First Baptist Church Bartow: Recent Episodes
First Baptist Church Bartow
First Baptist Church exists to develop disciples who love God, love the church, and love others. Find out more at www.bartow.church.
I remember when I was I was in high school at Mulberry High School, the Harvard of Polk County, and I played soccer. I was one of those guys who could play any sport ok, but no sports really well. However, I was technically on the soccer team.
I remember once before a game, everyone was invited to a popular player’s house before the game, and I got invited. It felt special to receive that invitation and be part of what was happening.
There’s something that makes you feel good when you’re invited to something special.
Now, the older I get, the less I want to be invited to things. I like being at home. However, there are still some things that get me excited when I’m invited to them. The same is probably true of you.
There’s something special about “The Power of an Invitation.”
Today, we’re going to talk about three invitations that have been extended to you, and really to all of us in this room.
Before we do, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s learn that to which we’ve been invited.
First, . . .
I. You were invited here today.
Today is Invite Your One Sunday! You have been invited here today.
Now, some of you might say, “Pastor Matt, I come here every week!” Well, we keep inviting you back every week, don’t we?
However, many of you were specifically invited by someone to be here today.
You were invited because someone cares about you. They want you to experience the love of God and the love of God’s people.
Some of you have a background in churches, and some of you do not.
However, I’m here to tell you that there is something special about the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The church is not a building; it’s a people; a people united as the family of God.
Listen to how a man named Paul speaks of the church in the Bible. He wrote in Galatians 3:28, “There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Think about how amazing it is that the church is one in Jesus.
All different backgrounds, all different nationalities, all different ethnicities, all different economic make ups, all different political affiliations, all different ages, all different college football fans, all united together under the name of Jesus Christ! That is what the church is. Isn’t that incredible?
Also, the church is called a body. The church is a collection of individuals who make up a body.
Paul speaks about this truth in 1 Corinthians 12:27. He says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.”
There’s something special about the church, in that we are a body; we are a unity; we are an organism that works together as one.
The world has lots of division, lots of dysfunction, lots of difficulty. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is intended to be a place where individuals come together as one.
Now, I’ll be honest with you: most churches, including ours, have not quite figured out how to do this perfectly well.
But you know what? God is working on our church and He is blessing our church. We’re working towards the design that God has for our church.
You were invited here today because you were loved by someone. You were invited here today because you are loved by this church. You matter and you are loved.
Second, . . .
II. You are invited to a new way.
God made everything in this world to work properly and to be blessed. In fact, after God originally made everything in this world, He was pretty pleased with how it came out.
Genesis 1:31 says, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed.”
Everything was very good indeed.
However, everything didn’t stay good, did it? We have a messed up world. That’s because sin came into the world and messed up everything.
Do you know who brought sin into the world? Humans did. We did. It started with Adam and Eve (the first humans), and it continued through all of us.
Our world has problems, doesn’t it? We have some problems, don’t we?
We have weather problems. We have political problems. We have family problems. We have friend problems. We have economic problems. We have race problems. We have terrorist problems. We have dictator problems. We have school problems. We have work problems. We have retirement problems. We have health problems.
We need a new way, don’t we?
We try to fix everything that’s messed up, but we can’t.
We might be able to fix one problem, but then another comes.
Sometimes, we don’t even fix things correctly.
We take one pill to fix a problem, and then we find out that pill causes another problem. We try to protect our kids from the harm that caused outside our homes, then we find out that their being damaged from spending too much time indoors. I’ve even heard more and more recently about how some recycling may actually be harmful to our environment.
We can’t fix things ourselves. We need a new way.
The Bible says in Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.”
We can’t fix our problems. We need a new way.
Jesus said this in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus is the new way. He can fix our problems. He is the truth. He is the life. He is the path to God. He’s the new way for us.
Not only is Jesus the way to God, but He’ll give us a new way on this earth.
I don’t know about you, but I want a new way on this earth. I don’t want to live like I lived without Jesus. I don’t want to live the way of the world.
Sometimes, I go back to the old way, and I hate it when I do.
I got home from work the other day, and I was tired and I was grumpy. I had dealt with some challenging people over the last few days, and it was catching up with me (none of y’all of course). My wife was taking care of our three sick kids all day, then she cooked dinner. Then she said she had to go upstairs to help clean the boys’ room. I said to her, “Well, I don’t want to clean up the kitchen and dining room all by myself!” I was grumpy. I was going back to the old way, like I was without Jesus. I told her a little later, “I’m sorry I was grumpy.”
The truth is, I don’t want to be like that. You probably don’t want to be grumpy, either. You probably don’t want to be selfish, greedy, hateful, arrogant, rude, confused, confounded, or conflicted, either.
You and I need a new way!
The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”
In Jesus, there is a new way. You are invited into that new way.
Have you gone the new way? Have you accepted that invitation?
Finally, . . .
III. You are invited into new life.
We not only need a new way, we need a whole new life.
The Apostle John recorded a lot about what Jesus said about Himself about how He changes lives.
Jesus said in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
Jesus said in John 10:9: “I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.”
Jesus said in John 10:10: “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”
Jesus said in John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”
You see, this world has nothing for us. This world brings hardship, trouble, and death.
There are good things in this world, but all those good things are signs of God’s love for us. They are gifts that God has given to His creation.
This world will one day end; it will experience death. With this world, all those who are without Jesus will also experience death.
We need life; we need new life; we need Jesus.
You are invited to new life. Will you accept the invitation. Will you find new life in Jesus?
Let this bottom line summarize all that we are learning today.
Bottom Line: You are invited to somethingspecial.
Listen to what Jesus says in Revelation 3:20: “See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
You are invited to have Jesus come into your life. You are invited to a new way and new life.
Jesus is knocking. Will you hear his voice? Will you open the door and allow him to come in?
Will you accept the invitation of Jesus to be made new, and will you invite Him to come into your life?
Here’s one way you can challenge yourself to live out this passage this week:
Weekly Challenge: RSVP to your invitation.
Do you know what RSVP means? It means Répondez s’il vous plaît (you didn’t know you were going to learn French today, did you?). That means, “Respond, if you please.”
So, this week, respond, if you please, to the invitation that Jesus is extending for you to be made new.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
This week I was blessed to do the invocation and the benediction at the investiture of one of our Polk County judges. What that means is that I did the opening prayer and ending prayer for an event where they honored a judge in a new position.
There were about twenty judges in the room and about twenty deputies, along with prosecutors, public defenders, and all other kinds of legal folks.
This was the fourth investiture in which I had the honor to participate. I joked with folks that I like to get on the good side of as many judges and law officials as I possibly can.
You see, generally speaking, it’s good for followers of Jesus to do all they can to be a good relationship with those in positions of legal authority.
In fact, the Bible teaches us to honor those in authority.
Indeed, the Apostle Paul said in Romans 13:1, “Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.”
Paul also said in Romans 12:18, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
So, generally speaking, we want to be people who honor authority and seek to be at peace.
There are exceptions, once in a while, when what the law of man comes into conflict with the law of God. However, we pray that those times are rare.
In today’s passage, we get to see how Paul honored the law and those in authority, and how he used his knowledge of the law to actually help carry on their missionary work.
Today’s sermon is entitled “Law and Order in Philippi.”
Let’s look at today’s passage. Look at Acts 16:35-40:
35 When daylight came, the chief magistrates sent the police to say, “Release those men.”
36 The jailer reported these words to Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released. So come out now and go in peace.”
37 But Paul said to them, “They beat us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now are they going to send us away secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out.”
38 The police reported these words to the magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. 39 So they came to appease them, and escorting them from prison, they urged them to leave town. 40 After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house, where they saw and encouraged the brothers and sisters, and departed.
Ok. Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask for His divine intervention into our hearts and minds.
(prayer)
Ok, this is a short and somewhat odd passage about Paul and Silas being released from prison. However, there’s something for us to learn here in God’s Word.
So, let us discover from this passage three behaviors that Christians need to display.
First, . . .
I. Christians need to be lawful.
Of note in all of the Book of Acts is that there is no single place where followers of Jesus seek to cause trouble with those who are in positions of authority. Nowhere in the Bible do Christians seek to break the law for the sake of rebellion against authority.
In fact, we see here a very polite and peaceful display by Paul and Silas, even when they were mistreated by those in authority.
Here’s something that’s tremendously noteworthy: In last week’s passage, we learned that Paul and Silas were set free from the prison by a miraculous earthquake and then went to eat at the house of the prison guard who became a follower of Jesus. However, where are they now? They are back in jail!
Apparently, Paul and Silas were so committed to the laws of the land that after they were miraculously released and even shared a meal at someone’s house, they went back to prison willingly. That’s amazing!
What about you? What respect do you have for the rule of law and order?
Do you respect those in authority?
Do you honor the laws of the land?
How do you speak about our governing authorities?
You can look far and wide in the New Testament, and you won’t see any of the followers of Jesus speaking disrespectfully about the governing officials. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Now, to be clear, sometimes people like Paul are firm in their responses to officials, but they do so respectfully.
Church, followers of Jesus should be known as the kindest, most caring, most loving, and most respectful when it comes to those in authority, even with those with whom we don’t always agree.
We are to be people who recognize that God generally puts governments and laws in place for the flourishing of His creation. Even when we disagree with laws or officials, we should do so with love and respect.
Christians need to be lawful.
Second, we learn that . . .
II. Christians need to be wise.
There’s a reason that Paul is doing what he’s doing in this passage.
Think for a second: Paul and Silas are set free to go peacefully, but Paul chooses not to go quietly.
Rather, Paul wants the officials to come and escort them out.
Why would Paul want to do that?
Remember, Christianity is new to the region where they are and new to the city they are in: Philippi.
The most famous Christians in Philippi are Paul and Silas.
Think about the potential harm that could come to their missionary cause if people thought that Paul and Silas were criminals.
Christianity is supposed to be a religion of peace, and light, and love; not crime.
So, Paul is not only thinking through his situation; he’s thinking about the entire future of the spread of the gospel.
