Ritual's connection to joy

Leviticus 9:1 – 7, 22 – 24
Ritual’s connection to joy

In the first mention of joy in the Bible, we can learn some important lessons.  These may cut against the grain of our cultural conditioning, but they are important if we want to experience the presence of God.  When I talk about “presence,” I mean “a person or thing that is present but not seen.” [Oxford]

I.    Ritual can reveal the glory of God.

“Then Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.” [Leviticus 9:6]

[Context: the ordination of Aaron and his sons... the beginning of sacrificial system.]

    A.    Ritual, routine, and religious exercise has a purpose.

        1.    Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life” instructed people on how to find purpose in life.

        2.    Ritual, routine, and religious exercise is designed to make life easier and comfortable.

    B.    Most of life is ritual, routine, or religious exercise.

        1.    What do you do when you get out of bed every morning?  Probably the same thing...  You have a routine.

            a.    Breaking the routine can cause tension or throw everything off...

            b.    We even use the explanation for a bad day as “getting out of the wrong side of bed.”

            c.    Routine saves emotional energy; we don’t have to think about what to do next or where to find what.

        2.    What do you do when you get into your car to drive someplace?  Probably the same thing... You have a ritual.

            a.    Breaking the ritual may mean that the seat or mirror is not adjusted properly.

            b.    Most “accidents” occur when we break our rituals... we become “careless” and miss something important (like not being in control of the car due to speed, distraction, or intoxication.

        3.    What do you do when you encounter something uncomfortable, unfortunate, or beyond understanding?  Probably the same thing... You have a religious exercise.

            a.    Some people use vulgarity, minced oaths, taking the Lord’s name in vain.  (Notice that in American society we don’t use other names, like Satan, Michael Moore, Buddha, Mohamed, etc...?)

            b.    Some people resort to prayer.  (AFA reported that on a Simpson’s episode, Lisa notice Bart praying for a chance at a much needed passing grade and remarked, “Prayer the last refuge of the rascal.”  The actual line, a sad commentary on Christians, was “Prayer, the last refuge of the desperate.”)

    C.    Typically when religious exercise and ritual are mentioned, we think “dull,” “mindless” or “boring.”

        1.    Thinking something is boring is actually a bad attitude.

            a.    We admit we are not intelligent enough to get something of worth out of what is happening.
           
            b.    Typically the feeling of “boring” is a criticism... generally of something we don’t like or want.

        2.    Reality check: We all have things that make life easier, simpler, and more comfortable... they are called ritual, routine, and religious exercise.

            a.    Do you have to think about were your tooth brush is or your car keys?

            b.    If you have to think about where your car keys are, you are probably stressed at the moment...

        3.    Moses tells the people that the glory of the God will “appear.”

            a.    The word “appear” in the Hebrew means “to see” and carries the idea of experience...

            b.    In other words, God can be seen in the ordinary or extraordinary religious ritual, expression, or exercise.

II.    The earnest pursuit of God can reveal the presence of God.

    A.    When we do something by ritual we do them out of some sort of expectation.

        1.    Like we expect to know where the tooth brush is, or like we expect to enjoy a certain food...  When we practice a religious ritual or religious exercise, we expect something to happen.

            a.    What you expect is usually what you see and experience.

            b.    If you prepared your self to expect God to speak to you through something that happens in church today, it will happen... subtly or strongly.  (Or vice-versa)

        2.    When we participate in the ritual of communion (the Lord’s Supper) we expect some things to happen.

            a.    It gives us a chance to “truly and earnestly repent.”  Which clears our conscience and makes us feel clean before God.

            b.    We expect God to “make us strong and faithful in all goodness.”  Which acknowledges we are dependant on God to do and be...

            c.    We participate, knowing that our self-confidence, self-righteousness is unacceptable to God...  It is only by His mercy that we participate in the new covenant we remember and celebrate.

    B.    Expectations tend to be emotional.

        1.    We tend to believe what we want to based on what we feel (or are trained).

            a.    Here is the issue of comfort.  There are some practices in some churches that are uncomfortable to me.

                1.)    I don’t like a service that seems unstructured or casual.  It comes across as not being serious about being in the presence of God.

                2.)    I don’t like a service that has lots of symbolism.  I don’t know the symbols so I don’t know what’s happening.

            b.    We tend to feel what we believe... (self-explanatory)

        2.    The problem is that emotions happen to us and we do not subject emotions to examination.

            a.    So ritual, routine, and religious exercise can become meaningless.

            b.    Meaningless happens when we miss the presence of God.

III.    Joy and worship is the response to the presence of God.

    A.    There is a spiritual movement that occurs when we encounter God.

        1.    The initial reaction is RESISTANCE.

            a.    We are made uncomfortable by truth.

                1.)    We may have to deal with sin in our lives.

                2.)    We may have to admit our inadequacy.

            b.    Our intentional movement through life, (ritual, routine, and religious exercise) becomes disturbed when we encounter the one we earnestly seek.

                1.)    If our ritual, routine, and religious exercise is designed to help us encounter God, why would be resist that encounter?

                2.)    It happens when our ritual, routine, and religious exercise becomes and end in itself to keep us comfortable.

        2.    A choice is made to REPENT.

            a.    Repent does NOT just mean we change our minds.  (Changing our minds is an important part of repentance, but it is not the full picture.)

                1.)    Four frogs are sitting on a log.  Two decide (want to, feel like, change their mind about being on the log) to jump off.  How many frogs are on the log?  ANSWER: Four.  Deciding, want to, feeling like, changing the mind is not the same as jumping off the log.

                2.)    Some people think that right thinking (teaching) leads to right living.  [Ever do something you KNEW was wrong?  You thought right but you lived wrong.]

            b.    The Biblical model of repent includes “to turn.”

                1.)    When we repent we TURN AWAY from something, in this case it is sin.  This is “godly sorrow.”

                2.)    When we repent we TURN TOWARD God.  This is joy.

            c.    We enter into an exchange.

                1.)    We exchange our sin (guilt, consequences, pain, problems) for Christ’s righteousness (forgiveness, salvation, joy)

                2.)    We replace the bad with the good...  (Greed is replaced by generosity.  Lust is replaced by unconditional love.  Bitterness is replaced by the freedom of forgiveness.  Complaining is replace by encouragement.... etc...)

        3.    We begin to REORIENT our behavior and attitudes.

            a.    The key word is “obedience.”

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, `Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'  `I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, `I will, sir,' but he did not go. "Which of the two did what his father wanted?"  "The first," they answered.  Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.” [Matthew 21:28 – 31]

            b.    We are transformed.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” [Romans 12:2]

        4.    The RESULT is the presence of God.

        5.    The RESPONSE is joy and worship.

    B.    The question is where are you in this line of movement?

IV.    Realizing that God is always present comes from the discipline of joy.

    A.    We have to deal with obstacles.

        1.    “It is easier to let God’s law convict than to let God’s gospel set you free.” [Mike Mason]

            a.    We are conditioned to be “guilt collectors.”

            b.    (Ill.) One of my earlier churches insisted that I had not preached unless I had offended and humiliated someone.  They called it “stepping on someone’s toes” and “meddling” as terms of endearment.

