sisters (very ordinary people).
c. They knew were Jesus was from, no place special.
*** Irony: the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus for exactly the opposite reason. “We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from.” (John 9:29) So we see “spin” at work.
The Bible says, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:11)
Describing Jesus tactic, the bible says, “but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:7)
2. The filters were derogatory. (Concerning Jesus, they always are... Everyone likes “God” but mention Jesus and it’s a different reaction.)
a. They had contempt.
b. They saw no reason to believe He was different or God.
C. THE FEELING: This is were filters are solidified.
1. They were offended.
a. Their attitude was based on what they wanted to believe.
b. The facts (about Jesus) were run through filters (perception that Jesus was not special).
c. The end result was opposite of what it should be...
2. Jesus’ miracles were “acknowledged” but explained as meaningless.
a. They were “offended” (literally “scandalized”).
b. The miracles (like raising the dead girl) became a snare.
II. Unbelief will always bring results.
A. Result #1: LACK OF RESPECT. (For Jesus)
1. “Familiarity breeds contempt.” (Caution against the “buddy-buddy” attitude of Evangelical Christianity.)
2. Jesus noted He was “without honor.” Actually, that is a kind way to say He was dishonored and despised.
(Ill.) When we lived in Iowa, people (including us) would go outside when the tornado sirens went off. They went off so often that nobody really believed them... It was also a form of entertainment looking for tornados. Once one touched down, everyone would rush to their cars to go look at the damage.
B. Result #2: LACK OF POWER.
1. “He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” (Mark 6:5)
2. Unbelief hardens the heart and makes us unable to see or understand what is happening.
3. Unbelief forfeits the power of God. When the Kingdom of God is not moving forward, it is due to unbelief.
C. Result #3: LACK OF POSSIBILITIES.
1. Verse 2 says, “He began...” Jesus started but did not finish.
2. Verse 7 says that Jesus was “amazed” at their lack of faith.
a. Others who didn’t have the background believed.
1.) The Roman centurion (Luke 7:9)
2.) The Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:28)
b. Those in His home town had the information and background to know the truth about Jesus.
3. Verse 7 says “Jesus went.”
a. Jesus was rejected.
b. Jesus moved on.
Doubters lose two things: they lose powerful works and they lose the one who does them (Jesus).
Facts are run through filters to justify feelings to justify unbelief. Thus, we lose respect for God, we lose His power in our lives, we lose the possibilities of what God wants to do.
III. So, what’s the big deal?
A. Unbelief is the only thing that “limits” the Almighty.
1. Even if God acted, we wouldn’t understand. (Religious people of Jesus day who explained away Jesus’ miracles.)
2. In some ways, God limits Himself to our willingness (faith).
B. Faith is on of the keys (faith, hope, love, obedience) for the believer. Look at 1 Peter 1:3 – 9
1. Faith is our shield.
a. It is a battle shield.
b. It is a heat shield.
2. Faith brings glory to God.
a. When our faith is tested by fire, it draws attention to God.
b. Only when we have to use faith do we grow.
3. Faith brings joy (“inexpressible and glorious”)
a. The goal of faith is salvation.
b. The “goal” in the sports world is the winning goal.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Matthew 18:21 – 35
The dynamics of forgiveness
Context: Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you...” Implies that by going to them you have forgiven them.
I. QUESTION: How do I forgive?
A. Peter asks about limits.
1. How many times?
a. Seven times was double plus one the cultural and religious standard.
b. Setting a limit means that forgiveness is not unconditional.
2. How much are we to forgive?
a. Is Peter trying to set fences?
b. Is there a point where he say “enough?”
B. Jesus’ response:
1. 77 times (or other translations 7 x 70)
2. Basically Jesus was saying “unlimited.” (If we keep track of how many times we have forgiven, then we haven’t forgiven the first time.)
II. ILLUSTRATION: Forgive like God forgave you.
A. Our debt is beyond counting.
1. [v 24] the Greek word for 10,000 is “myriad.” (Literally meaning more that we can count.)
2. In light of this we should have no problem with the “small” debts of others.
3. Trouble is we see ourselves as “good” and without these kinds of spiritual debts.
B. Our debt is unpayable.
1. We “earned” the debt of sin. God offers to cancel (unearned) the debt. This is called “grace” (unearned kindness).
2. [vv 26, 27] The man asked for patience but RECEIVED mercy.
a. He was condemned to slavery.
b. He was about to lose everything.
c. He deserved to suffer miserable.
d. Those around him were about to suffer too (as is often the case with sin)
C. Our debt is forgiven this way:
1. [v 27] It is “canceled” (literally “forgiven”)
2. [v 27] We are “let go” (literally “to free fully”)
a. We are released from the eternal consequences and obligations of our debt of sin.
b. However, all of God’s covenants and promises are “conditional.”
III. PROBLEM: Our willingness to forgive.
A. The man’s actions were premeditated.
1. [v 28] He “found” (literally “looked for”) the man who owed him.
2. This was not a chance meeting.
3. Demonstrates knowledge and will (the definition of sin).
B. He man’s actions were aggressive.
1. [v 28] He was violent, and “grabbed him” and “began to choke him.”
2. [v 29] His debtor asked for patience (jut like he did).
C. His actions were justified (under the law).
1. [v 30] He refused to have patience or mercy. It was his right.
2. He threw the man into prison. It was his right.
D. His actions were disturbing.
1. His attitude and behavior distressed others.
2. [v 31] The Greek is very strong, literally it means “violently/vehemently distressed.” In other words, they were outraged.
IV. REALITY: Forgiven people forgive.
A. The king considered the man “wicked.” (Value judgement based on behavior and standards.)
1. [v 32] Wicked here literally means “hurtful” which is the same word used to described Satan. (Unforgiveness puts us in the same category as the devil.)
2. He refused to treat others the way he had been treated. This shows that he did not really understand the concept of mercy and forgiveness.
B. The king treated the man “in kind.”
1. SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLE: How we treat others is the way God will treat us.
a. The book of 1 John is clear: our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with God.
b. Forgiven people forgive! (It is who and what a forgiven person is and does.)
(Ill.) I can hear “Forest Gump” say “Forgiven is as forgiven does.”
2. The result of the lack of mercy... unforgiving... is eternal torture.
[The unspoken issue of the “jailers.” There are no jailers in eternal hell. However, the Greek indicates (here as well as others) the consequences of opening ourselves up to demonic attack/control.]
a. We owe a debt we cannot repay.
b. God has canceled the debt by actually paying it on the cross.
c. BUT we refuse to accept it by refusing to forgive others.
(Ill.) Jesus taught us to pray “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” [Matthew 6:12] “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” [Luke 11:14] (A “debt” is something we can hold against. A “sin” is a violation against.)
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” [Matthew 6:14 – 15]
How much clearer could Jesus have been? The problem is our theology. We often say we cannot do anything to earn or deserve our salvation and that salvation is offered freely, in other words “unconditional.” But here Jesus is clearly saying we if we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven.
(Ill.) David has just killed the giant Goliath and won the war against the Philistines because of this act. On the return home, the women sang “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” [1 Samuel 18:6] Saul’s reaction? “Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him.” [1 Samuel 18:7a] The result? “The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul.” [1 Samuel 18:10a] [see Matthew 18:34]
***** By holding the anger, keeping the debt or sin of others, we refuse to forgive. When we refuse to forgive, we refuse the forgiveness God offers to us. *****
REALITY: this is how we will be treated unless we forgive.
V. To do:
A. Forgive from the “heart.”
1. Forgiveness is a choice, an act of the will the deals with our thoughts and feelings.
2. Forgiveness determines your actions and behavior patterns.
B. Act differently towards the offender than an unforgiving attitude would.
1. Don’t count it against the person. (Ill. The person who’s spouse gets “historical” during an argument.)
2. We stop bothering the person. No more attacks.
3. We give up what we think is ours.
4. We give up our claim for “justice.”
5. We stop insisting that we are right.
VI. CONCLUSION: “A Christian is not flawless, but forgiven.”
A. God’s forgiveness is beyond what we can imagine.
B. The things against otters are minor compared to the things against us.
C. The choice is yours.
1. Forgive and be free.
2. Treat others the way you want God to treat you.
Remember this is your choice, your behavior, your responsibility.
The dynamics of forgiveness
Context: Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you...” Implies that by going to them you have forgiven them.
I. QUESTION: How do I forgive?
A. Peter asks about limits.
1. How many times?
a. Seven times was double plus one the cultural and religious standard.
b. Setting a limit means that forgiveness is not unconditional.
2. How much are we to forgive?
a. Is Peter trying to set fences?
b. Is there a point where he say “enough?”
B. Jesus’ response:
1. 77 times (or other translations 7 x 70)
2. Basically Jesus was saying “unlimited.” (If we keep track of how many times we have forgiven, then we haven’t forgiven the first time.)
II. ILLUSTRATION: Forgive like God forgave you.
A. Our debt is beyond counting.
1. [v 24] the Greek word for 10,000 is “myriad.” (Literally meaning more that we can count.)
2. In light of this we should have no problem with the “small” debts of others.
3. Trouble is we see ourselves as “good” and without these kinds of spiritual debts.
B. Our debt is unpayable.
1. We “earned” the debt of sin. God offers to cancel (unearned) the debt. This is called “grace” (unearned kindness).
2. [vv 26, 27] The man asked for patience but RECEIVED mercy.
a. He was condemned to slavery.
b. He was about to lose everything.
c. He deserved to suffer miserable.
d. Those around him were about to suffer too (as is often the case with sin)
C. Our debt is forgiven this way:
1. [v 27] It is “canceled” (literally “forgiven”)
2. [v 27] We are “let go” (literally “to free fully”)
a. We are released from the eternal consequences and obligations of our debt of sin.
b. However, all of God’s covenants and promises are “conditional.”
III. PROBLEM: Our willingness to forgive.
A. The man’s actions were premeditated.
1. [v 28] He “found” (literally “looked for”) the man who owed him.
2. This was not a chance meeting.
3. Demonstrates knowledge and will (the definition of sin).
B. He man’s actions were aggressive.
1. [v 28] He was violent, and “grabbed him” and “began to choke him.”
2. [v 29] His debtor asked for patience (jut like he did).
C. His actions were justified (under the law).
1. [v 30] He refused to have patience or mercy. It was his right.