Paul is being wise to let it be known that he and Silas are not criminals, rather they have been treated unjustly without any evidence against them, yet they have remained peaceful and law-abiding citizens.
That’s wisdom, isn’t it?
Listen to what Paul says elsewhere in Ephesians 5:15–16 as he encourages other Christians to be wise. He says, “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil.”
There’s a lot of evil out there. We can’t control all that goes on around us, but we can control how we live and how we react in certain situations.
Of course, the wisdom of Paul caused panic among the officials in Philippi.
Look again at verses 38 and 39:
38 The police reported these words to the magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. 39 So they came to appease them, and escorting them from prison, they urged them to leave town.
The Philippian magistrates were afraid because it was illegal to beat Roman citizens without a trial.
The irony is that Paul and Silas hadn’t broken any laws, and now the magistrates realized that they had broken the law.
However, Paul and Silas didn’t want to cause any trouble. They simply wanted the Philippian people to know that they had not committed any crimes. They were there to spread hope and love, not crime.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to be wise in the way that we live. We must carefully think through our actions and our interactions with the outside world.
Christians need to be loving, kind, and compassionate. Also, we need to be wise.
Finally, . . .
III. Christians need to be united.
Look at verse 40 again:
40 After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house, where they saw and encouraged the brothers and sisters, and departed.
Philippi was a city where Christianity was new. Yet, they had already learned how important it was for Christians to be united together.
Notice a few things here in verse 40:
First, notice that verse 40 speaks of brothers and sisters. The Greek term here would translate as brothers or as we may say in the old timey sense, brethren. This a generic way of referring to all of the brothers and sisters. In other words, they were a family; they were united.
Second, notice that they went back to Lydia’s house. Remember that Lydia’s house became the place where the missionaries stayed in Philippi. This happened as a result of Lydia following Jesus and having a changed life. They were united together so much so that Lydia allowed them to stay at her house.
Finally, notice what they did in verse 40: They encouraged each other. Christians ought to be about the business of encouraging one another. We ought to be united through encouragement.
Church, we are a family. We ought to have a tighter bond with our brothers and sisters in Jesus than we do with anyone else in the world.
Not only that, we ought to actively seek to unite our church family. We ought to avoid division, heal hurt and conflict, and work to encourage one another.
Christians need to be united.
Never forget the words of Jesus in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Let us love one another, and let us encourage one another. Let us be united.
Let this bottom line summarize what we are learning today:
Bottom Line: We must make the most of the opportunities given to us.
Notice that Paul and Silas made the most of this opportunity when they were in jail, and as they were released from jail.
They sought to honor the laws of the land, they sought to be wise in how they interacted with those around them, and they sought to encourage their Christian family.
What about you? Are you intentional in the way that you live your life? Are you purposefully living a changed life for the glory of God? Are you making the most of the opportunities given to you?
Remember what we read earlier from Ephesians 5:15–16: “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil.”
We must make the most of the opportunities given to us.
Challenge yourself this week in this one way:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Pray for wisdom.
James 1:5 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.”
What if our entire church body asked for wisdom this week and beyond?
Will you do that this week? Will you seek the wisdom of God in your life?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
The Lord God is powerful, isn’t He, church? He can provide, He can bless, He can encourage, He can comfort, He can convict, and so much more.
We’re going to learn today that one of the acts that God can accomplish is that He can deliver.
Today’s sermon is entitled “The Power of God to Deliver.”
In today’s passage, we’re going to see how God delivers in three different ways in this passage. Let’s look go to God in prayer, then we’ll dive into this passage.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s see three different deliverances in this passage.
First, . . .
I. The deliverance of the girl.
What girl? Well, there’s a slave girl in this passage. Let’s see what happens.
Look at verses 16-18:
16 Once, as we were on our way to prayer, a slave girl met us who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She made a large profit for her owners by fortune-telling. 17 As she followed Paul and us she cried out, “These men, who are proclaiming to you a way of salvation, are the servants of the Most High God.” 18 She did this for many days.
Paul was greatly annoyed. Turning to the spirit, he said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out right away.
Ok, so we see Luke picking up the story by describing a time when the missionaries were on their way to pray.
(By the way, we see some parallels between today’s passage and last week’s passage. See if you can catch them all. The first is that the story begins with the missionaries going to pray).
As the missionaries are going to pray, they are being followed by a slave girl who has a spirit inside. This spirit has given her the supernatural ability to predict the future.
Predicting the future is quite a miraculous gift, so her owners have taken advantage of this moment to try and make some money off of her.
It’s worth noting here that it’s evil to take advantage of people for your own personal gain, as these owners did to this girl.
Well, this girl continued to follow the missionaries and cry out the same message for many days.
The girl said, “These men, who are proclaiming to you a way of salvation, are the servants of the Most High God.” By the way, the girl’s message was true. These men were proclaiming salvation, and they were servants of the Most High God.
There may have been some confusion about the girl’s message because the hearers may have thought she was talking about a way of salvation other than Jesus, and they may have thought the Most High God she was referring to was actually Zeus.
We learned in verse 18 that Paul had enough, so he spoke to the spirit in the girl and said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!”
Sure enough, the girl was delivered from the power of that spirit over her life.
Luke says at the end of verse 18 that the spirit came out right away.
Listen, church: God can deliver us.
Evil spirits are very real, and some people are tormented by evil spirits in them or around them.
Not only might we be plagued by real evil spirits, but some of us are plagued by our own sin. We are slaves to our giving into temptation, our habits of sin, our outbursts of sin, and so much more.
I want you to hear me, church: Jesus can deliver you! Jesus can deliver you from evil and He can deliver you from sin.
We see the deliverance of the girl.
Next, we see . . .
II. The deliverance of the missionaries.
Let’s look at verses 19-26:
19 When her owners realized that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. 20 Bringing them before the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are seriously disturbing our city. They are Jews 21 and are promoting customs that are not legal for us as Romans to adopt or practice.”
22 The crowd joined in the attack against them, and the chief magistrates stripped off their clothes and ordered them to be beaten with rods. 23 After they had severely flogged them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to guard them carefully. 24 Receiving such an order, he put them into the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks.
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose.
We see a problem arise, don’t we?
Paul’s annoyance led to the girl’s deliverance, which led to the owner’s violence.
They grabbed Paul and Silas and took them to the authorities.
Here’s the reality: they really weren’t breaking any laws. However, they were Jewish people from out of town, and they were not telling people to worship the Roman gods; they were telling them to worship the one true God.
What’s more, these men who owned the girl were now losing money.
The desire for money will lead us to do some evil things, won’t it?
Paul would say later in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil . . . ” Perhaps he was thinking of this moment in Acts 16 when he wrote that.
So, we see several actions unfold after these men seize and accuse Paul and Silas:
First, the crowds turn against Paul and Silas. By the way, the same thing happened to Jesus.
Second, we see the officials pronounce an unjust punishment against them. By the way, the same thing happened to Jesus.
Third, we see that they are severely beaten. By the way, the same thing happened to Jesus.
Fourth, we see that they are imprisoned for some time. By the way, the same thing happened to Jesus.
Fifth, we see an earthquake is present after they endure suffering. By the way, the same thing happened to Jesus.
Sixth, we see they are rescued by the power of God. By the way, the same thing happened to Jesus.
Seventh, we see that one of the guards believed in the power of God. By the way, the same thing happened to Jesus.
That’s an amazing list of similarities between Jesus and the followers of Jesus, right?
So, we see that this earthquake takes place and shakes the very foundations of the jail, opens the doors, and loosens the chains of the prisoners.
What an amazing act of the power of God!
Church, we must understand that God can deliver us from any situation.
Sometimes, for whatever reason, God may choose not to deliver us from a situation, but He certainly can deliver us from anything. In this moment for Paul and Silas, God chose to deliver!
Notice also Paul and Silas’ attitude in the midst of the suffering.
They had no promise of deliverance. Yet, they were praying and singing hymns to God.
They had been arrested and beaten, yet they remained faithful.
They were suffering, yet they knew they were kept by the sovereign hand of God.
Whatever happened, Paul and Silas knew that God was with them.
Do you know, brothers and sisters, that God can deliver you from your suffering? He can deliver you from your sickness. He can deliver you from your broken relationships. He can deliver you from your poverty. He can deliver from anything.
Sometimes, God chooses not to deliver us.
From what we know of church history, all the apostles would be killed for following Jesus, except for John, who spent his final days exiled on an island.
One leading theory for Paul’s death is that he was beheaded in a Roman prison.
We’ve already learned of Stephen’s death in the earlier part of the Book of Acts.
Sometimes, God will deliver us from earthy difficulties immediately. Sometimes, he chooses not to do so.
However, there is a deliverance that is promised for all those who seek it. That is the final deliverance that we’ll learn about.
III. The deliverance of the jailer.
We’ll see that the jailer’s life is delivered, then we’ll see that his soul is delivered.
Look at verses 27-34:
27 When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison standing open, he drew his sword and was going to kill himself, since he thought the prisoners had escaped.
28 But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Don’t harm yourself, because we’re all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He escorted them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house. 33 He took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized. 34 He brought them into his house, set a meal before them, and rejoiced because he had come to believe in God with his entire household.
Notice first that he is delivered from death.
The jailer woke up and realized that the prisoners were all set free.
Remember, he was told to really watch over Paul and Silas, which is why they had them in the inner part of the prison, chained to the wall.
Yet, here they were, free from their chains with the doors open.
So, the jailer started to take his own life because that probably would seem better than what the Romans would do to him if his prisoners escaped.
However, Paul pointed out in verse 28 that all the prisoners were still there, and he should not harm himself.
That’s some pretty powerful deliverance, but something better is about to come.
In verse 30, the jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
First of all, the man had good manners. He called them sirs. What’s more, he had good awareness. He realized something was different about these men. He needed what they had.
He needed the deliverance that led to a peace that surpasses all understanding. A peace that in a moment of suffering, you can actually start worshiping.
He needed access to the power that could set prisoners free.
He needed to be saved by the power of God!
So, Paul and Silas told him what he must do to be saved: Believe in the Lord Jesus.