        2.    What are the obstacles?

            a.    The GUILT of your own sins.  [Mike Mason] (“Admit it. Quit it.” Bury it.)

            b.    The GRUDGE you hold against someone else.  [Mike Mason] (Forgive it. Quit it. Bury it.)

    B.    Develop the discipline of joy.

            1.    “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest3427 the praises8416 of Israel.” [Psalm 22:3 KJV]

            a.    Literally, “who sits the praises of Israel.”  Which could mean “dwells” in the praises... as the KJV translates it.

            b.    As we praise God (combination of joy and worship) we see, experience, know God’s presence.

        2.    “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” [Philippians 4:4]

            a.    It is required, as a discipline... like reading the Bible and praying.

            b.    It may be one of the things you do that can create the “feeling.”

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.” [Hebrews 13:15]

We have the opportunity to see ourselves and God in a fresh light as we once again remember and celebrate the new covenant in Jesus’ blood.

[# 759 The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper]

For more on joy, see Mike Mason, "Champagne for the Soul: Rediscovering God's Gift of Joy," Regen College Publishing, Vancover, B.C. 2003.

technorati tags:joy, ritual, religious, excercise, routine, God, Jesus, expectation, expectations, emotional, worship, resistance, repent, reorient, result, response, guilt, grudge, praise, discipline

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Inexpressible and glorious joy

1 Peter 1:3 – 9
“Joy”

I.    We can wallow in sorrow but plant the seeds of love and trust and you get joy.

    A.    Peter was not writing in a vacuum.

        1.    Emperor Nero unleashed massive and hideous persecutions on Christians.

            a.    The death of Christians was public entertainment.

            b.    Nero did tolerate Christians that obtained a license.

                1.)    Appear before Roman governor (or agent) once a year, offer a tiny bit of incense on an alter, and declare “Caesar is Lord.”

                2.)    Early Christian test, “Jesus is Lord.” [Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 12:3]

        2.    It had to have been difficult.  Different people chose different routes.

            a.    You could chose the “safe” way and get a license (but betray Jesus).

            b.    You could choose the trial.

    B.    Peter suggests that suffering is an indispensable factor in the Christian life.

        1.    Suffering is the context/contrast for joy.  Why?

            a.    Suffering is the refiner’s fire. [v 7]

                1.)    The refining process exposed (to be skimmed off) or burned off impurities.

                2.)    The purer the gold the more precious it becomes.

            b.    Suffering proves our faith.

                1.)    What is faith?

                    a.)    Faith is “healthy self-doubt.”  We learn to trust God instead.

                    b.)    Faith is “self-surrender.”   Rather than fighting what God is doing.

                    c.)    Faith is “yielding the will.”   

                    d.)    Faith is “risky.”  (Ill.) Abraham didn’t know where he was going, how long he would be gone, what he would do.  (Heb. 11:13, he was still “going” when he died... had not reached the goal...)

                2.)    Howe does suffering prove our faith?

                    a.)    There is a progression. [v 8]

                    b.)    Love produces trust, trust produces joy.

        2.    Joy is expressed in praise to God. [v 3]

II.    God did more than forgive, He offered us “new life.”

    A.    Inexpressible and glorious joy is based on the mercy of God.

        1.    [v 3] “great mercy” gives the impression that it is beyond our ability to understand.

            a.    [v 3] “new birth”

                1.)    BEFORE we were “dead in (our) sins,” unable to respond to God... uninterested in spiritual matters.

                2.)    AFTER we are “alive to God,” we hear God and respond... We become a different person. [2 Corinthians 5:17]

            b.    [v 3] “living hope”

                1.)    Unquenchable and great expectations.

                2.)    We have everything to hope for... because of the resurrection of Jesus.

        2.    [v 4] “inheritance”

            a.    It does not “perish” (die or decay).

            b.    It does not “spoil” (become defiled, rot)

            c.    It does not “fade.”

The end result of all this is joy.

    B.    That means suffering has a purpose.

        1.    The key idea is discipline.

            a.    Discipline means we do what we don’t feel like doing for a greater good, or to achieve an goal.

                1.)    Unfortunately we live in an “entitlement” society.

                2.)    We think we are “entitled” to a good job, love, or success.

            b.    Discipline means we practice joy in the face of grief.

                1.)    Joy is a choice... but it is not artificial or manufactured.

                2.)    Joy puts the focus where it should be. [v 9]

[v 9] “for you are receiving the result of your faith, THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOULS.”

        2.    The reality of suffering is that it is temporary.

            a.    It may be “life-long but temporary.”

                1.)    This physical existence is NOT all there is...

                2.)    Compare the 100 years we might live to the uncountable years of eternity.

            b.    There is a hope for “tomorrow.”

                1.)    (Ill.) From Anne... “The sun will come out tomorrow...”

                2.)    “Biblical optimism” not delusion or “pie in the sky.”

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

“Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” [Psalm 30:5b]

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” [Lamentations 3:22 – 23 ESV]

III.    Joy is the result.

    A.    “Inexpressible and glorious joy”

        1.    It is a continuous, progressive and growing joy.

            a.    Biblically speaking “believing is receiving.”

            b.    If you believe you are receiving, this is NOT just for the future.

(Ill.) “If its going to be funny later, its funny now.”  Reality... “We are going to be joyful later, its joyful now.”

        2.    Have you ever been so happy you couldn’t put it into words?

            a.    Maybe you shouted.

            b.    Maybe you sat in awe and wonder.

    B.    If trust breathes joy, then this is the norm for the Christ-follower.

        1.    When you entered into a right relationship with God:

            a.    You became aware (possibly painfully aware) of the gap between you and God.

            b.    You may have been uncomfortable as you realized God was inviting you to close the gap by moving toward you.

            c.    You say yourself, the ugliness of sin, and were uncomfortable.

            d.    Sensing God’s loving-kindness and the possibilities of being forgiven you began to trust God and love God back.

            e.    You felt the release of forgiveness and the joy of God’s presence.

        2.    What to do?

            a.    Joy comes from the hope based on the mercy of God.

                1.)    What is your relationship with God?

                2.)    Do you trust God to finish what He started?

            b.    Joy comes from knowing the end result (the salvation of your soul).

                1.)    (Ill.) If you travel forward and back in time and see...  I was watching the Detroit Lions play.  They were 17 points down... anguish.  Watching the game re-broadcasted there was glee at that point.  Why? Because I had already seen the final result (Lions won).

                2.)    Joy is a matter of perspective (point of view)... it is seeing life from God’s perspective, not yours.

            c.    Joy is a fruit, a gift and a discipline.

                1.)    As a discipline, it means deliberately looking beyond the circumstances.

                2.)    As a discipline, it takes constant and regular attention and energy.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” [2 Corinthians 4:16 – 18]

technorati tags:joy, grief, suffering, trials, trust, God, Jesus, joyful

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Rethinking God

Isaiah 40
Rethinking God

There is a common idea about God that portrays Him as a “candyman.”  This image tries to say that will make everything go right.  A popular song painted this picture:

(Ill.) used in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory also performed by Sammy Davis, Jr.

“Who can take a sunrise,  Sprinkle it with dew?  Cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two…
The candyman, the candyman can, The candyman can 'cause he mixes it with love
and makes the world taste good…”

“Who can take tomorrow, Dip it in a dream?  Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream,
The candyman? The Candyman can, the candyman can… The candyman can 'cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good… And the world tastes good 'cause the candyman thinks it should…”  [http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lyrics/candyman.htm]

The fact is Scripture portrays God as having His own agenda, purpose and reason that has little to do with our comfort or pleasure.  Maybe its time to rethink God.