2. He threw the man into prison. It was his right.
D. His actions were disturbing.
1. His attitude and behavior distressed others.
2. [v 31] The Greek is very strong, literally it means “violently/vehemently distressed.” In other words, they were outraged.
IV. REALITY: Forgiven people forgive.
A. The king considered the man “wicked.” (Value judgement based on behavior and standards.)
1. [v 32] Wicked here literally means “hurtful” which is the same word used to described Satan. (Unforgiveness puts us in the same category as the devil.)
2. He refused to treat others the way he had been treated. This shows that he did not really understand the concept of mercy and forgiveness.
B. The king treated the man “in kind.”
1. SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLE: How we treat others is the way God will treat us.
a. The book of 1 John is clear: our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with God.
b. Forgiven people forgive! (It is who and what a forgiven person is and does.)
(Ill.) I can hear “Forest Gump” say “Forgiven is as forgiven does.”
2. The result of the lack of mercy... unforgiving... is eternal torture.
[The unspoken issue of the “jailers.” There are no jailers in eternal hell. However, the Greek indicates (here as well as others) the consequences of opening ourselves up to demonic attack/control.]
a. We owe a debt we cannot repay.
b. God has canceled the debt by actually paying it on the cross.
c. BUT we refuse to accept it by refusing to forgive others.
(Ill.) Jesus taught us to pray “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” [Matthew 6:12] “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” [Luke 11:14] (A “debt” is something we can hold against. A “sin” is a violation against.)
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” [Matthew 6:14 – 15]
How much clearer could Jesus have been? The problem is our theology. We often say we cannot do anything to earn or deserve our salvation and that salvation is offered freely, in other words “unconditional.” But here Jesus is clearly saying we if we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven.
(Ill.) David has just killed the giant Goliath and won the war against the Philistines because of this act. On the return home, the women sang “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” [1 Samuel 18:6] Saul’s reaction? “Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him.” [1 Samuel 18:7a] The result? “The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul.” [1 Samuel 18:10a] [see Matthew 18:34]
***** By holding the anger, keeping the debt or sin of others, we refuse to forgive. When we refuse to forgive, we refuse the forgiveness God offers to us. *****
REALITY: this is how we will be treated unless we forgive.
V. To do:
A. Forgive from the “heart.”
1. Forgiveness is a choice, an act of the will the deals with our thoughts and feelings.
2. Forgiveness determines your actions and behavior patterns.
B. Act differently towards the offender than an unforgiving attitude would.
1. Don’t count it against the person. (Ill. The person who’s spouse gets “historical” during an argument.)
2. We stop bothering the person. No more attacks.
3. We give up what we think is ours.
4. We give up our claim for “justice.”
5. We stop insisting that we are right.
VI. CONCLUSION: “A Christian is not flawless, but forgiven.”
A. God’s forgiveness is beyond what we can imagine.
B. The things against otters are minor compared to the things against us.
C. The choice is yours.
1. Forgive and be free.
2. Treat others the way you want God to treat you.
Remember this is your choice, your behavior, your responsibility.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Matthew 18:15 – 17
“The cure of evil-speaking”
Note: this sermon is originally by John Wesley. It used to be required that every year, every preacher in our denomination preach this sermon. I have modified it with extra material.
I. The biblical mandate: “Speak evil of no man.” (Titus 3:2a and similar wording in James 4:11a) (KJV)
A. What is “evil-speaking?”
1. What it is NOT:
a. It is not lying about someone else.
b. It is not slandering someone else. (The NIV “glosses” it by translating, “slander no one.”)
2. Wesley’s definition: “evil-speaking is neither more or less than speaking evil (relating a fault) of an absent person.”
a. Notice Wesley’s definition is not concerned with fact or truth.
b. Possibly the worst evil-speaking is true. (Ill. 10 spies, “evil report.”)
B. Wesley’s categories of “evil-speaking.”
1. “Back-biting.” The intentional cause of harm to another’s character.
2. “Tale-bearing.” Telling a story with or without the intent to discredit.
3. “Whispering.” Expression of good-will.
(Ill.) The problem with “evil-speaking” is a bit like what happened to Edith, mother of 8 who lived in Darlington Maryland. One day she came into the house to find her five youngest children huddled together and very interested in something. She checked it out and saw, in her house, five baby skunks. She immediately shouted, “run!” At the sound of her command, each child quickly picked up a baby skunk and scattered throughout the house.
II. “Evil-speaking” is common. Why?
A. “Evil-speaking” is easy.
1. John Maxwell notes there are three types of people and how they react to offense.
a. There are “Hiders.” They refuse to admit they have been offended or hurt and do whatever they can to cover up.
b. There are “Hurlers.” They insist on gossiping it around and making innuendoes (the main weapon of choice for character assassination).
c. There are “Healers.” They are the ones who find a way to use the offense or problem to bring about something good... healing.
2. We do it without thinking. In fact, to avoid this we have to be constantly thinking about what we are saying.
B. It is difficult to avoid.
1. Wesley noted there was outside pressure.
a. It is a way to build and strengthen social ties.
b. It is as common as listening to the evening news.
2. Wesley pointed out there is internal pressure.
a. It comes from pride. We think we are not guilty (or better than someone else). Not consciously, but deep down...
b. It comes from anger. We want to get even or vent.
C. It is often in disguise.
1. We can unleash “evil-speaking” in indignation.
a. Wesley – “commit sin from the mere hatred of sin.”
b. It is sad how out of sense of moral duty or obligation, we do this.
2. What is happening is that we have positioned ourselves in the place of God.
a. We see an offense, so we take action.
b. Digging for the speck in someone else’s eye takes the focus off the 2x4 in our own eye.
D. We pretend it is insignificant. [Jean Baptise Massillion “Of a Malignant Tongue” (who influenced John Wesley)]
1. Massillion said it was:
a. secret pride.
b. mean envy.
c. disguised hatred.
2. The problem, as Massillon, stated it was that it “disturbs society, spreads dissension... and disunites.”
III. Is there a way to avoid “evil-speaking?” YES! (Jesus teaches us how.)
A. “Go and show.” (One to one.)
1. Wesley noted this should be at the first opportunity.
2. It must be done live (in person).
3. Key, according to Wesley, is that it must be done in the right spirit and right manner.
a. Wesley suggested serious prayer before approaching the other person.
b. Wesley insisted it be done in love (not as an accusation).
4. It must be done according to the gospel (Wesley).
a. Avoid pride at all costs. (Assuming is pride.)
b. Avoid anger, it doesn’t help.
c. Avoid all forms of hate or ill-will, including bitterness.
5. What if we do not? (Thoughts from Rick Warren.)
a. Because of a lack (or fear) of confrontation, “thousands of (churches) have been destroyed.”
b. “This creates a sick environment of secrets were gossip thrives.”
c. “In conflict time heals nothing, it causes hurts to fester.”
6. Wesley noted that a strange and vicious cycle hits when we do not obey Jesus at this point: “God reproves you for a sin of omission, for not telling your brother his fault; and you comfort yourself under His reproof by a sin of commission, by telling your brother’s fault to another person.
7. At this point there are four possible responses to “go and show.”
a. The other person is genuinely ignorant of the fault, offense, or sin that has been given.
b. You discover it has been a misunderstanding.
c. The other person is sorry, they confess this and repent. (If he “listens”... the Gk, word is where we get “acoustics”)
d. The other person rejects or denies. (Maxwell says this is only 20% of the time.)
B. “Take and establish.” (Wesley’s criteria)
1. “Take godly people” with no vested interest.
2. “Take understanding and wise people” who are impartial.
3. “Take a witness who knows both of you.”
4. “Take a witness who is agreeable (and likely to be heard) by the other person.” (And you will listen to if they tell you that you are wrong.)
C. “Tell and treat.”
1. VERY IMPORTANT: Wesley was clear that this does not mean to discuss the matter with people in general.
2. It means to bring the matter to church leadership for potential action. At this point it is out of your hands... do not speak about it again.
3. Jesus then said, “treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
a. Love that person, like you love those who need Christ.
b. Love that person, like Jesus would have (sacrificially).
IV. What now?
A. Admit you’ve done this. (We all have.)
B. Take Wesley’s challenge: Will you now make this your rule, speak evil of no man?”
C. Take one more step, according to Wesley, “Then make this your rule, hear evil of no man.” “If there were no hearers, there would be no speakers of evil.”
“The cure of evil-speaking”
Note: this sermon is originally by John Wesley. It used to be required that every year, every preacher in our denomination preach this sermon. I have modified it with extra material.
I. The biblical mandate: “Speak evil of no man.” (Titus 3:2a and similar wording in James 4:11a) (KJV)
A. What is “evil-speaking?”
1. What it is NOT:
a. It is not lying about someone else.
b. It is not slandering someone else. (The NIV “glosses” it by translating, “slander no one.”)
2. Wesley’s definition: “evil-speaking is neither more or less than speaking evil (relating a fault) of an absent person.”
a. Notice Wesley’s definition is not concerned with fact or truth.
b. Possibly the worst evil-speaking is true. (Ill. 10 spies, “evil report.”)
B. Wesley’s categories of “evil-speaking.”
1. “Back-biting.” The intentional cause of harm to another’s character.
2. “Tale-bearing.” Telling a story with or without the intent to discredit.
3. “Whispering.” Expression of good-will.
(Ill.) The problem with “evil-speaking” is a bit like what happened to Edith, mother of 8 who lived in Darlington Maryland. One day she came into the house to find her five youngest children huddled together and very interested in something. She checked it out and saw, in her house, five baby skunks. She immediately shouted, “run!” At the sound of her command, each child quickly picked up a baby skunk and scattered throughout the house.
II. “Evil-speaking” is common. Why?
A. “Evil-speaking” is easy.
1. John Maxwell notes there are three types of people and how they react to offense.
a. There are “Hiders.” They refuse to admit they have been offended or hurt and do whatever they can to cover up.
b. There are “Hurlers.” They insist on gossiping it around and making innuendoes (the main weapon of choice for character assassination).
c. There are “Healers.” They are the ones who find a way to use the offense or problem to bring about something good... healing.
2. We do it without thinking. In fact, to avoid this we have to be constantly thinking about what we are saying.
B. It is difficult to avoid.
1. Wesley noted there was outside pressure.
a. It is a way to build and strengthen social ties.
b. It is as common as listening to the evening news.