Not only could he be saved, but his household could also be saved.
Verse 32 indicates that he and his whole household were able to hear Paul and Silas speak the word of the Lord to them.
Then, the jailer took care of Paul and Silas by washing their wounds. Then, again, as we see in Acts, after he and his household believed in Jesus, they were baptized.
Finally, they shared a meal together and rejoiced because God had changed their lives.
Notice the same pattern that we saw in last week’s passage with Lydia: The people are saved from their sins, they display their change through baptism, then they demonstrate their change through a new way of life.
Behold the powerful deliverance of God.
Let this bottom line summarize all that we are learning today:
Bottom Line: The power of God is able to deliver.
Church, there is nothing beyond the power of God. He is the ultimate deliverer:
He delivered Lot from the land of Sodom.
He delivered Noah and his family through the great flood.
He delivered Isaac from being sacrificed by his father, and He delivered Abraham from sacrificing his own son.
He delivered Joseph from the pit of slavery. He delivered Joseph’s family from starvation.
He delivered Moses from death as an infant child.
He delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery.
He delivered Israel from starvation by providing manna.
He delivered Israel into the Promised Land.
He delivered Israel from their own sin during the time of the judges.
He delivered Israel from the failed kingship of Saul and gave them King David.
He delivered Israel from the weakness of human kings by promising a greater King to come.
He delivered the Jewish people from total extinction by preserving some from the horrific judgment they had earned because of their sin.
He delivered a remnant of His people to return back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
He delivered all humanity by sending Jesus the Messiah to die on the cross, rise from the dead, and offer forgiveness of sins.
He delivered the promised Holy Spirit to the Church, delivering them from the old way of things and empowering them for the age of the church.
He delivered Peter and John from prison.
He delivered Saul the persecutor from his sins.
He delivered the Ethiopian eunuch from his sins.
He delivered Jews and Gentiles from their sins.
He delivered Lydia from her sins.
He delivered Paul and Silas from prison.
He delivered the Philippian jailer from his sins.
He has delivered countless people from oppression, sickness, evil, addiction, sin, sorrow, bitterness, racism, greed, materialism, sexual promiscuity, sexual confusion, gender confusion, self-harm, self-hate, self-centeredness, and more.
Jesus is not done. He can deliver you, and He will one day return in glorious fashion to deliver His children from every trouble, every sorrow, and every sin. He will make all things new, and He will deliver us to our heavenly home where we will dwell with the Lord forever.
He is the ultimate deliverer.
Challenge yourself this week from the Word of God:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Identify your need for deliverance.
Some of you need to be delivered from your sins. You’re still in need of salvation. You must understand, as the jailer did, what you must do to be saved. Believe in the Lord Jesus and be saved.
Others, you may have something else from which you need deliverance. Call upon the name of the Lord God. Lift your request to Him, trust Him, and wait on Him.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Share the message of deliverance.
If someone were to ask you, “What must I do to be saved?” Would you be ready to answer?
What about those who don’t know to ask you? Are you able to share with them that they need to be saved?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Have you heard about the power of persuasion? We might tell our kids, “If you’re good for 30 minutes, I’ll take you to get ice cream.” Your boss may tell you, “If you meet certain marks, you’ll get an end-of-the-year bonus.” You might tell yourself, “If I lose twenty pounds, I can treat myself.”
Or, perhaps, you have simply met someone who is very persuasive. Maybe you had a motivational coach, teacher, or parent. Perhaps you heard a preacher or speaker who was very motivating or persuasive.
The power of persuasion can lead us to do things. Indeed, the title of today’s sermon is “The Power of Persuasion.” We’re going to see how persuasion was at work in Acts 16:11-15.
Before we do, let’s go to God in prayer.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the passage together, then we’ll continue to discover what God is teaching us.
Look at Acts 16:11-15:
11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, the next day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, a Roman colony and a leading city of the district of Macedonia. We stayed in that city for several days. 13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate by the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women gathered there. 14 A God-fearing woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying. 15 After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Ok, there are at least three acts of persuasion in this passage. Let’s discover them together:
First, . . .
I. God persuaded the missionaries to travel to Macedonia.
Now, this act of persuasion really took place in last week’s passage.
You may recall that Paul had a vision of a Macedonian man asking to come over to Macedonia and help the people there.
Paul was convinced that this vision was a message from God. As a result, Paul and the other missionaries were persuaded to travel to Macedonia.
It was at this point that the missionaries crossed from Asia into Europe.
In fact, here’s how it looked on a map. Remember, last week they were in Troas. Now, they traveled to Samothrace, Neapolis, and Philippi.
So, they made it to Philippi, a city in Macedonia.
Now, just a little bit about Macedonia, it was a region near Greece that had a tremendous influence in the Roman empire.
In fact, someone great was from the Macedonian Empire. You may know him as Alexander the Great.
It was Alexander’s father, Philip of Macedon, who brought greatness to the city of Philippi, which is a city in this passage today. Indeed, the city was named after Philip, hence the name Philippi.
So, this is the region and city where Paul and his companions are located in Acts 16:11-15.
Why were the missionaries there?
They were not there because the city was great.
They were there because they were persuaded by God.
When God spoke, they listened.
When God led, they followed.
When God persuaded, they obey.
What about you?
When God speaks, do you listen?
When God leads, do you follow?
When God persuades, do you obey?
We see that these missionaries were persuaded by God. May we also be open to being persuaded by God to be used for His mission and for His glory.
First, we see God persuaded the missionaries to travel to Macedonia.
Second, we see . . .
II. God persuaded Lydia to salvation.
Notice in verse 13 that the missionaries are looking for a place to pray on the Sabbath.
Evidently, there were not enough Jewish people in the city to compose a synagogue, so they planned to go down to the river to pray.
What did they find when they got down to the river? They found women who were gathered.
This was no doubt a God appointed moment, right? This was a divine appointment. God knew they would need a place to pray and God knew those ladies would be gathered there.
Church, we must realize that God is not surprised by our circumstances.
God is weaving our circumstances together to bring about His plan, including the salvation of souls.
God was working through Paul and the other missionaries, and He was working in the hearts of the women who were gathered there.
When they found these women gathered, they began to speak to them, presumably about the gospel of Jesus Christ, because one of those women would become a believer in Jesus Christ.
Look at verse 14 again:
A God-fearing woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying.
You know, church, I almost made a huge mistake when creating these sermon points. Point 2 was originally, “Paul persuaded Lydia to salvation.”
However, what does the Bible say? It says in verse 14, “The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying.”
Paul was persuasive, for sure, but Paul didn’t have nearly the power that the Holy Spirit of God has.
You and I must be obedient to passionately proclaim the gospel. We must plead with and persuade people to receive Jesus, but we must do so while relying on the persuasive power of the Spirit of God.
Aren’t you glad that the Spirit of God persuaded you that you needed Jesus? Lydia was powerless to come to Jesus without God drawing her. You and I are utterly powerless to come to Jesus apart from the Spirit of God drawing us to Him.
As Paul would later say in Romans 3:10–11, “ . . . as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.”
As Paul would later say in Ephesians 2:8–9, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.”
Lydia may have been a God-fearing woman; she may have believed in God and tried to worship Him correctly, but she was not a follower of Jesus until the Holy Spirit opened her eyes, she understood Paul’s message, and she became a believer in Jesus the Messiah.
As was the practice in the New Testament, and still is in the church today, once Lydia became a believer in Jesus Christ she was baptized.
Apparently, others in her household also believed in Jesus because they, too, were baptized.
By the way, from the records that we have, Lydia is thought to be the very first Christian convert on the continent of Europe. Isn’t that cool?
Today, there’s a river near the ruins of Philippi that is believed to be the place where Lydia was baptized. I’ve actually been there, along with some others in this room. Man, I wish I had a picture or video from that moment. Oh, I do! Let’s watch this video together.
So, we see the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to the gospel! God persuaded Lydia to salvation.
Not only did the Lord open Lydia’s heart, but Lydia opened her home.
That takes us to point #3:
III. Lydia persuaded the missionaries to stay at her house.
Look at verse 15:
After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
It’s believed that Lydia was a woman of some wealth, because she was a businesswoman, and because she had a home that was large enough to accommodate the entire missionary crew.
Also, it appears that her house was used as a base of sorts in Philippi, as we see at the end of the chapter that the missionaries returned to Lydia’s house.
Lydia was persuasive with her words.
She basically was saying, “If you don’t stay at my house, then you don’t think I’m a Christian.”
Well, what do you say to that? She was pretty persuasive. After all, she was a salesperson.
So, we see generosity on display in Lydia’s life. We see a changed life, first displayed by baptism, then demonstrated in her generosity to others.
That’s the way it’s supposed to happen, church: God changes our lives, we display God’s work through baptism, and demonstrate God’s work through a changed life.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God can work in powerful ways in and through His people.
Church, God can work wonders through you. God can change you, then you display that change, then you demonstrate that change.
Have you been changed by God? Have you displayed your change through biblical water baptism? Have you demonstrated your change through a changed life?
God is still working through missionaries. God is still working through ordinary people like Lydia. God is still saving souls.
God is still working in powerful ways in and through His people.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Seek to persuade someone to come to Jesus.
God opened Lydia’s heart. He is the ultimate persuader. Yet, Paul was working to persuade people to come to Jesus everywhere He went.
What about you? Are you seeking to persuade others to Jesus, while realizing that God is the one who ultimately persuades them to faith? Challenge yourself this week to persuade someone to come to Jesus.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Ask yourself if you are persuaded by the gospel.
Have you been persuaded by the Holy Spirit of God that Jesus can save you from your sins and change your life?
Are you persuaded that the words of Romans 1:16 are true: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.”
Ask yourself if you are persuaded by the gospel.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
When Jennifer and I got married, we spoke about having kids. After a couple of years spent being young and childless, we decided to start having kids. We wanted many kids. Then, we couldn’t have any children. We tried, and tried, and tried. We spoke to doctors. We tried several unsuccessful adoptions. We served as foster parents. However, we didn’t have any children to have as our own. Then, one day after Jennifer went to see a doctor for some other matters, we found out she was pregnant with miracle baby #1, Jeremiah Kirkland McCraw. God would later bless us with two other boys.