I.    God takes “risks.”

    A.    Risks come in many forms.  (The risk of misunderstanding God)

        1.    Pain

            a.    Pain is useful to tell us that something is wrong.

            b.    Pain can help us unlearn weak behavior patterns.

“For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me.  I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” [Psalm 38:17 – 18]

        2.    Suffering

            a.    God is not ignorant of our suffering, sometimes suffering must run its course.

“For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” [Psalm 22:24]

            b.    Jesus shared in our suffering!  (In fact we inflicted Him with suffering.)

“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.” [Isaish 53:3]

        3.    Trouble

            a.    We try to define what is sin and we try to define what is good an bad.  These definitions tend to be from the human perspective.

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” [Job 2:10b]

            b.    But troubled times are a time to seek God.

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” [James 5:13]

        4.    Testing

            a.    “No pain, no gain.”  Muscles grow under stress.  Spiritually we grow under stress.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” [James 1:2 – 3]

            b.    Testing shows us for what we are... it either confirms us or shows us our practice of deceiving ourselves.

“Do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert.” [Hebrews 3:8]

        5.    Disappointments

            a.    These are the spiritual “valleys” when we don’t “feel” like loving God.

                1.)    Maybe God did not answer a prayer the way you wanted it to be answered.

                2.)    Maybe you just get to busy for daily “routines” that keep you grounded in God.

            b.    They are the “dark side” of our spiritual journey when we wonder, “what if...”  (Ill. “The Far Side” cartoon by Gary Larson, who was teased unmercifully by his brother about possible realities.  This cartoon often highlighted the uncomfortable, improbable, illogical, and bizarre alternative view of humanity through the world of animals.  He focused on the “what if...”  e.g. )

                1.)    Even Jesus, “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” [Matthew 27:46]

                2.)    (Ill.) Praying and sensing my prayers were bouncing off the ceiling.  Wife: “It’s a good thing that God is in the room with you.”

    B.    Risks have a purpose.

        1.    They draw our attention away from ourselves.

        2.    They teach us something new about God.

        3.    They move us beyond circumstances.

        4.    They develop undiscovered strength we never knew we had. [v 31]

            a.    (Ill.) Of the eagle... the mother/father make the nest uncomfortable... they snuggle with the young until it is pushed out of the nest or carried out and dropped... it falls or flies...  Often it takes many attempts over many days for the eagle to learn to fly.

            b.    When a storm comes, the eagle cannot stay on the ground (or in the nest)... it must “mount up on wings” and fly above the storm.

            c.    There is a pure joy that eagles seem to have when they are in flight.  They are miserable when caged (you can’t cage a wild eagle).

II.    What do these risks teach us?

    A.    God’s ways are not our ways.

        1.    Preparing a road through the wilderness. [3 – 5]

            a.    Some think this was socio-economic others personal spirituality.

            b.    This was John... he had two things to say.

                1.)    “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” [Matthew 3:2]

                2.)    “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” [Matthew 3:8]

        2.    Changing v Eternal. [6 – 8]

            a.    Human = changing

The emperor Diocletian tried to revive the old pagan religions of Rome by persecuting and killing Christians. He set up a stone pillar in his honor, inscribed with the words that he wanted to describe his legacy: “For having exterminated the name of Christ from the earth.”

            b.    God’s word is eternal.

                1.)    Tamper-proof (make it unaccessible to people by requiring an interpreter)

                2.)    God’s word transforms us, it interprets us, and it corrects us.

    B.    God is “distinct” (recognizably different – Oxford).

        1.    As a Shepherd [v 11]

            a.    He “tends” means to take care of... like a shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.

            b.    He “gathers” means to collect or assemble... like a shepherd who searches for the one who is lost.

            c.    He “carries” means to lift... like a shepherd who finds the lost sheep and loves them all the way home.

            d.    He “gently leads” means to be with in a procreative way...  like a shepherd who is the gate.

        2.    In Creation [vv 12 – 31]

            a.    The “Three Questions”

                1.)    Where you there?  “Who has measured the water... marked off the heavens... held the dust of the earth... weighed the mountains?” [v 12]

                2.)    Do you know everything?   “Who had understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed Him as His counselor... who taught Him?” [vv 13, 14]

                3.)    Can you do the things God does?  “To whom, then, will you compare God?” [v 18, 25] “Who created all these?” [v 26]

            b.    God is God. [v 22]

            c.    God is in control. [vv 23, 24]

            d.    Why are you complaining? [v 27]

                a.    We complain that we cannot understand God. [Can a dog understand a person?  To a limited degree.]

                b.    We complain that we God disregards us. [If we cannot understand God, then how can we know how He works?]

III.    God’s risks cause us to reach.

    A.    God disciplines us.  (Discipline brings strength, like exercise.)

        1.    Correction

            a.    Sometimes we need the rod to be taught something... that our way is wrong.

            b.    Caution: not every pain is God punishing us.

        2.    Direction

            a.    We make plans but when God directs our steps

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” [Psalm 16:9]

            b.    When God wants to change something, it is for something better than we had planned.

“Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” [Psalm 19:21]

        3.    Attention

            a.    “This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. [18] If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” [Isaiah 48:17 – 18]

            b.    Paying attention to what God is trying to teach us is profitable.

    B.    We learn “patient expectation” [v 31]

        1.    KJV = “wait” Waiting is not a value in our “get - r - done” society.

            a.    We see lack of movement as lack of initiative or laziness.

            b.    Biblical ideal, “wait” is trusting God.

        2.    “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [Psalm 46:10]

            a.    Running ahead of God has devastating consequences, “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” [2 John 1:7]

            b.    In our desire to “make something happen” we have often substituted good things for godly things.

IV.    God’s risk teaches us to move.

    A.    We are “reoriented” (find one’s bearings again – Oxford).

        1.    We move away from evaluation based on circumstances.

        2.    We move toward a God who comforts.

    B.    We are “retooled” (revise or reorganize, especially for the purpose of updating and improving – WordNet 3.0, Princeton University).

        1.    We move away from complaining.

        2.    We move toward carrying out our duty.

    C.    We are “refocused” (focus attention or resources on something new or different – Oxford).

        1    We move away from centering on self.

        2.    We move toward celebrating the majesty of God.

   

technorati tags:God, rethinking, risk, pain, suffering, trouble, testing, disappointmets, purpose, creation, corection, discipline, direction, attention, reoriented, retooled, refocused

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Healing from bitterness

The healing from bitterness
Job 42.1 – 6


* The following sermon extensively uses the book “Get the Junk out of your Trunk: Let go of the past to live your best life” by Duane Vander Klok (2005).  For further information visit www.chosenbooks.com.  (Chosen books is a division of Baker Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI)

Recap: We perceive sin against us and demand justice/apology/justice/revenge.  We forget the goodness of God and focus on the perceived offense.  We loss sound judgement and our sense of reality is thrown off.  We begin to imagine what is not.  We become perfectionists (in the flawless sense).  We suffer spiritually, physically, emotionally, and in our relationships.  Bitterness disqualifies us from God’s forgiveness.  Forgiveness is a continual, daily exercise of prayer and love.