2. Wesley pointed out there is internal pressure.
a. It comes from pride. We think we are not guilty (or better than someone else). Not consciously, but deep down...
b. It comes from anger. We want to get even or vent.
C. It is often in disguise.
1. We can unleash “evil-speaking” in indignation.
a. Wesley – “commit sin from the mere hatred of sin.”
b. It is sad how out of sense of moral duty or obligation, we do this.
2. What is happening is that we have positioned ourselves in the place of God.
a. We see an offense, so we take action.
b. Digging for the speck in someone else’s eye takes the focus off the 2x4 in our own eye.
D. We pretend it is insignificant. [Jean Baptise Massillion “Of a Malignant Tongue” (who influenced John Wesley)]
1. Massillion said it was:
a. secret pride.
b. mean envy.
c. disguised hatred.
2. The problem, as Massillon, stated it was that it “disturbs society, spreads dissension... and disunites.”
III. Is there a way to avoid “evil-speaking?” YES! (Jesus teaches us how.)
A. “Go and show.” (One to one.)
1. Wesley noted this should be at the first opportunity.
2. It must be done live (in person).
3. Key, according to Wesley, is that it must be done in the right spirit and right manner.
a. Wesley suggested serious prayer before approaching the other person.
b. Wesley insisted it be done in love (not as an accusation).
4. It must be done according to the gospel (Wesley).
a. Avoid pride at all costs. (Assuming is pride.)
b. Avoid anger, it doesn’t help.
c. Avoid all forms of hate or ill-will, including bitterness.
5. What if we do not? (Thoughts from Rick Warren.)
a. Because of a lack (or fear) of confrontation, “thousands of (churches) have been destroyed.”
b. “This creates a sick environment of secrets were gossip thrives.”
c. “In conflict time heals nothing, it causes hurts to fester.”
6. Wesley noted that a strange and vicious cycle hits when we do not obey Jesus at this point: “God reproves you for a sin of omission, for not telling your brother his fault; and you comfort yourself under His reproof by a sin of commission, by telling your brother’s fault to another person.
7. At this point there are four possible responses to “go and show.”
a. The other person is genuinely ignorant of the fault, offense, or sin that has been given.
b. You discover it has been a misunderstanding.
c. The other person is sorry, they confess this and repent. (If he “listens”... the Gk, word is where we get “acoustics”)
d. The other person rejects or denies. (Maxwell says this is only 20% of the time.)
B. “Take and establish.” (Wesley’s criteria)
1. “Take godly people” with no vested interest.
2. “Take understanding and wise people” who are impartial.
3. “Take a witness who knows both of you.”
4. “Take a witness who is agreeable (and likely to be heard) by the other person.” (And you will listen to if they tell you that you are wrong.)
C. “Tell and treat.”
1. VERY IMPORTANT: Wesley was clear that this does not mean to discuss the matter with people in general.
2. It means to bring the matter to church leadership for potential action. At this point it is out of your hands... do not speak about it again.
3. Jesus then said, “treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
a. Love that person, like you love those who need Christ.
b. Love that person, like Jesus would have (sacrificially).
IV. What now?
A. Admit you’ve done this. (We all have.)
B. Take Wesley’s challenge: Will you now make this your rule, speak evil of no man?”
C. Take one more step, according to Wesley, “Then make this your rule, hear evil of no man.” “If there were no hearers, there would be no speakers of evil.”
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Genesis 43:6 – 14
Conflict and Recovery
I. The anatomy of conflict.
A. Conflict starts with offense. [v 6]
1. We take offense because we are hurt.
a. “Hurt people hurt people”
b. a.k.a. “bitter.”
2. We take offense because we do not trust.
a. We interpret actions or words in a negative way.
b. Lack of trust – vs – “good faith.”
c. Society and sin has trained us to not trust.
Most of the time the other person did not mean to hurt you and didn’t realize they hurt you.
B. Conflict deepens with “self-justification.” [vv 7 – 9]
1. One persons explanation may not help.
a. When trust becomes difficult truth or facts are easily dismissed.
b. Once negative emotions take control, it takes an outside influence to break the momentum.
2. Another persons reassurances seem empty when your mind is made up.
a. Once the trust issue becomes a problem, it becomes a matter of sides (“we” is “us” and “they” is “them”).
b. Once sides are drawn, relationships are often damaged beyond repair BECAUSE it is extremely difficult to admit:
1.) Your part in the conflict.
2.) The possibility you are not right.
C. Conflict causes paralysis. [v 10]
1. Paralysis occurs because of fear.
a. We become overly sensitive and quicker to take offense.
b. We try to keep things civil and become controlled by the conflict.
c. become afraid of potential reaction, conflict, or consequences.
2. This type of fear (which causes paralysis) is sin.
a. “God hath not given us a spirit of fearfulness.” [2 Timothy 1:7]
1.) Being paralyzed by sin is not God’s will.
2.) If it is contrary to God’s will, it is sin.
b. Sin separates us from God and each other.
D. Conflict’s final product is helplessness [v 14b]
1. Helplessness is when you feel things are out of control.
a. Question: why do you have to be in control?
b. “Control” becomes a core issue when trust becomes a problem.
c. “Control” means we BLAME someone else.
2. Helplessness is when you feel you have no choice.
a. We come to the “end of our rope.”
b. BUT this is a rope you do not have to hold on too!
E. Our relationship with others reflect our relationship with God.
1. Being easily offended, means a weak spiritual state.
2. Being unwilling to trust others, means we don’t trust God to take care of us.
3. Being on different sides puts us opposite God’s will.
4. Being in control means God is not.
II. The road to recovery.
A. Accept responsibility. [Genesis 44:16]
1. This means being honest before God and others.
a. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” [1 John 1:9 – 10]
b. Confession is one part of repentance.
2. This means accepting the consequences.
a. Not only do we have to swallow our pride, but we have to take our “licking.” (Punishment)
b. Accepting consequences is another part of repentance.
B. Put others before yourself. [Genesis 44:30 – 34]
1. An inward (selfish) focus is what started the conflict. (“offended”)
a. Until we put others before ourselves, we will always be at the door of conflict.
b. An inward focus violates Jesus’ example on the cross.
2. Another word for putting others first is “love.”
a. Love is when someone else is more important than you are.
b. Your focus is on the other person’s well being.
C. Recognize that God has a purpose. [Genesis 45:5, 50:19 – 20]
1. Perspectives:
a. Life is NOT a matter of chance.
b. Life is NOT guided by blind arbitrary fate.
c. Not everything in life is under your control.
d. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. [Proverbs 16:9]
e. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. [Proverbs 19:21]
2. You many not control what happens to you BUT you can control how you react to it.
a. Joseph was attacked, sold into slavery, lied about, thrown into prison, forgotten. It would seem he had the “right” to be bitter or hold a grudge.
b. Joseph also saw God at work in the circumstances.
“Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” [Duane Vander Klok]
Conflict and Recovery
I. The anatomy of conflict.
A. Conflict starts with offense. [v 6]
1. We take offense because we are hurt.
a. “Hurt people hurt people”
b. a.k.a. “bitter.”
2. We take offense because we do not trust.
a. We interpret actions or words in a negative way.
b. Lack of trust – vs – “good faith.”
c. Society and sin has trained us to not trust.
Most of the time the other person did not mean to hurt you and didn’t realize they hurt you.
B. Conflict deepens with “self-justification.” [vv 7 – 9]
1. One persons explanation may not help.
a. When trust becomes difficult truth or facts are easily dismissed.
b. Once negative emotions take control, it takes an outside influence to break the momentum.
2. Another persons reassurances seem empty when your mind is made up.
a. Once the trust issue becomes a problem, it becomes a matter of sides (“we” is “us” and “they” is “them”).
b. Once sides are drawn, relationships are often damaged beyond repair BECAUSE it is extremely difficult to admit:
1.) Your part in the conflict.
2.) The possibility you are not right.
C. Conflict causes paralysis. [v 10]
1. Paralysis occurs because of fear.
a. We become overly sensitive and quicker to take offense.
b. We try to keep things civil and become controlled by the conflict.
c. become afraid of potential reaction, conflict, or consequences.
2. This type of fear (which causes paralysis) is sin.
a. “God hath not given us a spirit of fearfulness.” [2 Timothy 1:7]
1.) Being paralyzed by sin is not God’s will.
2.) If it is contrary to God’s will, it is sin.
b. Sin separates us from God and each other.
D. Conflict’s final product is helplessness [v 14b]
1. Helplessness is when you feel things are out of control.
a. Question: why do you have to be in control?
b. “Control” becomes a core issue when trust becomes a problem.
c. “Control” means we BLAME someone else.
2. Helplessness is when you feel you have no choice.
a. We come to the “end of our rope.”
b. BUT this is a rope you do not have to hold on too!
E. Our relationship with others reflect our relationship with God.
1. Being easily offended, means a weak spiritual state.
2. Being unwilling to trust others, means we don’t trust God to take care of us.
3. Being on different sides puts us opposite God’s will.
4. Being in control means God is not.
II. The road to recovery.
A. Accept responsibility. [Genesis 44:16]
1. This means being honest before God and others.
a. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” [1 John 1:9 – 10]
b. Confession is one part of repentance.
2. This means accepting the consequences.
a. Not only do we have to swallow our pride, but we have to take our “licking.” (Punishment)
b. Accepting consequences is another part of repentance.
B. Put others before yourself. [Genesis 44:30 – 34]
1. An inward (selfish) focus is what started the conflict. (“offended”)
a. Until we put others before ourselves, we will always be at the door of conflict.
b. An inward focus violates Jesus’ example on the cross.
2. Another word for putting others first is “love.”
a. Love is when someone else is more important than you are.
b. Your focus is on the other person’s well being.
C. Recognize that God has a purpose. [Genesis 45:5, 50:19 – 20]
1. Perspectives:
a. Life is NOT a matter of chance.
b. Life is NOT guided by blind arbitrary fate.
c. Not everything in life is under your control.
d. In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. [Proverbs 16:9]
e. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. [Proverbs 19:21]
2. You many not control what happens to you BUT you can control how you react to it.
a. Joseph was attacked, sold into slavery, lied about, thrown into prison, forgotten. It would seem he had the “right” to be bitter or hold a grudge.
b. Joseph also saw God at work in the circumstances.
“Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” [Duane Vander Klok]
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Matthew 28:1 – 10
What are you looking for?