We had this great plan to start having kids exactly two years after we got married and then be done having kids before we were too far into our thirties. Instead, we didn’t have our first child until our late twenties, and we were still having them into our late thirties.
You see, people have plans, but God often has other plans.
Today’s sermon is entitled “The Plans of God and the Plans of People.”
In today’s passage, we’re going to see some of the travel plans of Paul the missionary, and we’ll see how some of God’s plans were a little different.
Before we go any further, let’s go to God in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
As we journey through this passage today, we’ll identify three realities of the plans of God and the plans of people.
First, . . .
I. Sometimes we have good plans.
Paul put together some good plans to visit some churches on his missionary journey.
You may recall that God multiplied the missionary work of Paul and Barnabas by working through a division the two of them had, and God produced two different mission trips that involved even more missionaries than before.
Now, Paul is making some more mission trip plans.
Let’s look at these first few verses of Acts 16. Look at verses 1-4:
1 Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to go with him; so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled through the towns, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem for the people to observe. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
So, we see Paul’s plans for his journey.
At the end of chapter 15, we learned that Paul and Silas went to Syria and Cilicia.
Then, here at the beginning of chapter 16, they go to Derbe and Lystra. Those are good plans. Keep preaching the gospel; keep strengthening churches; keep encouraging the disciples.
So, here’s a map. They were in Antioch; then they traveled all the way to Cilicia in last week’s passage; now they make it to Lystra.
We also learn that Paul meets a disciple named Timothy.
Timothy was a well-respected half-Jewish disciple.
By the way, Timothy would go on to be a great missionary in his own right, as well as a famous young pastor in the Church of Ephesus.
He is so famous because Paul would later write two biblical books that were letters addressed to Timothy. These letters are called 1 and2 Timothy.
I’ve preached on these books if you’d like to check out the sermons on our website.
We learn in verse 3 that Paul wanted Timothy to go with him on their journey, but there was something that Paul wanted done in order for Timothy to travel with them. Paul wanted Timothy to be circumcised.
Now, you might wonder why Paul would want to do this.
Well, verse 3 tells us. It says, “ . . . because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek.”
However, if you paid attention in Acts 15, you might say, “Wait a minute! Didn’t they settle the issue of requiring Jewish laws for Christians in Acts 15?”
Well, yes and no. What Paul was fighting for in Acts 15 was for Gentile people not to have to become Jewish in order to obey God.
What Paul is doing in Acts 16 with Timothy is taking a step to ensure that their missionary team does not cause any offense as they seek to preach the gospel in Jewish synagogues.
We do this today as well. Ministers of the gospel, missionaries, and wise Christians will take steps at times to not cause offense.
For example, drinking alcohol is not a sin. However, I don’t drink alcohol because that might be frowned upon for a Baptist preacher to drink alcohol in a city like Bartow.
So also, tattoos are not sinful. However, if stood in the pulpit with a tattoo on my face that said “I love Jennifer,” some people might think differently about me.
Again, wearing shorts and flip-flops in the office is not unbiblical at all. However, in our context, some might think that I didn’t care about my calling as a pastor if I did that.
To be clear, none of those things are sinful. However, in order to not cause offense, I try to be wise with my decisions on such matters.
You see, since Timothy had a Jewish mother, he would have been considered a Jewish man.
Yet, he wasn’t circumcised, which wasn’t a good thing for a Jewish man.
It would have caused unnecessary offense as they sought to minister in the Jewish synagogues.
So, it was a good plan for Paul to have Timothy circumcised. Timothy may not have thought it was a good idea at the time, but it was.
Paul had a good plan for Timothy, and he had a good plan for their travels.
Sometimes people have good plans.
However, . . .
II. Sometimes God redirects our plans.
Listen to what happens in this chapter and how Luke (the author of Acts) writes about it.
Look at verses 6-8:
6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia; they had been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 Passing by Mysia they went down to Troas.
We see here two times that the Holy Spirit stopped the plans of Paul and the other missionaries.
In verse 6, Luke says, “ . . . they had been forbidden by the Holy Spirit . . . ”
Then, in verse 7, Luke says, “ . . . the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. ”
By the way, there should be no confusion or concern with the different ways of speaking about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of God, the Spirit, they’re all names for God the Spirit.
However, we see God redirecting the plans of the missionaries.
You know, we really don’t know why God redirected their plans and we don’t know how Luke knew that God redirected their plans. However, God did, indeed, redirect their plans.
Let me just say something quite plainly: God’s plans are better than our plans. Amen?
If God wants to redirect our plans, we should welcome that.
Even when we don’t know why, even when we don’t know how, even when it hurts, even when it’s confusing, even when it seems strange, we should welcome a change of plans by God.
So, we see that Paul, Silas, and Timothy were not permitted by God to go to Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), instead they ended up in Troas.
Ok, here’s our other map that we were looking at earlier.
Here is Troas. Quite the journey, as you can see.
God changed their plans and took them on a great journey to reach Troas. It was not what they had in mind, but it was what God had in mind.
Listen, brothers and sisters.
God may have different plans for your life than you have for your life.
God may have different plans for your ministry than you have for your ministry.
God may have different plans for our church than we have for our church.
That’s ok. Not only is it ok, we should welcome it.
Sometimes God redirects our plans.
Finally, . . .
III. Sometimes God gives us clear plans.
Have you ever felt like God made something very clear to you? I remember a few times in my life that happened.
One time that happened is when God called me to be senior pastor at this church. Jennifer and I both knew from fairly early in the process that God was going to lead me here. It’s hard to explain how we knew. There was just a peace and clarity about it. It wasn’t because I was some special pastor. I had never even been a senior pastor. I tell folks, our church was really desperate, so they even allowed me to take a shot at being a senior pastor. It wasn’t me; it was God. Part of God working through that process was making it very clear to me and Jennifer that He was leading us to Bartow.
Sometimes God makes His plans very clear.
Look at what happened in this passage. Look at verses 9 and 10.
9 During the night Paul had a vision in which a Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Notice two things from these two verses:
First, notice that Paul had a vision.
Now, we must be careful here to realize that not all visions are from God. Sometimes, you may have a vision because you ate a bad burrito. Or, perhaps you had a vision after taking the pain medicine from your oral surgery.
However, some visions are from God. In fact, God has worked through visions through all of human existence.
So, when we consider a vision, we should consider if it’s from God. We should ask ourselves questions such as the following:
Does it fit God’s will?
Does it conflict with Scripture? If so, it’s probably not from God.
What do other godly people think about the vision?
How did the vision come to me?
We should think through these questions and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His ways to us.
Second, notice that Luke says that they concluded that God has called them to preach the gospel in Macedonia.
Apparently, upon considering the vision, they believed that it was, in fact, from God.
God was making it very clear to them what He wanted them to do next: He wanted them to go preach the gospel in Macedonia.
We’ll learn next time, that’s exactly what they did.
The Lord made His will very clear to Paul and the missionaries, and they obeyed.
Also, here’s a little fun fact about Acts: Notice in verse 10 that Luke says, “we.”
This is the first time that Luke includes himself in the journeys, indicating that he is likely now traveling with Paul, Timothy, Silas, and others.
That’s just an interesting little fact in this story.
We learn in Acts 16 that sometimes we have good plans, sometimes God redirects our plans, and sometimes God gives us clear plans.
No matter how it comes upon us, we must always be willing to follow God’s plans.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God’s people must follow God’s plan.
There’s nothing wrong with having a plan, right?
I have lots of plans. People who know me know that I’m a planner. I have a plan to make plans.
Plans are not a bad thing, but our plans must never get in the way of our obedience to God’s plans!
God’s people must follow God’s plans.
We must follow the plans that God has already revealed to us. We must love. We must share the gospel. We must be holy.
We must also be open to following the plans that God has not yet revealed to us. We must pray. We must listen. We must be open to a change of plans.
God’s people must follow God’s plan.
Challenge yourself this week in this one way:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Ask God to reveal His plans to you.
The first step to following God’s plan is to know what His plans are.
Ask God to reveal His plans to you for your life.
Ask God to reveal His plans to you for our church.
(Gospel presentation – you may have plans for your life, but God has something better; you may have no plans for your life; well, God has something for you)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Do you remember just two weeks ago when we learned that the Christian Pharisees were bringing division into the Church of Antioch? They were trying to bring extra Jewish rules for the non-Jewish Christians to follow.
However, then we witnessed the victorious moment when the leaders of the Church of Jerusalem corrected the confusion, showed love, and brought unity.
Then, the Church in Antioch was blessed and encouraged. And, they never had any problems ever again. Well, of course, all of that is true, except for the last part.
Today, we’re going to learn that division would arise in the Church in Antioch from two very unlikely sources.
You see, here’s the reality about the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ: stuff happens.
Churches are full of people, and people are weird, fickle, sensitive, offensive, scared, confused, selfish, crazy, and more.
People are also kind, loving, encouraging, generous, brave, bold, and more.
You get both, don’t you? You get the blessings of people in the church, and you also get the challenges of people in the church.
One of the best parts of church is the people. So also, one of the most challenging parts of church is the people.
So, we see some more division today in the Church of Antioch, but we also see how God worked through that division and actually multiplied the amount of ministry that would be accomplished.
Today’s sermon is entitled “Multiplication Through Division.”
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer and see how He works through this sermon today.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the passage together and then see what God is saying to us.
Look at Acts 15:36–41:
After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Ok, first, let’s point out that . . .
I. The church will go through division.
Now, there are a lot of people here like me, in the sense that you have not been at this church your entire life.
I’m blessed to have been at this church for seven years next month. However, I’ve not been here forever.
Even since I’ve been here, we’ve seen some minor divisions in our church. Those of you have been a part of any church for any extended period of time know that divisions happen; disagreements happen; difficulties happen.
Some of you who have been here longer than I experienced a major division a little over eight years ago.