I.    Bitterness becomes ignorance.

•     A.    Bitterness is a root problem, ultimately the problem is with God.

        1.    “It is often hard to face and is often overlooked or excused – or deeply hidden.” [Vander Klok]

            a.    Since humans are flawed and an obvious source of resentment, we easily blame others.  FACT, the root problem is with God.

            b.    Much harder to admit that we think God has done something wrong to us.

        2.    We begin to forgive and the process of behaving that way but can still be given to those moments of bitterness.

            a.    The deep underlying bitterness, boiling below the surface, is really against God.

            b.    People are an excuse, but when we just change the focus of who we are bitter towards... it shows a deeper problem.

•     B.    Blaming God comes from misunderstanding God.

        1.    Job’s bitterness.

            a.    “Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.” [Job 7:11]

                1.)    The bitterness compels Job to speak.  He thinks he is being honest.

                2.)    He feels the anguish.  He thinks this is fair.

                3.)    Giving voice to complaints does not heal.

            b.    “Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing.  He would crush me with a storm and multiply my wounds for no reason.  He would not let me regain my breath but would overwhelm me with misery.” [Job 9:16 – 18]

                1.)    Ever feel like God doesn’t listen to you?  Job did.

                2.)    Ever feel like God is crushing you under the weight of the storm?  Job did.

                3.)    “Overwhelm me with misery.”  Misery is the worst kind of bitterness.  MSG = “piles bitterness upon bitterness.”

            c.    “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.” [Job 10:1]

                1.)    Notice this has degenerated into a disgust with his life.

                2.)    All the years of blessing are forgotten.  The focus is on the bitterness.

            d.    “As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul.” [Job 27:2]

                1.)    Ever feel like “this” is not “fair?”  Job did.

                2.)    The denial of justice is the willingness to right a wrong.  In other words, God has taken his rights away.

II.    Bitterness betrays ignorance about God.

•     A.    We misunderstand the character of God.

        1.    Job’s flawed reasoning:

            a.    “All was well with me, but he shattered me; he seized me by the neck and crushed me.  He has made me his target.” [Job 16:12]

                1.)    Job starts with the illusion that “all was well.”  Ever remember “the good old days.” (Back when things were better?) [The illusion is that comfortable stagnation is better than painful progress.]

                2.)    Job blames God for his problems and feels God is out to get him.  At least Job is being honest about his feelings and thoughts.

            b.    “It is all the same; that is why I say, `He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.'  When a scourge brings sudden death, he mocks the despair of the innocent.  When a land falls into the hands of the wicked, he blindfolds its judges.  If it is not he, then who is it?” [Job 9:22 – 24]

                1.)    Job blames God as the author of every bad thing on earth.

                2.)    The argument that almost makes sense.

                    a.)    If God caused evil/bad to happen, then God is evil.

                    b.)    If God allowed evil/bad to happen, then God is passive.

                    c.)    If God didn’t know, then God is weak.

                3.)    The cold reality.

                    a.)    God loves Job but Satan is making Job’s life miserable.

                    b.)    God normally does not interfere with the “laws of nature.”

(Ill.) If you trip what will happen?  You fall.  If someone like Billy Graham trips what will happen?  He will fall.  In other words, there are certain physical (and by implication spiritual) laws that apply to everyone (like we all start life as “sinners” and sin has consequences).

        2.    Job’s understanding of God was wrong.

            a.    “Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:  "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?” [Job 38:1 – 2]

                1.)    In other words, Job’s knowledge of God was flawed, incomplete, or plain ignorant.

                2.)    We are no better.

                    a.)    How many of us really put effort into know God (not just about God).

                    b.)    How many of us spend the time and energy reading and trying to understand the Bible (that reveals God) and praying (in conversation).

                    c.)    How many of us make seriously effort to “keep in step with the Spirit.”

            b.    Job spent a lot of energy on being righteous, but it was without “knowledge.”

                1.)    Does God want righteousness? Absolutely, yes!

                2.)    But God desires relationship, which cannot be achieved in ignorance!

•     B.    We misunderstand where bad things come from.  (War motif)

        1.    God created humans to rule (KJV = have dominion) over the earth. [Genesis 1:26]

        2.    Adam and Eve were placed in the garden to “take care of it.” [Genesis 2:15]  Literally this means “guard.”  (Which begs the question, guard against who or what?)

        3.    When Adam sinned all sorts of things happened, establishing spiritual laws.

            a.    “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” [Romans 5:12]

            b.    “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” [2 Corinthians 4:4]

                1.)    Suggests that by sinning Adam abdicated rule... giving it to the devil.

                2.)    Notice Satan does not replace God.  (He wants too, but he can’t.  So he does the closest thing possible... the devil plays puppet master.)

            c.    When Jesus taught us to pray: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” [Matthew 6:10]

                1.)    God’s kingdom (perfect rule/will) has yet to be achieved.

                2.)    God’s will is done in heaven but not always on earth.

                3.)    If God’s will was done, everyone would be saved! [1 Timothy 2:4]

        4.    We have an enemy we are responsible to face (and defeat).

            a.    “The thief (the devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” [John 10:10]

                1.)    That which steals, kills, or destroys comes from the devil not God.

                2.)    Jesus on the other hand came to give full and abundant life.

            b.    The Bible says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” [1 John 3:8b]

                1.)    By giving us full and abundant life, the goal was to destroy (undo) what the devil had and is doing.

                2.)    This is “zero tolerance” war.  God is completely good, humans are more than flawed, and the devil is utterly bad/evil.

“God is not your enemy, God is your answer.  (The devil) is your personal enemy and hates you.”  [Vander Klok]

“This means that the battle against bitterness in the midst of trial is nothing other than the battle against unbelief. Will we look to the sovereign goodness of God, and believe that he means us good in the refining fire? Or will we surrender to unbelief, and let bitterness grow?” [John Piper]

III.    Forgiveness restores blessing.

    A.    Look at Job’s “final answer.”

•         1.    Job learned something about God.  His understanding was corrected.

Christians tend to believe not in God himself, but believe only in their beliefs about him. “Great suffering puts an end to belief in beliefs.” (David Atkinson, The Message of Job. IVP, 36).

            a.    “I know that you can do all things” [Job 42:2a]

            b.    “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand.” [Job 42:3b]

            c.    “Therefore I despise [KJV = “abhor” lit. “to disappear”] myself and repent in dust and ashes.” [Job 42:6]

Message “I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”

        2.    “After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.” [Job 42:10]

            a.    God restored Job double what he lost when Job interceded for his friends (offenders).

•             b.    Forgiveness (like faith) is alive when we put it to work in prayer and love.

    B.    What do we need to do?

        1.    What does not work:

            a.    Time does not heal all things.  With bitterness, they just get worse

            b.    Self-effort.  You cannot do this alone, you need outside help.  God must intervene.  (Remember nobody has beaten this alone.)

        2.    What does work:

            a.    Ask God to forgive you for allowing bitterness to take root.

          b.    Forgive “by faith” from the heart.

          c.    Put works to your faith in sincere prayer for others and acts of love.

          d.    Close the door.  “Admit it. Quit it.”