(Ill.) A man opened his car trunk one day to find a dusty package. Opened it and remembered that he had bought a necklace for his wife as a Christmas gift, but had forgotten to give it to her. Embarrassed, he took the gift home and presented it to his wife. When she saw it she burst into tears of joy. It was their wedding anniversary and she thought he would forget.
What are you looking for today?
I. The women came to look at a tomb.
A. They had their expectations:
1. They expected to find a large stone they could not move.
2. They expected to find guards who probably would not let them by.
3. They expected to find a tomb with the body of Jesus.
4. They did NOT expect to find a living Jesus.
B. We have expectations:
1. When we come to church, is it routine or for an encounter with God?
2. When we come to God, what do we expect to find... a loving God, an angry God, a permissive God, etc...?
3. Today what we find is the Almighty God, Creator of the Universe... who is interested in being involved in your life.
C. Let’s take a reality check.
1. What does the resurrection mean?
a. The resurrection means we have a LIVING God.
b. The resurrection means God has CONQUERED death.
2. The resurrection changes everything.
a. “the sting of death is sin” [1 Corinthians 15:56]
1.) Death has been swallowed up in victory
2.) And has no power over us [1 Corinthians 15:54]
b. The awesome power and majesty of God moves into our lives.
1.) If we have been to the cross, now we must go to and understand the empty tomb.
2.) The power of the resurrection goes beyond anything we can humanly understand.
3.) When it gets a hold of us, it changes us completely.
c. The cross is who we are, the empty tomb is how we live.
1.) Without the resurrection, our faith is useless and we are still in our sins [1 Corinthians 15:17]
2.) With the resurrection, we have power and freedom from sin now. [Romans 6]
II. What the women found changed history.
A. The angel’s message makes us think.
1. “Not here” – You are looking in the wrong place.
(Ill.) When Adam and Eve sinned one of the first consequences was the sense of shame. So they sewed leaves together to cover themselves. In a sense they were trying to cover their sin. Only God can do this.
2. “He has risen” – You are looking for the wrong thing.
(Ill.) The next thing Adam and Eve did was run from God. Possibly they thought this would solve their problem. In a sense they were running from the only one who could forgive them for their sin. Only God will solve the problem, and they were running from that solution.
3. “Just as He said” – You are not listening.
(Ill.) When Adam and Eve were confronted with the truth and responsibility of sin, they blamed someone else. In a sense, they refused to take personal responsibility. God provided a blood sacrifice to cover their shame and remind them of their sin. At the cross God provided a blood sacrifice to cover our sin and shame and to take it away forever.
4. “See for yourself” – You must respond. There is no other answer to life, sin and death, than Jesus: crucified, risen, and coming again.
III. The woman’s reaction can be a positive model for our reaction.
A. There was an emotional response.
1. Emotional responses are natural. They motivate our behavior.
2. The resurrection is a strong emotional event.
3. There are two emotions, fear and joy. When Jesus met them, He said, “do not be afraid.”
B. There was a physical response.
1. They hurried, as they were told to do. (Probably did not need to be told to hurry.)
2. They delivered the message and became the first witnesses to the resurrection.
C. There are three things to do.
1. At the cross, you must yield your sin and guilt to Jesus.
2. At the empty tomb, you must yield your expectations, actions, thoughts, and feelings to Jesus.
3. Once freed, go tell others! This happens as we encounter the power of the resurrection in our lives.
What are you looking for?
(Ill.) A man opened his car trunk one day to find a dusty package. Opened it and remembered that he had bought a necklace for his wife as a Christmas gift, but had forgotten to give it to her. Embarrassed, he took the gift home and presented it to his wife. When she saw it she burst into tears of joy. It was their wedding anniversary and she thought he would forget.
What are you looking for today?
I. The women came to look at a tomb.
A. They had their expectations:
1. They expected to find a large stone they could not move.
2. They expected to find guards who probably would not let them by.
3. They expected to find a tomb with the body of Jesus.
4. They did NOT expect to find a living Jesus.
B. We have expectations:
1. When we come to church, is it routine or for an encounter with God?
2. When we come to God, what do we expect to find... a loving God, an angry God, a permissive God, etc...?
3. Today what we find is the Almighty God, Creator of the Universe... who is interested in being involved in your life.
C. Let’s take a reality check.
1. What does the resurrection mean?
a. The resurrection means we have a LIVING God.
b. The resurrection means God has CONQUERED death.
2. The resurrection changes everything.
a. “the sting of death is sin” [1 Corinthians 15:56]
1.) Death has been swallowed up in victory
2.) And has no power over us [1 Corinthians 15:54]
b. The awesome power and majesty of God moves into our lives.
1.) If we have been to the cross, now we must go to and understand the empty tomb.
2.) The power of the resurrection goes beyond anything we can humanly understand.
3.) When it gets a hold of us, it changes us completely.
c. The cross is who we are, the empty tomb is how we live.
1.) Without the resurrection, our faith is useless and we are still in our sins [1 Corinthians 15:17]
2.) With the resurrection, we have power and freedom from sin now. [Romans 6]
II. What the women found changed history.
A. The angel’s message makes us think.
1. “Not here” – You are looking in the wrong place.
(Ill.) When Adam and Eve sinned one of the first consequences was the sense of shame. So they sewed leaves together to cover themselves. In a sense they were trying to cover their sin. Only God can do this.
2. “He has risen” – You are looking for the wrong thing.
(Ill.) The next thing Adam and Eve did was run from God. Possibly they thought this would solve their problem. In a sense they were running from the only one who could forgive them for their sin. Only God will solve the problem, and they were running from that solution.
3. “Just as He said” – You are not listening.
(Ill.) When Adam and Eve were confronted with the truth and responsibility of sin, they blamed someone else. In a sense, they refused to take personal responsibility. God provided a blood sacrifice to cover their shame and remind them of their sin. At the cross God provided a blood sacrifice to cover our sin and shame and to take it away forever.
4. “See for yourself” – You must respond. There is no other answer to life, sin and death, than Jesus: crucified, risen, and coming again.
III. The woman’s reaction can be a positive model for our reaction.
A. There was an emotional response.
1. Emotional responses are natural. They motivate our behavior.
2. The resurrection is a strong emotional event.
3. There are two emotions, fear and joy. When Jesus met them, He said, “do not be afraid.”
B. There was a physical response.
1. They hurried, as they were told to do. (Probably did not need to be told to hurry.)
2. They delivered the message and became the first witnesses to the resurrection.
C. There are three things to do.
1. At the cross, you must yield your sin and guilt to Jesus.
2. At the empty tomb, you must yield your expectations, actions, thoughts, and feelings to Jesus.
3. Once freed, go tell others! This happens as we encounter the power of the resurrection in our lives.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
1 Corinthians 1:18 – 31
“The Foolishness of God”
I. The “perishing” do not believe God. [v 21]
A. The “religious” want miraculous signs. [v 22]
1. The trouble with a sign is that it can be interpreted (just about any way).
2. “They will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” [Luke 16: 31b] (Jesus is telling what would happen when He rose from the dead.)
B. The “secular” want wisdom. [v 22]
1. The secular mind wants something that “makes sense,” something they can discover through their own initiative.
2. That’s the point of grace. We can not so God reveals salvation to us through Jesus Christ.
C. The “educated” want intelligent. [v 19]
1. Scholarship is the process of building on known knowledge. If the process in intellectually honest, then it means observation and testing.
2. God tests us, not the other way around. The ability to test assumes a position of authority. The problem with testing God is that He is “Almighty.” In other words, God can do anything He wants, any time He wants, any way He wants.
II. The message of the cross:
A Is not liked by these types of people.
1. The “religious” have a hard time submitting to Christ. [v 23]
2. The “secular” can not understand the death on the cross. [v 23]
3. The “educated” struggles to believe a message outside their authority. [vv 24, 25]
B. The message of the cross is about God’s power to chose.
1. Not many were wise, influential, or noble. [v 26]
a. The message of the cross is for everyone.
b. There message of the cross is the ONLY thing in this world that is truly barrier free. Economics, intelligence, race, social standing, location, political system, etc... are all moot. The message of the cross is available to all.
2. God chose the lowly things. [vv 28]
a. The virgin birth had the appearance of being to an unwed mother, born in a stable, and into absolute poverty.
b. Does this sound like a “god.” No but it sounds like God!
3. God chose the despised things. [vv 28]
a. Death on the cross had the appearance of a convicted criminal making the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
b. We are asked to believe that Jesus being nailed to a cross would save us.
ISA 52:13 See, my servant will act wisely;
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
ISA 52:14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him--
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man
and his form marred beyond human likeness--
ISA 52:15 so will he sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
ISA 53:1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
ISA 53:2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
ISA 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
ISA 53:4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
ISA 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
ISA 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
3. Think about it:
a. It does not make sense that God Almighty would become the most vulnerable of us.
b. It is hard to understand why Jesus would suffer such a miserable death.
III. What does all this do?
A. Following Jesus is a LIFESTYLE, not a philosophical belief.
1. In Jesus there is all the wisdom we need. Actions + Beliefs = Consequences.
2. In Jesus we are “being saved” (as opposed to “perishing”)
B. Following Jesus SILENCES THE SELFISHNESS.
1. All sin is selfish.
2. Pride (be honest) blinds us to the truth.
C. Following Jesus puts us into RELATIONSHIP with God the Father.
1. It is hard to believe that God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, would even know our names... let alone WANT to be our Heavenly Father.
2. [v 21] “God was pleased.”
a. “Grace” means God wants to...
b. God is not forced out of remorse of guilt. God wants to because He loves us.
IV. Jesus has become:
A. Our wisdom.
1. God and His wisdom does not make sense to people who do NOT know God or God’s power.
2. Jesus sacrificed Himself because there was no other way.
B. Our righteousness.
1. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. [2 Corinthians 5:21]
a. In other words, God exchanged our sin for Jesus righteousness in what is the worst trade in history.
b. We not only have the righteousness but we BECOME the righteousness of God.
2. God the Father, in one act of His will, exchanged Jesus’ righteousness for our sin.
C. Our holiness.
1. The core quality, or the starting point of understanding God (or anything else) is the holiness of God.
2. In Jesus, we become holy.
a. We are declared holy (legally).
b. We become holy (experience).