Division hurts, doesn’t it? Division is tough on a church, isn’t it?
However, division happens in churches from time to time.
Well, let’s talk about the division that was taking place in this passage.
We learn in verse 36 that Paul and Barnabas planned to go back to the churches in the towns where they had completed their previous missions and church planting work.
However, there was an issue: Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, and Paul did not want to take John Mark.
Now, here’s a few things to remember about the situation:
First, Paul didn’t want to take John Mark because he left their group early in the previous journey. We must remember that did, in fact, happen. We learned way back in Acts 13:13: “Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, but John left them and went back to Jerusalem.”
Another big factor is this: we learn in Colossians 4:10 that Barnabas and John Mark were cousins.
So, Paul doesn’t want to take John Mark, but John Mark is family to Barnabas.
Of course, anytime family gets involved, it gets complicated, right?
So, we have a complication at hand, and we have some division starting to arise.
Verse 38 says, “Paul insisted that they should not take along this man . . .”
Paul wasn’t having it; he did not want to take John Mark.
Now, generally, Paul seemed to be very zealous and confident in his position. He was not one to easily compromise.
Barnabas, however, was known as the “Son of Encouragement.” Perhaps he was more understanding of John Mark’s situation.
So, the two did not agree.
Verse 39 says, “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company . . . ”
Paul and Barnabas experienced division! Can you believe it‽
Barnabas was the one who introduced Paul to the apostles and spoke of his genuine conversion.
Barnabas and Paul traveled on multiple journeys together to speak about and defend the gospel.
Barnabas and Paul were the poster children for the missions work of the Church of Antioch.
Now, these two are experiencing division.
Church, we do not yet live in a perfect world. There will be challenges. There will be conflict. There will be division in the church.
They had division then, and churches will have division today.
Next, we learn that . . .
II. God will work through division.
This is what I mean by “multiplication through division.”
Did Paul and Barnabas simply cancel their continued missionary journey?
Absolutely not! Instead, they took two missionary journeys.
Look at the end of verse 39. It says, “Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.”
Then, we learn in verses 40 and 41, “But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”
There was genuine conflict. There was genuine division. There was likely genuine emotions involved. Yet, there was also genuine blessing from God.
Check out this map, church: Here’s Antioch. Instead of one missionary journey, there were now two. You have Barnabas and John Mark going this way, and you have Paul and Silas going this way.
God brought multiplication through division.
Not only did God multiply their journeys, but He also multiplied the number of missionaries.
Now, Silas is involved in Paul’s missionary journeys. You may remember Silas as one of the representatives sent up from the Church in Jerusalem after the Jerusalem Council. Now, Silas is joining Paul on missionary journeys.
There was division, but God was definitely at work in the midst of the division.
You might think, “Wait a minute, Pastor Matt! How could God be at work in stuff like this? Sometimes, people do sinful things, wrong things, and crazy things. How is God working through these situations?”
Well, we must recognize that God is King over all things, even dysfunction and division. God can work through anything and everything for His glory!
God can make lemons into lemonade. God can make potatoes into potato salad. God can turn broken dishes into a beautiful mosaic. God can turn division into multiplication.
What’s beautifully crazy is that God can still do a wonderful work even when the division is difficult.
Do people make sinful choices? Absolutely. Do people make unwise decisions? Absolutely. Do people cause harm and hurt? Absolutely. Can God still work through the dysfunction? Absolutely.
Let us be encouraged by the words of the Apostle Paul elsewhere, when he said in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
God will work through division.
Finally, . . .
III. Time will heal division.
There are two ways that time will heal division. The first is in this life and the second is in the next life.
Those who are familiar with the story of John Mark and Paul will recall that there is evidence to indicate that Paul and John Mark later patched things up.
Consider Colossians 4:10, which I mentioned earlier. In it, Paul says, “Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him).”
Further, Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:11, “Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.”
Both Colossians and 2 Timothy were written after the time described here, in Acts 15. So, it appeared that through time, the division between Paul and John Mark was healed.
Also, 1 Corinthians 9:6 indicates that Paul and Barnabas later served together again as well.
So, time can heal divisions in the immediate future of this life on earth.
Our opinions may change. We may realize that we were wrong about something. Someone else may realize that they were wrong about something. Things that once mattered won’t seem to matter anymore. God may change our hearts towards people. Through time, God may heal disunity on this earth.
Some of you may be thinking right now, “Pastor Matt . . . you don’t understand! Time has not healed my hurt. Time has not healed the disunity that I’m facing. Things are not getting easier. How will time heal my situation?”
Oh, precious child of God. Have you so quickly forgotten the words of our Lord in John 14:3: “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.”
Or, have you forgotten the promise of Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.”
There will come a time when Jesus will come to receive His own, and at that time, He will make all things right.
What time does not heal in this life, God will heal in the next life. That time will come when He is ready.
Be sure of this: There will be no division in God’s glorious kingdom to come. There’ll be no fights. There’ll be no gossip. There’ll be no disgruntled church members. There’ll be no lackluster pastors. There’ll be no church splits. There will only be joy, and love, and peace, and worship, and glory given to God.
Church, let this bottom line summarize what we are learning here today:
Bottom Line: Though divisions may come, the mission of God will go on.
This division we read about in Acts 15 did not stop the mission of God. In fact, as we’ve already pointed out, God multiplied the scope of the ministry of Paul and Barnabas.
Division did not stop the mission of God then, and it will not stop the mission of God today.
Evil will not prevail against the mission of God. Division will not prevail against the mission of God. Nothing will prevail against the mission of God.
To be clear, individual local churches may come and go. But the mission of God, carried out through His Church, will not fail.
Challenge yourself this week in this one way:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Stay committed to the mission.
Are you committed to the mission of God? Are you all in?
Don’t get sidetracked by division. Don’t get sidetracked by negativity, hurt, or conflict. Commit to the mission.
Ask God to help you forgive. Ask others to forgive you. Prioritize what’s most important. Help your brothers and sisters in Christ stay focused. Help your pastors stay focused.
The mission is too important, and God is too powerful for us to be sidetracked by division.
Let’s commit to the mission. Challenge yourself this week to do so.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
I remember when I was in the process of applying to be a doctoral candidate at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I never thought that I would pursue a doctoral degree, but the Lord opened up several doors, and it seemed like an opportunity that was too good to pass up.
However, I needed to be accepted. I took a placement test, submitted a research paper, gave references and transcripts, and more. I remember the great anticipation of waiting to hear the news. What would come of my application?
Well, today’s passage begins with the Church in Antioch waiting to hear back from the leaders in the Church in Jerusalem. There was great anticipation about whether the Gentile Christians would be accepted into the fellowship of the other Christians or if they would ask them to fulfill extra requirements in order to be followers of Jesus.
Would the Jerusalem Christians choose to cooperate with the other Christians or not? Today’s sermon is entitled “The Careful Consideration of Cooperation.”
Let’s pray together, and then let’s dig into this passage.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the passage together. Let’s look at Acts 15:22-35:
22 Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers. 23 They wrote:
“From the apostles and the elders, your brothers,
To the brothers and sisters among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24 Since we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts, 25 we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul, 26 who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements: 29 that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.
Farewell.”
30 So they were sent off and went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, they delivered the letter. 31 When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and sisters and strengthened them with a long message. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent back in peace by the brothers and sisters to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord.
We learn in this passage that the believers in Jerusalem wanted to cooperate with the Gentile believers, and they were considerate of them.
So, let’s see four ways that they were considerate.
First, we see . . .
I. Considerate care.
Listen to how the Jerusalem Christians speak to their brothers and sisters in Christ:
We see in verse 24 that they were concerned for them. They said that they heard someone had “troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts.”
Also, notice in verse 23 how they refer to their relationship. They said, “From the apostles and the elders, yourbrothers, To the brothersandsisters among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.”
It was obvious that the disciples in Jerusalem cared about them, and it was obvious that the disciples in Antioch received it as a caring response. Verse 31 says, “When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.”
You see, Church: One of the marks of a Christian is that we care for one another.
That care for one another is not limited to just the Christians whom you know and love. It’s not even limited to just those who are a part of your church family. Rather, it includes all of our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.
At that time, Jewish people were taught to view Gentiles as outsiders and offensive. Yet, here we see the Jewish Christians referring to the Gentile Christians as their “brothers and sisters.”
Further, most of those Christians in Jerusalem likely never saw the Christians in Antioch. They sent Paul and Barnabas back and forth, but most of them didn’t travel back and forth. Yet, they cared about them.
Brothers and sisters, we are to care for our brothers and sisters. The bond we have in Jesus Christ is stronger than any ethnic bond, any national bond, and political bond, any cultural bond, and any other type of bond.
Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The Church in Jerusalem showed their cooperation with considerate care, and so should we.
Next, we see . . .
II. Considerate correction.
Let me ask you a question, Church: If something is done that is wrong, and we have the power to correct it, should we do so? You better believe it!
What was said by the Christian Pharisees (in last week’s passage) was not correct.
The Gentile Christians should not be required to follow the ceremonial Jewish customs in order to be saved or in order to be in Christian fellowship with Jewish Christians.
Here’s how this letter described those who were wrongly requiring the Gentile Christians to follow extra rules: (verse 24) “ . . . we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us and troubled you . . .”
They wanted to set the record straight; these men were not authorized by the leaders in the Jerusalem Church to demand these extra regulations for the new non-Jewish disciples.
What they did was troubling and out of line. So, the leaders in Jerusalem wisely corrected the issue.
Let me just tell you, as a leader in a church, it is frustrating when you have to correct an issue.
I can’t tell you the number of times something was miscommunicated or someone did something without authorization and the leaders of the church have to correct it.
As frustrating as it is, it is necessary. Correction is necessary at times in order to have cooperation. Correction is necessary at times in order to get along with other people. Correction is necessary at times in order to be a healthy church.
The leaders in Jerusalem were considerate by offering necessary correction, and we should be as well.
Third, we see . . .
III. Considerate clarity.
Part of the correction that took place was to offer clarity. When something is not correct, you need to clarify what the correct thing is.