IV.    Forgiveness balances life.

    A.    How do you know there is genuine forgiveness?

        1.    Has anyone been an example of the process of forgiveness?

        2.    Joseph.

    B.    Joseph’s example:

        1.    Joseph “covered” their sin.

            a.    “Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers.” [Genesis 45:1]

            b.    He did not spread the situation, protecting the ones he forgave.

        2.    He wanted this brothers to feel comfortable around him.

            a.    “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” [Genesis 45:5]

            b.    Notice he saw the purpose of God in something that was cruel and senseless.

        3.    He wanted his brothers to forgive themselves.  (This is a case were they had willfully and knowingly given Joseph cause to want justice.)

            a.    “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” [Genesis 45:5]

            b.    In these cases, both sides have to let go.

        4.    Joseph kept forgiving.

            a.    Genesis 50:15 – 21

            b.    “Forgiveness stands the test of time.”

technorati tags:bitterness, root, healing, problem, excused, resentment, blaming, God, misunderstand, Satan, devil, Jesus, forgiveness, blessing, balance, Joseph, Job

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Dealing with bitterness

Dealing with bitterness
Matthew 18:21 – 35


Last week we started a series on bitterness.  If you miss a Sunday, make sure you go to lastsermon.blogspot.com because each week we are learning something new and important about this subject.

Bitterness is one of the most important issues an individual or a church faces because it causes so many types of problems both to the individual and to the church.  In 1970 David Belgum proposed that 75% of all physical illness are rooted in emotional causes.  I would guess that most spiritual and personal problems come from the issue of bitterness.

The trouble is that we tend to deal (comfortably) with symptoms.  The Bible describes bitterness as a root.  When we begin to deal with roots, it is uncomfortable and disturbing.  One way to picture bitterness is:

* The following sermon extensively uses the book “Get the Junk out of your Trunk: Let go of the past to live your best life” by Duane Vander Klok (2005).  For further information visit www.chosenbooks.com.  (Chosen books is a division of Baker Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI)

I.    Bitterness is like a tattoo. [Matthew 18:21 – 35]

      A.    It starts with Peter’s question.

        1.    “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” [v 21]

            a.    This sounds like a good question and Peter pushes the cultural norm of 3 strikes up to 7!

            b.    The problem is that Peter’s suggestion requires a person to count, in other words... remember.

        2.    Jesus’ answer included a story.

            a.    Sometimes we don’t understand a straight answer, they require explanation.

            b.    Jesus set up the explanation with a story.

    B.    “The parable of the unmerciful servant.”

        1.    The unmerciful servant had a problem with PERCEPTION.

            a.    He asked for patience... more time to pay back his debt.

                1.)    This debt was 375 tons of silver or about 10,000 years of an average annual income.

                2.)    What made him think he could pay this back?

            b.    What King gave him was way more than he dared to ask: pity.

                1.)    The King canceled the debt (this was not unconditional).

                2.)    The King let him go.

            c.    The problem with perception was the difference between “mine” and “yours.”

                1.)    Our sin is never as bad as someone else’s sin.  (Faulty perception)

                2.)    Someone else’s sin is always worse than ours.  (Faulty perception)

        2.    The unmerciful servant had a problem with PRIORITIES.

            a.    He valued the mercy he had received but would not extend it to another.

                1.)    The debt owed to him was substantial, about 100 days...

                2.)    The idea was to extract what was owed to him.

            b.    In English the words “ought” and “owe” come from the same root word.

                1.)    When we say we/they “ought” we typically mean that it is a debt.

                2.)    The word “apology” does not appear in the Bible.  The closest we get to the idea is repentance.

                    a.)    Yet we feel the other person “owes” us at least an apology (preferably changed behavior).  BTW, most people we hold resentment towards do not even know they have offended us (nor did they mean to offend us).

                    b.)    The initiative to forgive, according to Jesus is on the offended party... and it is unconditional.

        3.    The unmerciful servant had a problem with the PRICE.

            a.    He was tagged as “wicked” (hurtful in effect or influence not essential character).

                1.)    In other words, “Sick people produce sick theologies” [David Seamands]

                2.)    When we mistake the kindness and mercy of God for licence to be critical or collect a debt owed to us we have missed the point of God’s kindness and mercy.

            b.    Unwillingness to forgive disqualified us from being forgiven.

                1.)    Every agreement between God and people in the Bible is “conditional.”

                2.)    The only condition for us to receive forgiveness is to forgive others.  [Caution: This is not earning our salvation!  The character of being forgiven is forgiving others.]

II.    Bitterness can be turned inward (guilt, shame) or outward (perfectionism, grumbling, gossip, etc...) creating devastating consequences.

    A.    We will live under TORMENTED CONDITIONS.

        1.    We will suffer from “awful memories,” “sinful habits,” and “a passion for revenge.” [Vander Klok]

        2.    We will suffer from developing substitutes [Seamands]

            a.    Depression will replace joy.

            b.    Strife will replace peace.

            c.    Lust will replace love.

            d.    Self-effort (often in the form of perfectionism) will replace grace.

(Ill.) The boy that came home from school excited he got a 99% on an important exam.  Ran to his dad for approval.  The dad said, “Why didn’t you get 100%?”

    B.    We will have TROUBLED HABITS.

        1.    Bitterness is a “root.”

            a.    We cannot always see it but where there is a root, there is a plant.

            b.    We don’t plant weeds or water them... but they grow in drought conditions and kill grass or fruitful plants.

                1.)    CAUTION: the “visible” plant may look different than the root.

                2.)    In other words, the bitter root may not be self evident from the plant (symptoms, behavior, what is seen).

        2.    Often we try to treat the symptoms and leave the root untouched.

            a.    You can kill the plant, but if the root survives then the plant will be back... sooner or later, one way or another.

            b.    Ultimately the effects of bitterness is self-inflicted.

(Ill.)  Mr. Bean goes to a dentist.  As the dentist goes to give him a shot of novocaine something goes terribly wrong and the dentist is knocked unconscious.  Mr. Bean decides to take things into his own hands.  He reads the x-rays, shoots the novocaine, and begins to drill.  A sudden thought hits him, he might have the x-rays up side down... in the end he is feverishly drilling all his teeth.

                1.)    Bitterness tends to make us hyper-sensitive.

                2.)    Bitterness tends to make us imagine things that are not.

    C.    We will live in TORRID SPIRITUALITY

        1.    Torrid means miserable dry, “full of difficulty.” [Oxford]

            a.    Ask yourself if you struggle with basic things like daily devotions, daily prayer, church attendance, getting something out of them...

            b.    Chances are that lack of any real growth or fruit is a result of living in the torrid spirituality of bitterness.

        2.    (Ill) The horrible disease of AIDS breaks down the physical immune system.  Bitterness breaks down the spiritual immune system and will eventually kill us spiritually.

III.    Two case studies.

    A.    Ester 5:7 – 14 = Haman

        1.    Notice that Haman was extremely rich... we might call him a billionaire in today’s society.

        2.    Haman was basically second in command, everyone but the king had to bow down to him.

        3.    Haman had the perfect family times two (10 sons).

        4.    Even though he had “everything” (money, power, family) he was consumed with bitterness.

“But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king's gate.” [v 13]

        5.    Notice he even managed to pull his friends and family into his bitterness. [v 14]

    B.    1 Samuel 18:6 – 10a

        1.    King Saul became jealous over the attention and praise given to David.

        2.    King Saul began to obsess about David. [v 9] (I think this was deliberate choice... a single act of the will... because...)