D. Our redemption.
1. “Redemption” means “to buy back” or “pay off a debt.”
2. As slaves, bound to sin, we were held captive.
3. When Jesus paid the price, He purchased the keys to the prison door and chains that hold you.
If the message of the cross does not make sense to you, its time for you to get to know God.
If righteousness and relationship with God is a struggle, its time for you to ask Jesus to open your prison door so you can be free.
v 27, “But God chose...”
“The Foolishness of God”
I. The “perishing” do not believe God. [v 21]
A. The “religious” want miraculous signs. [v 22]
1. The trouble with a sign is that it can be interpreted (just about any way).
2. “They will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” [Luke 16: 31b] (Jesus is telling what would happen when He rose from the dead.)
B. The “secular” want wisdom. [v 22]
1. The secular mind wants something that “makes sense,” something they can discover through their own initiative.
2. That’s the point of grace. We can not so God reveals salvation to us through Jesus Christ.
C. The “educated” want intelligent. [v 19]
1. Scholarship is the process of building on known knowledge. If the process in intellectually honest, then it means observation and testing.
2. God tests us, not the other way around. The ability to test assumes a position of authority. The problem with testing God is that He is “Almighty.” In other words, God can do anything He wants, any time He wants, any way He wants.
II. The message of the cross:
A Is not liked by these types of people.
1. The “religious” have a hard time submitting to Christ. [v 23]
2. The “secular” can not understand the death on the cross. [v 23]
3. The “educated” struggles to believe a message outside their authority. [vv 24, 25]
B. The message of the cross is about God’s power to chose.
1. Not many were wise, influential, or noble. [v 26]
a. The message of the cross is for everyone.
b. There message of the cross is the ONLY thing in this world that is truly barrier free. Economics, intelligence, race, social standing, location, political system, etc... are all moot. The message of the cross is available to all.
2. God chose the lowly things. [vv 28]
a. The virgin birth had the appearance of being to an unwed mother, born in a stable, and into absolute poverty.
b. Does this sound like a “god.” No but it sounds like God!
3. God chose the despised things. [vv 28]
a. Death on the cross had the appearance of a convicted criminal making the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
b. We are asked to believe that Jesus being nailed to a cross would save us.
ISA 52:13 See, my servant will act wisely;
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
ISA 52:14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him--
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man
and his form marred beyond human likeness--
ISA 52:15 so will he sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
ISA 53:1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
ISA 53:2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
ISA 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
ISA 53:4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
ISA 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
ISA 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
3. Think about it:
a. It does not make sense that God Almighty would become the most vulnerable of us.
b. It is hard to understand why Jesus would suffer such a miserable death.
III. What does all this do?
A. Following Jesus is a LIFESTYLE, not a philosophical belief.
1. In Jesus there is all the wisdom we need. Actions + Beliefs = Consequences.
2. In Jesus we are “being saved” (as opposed to “perishing”)
B. Following Jesus SILENCES THE SELFISHNESS.
1. All sin is selfish.
2. Pride (be honest) blinds us to the truth.
C. Following Jesus puts us into RELATIONSHIP with God the Father.
1. It is hard to believe that God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, would even know our names... let alone WANT to be our Heavenly Father.
2. [v 21] “God was pleased.”
a. “Grace” means God wants to...
b. God is not forced out of remorse of guilt. God wants to because He loves us.
IV. Jesus has become:
A. Our wisdom.
1. God and His wisdom does not make sense to people who do NOT know God or God’s power.
2. Jesus sacrificed Himself because there was no other way.
B. Our righteousness.
1. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. [2 Corinthians 5:21]
a. In other words, God exchanged our sin for Jesus righteousness in what is the worst trade in history.
b. We not only have the righteousness but we BECOME the righteousness of God.
2. God the Father, in one act of His will, exchanged Jesus’ righteousness for our sin.
C. Our holiness.
1. The core quality, or the starting point of understanding God (or anything else) is the holiness of God.
2. In Jesus, we become holy.
a. We are declared holy (legally).
b. We become holy (experience).
D. Our redemption.
1. “Redemption” means “to buy back” or “pay off a debt.”
2. As slaves, bound to sin, we were held captive.
3. When Jesus paid the price, He purchased the keys to the prison door and chains that hold you.
If the message of the cross does not make sense to you, its time for you to get to know God.
If righteousness and relationship with God is a struggle, its time for you to ask Jesus to open your prison door so you can be free.
v 27, “But God chose...”
Thursday, March 29, 2007
John 18:28 – 38
“The moment of truth.”
There is a point where everyone must make a decision. At that point, many of the small decisions we have made along the way bring us to the place of a personal crisis. For Pilate, the moment was forced on him. We see Jesus pulling Pilate to the moment of truth. Unfortunately, Pilate puts a “but” into his words and actions.
What is the “but” that keeps you from bending your knee to King Jesus?
I. Pilate’s personal crisis.
A. Pilate’s history
1. Pilate was the procurator, from 26 A.D to 36 A.D. (Unusually long time.) His position indicates he was from a wealthy and powerful family.
2. Pilate had unquestioned military, financial, and judiciary authority over Palestine.
3. Philo describes him has a brutal dictator who enjoyed offending the Jews and seldom changed his mind or course of action.
4. Josephus tells the story of Pilate taking temple money to build an aqueduct.
B. Many ways to interpret Pilate in this story.
1. Some have suggested he was weak and at the mercy of the Jewish leaders. (His ability to irritate the Jewish leaders throughout his involvement in the story says not.)
2. Some have suggested he was a typical Roman, incapable of separating the political from the spiritual. (His contact with Jesus challenges this core Roman philosophy.)
3. Some have suggested that he was an insane monster who was eager to find another way to goad the Jewish leaders. (His understanding in this case seems to be to advanced.)
4. Proposed: Pilate was a normal individual cornered by a religious and political issue. He was able to believe Jesus was a king but unable to act on that belief.
C. The crisis:
1. Jesus had been schemed against by religious (Pharisees and Sadducees) and political groups (Herodians). Pilate, being ultra-sensitive to any hint of insurrection would have probably known this.
2. Jesus had been betrayed by a close friend and deserted by His closest friends. The lack of any support for Jesus would have told him this.
3. Pilate takes the time to privately interview Jesus. Something he probably would not have done if he was a puppet or a tyrant.
4. [v 35] Pilate would not lower himself to seriously considering the possibility.
II. The process of personal crisis:
A. Jesus’ goal in questioning Pilate is clear.
1. Pilate must be forced to answer the question... that is the crisis.
2. Pilate must be brought to an intelligent understanding of the choice he faces.
3. Pilate must act on his choice.
B. How does this happen?
1. Pilate is “cornered.”
a. He is caught between what is and what should be...
b. The rule of the Roman empire vs the claims of Jesus.
2. Pilate is “confronted.”
a. “Truth is God’s way of thinking about things.”
b. Pliny (Roman historian and philosopher) “the only thing for certain is that there is nothing certain.”
3. Pilate is “questioned.”
a. In interviewing Jesus, Pilate finds that he is the one on trial.
b. He confesses his spiritual inabilities (lack of understanding) and possibly his pride. [v 35]
c. He is challenged to listen to Jesus. [v 37]
4. Pilate maybe convinced but not convicted. [v 38]
a. He does not see Jesus as a threat. (A habitual “criminal.”)
b. He does not see Jesus life worth risking another serious incident.
5. Symptom: at the moment of truth there is a “but.”
III. “If ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’...” (Quote)
A. What excuses could be come up with?
1. The church has sissified Jesus. (True, we have often only presented His “tender” or “compassionate” side and glossed over images like cleansing the temple and “King of Kings.”)
2. We tend to overstate the “now.” (True, but what else do we have? Living in the past is mental illness and worrying about the future is sin.)
3. We have contrary physical appetites. (True, sometimes are physical desire are counter spiritual.)
4. We are caught between the rock of what we see and think we know and the hard place of Jesus’ truth claims. (True, it is difficult for us to get perspective on how Jesus’ truth claims will impact us.)
5. We allow circumstances to carry us. (True, life happens and sometimes it feels like we don’t have much choice.)
6. We fear earnestness and zeal. (True, zeal scares us because it is either radical or shallow. Earnestness in world filled with false is a difficult disadvantage.)
7. We are “stirred up” against Christ with seldom specific and without substance innuendos. (True, it seems like “everyone” can speak from ignorance with authority.)
B. “But” what is the real picture?
Imagine doing a jigsaw puzzle. What is the first thing you do? (Take it out of the box.) Etc... What do you have to do to solve the puzzle? (Keep looking at the picture.) Our problem is not a missing piece. The real problem is we are looking at the wrong picture. If you do not have the right picture, you will never solve the puzzle. If you are not looking at Jesus, you will never understand. When the moment of truth happens, you will always have a ‘but’ ready. There will always be some hesitancy, some nagging suspicion, some reservation.
IV. What is your story?
(Ill.) “According to Jim” TV show. Discussion about being a hero and being courageous. Jim: “Hero’s are not courageous, they are cornered.” Reality, hero’s are those who behave courageously when cornered.
A. When faced with Jesus. Be honest.
1. Sometimes Jesus’ truth claims are hard to understand because of where we are at the moment.
2. The moment of truth happens as the Holy Spirit impresses on us the truth.
B. When faced with Jesus. Be courageous.
1. In a world with lots of voices, many of them angry and directed at Jesus, it takes courage to take a knee in submission to Jesus.
2. Yet all the reasoning in the world will not change the position of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of lords.
C. When faced with Jesus. Do the right thing.
1. In the truth of Jesus’ claims to be King and savior, convinced but not convicted is falling short.
2. We can invent any excuse we want too... It does not excuse us of doing the right thing.
“The moment of truth.”
There is a point where everyone must make a decision. At that point, many of the small decisions we have made along the way bring us to the place of a personal crisis. For Pilate, the moment was forced on him. We see Jesus pulling Pilate to the moment of truth. Unfortunately, Pilate puts a “but” into his words and actions.
What is the “but” that keeps you from bending your knee to King Jesus?
I. Pilate’s personal crisis.
A. Pilate’s history
1. Pilate was the procurator, from 26 A.D to 36 A.D. (Unusually long time.) His position indicates he was from a wealthy and powerful family.
2. Pilate had unquestioned military, financial, and judiciary authority over Palestine.
3. Philo describes him has a brutal dictator who enjoyed offending the Jews and seldom changed his mind or course of action.