So, the leaders in Jerusalem sought to be clear in a few different ways:
First, they wrote this message.
Notice in verse 23 that the letter was from the apostles and the elders. You had the foundational leaders of the church (the apostles) and the newer leaders of the church (the elders). They came together in unison to send this message of clarity.
Second, notice in verses 25-27 that they sent Judas and Silas with Paul and Barnabas.
This step was not taken because Paul and Barnabas were not trustworthy. On the contrary, this step was taken to go above and beyond to make sure everyone was clear about what the truth was.
Paul and Barnabas represented the Church in Antioch, and Judas and Silas represented the Church in Jerusalem. They all came together at the Antiochian Church to verify the decision of the Jerusalem Church and to show their unity together.
Third, notice that they stated that they believed the Holy Spirit was guiding this process.
In verse 28, they say, “For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you . . . ”
They were clear that they believed that the Holy Spirit of God led them to this decision. They were confident and clear.
Fourth and finally, notice that they offered clarity about the concern itself.
Look at verse 29. They said the Gentile Christians should “ . . . abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.” Then they added, “You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.”
As I said last week, the Jewish Christians wanted to be clear: They didn’t expect the Gentile Christians to live a Jewish life, but they did expect them to live a holy life.
The leaders of the Church in Jerusalem were clear about how they could clarify misunderstandings and clear about how they could cooperate together.
We should have that same spirit when it comes to cooperating with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
To that end, let’s go to our final point:
IV. Considerate cooperation.
Notice the cooperation that resulted from the careful consideration shown by the Church in Jerusalem:
In verse 30, we see the assembly of the Church of Antioch gathered. They were eager to hear from the Church in Jerusalem.
In verse 31, we see that the Christians in Antioch rejoiced at reading the cooperative letter from Jerusalem.
In verse 32, we see that the messengers who were sent from Jerusalem also stayed for a bit and taught in Antioch.
In verse 33, we see that the Church in Antioch sent Silas and Judas back in peace.
In verse 35, we see that Paul and Barnabas continued to stay in Antioch and encourage the believers.
By the way, when it comes to cooperation, we must remember that Paul and Barnabas were originally sent from Jerusalem to Antioch quite some time ago. So, the Church in Jerusalem had been cooperating with the Church in Antioch for quite a while.
Then, in this passage, we see these multiple examples of their continued considerate cooperation.
That brings us nicely to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: Followers of Jesus should be a cooperative people.
Listen, church: Life does not revolve around us as individuals, and life does not revolve around our church.
Our lives should revolve around the One True Living God and the glory of His name.
We should want to lift high the name of Jesus and we should want to cooperate with those who also lift high the name of Jesus.
That is why I often remind us that we are not in competition with other churches in Bartow. We are in cooperation with other churches in Bartow to reach the roughly 20,000 people of our city.
That is why we cooperate through the Southern Baptist Convention, so we can lock arms with over 45,000 churches to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
That is why we seek to plant churches and strengthen churches all over the world.
It’s not about us; it’s about others and about the mission of God.
Let us remind ourselves of that reality with our first weekly challenge.
Weekly Challenge #1 – Memorize Philippians 2:4.
Philippians 2:4 says, “Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.”
What we saw from the Church in Jerusalem was this type of spirit. It wasn’t about the Jewish people; it was about spreading the name of Jesus and encouraging other Christians.
Do we have that same attitude? Taking Philippians 2:4 to heart will help us develop that attitude.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Commit to cooperation.
Are you committed to helping other followers of Jesus, both inside our church and outside of our church?
Are you committed to helping our church maintain our cooperation with other churches in our city and around the world?
Will you commit to cooperation and help our church stay committed to cooperation?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Don’t you wish that when things were going well in the church of God that things would just go smoothly?
When people are getting saved from their sins, churches are growing, and leaders are being developed, it would be so great if things would just go smoothly, wouldn’t it?
However, those of you who have been part of a church for more than a little while know that this dream is just that . . . a dream. It’s not reality.
After all, you may remember what Paul and Barnabas said last week to the churches they were planting.
They said in Acts 14:22, “It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
There are some hardships involved with following Jesus. Sometimes, those hardships take the form of opposition from others.
In today’s passage, some opposition is going to come to the disciples.
Opposition is never fun. However, what makes the opposition in Acts 15 so difficult is that it didn’t come from outside the Church; it came from within the Church. It came from their brothers and sisters in Christ.
All these non-Jewish people (or Gentiles) were coming to faith in Jesus Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit, and becoming part of the Church.
However, not everyone thought it was a good idea to welcome them into the Church. They wanted to add some extra regulations.
So, opposition arose, and disagreement arose.
A question arose concerning “What to say about the Gentiles.” Indeed, that is the title of today’s sermon.
Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us as we study Acts 15.
(prayer)
Ok, so let’s look at the passage and see what’s going on. Let’s see what to say about the Gentiles:
Let’s start by looking at Acts 15:1-5:
1 Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 After Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, Paul and Barnabas and some others were appointed to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this issue. 3 When they had been sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers and sisters.
4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
Ok, that’s part of our passage today. We’ll continue on in a minute. So today, let’s answer five questions that arose from this issue with the Gentile converts.
First, let’s ask . . .
I. What did the opposition say?
Well, it’s right there in the passage, isn’t it?
Verse 1 says, “Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.’”
Verse 5 says, “But some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses.’”
Here’s what happened: Christianity was born out of Judaism, and some of the Christians who came out of the really strict Judaism (the Pharisees) wanted to force all Christians to fit inside the boundaries of their interpretation of what it meant to be a follower of God. They not only wanted them to follow Jesus, they wanted them to follow the law of Moses.
In other words, these Christian Pharisees did not fully understand what God accomplished with the coming of Jesus the Messiah.
What Jesus accomplished was much greater than what Moses accomplished.
What Moses accomplished was amazing. He delivered God’s law so that the Jewish people might know God and glorify Him properly.
What Jesus accomplished was even better. He fulfilled God’s law so that all people might have the opportunity to know God and glorify Him properly.
Yet, these Christian Pharisees wanted to require more than what God required.
We haven’t seen this in modern church at all, have we? We’ve not seen people require extra rules for people to be followers of Jesus, have we?
We’ve not heard people say you have to dress a certain way to be a faithful Christian.
We’ve not heard that you have to totally abstain from alcohol, even though Jesus and the early Church didn’t.
We’ve not heard that you can’t play cards, go to movies, or dance. We’ve not heard that you can’t have tattoos or piercings.
We’ve not heard that you have to read a certain Bible translation.
We’ve not heard that you have to belong to a certain political party if you want to be a faithful Christian. Of course, we haven’t heard any of that because we are Baptists and we are people of the Bible, right? Of course, we would never try to add extra rules as if the Bible were not sufficient enough!
Well, of course, all of you can probably sense my sarcasm by now.
The reality is the American church has sadly said these things and tolerated these things for far too long.
We should not be people who try to add extra rules as these Christian Pharisees did.
Well, what are we supposed to do about it? Well, let’s see what the Church then did about it.
Let’s answer the question . . .
II. What did the church say?
Do you recall where Paul and Barnabas were in Acts 15? They were in Antioch.
So, these men came from Judea, which is the region around Jerusalem, and came to Antioch to raise their concern.
Notice in verse 2 that Paul and Barnabas first debated this issue with the opposers. However, it seems that a resolution was not reached.
So, in verse 3, we see that Paul and Barnabas were appointed to go to Jerusalem.
By whom were Paul and Barnabas appointed? By the church!
Paul and Barnabas were appointed by the Church in Antioch to take this issue down to the apostles and the elders in Jerusalem to see if they could get this sorted out.
Jerusalem is where the Church was born. Jerusalem is where the Holy Spirit first came upon the disciples. Jerusalem is the place that sent out the first proclaimers of the gospel.
So, the Church in Antioch sent them to the Church in Jerusalem.
Notice this, friends: the Church did not ignore the problem; they dealt with it.
Listen, church: Problems, conflicts, false teachings, and more will arise among the people of God. When they do, we should deal with it.
So, we see what the Church in Antioch had to say about this issue with the Gentiles.
Next, let’s answer the question, . . .
III. What did experience say?
I want to be clear about this, church. What we experience does not mean everything, but it means something.
What I mean by that is that what we experience should never take priority over that which God has already clearly told us in His Word.
However, God does work through our experience to teach us things and confirm what He has already told us in the Bible.
The disciples experienced some things that taught them some truths about what was going on with these Gentile Christians.
Listen to verse 3. Luke tells us, “When they had been sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy to all the brothers and sisters.”
We learn here that Paul and Barnabas have seen Gentiles converted to Jesus Christ, and it stirred joy when they told others about it.
Now, let’s read on a bit more. Look at verses 6-12:
6 The apostles and the elders gathered to consider this matter. 7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.”
12 The whole assembly became silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul describe all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
We hear in these verses the experience of Peter, and Paul and Barnabas about how the Lord was saving Gentiles through the proclamation of the gospel.
We also hear from both Peter, and Paul and Barnabas their experience of how the Holy Spirit did miraculous things in these non-Jewish converts.
The experience of Peter, Paul, and Barnabas was that God really was saving these people from their sins, He really was making them new, and He really was demonstrating their new life by filling them with the Holy Spirit.
So, in verse 10, Peter asked the natural question, “Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?”
The experience of these Jewish-Christian missionaries was that God was really saving the non-Jewish Christians.
However, experience is not everything (as I said earlier).
So then, we must answer the question . . .
IV. What did the Bible say?
That’s a good question for all of us to ask. Even though it’s helpful to observe what is happening around us, that’s not always the final answer to our questions.
We must ask, “What does God say?” Listen as the leaders in Jerusalem sought to answer that question.
Look at verses 13-18:
13 After they stopped speaking, James responded, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for his name. 15 And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
16 After these things I will return
and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
I will rebuild its ruins
and set it up again,
17 so that the rest of humanity
may seek the Lord—
even all the Gentiles
who are called by my name—
declares the Lord
who makes these things 18 known from long ago.