        3.    “The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully upon Saul.” [v 10]

            a.    Notice that this occurred “very” quickly as a consequence of his sin.

            b.    Bitterness grows quickly and breaks us down spiritually.

    C.    Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling.

        1.    Jesus said, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” [Mark 11:25]

            a.    Forgiveness is courageous while unforgiveness is cowardly... they are both an act of the will.

            b.    Here’s the rule of thumb: “ANYTHING and ANYONE.”


IV.    Once tattooed, bitterness requires life-long, deliberate discipline, and continuous watch against it.

    A.    What do we need to do?

        1.    Start with accepting the forgiveness God offers to you.  If you do not trust God in such a way that it changes your everyday life... none of this will work.

        2.    “Forgive by faith” [Vander Klok]

            a.    No apology is needed from the other person (remember in all likelihood they did not intend to hurt you, either way it doesn’t matter).

            b.    No confrontation is needed.  (Don’t go them and say, “you really hurt me but I forgive you anyway.”  That’s being self-righteous.)

        3.    Put forgiveness to work.  This is called “love.”

        4.    Pray.

            a.    Pray that God would bless, not curse, the other person.

            b.    Pray for them until the resentment and bitter feelings are gone.

        5.    Develop a continuous watch over your heart.

            a.    Make it a habit to forgive immediately.

            b.    (Ill.) Garden weeds are easier to handle if you deliberately go after them regularly and not wait for them to take over.

        6.    Drop the guilt.

            a.    Missionary and author Amy Carmichael once said that you have not forgiven until you have forgotten.

            b.    That is not scriptural.  In fact it is damaging advice.  Only God can forget, but what you can do is love.

            c.    The rule of thumb should be, you have not forgiven until you truly love.

    B.    Bottom line: Forgiveness is a choice to treat others the way God has treated you.

technorati tags:bitterness, unmerciful, tormented, choice, forgiveness

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The anatomy of bitterness

The anatomy of bitterness
Genesis 4:1 – 8

* The following sermon extensively uses the book “Get the Junk out of your Trunk: Let go of the past to live your best life” by Duane Vander Klok (2005).  For further information visit www.chosenbooks.com.  (Chosen books is a division of Baker Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI)


I.    What’s the story?

    A.    Bitterness is the primary issue!

        1.    It is one of the most important spiritual dangers.

            a.    It causes us to live lives below our potential.

            b.    It can rob you of peace.

            c.    It can steal your joy.

            d.    It can keep you helpless.

            e.    It can ruin your relationships.

            f.    It can constantly drain your energy.

        2.    Bitterness keeps you from personal, emotional, and relational fulfillment.

            a.    Typically it is the people closes to you that is your greatest source of pain (and directed resentment).

                1.)    The closer we are the more vulnerable we are to them.

                2.)    The close we are, the more we care and the higher the expectations.

            b.    Bitterness creates trust issues.

                1.)    Bitterness starts when you take offense, and hang on to it.

                2.)    Bitterness can happen when people fail to live up to our expectations.

                3.)    Bitterness is nurtured when you hang on to it.

(Ill.)  It is like picking up rotting garbage, stuffing it into your pocket, and then blaming someone else that your life stinks.

    B.    Bitterness is a universal problem.

        1.    Bitterness is a choice because forgiveness is a choice.

            a.    Jesus example in Luke 23:24.

            b.    The attitude of love: 1 Corinthians 13:5

            c.    Psalm 119:165 KJV “Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them.”

        2.    Bitterness comes from “unforgiveness.”

            a.    “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” [unknown]

            b.    Forgiveness may not ease the pain of the memory, but it takes the stink (sting) out.  (Takes the power to control away from that memory.)

                1.)    Pain creates control.  (When you hurt, it can control your behavior and emotional state.)

                2.)    Bitterness produces a permanent connection between you and the person who offended/hurt you.

                3.)    Bitterness is the way you begin to share that sin.

                4.)    Forgiveness detoxifies you.

            c.    Unforgiveness makes us think we have the right to collect a debt. [David Seamands: Healing for Damaged Emotions]

                1.)    We think “good people go to heaven, bad people go to hell.”

                2.)    By that we mean, we are good and someone else is bad.

                3.)    But the Bible says, “it is by grace you are saved, through faith...” [Ephesians 2:8a]

                    a.)    Not by “goodness” or “badness.”

                    b.)    It is through “grace” or God’s loving-kindness... His “want to.”

(Ill.)  B. T. Roberts noted that unforgiveness is to “indulge in hard feelings.”

II.    What’s What?  A case study from Cain and Able [Genesis 4:1 – 8]

    A.    God’s will was plain and simple.

        1.    God established the blood sacrifice.

        2.    Able followed God’s plan but Cain did not.

        3.    Cain developed an “attitude” (pride, self-deception, bitterness)

    B.    Where did this attitude take Cain?

        1.    Cain developed his own morality (and solution).

        2.    Cain made his own moral judgements, demonstrated by his attitude problem toward Able.

        3.    Cain took offense at Able (face was “downcast”).  His bitterness lead him to murder.

    C.    Murder is serious, we would never commit that crime!

        1.    “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, `Raca, ' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, `You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. [23] Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, [24] leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” [Matthew 5:21 – 24]

            a.    The progression from the condition of the heart to the crime is possible.

            b.    Jesus equated murder to anger and a sharp tongue.

            c.    From the heart’s central allegiance comes attitude, emotion, language, and action.

        2.    “We shall reach places in our experience where we shall fail unless we have the God-given charity that beareth all things and endureth all things.” [B. T. Roberts]

            a.    Nagging discontent is a temptation cause by bitterness.

            b.    Blaming others is a temptation cause by bitterness.

            c.    Grumbling is a temptation cause by bitterness.

            d.    We think we are being cheated by others and by God.

            e.    We can end up doubting God’s character.

III.    Yes, but...

    A.    Some have been very badly hurt.

        1.    What do you say to a victim of a crime?

            a.    Bitterness keeps you connected to the criminal and his actions.

            b.    Forgiveness frees you and allows God the freedom of dealing with the criminal.

        2.    What do you say to someone who has been abused or abandoned?

            a.    Not allowing the offense to “stick” means you are not reliving the horror.

            b.    Trust God to take care of business.

    B.    Some would say they have the right to demand justice.

        1.    I have heard people say, “You don’t know how bad it has been...”

            a.    Reality check: allowing the poison does not help you.

            b.    When you “let go” you break the cycle and move on with your life.

        2.    Fact: “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

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

Bottom line: “When we think we are so important and the damage done to us is so great that we need not forgive, we make ourselves greater than God, who freely forgives all.” [Vander Klok]

The Bible says, “If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” [1 John 4:20]

IV.    Now what

    A.    At this point we do not know an answer, we must learn more.

        1.    Scripture does not record anyone who has overcome bitterness on their own... every case required direct intervention.

        2.    Scripture does say a lot about the need to prevent bitterness.

    B.    Learning the disciplines to prevent bitterness will give us some tools to give God leverage to push bitterness out of our lives.