4. Josephus tells the story of Pilate taking temple money to build an aqueduct.
B. Many ways to interpret Pilate in this story.
1. Some have suggested he was weak and at the mercy of the Jewish leaders. (His ability to irritate the Jewish leaders throughout his involvement in the story says not.)
2. Some have suggested he was a typical Roman, incapable of separating the political from the spiritual. (His contact with Jesus challenges this core Roman philosophy.)
3. Some have suggested that he was an insane monster who was eager to find another way to goad the Jewish leaders. (His understanding in this case seems to be to advanced.)
4. Proposed: Pilate was a normal individual cornered by a religious and political issue. He was able to believe Jesus was a king but unable to act on that belief.
C. The crisis:
1. Jesus had been schemed against by religious (Pharisees and Sadducees) and political groups (Herodians). Pilate, being ultra-sensitive to any hint of insurrection would have probably known this.
2. Jesus had been betrayed by a close friend and deserted by His closest friends. The lack of any support for Jesus would have told him this.
3. Pilate takes the time to privately interview Jesus. Something he probably would not have done if he was a puppet or a tyrant.
4. [v 35] Pilate would not lower himself to seriously considering the possibility.
II. The process of personal crisis:
A. Jesus’ goal in questioning Pilate is clear.
1. Pilate must be forced to answer the question... that is the crisis.
2. Pilate must be brought to an intelligent understanding of the choice he faces.
3. Pilate must act on his choice.
B. How does this happen?
1. Pilate is “cornered.”
a. He is caught between what is and what should be...
b. The rule of the Roman empire vs the claims of Jesus.
2. Pilate is “confronted.”
a. “Truth is God’s way of thinking about things.”
b. Pliny (Roman historian and philosopher) “the only thing for certain is that there is nothing certain.”
3. Pilate is “questioned.”
a. In interviewing Jesus, Pilate finds that he is the one on trial.
b. He confesses his spiritual inabilities (lack of understanding) and possibly his pride. [v 35]
c. He is challenged to listen to Jesus. [v 37]
4. Pilate maybe convinced but not convicted. [v 38]
a. He does not see Jesus as a threat. (A habitual “criminal.”)
b. He does not see Jesus life worth risking another serious incident.
5. Symptom: at the moment of truth there is a “but.”
III. “If ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’...” (Quote)
A. What excuses could be come up with?
1. The church has sissified Jesus. (True, we have often only presented His “tender” or “compassionate” side and glossed over images like cleansing the temple and “King of Kings.”)
2. We tend to overstate the “now.” (True, but what else do we have? Living in the past is mental illness and worrying about the future is sin.)
3. We have contrary physical appetites. (True, sometimes are physical desire are counter spiritual.)
4. We are caught between the rock of what we see and think we know and the hard place of Jesus’ truth claims. (True, it is difficult for us to get perspective on how Jesus’ truth claims will impact us.)
5. We allow circumstances to carry us. (True, life happens and sometimes it feels like we don’t have much choice.)
6. We fear earnestness and zeal. (True, zeal scares us because it is either radical or shallow. Earnestness in world filled with false is a difficult disadvantage.)
7. We are “stirred up” against Christ with seldom specific and without substance innuendos. (True, it seems like “everyone” can speak from ignorance with authority.)
B. “But” what is the real picture?
Imagine doing a jigsaw puzzle. What is the first thing you do? (Take it out of the box.) Etc... What do you have to do to solve the puzzle? (Keep looking at the picture.) Our problem is not a missing piece. The real problem is we are looking at the wrong picture. If you do not have the right picture, you will never solve the puzzle. If you are not looking at Jesus, you will never understand. When the moment of truth happens, you will always have a ‘but’ ready. There will always be some hesitancy, some nagging suspicion, some reservation.
IV. What is your story?
(Ill.) “According to Jim” TV show. Discussion about being a hero and being courageous. Jim: “Hero’s are not courageous, they are cornered.” Reality, hero’s are those who behave courageously when cornered.
A. When faced with Jesus. Be honest.
1. Sometimes Jesus’ truth claims are hard to understand because of where we are at the moment.
2. The moment of truth happens as the Holy Spirit impresses on us the truth.
B. When faced with Jesus. Be courageous.
1. In a world with lots of voices, many of them angry and directed at Jesus, it takes courage to take a knee in submission to Jesus.
2. Yet all the reasoning in the world will not change the position of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of lords.
C. When faced with Jesus. Do the right thing.
1. In the truth of Jesus’ claims to be King and savior, convinced but not convicted is falling short.
2. We can invent any excuse we want too... It does not excuse us of doing the right thing.
Friday, March 23, 2007
John 15:1 – 11
“I am the true vine.”
(Ill.) Visiting my grandparents in the summer. They had a fair sized grapevine. I would help with the grapevine. Every time, it seemed that the grapevine had brown stems I had to pick. One year, grandma Waite took a pair of scissors to the lush vine. When she was done she had left almost nothing left. I was shocked. She explained that the grapes the last year were not good and the vine needed pruning. So I watched what was left of the grapevine produce a massive crop of some of the best grapes I had ever eaten.
I. Fruit occurs in relationship.
A. Dry and no fruit = burned.
1. The vine needs all its energy to produce fruit... Very delicate balancing.
2. Common to have parts of the vine die, had to be removed for new growth to happen.
B. Productive = pruned so it can be more productive.
1. The vine exists for the fruit.
2. We are pruned by the Word of God.
3. The key is in abiding, not trying.
C. “The law of the vine.”
1. Our connection/relationship to God is what produces the fruit.
2. Fruit is the natural outcome of that relationship, not effort.
II. Fruit occurs because of the focus.
A. The grapevine is an illustration that unfocused growth is different than fruit.
1. “Israel was a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself. As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones. Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt.” [Hosea 10:1 – 2a]
a. Hosea addresses faithless people.
b. Image of a spreading vine and prosperity is offset by the fact that “their heart is deceitful.” (Divided, false, fickle)
2. Energy can be spent on unproductive exertions.
a. Unproductive habits. Killer ones are things that involve the tongue. (Gossip, slander, back biting... etc.)
b. Unproductive thought processes. (Insisting without considering, unable to view from other perspectives, “single lense.”)
B. Some growth is actually fungus, not fruit.
1. Unhealthy growth in nature... cancer, fungus and other parasites, etc...
2. Unhealthy things drain energy and divert attention.
3. Unhealthy things lack focus.
C. The ultimate killer?
1. “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” (Song of Solomon 2:15)
a. Foxes do not eat grapes or have interest in the vines. They dig at the roots.
b. Separate the vine from its roots (source of life and it will die)...
c. Foxes are unrelated, cute, and innocent looking. But they are the worst.
2. My grandparent’s grapevine finally died when their hunting dog discovered a family of rabbits living in the vines. He got lose and started digging. He didn’t dig much, but it was enough with the holes the rabbits had dug.
a. Unresolved issues that target the spiritual source of life look harmless and may even be pets... but they are the most dangerous thing to a vine.
b. A vine can be pruned to get rid of unproductive things. But once the vine is separated from its spiritual source of life... there is not hope for the vine. It loses it life.
c. For the Christian or the Church: focus on God is life.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. [2] Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” [Hebrews 12:1 – 3]
III. Fruit is the product of a process.
A. The process of developing character.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” [Galatians 5:22 – 25]
1. Some times we want fruit without the process that produces it.
2. Notice the steps:
a. “belong to Christ Jesus.” (Some want the benefits without the belonging... kind of like wanting to own a home but not wanting to make the house payments.)
b. “crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” (Some want the blessing without the work that comes from discipline... kind of like trying to win a marathon without training for the run.)
c. “keep in step with the Spirit.” (Some want the fruit without the controlling connection... sort of like wanting to be a citizen but not wanting to live by the laws or in cooperation with others.)
B. The process of witness.
1. The Greek word for witness is “martyr.”
a. Usually think of “martyr” as someone who dies.
b. Technically, it is someone who gives up their lives for their cause.
2. This becomes a matter of choice.
a. It is easy to give up you life, in the case of dying, because it means your life is yours until you get to the point of death.
b. It is much more difficult to give up your life, in case of daily service, because it means your life is not yours.
C. Think about it this way:
1. “You are witnesses of these things.” [Luke 24:48]
a. This means you, not someone else, not a hired professional.
b. This means living for the cause.
2. Jesus placed the eternal destiny of others in your hands.
3. Jesus placed the survival of the church (and this message) in your hands.
IV. Fruit occurs on purpose.
A. What are the tools?
1. [v 2] You are pruned by Word of God.
a. Is there something(s) that keeps you from living full throttle for Jesus Christ?
b. What dulls your desire and enthusiasm for the life changing good news of Jesus Christ?
2. [v 7] You are promised power in prayer.
a. Are you limited by what you see or by what you ask God for?
b. What dulls your desire and enthusiasm for the active power of prayer?
3. [v 8] You are proven as disciples.
a. When you face the test, God gets the attention (“the glory”).
b. What dulls your desire and enthusiasm for everyone’s attention to be on God?
4. [vv 9 – 10] Your love for God determines your obedience.
a. Love is a fancy and misunderstood word for “motivation.”
b. What motivates you is what you “love.”
5. [v 11] You are given unspeakable joy.
a. Joy is not an emotion. Happy is an emotion. Joy is a point of reference.
b. That point of reference comes from being in relationship with Jesus Christ.
B. Questions:
1. Where are you?
2. Where do you want to be?
3. Are you willing to pay the price to get to where you need to be?
“I am the true vine.”
(Ill.) Visiting my grandparents in the summer. They had a fair sized grapevine. I would help with the grapevine. Every time, it seemed that the grapevine had brown stems I had to pick. One year, grandma Waite took a pair of scissors to the lush vine. When she was done she had left almost nothing left. I was shocked. She explained that the grapes the last year were not good and the vine needed pruning. So I watched what was left of the grapevine produce a massive crop of some of the best grapes I had ever eaten.