By the way, Simeon here is Peter. His name was Simon Peter or Simeon Peter.
James (by the way, the half brother of Jesus and author of the Book of James) took the eyewitness testimony of Peter and compared it to the prophecies of the Old Testament. In other words, he compared human experience to what God had already said in His Word.
James referred to what was said in the Old Testament books of Amos, Isaiah, and more.
James pointed out that there was no conflict with what appeared to be happening in the lives of the Gentiles and what God already said He would do in the Gentiles.
Rather than their experience conflicting with God’s plans, it served as an example of a fulfillment of God’s plans.
Church, we must do as James did in this passage. We must be quick to turn to the Word of God to help us evaluate our experience and to help us sort out conflict.
The Bible is God’s guide for the Church and God’s gift to the Church.
Let us always ask ourselves, “What does the Bible say?”
Finally, we must answer the question . . .
V. What did the leaders say?
Early church history reveals to us that James became the leader of the Jerusalem Church as the leadership of the apostles was transitioning to others.
So, where did James and the other leaders land on this issue?
Let’s look at the final few verses. Let’s look at verses 19-21:
19 Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but instead we should write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.
James basically says, “We shouldn’t put any roadblocks in the way for these non-Jewish people to come to God.”
James then lays out some basic moral principles that they would expect the Gentiles to follow while suggesting that they don’t need to force the ceremonial traditions of the Jewish people on non-Jewish disciples.
For the sake of time, we can’t get into all of the details, but James essentially said that they didn’t have to live a Jewish life, but they did need to live a holy life as defined by God’s Word.
The leaders of the church considered the conflict, made a commitment to find a resolution, considered the experience of others, considered what the Bible said, and then made a decision.
They decided that followers of Jesus should not have to jump through extra hoops to follow God because Jesus has already jumped through all of the hoops for us.
Rather, they should commit themselves to Jesus and live a life of holiness.
Let this bottom line summarize what we are learning today:
Bottom Line: The Church affirmed the mission and work of God.
God was at work among the Gentiles. The leaders in Antioch and Jerusalem had a choice: get on board with what God was doing or get in the way of what God was doing.
They were wise enough to know (and I pray that we are too) that you don’t want to be in the way of what God is doing; it’s much better to get on board.
To that end, challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Identify the heart of the gospel.
What does it mean to follow Jesus?
These disciples learned that it’s not about following a list of manmade rules.
They also learned that following Jesus doesn’t mean that we just do away with a life of holiness.
God has a design for us. We’re to chase after God’s design for our lives, not manmade substitutions.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Share the heart of the gospel.
Once we discover the heart of the good news of Jesus Christ, we must share it with others.
So many in our culture have an incorrect view of what it means to follow Jesus. Part of that is our fault. We have not been careful to prioritize the heart of the gospel.
The gospel is the greatest news in all the world. Will you share it with others?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Well, here we are back in the Book of Acts.
I’m so excited! Today, we are in Acts 14:21-28.
Let’s do a little recap. Here’s what’s happened so far:
Jesus appeared after His resurrection and told His disciples that they would be witnesses for Him.
Jesus went back to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit came upon the early Church and filled them with power.
The early disciples were bold witnesses for Jesus. Peter and John were the two most prominent.
Saul (Paul) was changed from a persecutor of the church to a preacher for the church.
Saul became a great missionary force, sent out by the Church of Antioch and accompanied by Barnabas.
So, that brings us to where we are today. Paul and Barnabas are in the middle of a missionary journey.
In today’s passage, they’re going to visit their last stop, then retrace their steps as they check on the places where they have ministered.
Today’s sermon is entitled “A Journey of Discipleship.”
Before we get into the passage, let’s pray together and ask God to prepare our hearts and minds.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the passage. Look at Acts 14:21-28:
21 After they had preached the gospel in that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith and by telling them, “It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” 23 When they had appointed elders for them in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
24 They passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 After they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed back to Antioch where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them and that he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they spent a considerable time with the disciples.
Why do we exist, church?
We exist to develop disciples who love God, love the church, and love others.
We exist to develop disciples because that’s what Jesus told His followers to do.
We exist to develop disciples because that’s what the Church has done from the very beginning of her existence.
As Paul and Barnabas are traveling, they are on a mission to develop disciples. They are on a journey of discipleship.
So, let’s notice the discipleship that is taking place in this passage.
First, see that . . .
I. Disciples need to be made.
We see in verse 21 that Luke (the author of Acts) says “After they had preached the gospel in that town . . .”
Well, what town? Just go back a few verses and you can tell that the town to which Luke is referring is Derbe.
So, while they were in Derbe, Paul, Barnabas, and their companions were preaching the gospel and making disciples.
We see that Paul and Barnabas were on a journey of making disciples.
Additionally, each disciple actually has their own journey.
You see, I was being kind of cute with the title for today’s sermon. This is the journey for Paul and Barnabas, but we each have our own “Journey of Discipleship,” so to speak. Our journey of discipleship must begin with being made into a disciple.
Being made into a disciple means being made into a follower of Jesus Christ.
Being made into a disciple means that we understand we are sinners in need of being saved, we understand that Jesus came and lived a perfect life, died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins, then rose from the dead, went back into heaven, sent His Holy Spirit, and makes us totally new when we turn from our sins and turn to Him.
Church, we must be made into disciples ourselves, and we must be about the task of making disciples. We exist to develop disciples.
Everywhere Paul and Barnabas went, they would not stop talking about how God saves sinners through the transforming work of Jesus.
We then learn that Paul and Barnabas didn’t stay in Derbe.
Rather, Derbe was the end point of their destination; then they retraced their steps all the way back.
Notice that verse 21 says, “ . . . they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch . . .”
You can see this continued retracing of their steps in verses 24 through 26: “They passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. After they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed back to Antioch.”
Here’s a map to show you the journey and the retracing of their steps.
What were they doing as they traveled?
Well, that takes us to our next point:
II. Disciples need to be strengthened.
Look at verse 22: Luke tells us what Paul and Barnabas were doing with the disciples they encountered. They were “ . . . strengthening the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith . . . ”
You see, Paul and Barnabas helped plant these churches and lead people to Christ. They didn’t want to leave them to themselves. They wanted to strengthen them and encourage them.
Can you imagine a newborn baby being born and then the parents simply saying, “Well, good luck to you young man. I hope that all goes well,” and just leaving that baby to themselves? No way! That’s crazy!
In the same way, why would we leave a newborn disciple to themselves without encouragement and strengthening? No way! That’s crazy!
That’s why we’ve developed a discipleship journey for our church family. We’ve talked about this before, but I think it’s helpful to come back to this again.
Church, we want to develop disciples.
Here are the ways that we want to develop each other as disciples. Check out the screen. We want to lead disciples to experience spiritual growth, be part of a big group, be part of a small group, experience Christian fellowship, serve others, reach others, and develop others.
Church, we want to develop as disciples ourselves, and we want to develop other disciples.
As Paul and Barnabas sought to strengthen the disciples, we should seek to strengthen one another.
Also, notice how verse 22 continues. It says that Paul and Barnabas said to the disciples, “It is necessary to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”
Of course, hardships do not earn us entrance into the kingdom of God. Rather, hardships accompany the path into the kingdom of God.
You might wonder, “Well, why is that?”
You see the pathway into the kingdom of God is submission to Jesus. It’s giving yourself totally over to Jesus.
The pathway of submission to Jesus often involves suffering and hardship.
Peter said in 1 Peter 4:1 “Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same understanding.”
Jesus said in John 15:18 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you.”
Jesus said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
Jesus was strengthening His apostles by saying, “You will have peace. Be courageous.”
Paul and Barnabas were strengthening the disciples by saying, “You will encounter hardships. But that’s ok; it’s the way of Jesus; it’s the way to enter the kingdom of God.”
Paul and Barnabas are essentially saying, “Trust God; He’s got this. It will be hard, but it’s worth it to receive the glories of the kingdom of God.”
We also should strengthen each other, church. We should encourage each other.
Part of our discipleship journey is that we strengthen one another.
Third, we learn that . . .
III. Disciples need to be led.
Look at verse 23:
When they had appointed elders for them in every church and prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Paul and Barnabas saw it necessary to appoint elders. You may remember that elders are also known in the New Testament as overseers, shepherds, bishops, and pastors.
Paul and Barnabas appointed elder-pastors so that the churches could be led well.
I love what one scholar said about this passage. He said, “The believers were given not only edification but also organization.”
You see, God has a design for His church. That design involves not only that the disciples would be encouraged, but also that they would be led and organized by godly pastors.
God doesn’t want mass chaos for His church. He has a design, and that design involves elder-pastors.
Paul and Barnabas recognized this design, and so they installed elder-pastors in the churches so that the disciples could be led.
Notice, also, what they did after they appointed elders: they prayed, they fasted, and then they committed them to the Lord.
This model of prayer and fasting demonstrates the desire of Paul and Barnabas to have the Lord get involved.
They recognized that they needed the Lord and these churches needed the Lord, so they asked God to bless them, then they entrusted them to God.
We learn here that disciples need to be led.
By the way, if you want to learn more about prayer and fasting, go to our website and check out the sermon series, “The Spiritual Disciplines.”
If you want to know more about elders and pastors, check out the two sermon series, “The Church” and “Instructions for the Local Church.”
Finally, let us see that . . .
IV. Disciples need each other.
Let’s pick it up in verse 26:
From there they sailed back to Antioch where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them and that he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. And they spent a considerable time with the disciples.
You may recall that the Church of Antioch was the church that sent out Paul and Barnabas.
Now, their work was complete. They were back in Antioch.
When they arrived, they gathered the church together and shared a report of all that God had done through their ministry.
What a glorious thing this must have been. The people of God were coming together in celebration of the work of God.
The church prayed for Paul and Barnabas, they likely financed part of the trip, they encouraged them and strengthened them, and then they got to hear about all that God had done through their collaborative effort.
These disciples shared all this together because they needed one another. God designed them to have one another.