        1.    Know Jesus.  Forgiven people are able to forgive.  They go together and can not be separated.

        2.    Find a place (and time) of peace you can operate from in life (Matthew 10:12 – 13) such as a closet or prayer room (Matthew 6:6) where you can be with the one true giver of peace.

technorati tags:bitterness, emotional, pain, forgiveness, unforgiveness, healing, love

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Psalm 51:10
“The promise of a new heart.”

Tired of a sin sick heart?

A. The good news is that God promised a new heart.

“They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. [19] I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. [20] Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. [21] But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD.” [Ezekiel 11:18 – 21]

1. God does not want us to have “vile images” and “detestable idols.”

a. In the Old Testament, the God prosecuted Israel for “adultery” when they worship images and idols.

b. An “image” is a picture used to represent God or an object of worship. [Genesis 1:26 – 27, Romans 1:23] It is a “SUBSTITUTE.”

c. An “idol” is a physical (3 dimensional) representation of God or object of worship. [Habakkuk 2:18, Acts 7:41] As a substitute, it becomes a worship of demons, intentional or unintentional. [1 Corinthians 10: 19 – 20]

2. The heart is where we are devoted, the image/idol what we are devoted to.

a. Like the stone of an idol, the heart can be stone.

b. Stone is not living, so it cannot respond, it cannot hear, it cannot obey.

B. The new heart is an undivided heart.

1. The heart of flesh CAN respond, it CAN hear, it CAN obey.

a. The divided heart or mind is unstable. [James 1:8]

b. “So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. [21] Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.” [1 Kings 18:20 – 21]

2. The undivided heart has chosen.

a. With a sin sick heart, comes the sin culture.

1.) The sin culture blames instead of taking responsibility.

2.) The sin culture grumbles (low grade rebellion) instead of being thankful.

b. The undivided heart has chosen to reject the sin culture.

1.) The focus is on seeking God and His kingdom. [Matthew 6:33]

2.) Its real strength is its honest dependence on God.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:3]

3. Being undivided means “focused.”

a. Bad things happen when we are spiritually unfocused.

1.) We become spiritually undisciplined. (Dissipation.)

Jesus warned us, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap” [Luke 21:34]

2.) Which leads to unhealthy behavior patterns.

3.) Which weakens us and makes us susceptible to falling in times of testing and temptation.

b. Good things happen when we are focused.

1.) “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]

2.) “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” [Luke 11:9 – 10]

C. With the new heart comes a new power.

“For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. [25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. [26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” [Ezekiel 36:24 – 27]

1. The power to follow and keep God’s law comes from the Holy Spirit.

a. “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” [Acts 2:17a]

b. God is the one who removes the heart of stone... in His time.

2. What does this mean?

a. Few have the ability or sense of when it is appropriate to “self-doubt.”

b. We are born helpless, taken care of by others. We become teenagers where our parents seem to be our biggest doubters (in the form of criticism or control). We are trained to have high self-esteem. We enter adult life, sometimes optimistically sure that we are the center of the universe capable of all good things.

c. Repentance is the beginning of the heart beat and it is the very heart beat of the new heart.

1.) As long as we cannot see, or admit that we are not right... then repentance is not possible.

2.) As long as we see our life in context of being for our own use, privilege, and enjoyment... then repentance is not possible.

3.) BUT once we repent, it becomes a way of life AND we learn the appropriate use of (and for) “self-doubt.”

4.) When we develop the sense of “self-doubt” we learn to trust God and believe God (not just believe “in” God).

D. With a new heart comes a new life.

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" [2 Corinthians 5:16 – 17]

1. We become a new person as we rethink Christ and ourselves: “culture-shift.”

a. We tend to see things from a “self-centered” point of view. We interpret things from our past experience, traditions, nature, how we reason. It is distinctly unique and very human.

b. When we learn to rethink Christ and ourselves under the influence of the Bible, we become aware of an outside perspective: God’s.

2. Paul can say “he is a new creation” because:

a. We do not see from a “self” perspective.

b. We do not chose from a “selfish” reason.

c. We do are not motivated by naturally sinful point of view.

d. Our attitudes and thoughts are modified to the point where we can see the before and after effect.

3. Thus, “the old has gone, and new has come.”

a. Because of, in, and through Jesus Christ we become “new” (different) people.

b. That’s why we need that “broken spirit” and “contrite heart.”

1.) As long as we are fighting against the good God wants to accomplish... it will be slow and unprofitable (to us).

2.) The challenge is to let go of ourselves (and the idea that we are right) long enough to trust God.

(Ill.) Of a drowning person being rescued. Often, once they panic and start thrashing it is difficult for them to calm down and realize that someone is there to help them.

c. But once we end our self-panic inspired thought patterns and behaviors and see God’s love, He gives us a steadfast spirit.

(Ill.) On man asked a friend, “What are you thinking of? You look so depressed.”
“My future” came the reply.
“Well, what makes it look so hopeless and dismal?” asked the friend.
“My past.”

The Bible says, “the old has gone, the new has come!”

Matthew 13:1 – 9, 18 – 23

Stories about people and the church

I. The measure of the real is RESULT not response.

***** Jesus told a story with four different responses and four different results.*****

A. Ones who do not understand, the seed is “stolen.”

1. The “hard heart” is a condition ruled in such a way that the devil easily has his way.

2. How does this happen?

a. Maybe it is a practical reason: they don’t see the need or conversion will be too costly.

b. Maybe it is a cultural reason: they are surrounded by people hostile to Jesus (and Christianity).

c. Maybe it is a willful condition: they simple have chosen to deliberately not listen.

(Ill.) A tourist walked down a pier and watched a fisherman pull in a large fish, measure it, and throw it back. He caught a second fish, measured it, and put it in his bucked. Oddly, all the large fish that ht caught he threw back, all the smaller fish he kept. Puzzled, the curious onlooker questioned, “Pardon me, but why do you keep the little ones and throw the big ones away?” The fisherman looked up and without blinking an eye said, “Because my frying pan is only ten inches across. (Rober Schuller’s “You can become the person you want to be.”)

B. Ones who receive with joy but do not endure.

1. The real hardness is hidden.

a. There is a good start but there are things that would sabotage over a long term.

b. We need to understand the difference between a sprint and a marathon. The Christian life is not a sprint!

2. The real problem is there is no root.

a. The ground is shallow so there is nothing to protect and nourish the initial joy for long.

b. These people are for real, but they are “fair weather.”

C. Ones who grow but do not produce fruit.

1. Luke 8:14 “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”

2. The people are constantly drained.

a. One drain is “worry.” (“feel troubled over actually or potential difficulties” – Oxford)

1.) In other words, there is energy exerted in persistent thought over real or imagined situations. DISTRACTED!

2.) There is growth but no fruit.

b. Another drain is “wealth.”

1.) Actually it is the illusion that wealth will satisfy and the pursuit of wealth instead of God.

Paul Harvey told the story of a college basketball coach who was shaving when his wife called upstairs to tell him that “Sports Illustrated” was on the phone. The coach was so excited he nicked himself shaving. He was so eager for recognition for himself and his school that rushing to the phone he fell down the stairs. Staggering breathlessly to the phone, he said “hello.”

The voice at the other end said, “Yes, sir. I’m happy to tell you that for only 75 cents per week you can receive a one year’s subscription...”

2.) The pursuit of pleasure drains energy to the point where the prospective fruit is choked.