I. Fruit occurs in relationship.
A. Dry and no fruit = burned.
1. The vine needs all its energy to produce fruit... Very delicate balancing.
2. Common to have parts of the vine die, had to be removed for new growth to happen.
B. Productive = pruned so it can be more productive.
1. The vine exists for the fruit.
2. We are pruned by the Word of God.
3. The key is in abiding, not trying.
C. “The law of the vine.”
1. Our connection/relationship to God is what produces the fruit.
2. Fruit is the natural outcome of that relationship, not effort.
II. Fruit occurs because of the focus.
A. The grapevine is an illustration that unfocused growth is different than fruit.
1. “Israel was a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself. As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones. Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt.” [Hosea 10:1 – 2a]
a. Hosea addresses faithless people.
b. Image of a spreading vine and prosperity is offset by the fact that “their heart is deceitful.” (Divided, false, fickle)
2. Energy can be spent on unproductive exertions.
a. Unproductive habits. Killer ones are things that involve the tongue. (Gossip, slander, back biting... etc.)
b. Unproductive thought processes. (Insisting without considering, unable to view from other perspectives, “single lense.”)
B. Some growth is actually fungus, not fruit.
1. Unhealthy growth in nature... cancer, fungus and other parasites, etc...
2. Unhealthy things drain energy and divert attention.
3. Unhealthy things lack focus.
C. The ultimate killer?
1. “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” (Song of Solomon 2:15)
a. Foxes do not eat grapes or have interest in the vines. They dig at the roots.
b. Separate the vine from its roots (source of life and it will die)...
c. Foxes are unrelated, cute, and innocent looking. But they are the worst.
2. My grandparent’s grapevine finally died when their hunting dog discovered a family of rabbits living in the vines. He got lose and started digging. He didn’t dig much, but it was enough with the holes the rabbits had dug.
a. Unresolved issues that target the spiritual source of life look harmless and may even be pets... but they are the most dangerous thing to a vine.
b. A vine can be pruned to get rid of unproductive things. But once the vine is separated from its spiritual source of life... there is not hope for the vine. It loses it life.
c. For the Christian or the Church: focus on God is life.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. [2] Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” [Hebrews 12:1 – 3]
III. Fruit is the product of a process.
A. The process of developing character.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” [Galatians 5:22 – 25]
1. Some times we want fruit without the process that produces it.
2. Notice the steps:
a. “belong to Christ Jesus.” (Some want the benefits without the belonging... kind of like wanting to own a home but not wanting to make the house payments.)
b. “crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” (Some want the blessing without the work that comes from discipline... kind of like trying to win a marathon without training for the run.)
c. “keep in step with the Spirit.” (Some want the fruit without the controlling connection... sort of like wanting to be a citizen but not wanting to live by the laws or in cooperation with others.)
B. The process of witness.
1. The Greek word for witness is “martyr.”
a. Usually think of “martyr” as someone who dies.
b. Technically, it is someone who gives up their lives for their cause.
2. This becomes a matter of choice.
a. It is easy to give up you life, in the case of dying, because it means your life is yours until you get to the point of death.
b. It is much more difficult to give up your life, in case of daily service, because it means your life is not yours.
C. Think about it this way:
1. “You are witnesses of these things.” [Luke 24:48]
a. This means you, not someone else, not a hired professional.
b. This means living for the cause.
2. Jesus placed the eternal destiny of others in your hands.
3. Jesus placed the survival of the church (and this message) in your hands.
IV. Fruit occurs on purpose.
A. What are the tools?
1. [v 2] You are pruned by Word of God.
a. Is there something(s) that keeps you from living full throttle for Jesus Christ?
b. What dulls your desire and enthusiasm for the life changing good news of Jesus Christ?
2. [v 7] You are promised power in prayer.
a. Are you limited by what you see or by what you ask God for?
b. What dulls your desire and enthusiasm for the active power of prayer?
3. [v 8] You are proven as disciples.
a. When you face the test, God gets the attention (“the glory”).
b. What dulls your desire and enthusiasm for everyone’s attention to be on God?
4. [vv 9 – 10] Your love for God determines your obedience.
a. Love is a fancy and misunderstood word for “motivation.”
b. What motivates you is what you “love.”
5. [v 11] You are given unspeakable joy.
a. Joy is not an emotion. Happy is an emotion. Joy is a point of reference.
b. That point of reference comes from being in relationship with Jesus Christ.
B. Questions:
1. Where are you?
2. Where do you want to be?
3. Are you willing to pay the price to get to where you need to be?
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
John 14:1 – 14
Sneaking Suspicions – vs – The Power to Do.”
I. Sneaking suspicions divide our hearts.
“The power of temptation is the sneaking suspicion that God is not good all the time.” [Unknown]
A. Symptoms of a troubled heart.
1. Control issues.
a. In an attempt to not get hurt, we do not trust.
b. In an attempt to not get hurt, we attempt to control other people.
1.) Threats are used.
2.) Guilt is used.
3.) Nagging is used.
2. Depression/despair breeds distraction [Paws - n - Tails]
a. [Paws - n - Tails] King Saul’s story. When the Holy Spirit left him, only David’s playing could sooth him.
b. Pilate was charged with keeping law and order. At the critical moment he was distracted by the crowd.
B. Jesus asks us to trust in God.
1. God’s full-time goodness.
2. God’s unconditional love.
3. God’s power.
II. Separation anxiety challenges hearts.
A. Jesus’ promises:
1. He is preparing a place.
a. The song “I’ve got a mansion...”
b. The song “put on my shoes and walk all over heaven.”
2. He will return.
a. This is NOT the “lone ranger syndrom” where one expects to be rescued by someone/something at the last moment.
b. Rescue is NOT the issue, neither is success or failure.
c. The issue is being with Jesus.
B. Why is this so hard to understand?
1. Thomas’ question.
a. Garfield (cartoon), “Without a goal, how would you know when you failed.”
b. Thomas’ question was rational and intellectual.
1.) It was a good one. Without a goal how do we know the direction?
2.) The problem is that it doubts...
a.) Does Thomas doubt God?
b.) Does Thomas doubt himself?
2. Without the discernable presence of God, what else is possible?
a. Jesus was going away... we will be on our own.
b. Jesus’ “I am’s” are meant to give us a picture.
III. Jesus provides three word pictures.
A. What do they mean?
1. Jesus is the way = Jesus is how you get to the Father.
a. When Jesus died the curtain in the temple was torn.
b. The Bible says, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.” [Hebrews 10:19 – 20]
2. Jesus is the truth = Jesus is the only reliable map to get to the Father.
a. (ill) A particular on-line mapping service, got us lost... so we switched. If you are not following Jesus, you are following the wrong directions.
b. There are lots of voices that want to be heard.
B. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life...
1. It is guarded: “After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” [Genesis 3:24]
2. It requires our humbling: “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” [Psalm 86:11]
3. It is uncomfortable: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” [Psalm 139:23 – 24]
4. It is step by step listening: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it.” [Isaiah 30:21]
5. It is hard to find: “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” [Matthew 7:14]
The way is our direction and course. The truth is how we find it and stay on course. The life is how we do this.
IV. The power to do comes from persistence in direction.
A. Summary of what we know:
1. The target destination is the Father.
2. We are troubled by fear and uncertainty.
3. Jesus asks us to trust Him and trust the Father’s provisions.
4. This translates into a life style.
B. The end result will be power [v 12].
1. We can have power or an empty form of godliness [see 1 Timothy 3:5]
2. Power is grounded and birthed in prayer [v 14].
3. The trouble is this: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” [Proverbs 14:12 AND Proverbs 16:25]
4. The solution is here: [Psalm 139:23 – 24]
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
a. Give God complete and honest access to you.
b. Let God examine even how and why you make your choices and decisions.
c. Take God’s test and honestly own up to anxious thoughts.
d. Allow God’s cleansing and healing power to purge the offensive ways and heal the wounds they have caused.
Sneaking Suspicions – vs – The Power to Do.”
I. Sneaking suspicions divide our hearts.
“The power of temptation is the sneaking suspicion that God is not good all the time.” [Unknown]
A. Symptoms of a troubled heart.
1. Control issues.
a. In an attempt to not get hurt, we do not trust.
b. In an attempt to not get hurt, we attempt to control other people.
1.) Threats are used.
2.) Guilt is used.
3.) Nagging is used.
2. Depression/despair breeds distraction [Paws - n - Tails]
a. [Paws - n - Tails] King Saul’s story. When the Holy Spirit left him, only David’s playing could sooth him.
b. Pilate was charged with keeping law and order. At the critical moment he was distracted by the crowd.
B. Jesus asks us to trust in God.
1. God’s full-time goodness.
2. God’s unconditional love.
3. God’s power.
II. Separation anxiety challenges hearts.
A. Jesus’ promises:
1. He is preparing a place.
a. The song “I’ve got a mansion...”
b. The song “put on my shoes and walk all over heaven.”
2. He will return.
a. This is NOT the “lone ranger syndrom” where one expects to be rescued by someone/something at the last moment.
b. Rescue is NOT the issue, neither is success or failure.
c. The issue is being with Jesus.
B. Why is this so hard to understand?
1. Thomas’ question.
a. Garfield (cartoon), “Without a goal, how would you know when you failed.”
b. Thomas’ question was rational and intellectual.
1.) It was a good one. Without a goal how do we know the direction?
2.) The problem is that it doubts...
a.) Does Thomas doubt God?
b.) Does Thomas doubt himself?
2. Without the discernable presence of God, what else is possible?
a. Jesus was going away... we will be on our own.
b. Jesus’ “I am’s” are meant to give us a picture.
III. Jesus provides three word pictures.
A. What do they mean?
1. Jesus is the way = Jesus is how you get to the Father.
a. When Jesus died the curtain in the temple was torn.
b. The Bible says, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.” [Hebrews 10:19 – 20]
2. Jesus is the truth = Jesus is the only reliable map to get to the Father.
a. (ill) A particular on-line mapping service, got us lost... so we switched. If you are not following Jesus, you are following the wrong directions.
b. There are lots of voices that want to be heard.
B. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life...
1. It is guarded: “After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.” [Genesis 3:24]
2. It requires our humbling: “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” [Psalm 86:11]
3. It is uncomfortable: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” [Psalm 139:23 – 24]
4. It is step by step listening: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it.” [Isaiah 30:21]
5. It is hard to find: “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” [Matthew 7:14]
The way is our direction and course. The truth is how we find it and stay on course. The life is how we do this.
IV. The power to do comes from persistence in direction.
A. Summary of what we know:
1. The target destination is the Father.
2. We are troubled by fear and uncertainty.
3. Jesus asks us to trust Him and trust the Father’s provisions.
4. This translates into a life style.
B. The end result will be power [v 12].
1. We can have power or an empty form of godliness [see 1 Timothy 3:5]
2. Power is grounded and birthed in prayer [v 14].
3. The trouble is this: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” [Proverbs 14:12 AND Proverbs 16:25]
4. The solution is here: [Psalm 139:23 – 24]
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
a. Give God complete and honest access to you.
b. Let God examine even how and why you make your choices and decisions.
c. Take God’s test and honestly own up to anxious thoughts.
d. Allow God’s cleansing and healing power to purge the offensive ways and heal the wounds they have caused.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
John 11
Where is Jesus when you need Him?
The biggest emotional killer is the gap between expectations and experience. This gap can bring disillusionment to a husband/wife relationship or a parent child relationship. It can kill churches and create bitterness when prayers and faith expectations are not met.
Let’s look at one very personal story where this gap drove a wedge between Jesus and some of His closest friends.
“Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” [John 11:5]
I. A story of friendship is told in Luke 10:38 – 42.
A. Jesus stayed at the home of Martha (sister of Mary and Lazarus).
B. There was a conflict between Martha and Mary.
1. Martha was distracted by the preparations and complained to Jesus about Mary.
2. Jesus described Martha as “worried and upset.” By nature she was:
a. DRIVEN by duty.
b. DRIVEN to action.
3. Mary had chosen what is “better.”
a. Mary chose relationship over activity. (“one thing is needed”)
b. Activity does not mean relationship or life.
(The church at Ephesus in Revelation) “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. ... Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. [Revelation 2:2a, 4]
II. All friendships suffer a crisis at some point. [John 11:1 – 6, 14]
A. Lazarus became sick. [v 1]
1. The sisters sent for Jesus. [v 3]
2. Jesus promises that this “will not end in death.” [v 4]
a. The promise would have comforted the sisters.
b. Afer all, wasn’t Jesus THE One who knew all and could do anything?
B. Lazarus died. [v 11]
1. This does not make sense.
a. Jesus promised!
b. Jesus delayed (it wouldn’t have made a difference, Jesus could not have walked there in time to prevent Lazarus’ death).
2. Raises the question: What happens when what you think you believe collides with what you think you experience?
a. Now there is a gap between what you expect (belief) and what you experience (in this case Lazarus’ death).
b. The question then becomes: “Where is Jesus when you need Him?”
III. What are some possible answers?
A. Jesus could have healed Lazarus. [Even from a distance, like other stories.]
1. There is a story telling device used by John in a descending spiral.
a. Martha complains but exercises faith [vv 21, 22].
b. Mary complains but can only be in sorrow [vv 32 – 33].
c. The “chorus” complains and demonstrates bitterness [v 37]
2. The fact is faith has reached a crisis because experience did not live up to expectations.
B. We can take comfort in out theological systems.
1. Our belief systems can give us hope.
2. Martha expressed hope in the future. [v 24] hope deferred
3. Let’s be honest with ourselves a second:
a. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” [Proverbs 13:12]
b. There is something about the disappointment between the expectation and the experience that can leave us cold, empty, and dead.
C. Maybe venting will help.
1. Sometimes we are too hurt to anything else but want to strike back.
a. Sometimes we go after the person we think hurt us, or an innocent, or someone we can bully, or even God.
b. We call it “letting off steam.”
2. After all, if you are miserable it helps to have the people around you miserable too...
a. “Misery loves company.”
b. “Hurt people hurt people.”
IV. The real crisis is happens when Jesus challenges our perception of reality [v 40].
“Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” [John 11:40]
A. Jesus meets an emotional attack with an emotional response.
1. “Deeply moved in spirit” [v 33] means Jesus was angry.
a. Jesus is angry at the COST of sin.
b. Sin brought death into the world. And the enemy uses the emotions around death to paralyze our minds and faith.
2. “Troubled” [v 33] means Jesus is frustrated.
a. Jesus’ frustration is how CONSUMED humans are by sin.
b. We are limited to what we think we see. (Walk by sight... not faith)
3. Jesus weeps. [v 35]
a. Jesus displays empathy with us. (It is ok to weep.)
b. Jesus feels the CONSEQUENCES of sin/death = separation.
B. Jesus asks for response in the face of natural resistance.
1. Jesus asks to see the tomb. [v 34]
2. Jesus asks to have the stone rolled away. [v 39]
3. Every request for response is a chance for us to break down the resistance.
4. Every piece of resistance that is broken down closes the disappointment gap between what we think should happen and what is happening.
V. When Jesus takes control; our perception is adjusted.
A. Jesus starts with prayer. [vv 41, 42]
1. Why? Because, Jesus is our example.
2. Jesus prayed as a habit and Jesus prayed in critical situations.
B. Jesus then resurrects Lazarus. [vv 43, 44]
1. This causes multiple reactions:
a. Some people believed. [v 45]
b. Some people tattled. [v 46]
c. Some people plotted. [v47]
2. The key is to see that Jesus’ purposes are not the same as ours.
VI. What is the resolution for the gap between what we expect and what we experience?
A. A future hope is a present power.
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” [Philippians 3:10 – 11]
1. Paul already knew he would be resurrected from the dead.
2. What he wanted to attain was the level of living found in the “the power of HIS resurrection.”
B. A present power sees the purposes and possibilities of God.
1. This was for God’s glory. [vv 4, 15, 40]
2. When the gap between our expectations and experience are narrowed or eliminated, we are freed from the misery our perceptions cause, people notice that God is at work, and God gets the glory.
C. How about you?
Where is Jesus when you need Him?
The biggest emotional killer is the gap between expectations and experience. This gap can bring disillusionment to a husband/wife relationship or a parent child relationship. It can kill churches and create bitterness when prayers and faith expectations are not met.
Let’s look at one very personal story where this gap drove a wedge between Jesus and some of His closest friends.
“Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” [John 11:5]
I. A story of friendship is told in Luke 10:38 – 42.
A. Jesus stayed at the home of Martha (sister of Mary and Lazarus).
B. There was a conflict between Martha and Mary.
1. Martha was distracted by the preparations and complained to Jesus about Mary.
2. Jesus described Martha as “worried and upset.” By nature she was:
a. DRIVEN by duty.
b. DRIVEN to action.
3. Mary had chosen what is “better.”
a. Mary chose relationship over activity. (“one thing is needed”)
b. Activity does not mean relationship or life.
(The church at Ephesus in Revelation) “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. ... Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. [Revelation 2:2a, 4]
II. All friendships suffer a crisis at some point. [John 11:1 – 6, 14]
A. Lazarus became sick. [v 1]
1. The sisters sent for Jesus. [v 3]
2. Jesus promises that this “will not end in death.” [v 4]
a. The promise would have comforted the sisters.
b. Afer all, wasn’t Jesus THE One who knew all and could do anything?
B. Lazarus died. [v 11]
1. This does not make sense.
a. Jesus promised!
b. Jesus delayed (it wouldn’t have made a difference, Jesus could not have walked there in time to prevent Lazarus’ death).
2. Raises the question: What happens when what you think you believe collides with what you think you experience?
a. Now there is a gap between what you expect (belief) and what you experience (in this case Lazarus’ death).
b. The question then becomes: “Where is Jesus when you need Him?”
III. What are some possible answers?
A. Jesus could have healed Lazarus. [Even from a distance, like other stories.]
1. There is a story telling device used by John in a descending spiral.
a. Martha complains but exercises faith [vv 21, 22].
b. Mary complains but can only be in sorrow [vv 32 – 33].
c. The “chorus” complains and demonstrates bitterness [v 37]
2. The fact is faith has reached a crisis because experience did not live up to expectations.
B. We can take comfort in out theological systems.
1. Our belief systems can give us hope.
2. Martha expressed hope in the future. [v 24] hope deferred
3. Let’s be honest with ourselves a second:
a. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” [Proverbs 13:12]
b. There is something about the disappointment between the expectation and the experience that can leave us cold, empty, and dead.
C. Maybe venting will help.
1. Sometimes we are too hurt to anything else but want to strike back.
a. Sometimes we go after the person we think hurt us, or an innocent, or someone we can bully, or even God.
b. We call it “letting off steam.”
2. After all, if you are miserable it helps to have the people around you miserable too...
a. “Misery loves company.”
b. “Hurt people hurt people.”
IV. The real crisis is happens when Jesus challenges our perception of reality [v 40].
“Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” [John 11:40]
A. Jesus meets an emotional attack with an emotional response.
1. “Deeply moved in spirit” [v 33] means Jesus was angry.
a. Jesus is angry at the COST of sin.
b. Sin brought death into the world. And the enemy uses the emotions around death to paralyze our minds and faith.
2. “Troubled” [v 33] means Jesus is frustrated.
a. Jesus’ frustration is how CONSUMED humans are by sin.
b. We are limited to what we think we see. (Walk by sight... not faith)
3. Jesus weeps. [v 35]
a. Jesus displays empathy with us. (It is ok to weep.)
b. Jesus feels the CONSEQUENCES of sin/death = separation.
B. Jesus asks for response in the face of natural resistance.
1. Jesus asks to see the tomb. [v 34]
2. Jesus asks to have the stone rolled away. [v 39]
3. Every request for response is a chance for us to break down the resistance.
4. Every piece of resistance that is broken down closes the disappointment gap between what we think should happen and what is happening.
V. When Jesus takes control; our perception is adjusted.
A. Jesus starts with prayer. [vv 41, 42]
1. Why? Because, Jesus is our example.
2. Jesus prayed as a habit and Jesus prayed in critical situations.
B. Jesus then resurrects Lazarus. [vv 43, 44]
1. This causes multiple reactions:
a. Some people believed. [v 45]
b. Some people tattled. [v 46]
c. Some people plotted. [v47]
2. The key is to see that Jesus’ purposes are not the same as ours.
VI. What is the resolution for the gap between what we expect and what we experience?
A. A future hope is a present power.
“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” [Philippians 3:10 – 11]
1. Paul already knew he would be resurrected from the dead.
2. What he wanted to attain was the level of living found in the “the power of HIS resurrection.”
B. A present power sees the purposes and possibilities of God.
1. This was for God’s glory. [vv 4, 15, 40]
2. When the gap between our expectations and experience are narrowed or eliminated, we are freed from the misery our perceptions cause, people notice that God is at work, and God gets the glory.
C. How about you?
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