D. Ones who produce fruit.

1. Notice the conditions are right.

a. The soil is deep and rich.

b. There are the same threats the other soils face but with serious differences.

1.) The seed is absorbed, so the devil cannot steal it.

2.) The soil is deep, so the seed takes good root.

3.) There are no weeds to drain the energy.

2. Luke 8:15, “honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” (ESV)

a. The idea of patience (Luke 8:15, NIV “perseverance”) involves time and continual effort.

b. This is PROCESS Christianity, not instant Christianity.

II. The measure of the real is RESULT not appearance.

***** Jesus told another story involving a planted field. [vv 24 – 30, 36 – 43]*****

A. This story is not about successful destruction, it is about successful infiltration.

1. Good seed is planted by the owner but an “enemy” plants weeds.

a. Notice they grew together without distinction [v 26].

b. The distinction occurred after the wheat grew heads (started to produce fruit).

2. General principle: the devil is always there to counter God’s work.

a. It must have been exciting to see so many plants and disappointing to see less than expected results.

b. A bumper crop of plants does not mean a bumper crop of fruit.

(Ill.) Apple trees and vines.

B. What are the weeds?

1. Maybe they are people.

a. Graph: “maintenance” and “results.”

b. Some people are “high maintenance, low results.” They take lots of support but never seem to get anywhere. [Jesus did not spend much time with these people and at times was brutally critical of them.]

c. Because the church offers God’s grace (kindness and love), it attracts these types of people. [Personal theory, they are draw to the church and a generic spirituality, but not to Jesus.]

2. Maybe this is “church culture.”

a. Like the “thorny ground” [vv 7, 22] things happen that siphons energy.

b. Like what kind of things?

1.) Physical things: like basic church maintenance (necessary but should not be the main thought).

2.) Financial things: like a low check book balance.

3.) Personal things: like not getting along with someone one, political struggle, not liking the pastor (or thinking the pastor does not like you).

4.) Perceptual problems*: seeing things from a self-centered or negative point of view. (Taking things personally, in a negative way.)

*A father once bragged so much to his son about what a great hunter he was that the son decided to go hunting with him. They sat in the duck blind for a while when one lonely duck winged its way past the blind. The father took aim, fired, and missed. “Son” said the dad, “you have just witnessed a miracle. There flies a dead duck.”

(Ill.) Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life.” The first sentence of the book? “It’s not about you.”

III. The impression may mask the demonic!

Ronald Reagan once told the story of a newspaper photographer out in Los Angeles who was called in by his editor and told of a fire that was raging out of control. His assignment was to rush down to a small airport, board a waiting plane, get some pictures of the fire, and be back in time for the afternoon edition.

The photographer raced to the airport and drove the care to the end of the runway. Sure enough, there was a plane waiting with the engines all revved up, ready to go. He got aboard, and at about five thousand feet, he began getting his camera out of the bag. He told the person flying the plane to gem him over the fire so he could take his pictures and get back to the paper.From the other side of the cockpit there was a deafening silence. Then he heard, “Ah... Aren’t you the instructor?”

***** Jesus tells two more stories, that are subtle but continue the “enemy interferes” motif. [vv 31 – 33] *****

A. A tiny mustard seed grows into a large “tree.”

1. One summer I grew mustard in my garden... the mustard grew taller than the corn and the sunflowers. So large and strong, birds would land on the mustard plants.

a. The mustard seed produced an impressive plant and results from such a small seed.

b. But like the field, this also has a demonic element.

2. The birds.

a. Notice in this series of stories, v 4 and Jesus explanation in v 19.

b. While the birds (the “evil one”) do not damage the strong mustard plant, they lurk for opportunities to snatch the seed away.

B. The dough and the yeast.

1. Yeast is an impurity that is used to make dough rise (gives texture and fluffiness to the bread).

a. Yeast had to be eliminated from the house before Passover.

Exodus 12:19 – 20, “For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And whoever eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel, whether he is an alien or native-born. [20] Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread.”

b. Yeast was not allowed in ANY sacrifice.

Leviticus 2:11, “Every grain offering you bring to the LORD must be made without yeast, for you are not to burn any yeast or honey in an offering made to the LORD by fire.”

c. Yeast was a symbol of false teaching.

Matthew 16:6, “"Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

d. Yeast was a symbol of false religion

Luke 12:1, “Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”

e. Yeast was an illustration of the poison of the sinful life.

1 Corinthians 5:6 – 8, “Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? [7] Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast--as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. [8] Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.”

2. Yeast is ALWAYS considered “bad” in the Bible.

a. It may seem small and be unseen, but you can see the results.

b. It grows with serious and spiritually devastating results.

IV. What’s wrong and what is the solution?

A. There are factors that keep us from producing fruit (results).

1. Unwillingness to listen, unwillingness to change, unwillingness to do the work.

2. The inability or unwillingness to make a serious connection with the source of life (Jesus) due to underlying conditions or issues.

3. Becoming distracted by “the tyranny of the urgent” and letting go of the central (important, essential, and critical).

4. Always draining, never contributing.

B. There are factors that naturally produce fruit.

1. Roots: being firmly connected to Jesus.

2. Resources: being firmly taught by the Bible and the Holy Spirit.

3. Redundant energy: fruit is the result of the excess (of good) energy and momentum. It is the overflow of energy that is produced that is not necessary to grow or maintain life.

C. There is one reason for the difference: “He who has ears, let him hear.” [v 9]

This is why I speak to them in parables:

"Though seeing, they do not see;

though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

" `You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people's heart has become calloused;

they hardly hear with their ears,

and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

hear with their ears,

understand with their hearts

and turn, and I would heal them.' [Matthew 13:13 -- 15]

My dad was transfered to a nursing home Monday. Today, Friday, he was able to escape... err... go home with the doctor's blessing. He is happy to be home but there are continuing effects of the stroke.

There will be no sermon post for 7.2.07.

It was one of those sermons that went a different direction than originally planned. I'm not sure if this was due to the distraction of my dad's stroke (he's now in a nursing home, hopefully for rehab) or something the Holy Spirit wanted to accomplish (or some combination of both).

Preaching, at least for me, is more art than science. By that I mean a science is a precise formula and measurement that can be recreated. Included in that is the crafting of catch phrases, "extreme exegesis," and the turning of words. Anyone who has heard me knows that I am more interested in teaching the process and discovery of meaning. OK, maybe you were not consciously aware, but think about it... you'll get it.

In other words, I think that perception overrides fact. Most preachers preach on the level of fact, emotion, or application (all would be considered "fact" in some way). All of these can be (and have been) points of heresy and evil if volition is ignored (not taught). However, God has created us like Him... with the ability to chose and determine our destiny in response to God's kindness. It is the consistent pattern and process of how we chose (volition) that causes our perceptions to override facts.

Let's be honest. NOBODY remembers a sermon. (All those squishing and splatting noises you are hearing right now are the egos of millions of preachers, who actually attempt to make their sermons memorable because they think its possible, hitting the wall of honest reality.) Some might remember an element of a sermon (usually an illustration). What is remembered is how the preacher teaches the listener to listen, think, and live. It is those things we deeply care about that are passed on to others and become part of the church culture. Sometimes they are good, healthy, and righteous... sometimes not.

And every now and then, God allows the donkey to speak.