Church, we need each other. Disciples need each other. We exist to develop disciples who . . . love the church!
Notice the last verse says that Paul and Barnabas spent a considerable time with the disciples in Antioch.
They were like family. They needed one another’s love, encouragement, support, accountability, and more.
Listen, church: God’s design is that we would be a family, united together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We need each other. We are better together.
Part of your journey of discipleship is that you would be united with and involved in a church family.
Let the example of Paul, Barnabas, and the Church in Antioch encourage you.
Also, let this bottom line summarize what we are learning today.
Bottom Line: Paul and Barnabas were committed to the task of developing disciples.
They traveled, they preached, they suffered hardships, they encouraged, they strengthened, and they did all of that because they were committed to the task of making disciples.
Why were they so committed to developing disciples? Because that is the mission that Jesus left for us.
Jesus said, “Go, therefore, and make disciples . . .” (Matthew 28:18)
Church, are we committed to the mission? Are we willing to take our discipleship journey of being disciples and developing disciples?
That takes us to our weekly challenge:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Consider where you are on your discipleship journey.
Evaluate yourself this week. How are you doing when it comes to being a disciple? How are you doing when it comes to developing disciples? Where are you on your discipleship journey?
Some of you have not yet begun your discipleship journey. Perhaps today is the day that you begin.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
In Isaiah 55:9, the Lord God says, “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
There is something marvelous, mysterious, and wondrous about God’s everlasting way.
Today, we are in Psalm 139, which was written by David, under inspiration the of God’s Holy Spirit, in part to describe the wondrous and everlasting ways of God.
Yet, David not only describes the wonders of God’s ways, he also wants to understand God’s ways more and live in God’s ways more. In fact, at the very end, David says, “ . . . lead me in the everlasting way.”
The title of today’s sermon is “God’s Everlasting Way.”
Well, let’s learn more about God’s everlasting way, and let’s be moved by God’s everlasting way.
Join me now in prayer as we seek to learn more about God’s everlasting way.
(prayer)
As we journey through Psalm 139, we’re going to see four characteristics or behaviors from God’s everlasting way.
I love that we are ending on this psalm because it is sort of a summary of all the greatness of God we’ve spoken about over the summer.
So, let’s see these four characteristics or behaviors from God’s everlasting way.
First, . . .
I. God’s wondrous knowledge.
There’s a fancy word we use to describe the fact that God is all-knowing. That word is omniscient.
Omniscient = all-knowing.
God knows everything about everything.
God has wondrous knowledge.
Listen to what David says in verses 1-6 of this Psalm:
1 Lord, you have searched me and known me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up;
you understand my thoughts from far away.
3 You observe my travels and my rest;
you are aware of all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue,
you know all about it, Lord.
5 You have encircled me;
you have placed your hand on me.
6 This wondrous knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.
David begins by saying that the Lord knows him very well.
The Lord has looked into David’s life. David says that God has searched him.
Church, we must recognize that God knows everything, including knowing everything about us and everything we’ve done.
God has wondrous knowledge.
David then describes these various situations when God knew him:
David said God knows him both when he sits down and when he stands up.
David said God can understand his thoughts from far away. God doesn’t merely see what we are doing; He knows what we are thinking.
God sees David both when he is traveling and when he is resting. Whether he is still or moving, God observes him and his ways.
In case David is leaving anything out, he says at the end of verse 3, “ . . . you are aware of all my ways.”
David even says that God knows what David is about to say before he even says it.
Sometimes, we think we can know what someone thinks before they say, particularly our family members, but God can really do it, and He’s correct 100% of the time.
Sometimes, we don’t even know what we’re going to say before we say it. We just spew out some words.
However, God is all-knowing, even to the point of knowing our thoughts.
Indeed, we saw this wondrous knowledge on display in the life of Jesus. Long after David wrote Psalm 139, this was said about Jesus in Luke 5:22: But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus replied to them, “Why are you thinking this in your hearts?”
David then says in verse 5 that God has encircled him.
This may seem like an intimidating or negative descriptor at first, as if David is trapped by God, but notice that David says, “ . . . you have placed your hand on me.”
In the context of the entire verse, we get this picture of God surrounding David and comforting him with His hand upon him.
Finally, David says in verse 6, “This wondrous knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.”
God is so impressively knowledgeable and wise that His ways are beyond David, and He is unable to reach God’s knowledge.
God is wondrously knowledgable.
Second, we see . . .
II. God’s wide presence.
There’s another fancy word to describe the fact that God is ever-present. That is to say, He can be in any and every place at any time.
Omnipresent = ever-present or all-present.
To say that God is omnipresent means that He is in all places, at all times, and is involved in the business of His creation.
Listen to what David says in verses 7-12:
7 Where can I go to escape your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
9 If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits,
10 even there your hand will lead me;
your right hand will hold on to me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me,
and the light around me will be night”—
12 even the darkness is not dark to you.
The night shines like the day;
darkness and light are alike to you.
David is acknowledging the truth that the presence of God is everywhere.
He says in verse 7, “Where can I flee from your presence?”
The fact that God is ever-present should both warn us and warm us.
When we are walking in sin, God sees our sin and knows what we are doing.
Yet, when we are hurting or despairing, God sees our pain and can comfort us.
We learn in verse 8 that God is in heaven, and He also has authority over Sheol, or the place of the dead.
God is to the far reaches of the east and the far reaches of the west.
In verses 11 and 12, we learn that when darkness seems to be all around us, it’s not dark at all to God. He can see right through the darkness. To Him, the night is like the day.
God has a very wide presence. His Spirit is all around us and around the earth.
There is nowhere that we can escape Him and there is nowhere that is too far for Him to touch us with His loving hand.
God’s everlasting way includes His wide presence in this world.
Next, we learn of . . .
III. God’s whole involvement.
God is actively involved in this world and in our lives.
God is not an uninvolved God who simply sets the world in motion, then steps back to let it run itself. No! God is active and involved in our the world and our lives.
God is wholly involved.
Listen to what David said in verses 13-18:
13 For it was you who created my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise you
because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.
Your works are wondrous,
and I know this very well.
15 My bones were not hidden from you
when I was made in secret,
when I was formed in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw me when I was formless;
all my days were written in your book and planned
before a single one of them began.
17 God, how precious your thoughts are to me;
how vast their sum is!
18 If I counted them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand;
when I wake up, I am still with you.
From the very beginning that David’s life was conceived, when he was in his mother’s womb, God was involved.
Church, this is one of many reasons why babies have tremendous value from the very moment that they are conceived.
This is why we who are followers of Jesus should do all that we can to protect these precious little ones.
God is wholly involved in their lives from the very beginning. He is knitting them together in their mother’s womb. He is creating their inward parts.
He has remarkably and wondrously made them.
He knows all about them.
David uses poetic language to say that God knows this mysterious process that we cannot even fully comprehend.
David says in verse 15, “My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth.”
Obviously, David doesn’t think we are trolls or something when he said he was formed in the earth.
Rather, he is saying that there is a deep mystery to the formation and development of a human child, but it is no mystery to God because He is actively involved in the whole process.
God created the process, God created the mystery, God created the child, and God created the miracle of life, which is remarkable and wondrous.
In verse 16, David points out that God sees us when we are formless, and not only does God see us then, but He sees all the days of our lives.
David says, “ . . . all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.”
David doesn’t say that he planned his days. After all, David is speaking about when he was formless.
No! God is the one planning David’s days. God is wholly involved!
David then praises God’s ways in verses 17 and 18.
He says that God’s thoughts are precious to him.
He says he cannot count all the ways of God.
Then, he praises God because when he wakes he is still with God.
David is in awe and wonder that God is wholly involved.
Finally, we see . . .
IV. God’s welcomed judgment.
Look at verses 19-24:
19 God, if only you would kill the wicked—
you bloodthirsty men, stay away from me—
20 who invoke you deceitfully.
Your enemies swear by you falsely.
21 Lord, don’t I hate those who hate you,
and detest those who rebel against you?
22 I hate them with extreme hatred;
I consider them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my concerns.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me;
lead me in the everlasting way.
These verses talk a lot about David’s hate for the enemies of God. David wants God to pour out judgment on sin and sinners.
Hate, in this sense, means that David wants nothing to do with the sin or sinners. He is so in love with God that he is totally against that which is against God.
David wants God to kill and judge sinners, which God will eventually do.
Notice what else David does. David not only welcomes God to judge sinners, David welcomes God’s judgment of himself.
David asks God in verses 23 and 24 to . . .
“Search me”
“Know my heart”
“Test me”
“Know my concerns”
and, “See if there is any offensive ways in me”
David is boldly asking the Lord to look within his life to see if he has sin.
That is a bold prayer, but it is nevertheless a prayer that we should all pray in our own lives.
We should want to be close to the Lord, and we should want to be sinless before the Lord.
Then, David asks God to lead him in the everlasting way.
David not only wants to be pure before the Lord, he wants the Lord to direct him in the everlasting way.
David wants God’s everlasting way in his life. Indeed, we need the way of God.
You know, the Bible has a lot to say about ways.
Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.”
Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
We don’t need to go our way, we need to go the way of God. We need to find that way in Jesus. We need God’s everlasting way.
That leads to our Bottom Line:
Bottom Line: The Lord is wondrously involved in all aspects of our lives.
Listen, church: God is not far away, He is near. He is involved. He sees us, He knows us, He created us, and He cares for us.
May we love and discover all that we can about His everlasting way, realizing that God is wondrous and majestic. As David said in verse 6: “This wondrous knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.”
Challenge yourself this week in the following two ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Memorize Romans 11:33.
David wasn’t the only one to say something about the majestic and wondrous ways of God.
The apostle Paul said in Romans 11:33 “Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways!”
God is wondrous. In our pursuit of His everlasting way, we will not discover everything, but we will discover a God who loves us and has a great plan for our lives.
That is wonderful news; news that we shouldn’t keep to ourselves, which leads to our second weekly challenge.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Tell someone how wondrous the Lord is.
Don’t keep this marvelous news to yourself! Tell someone about our glorious God!
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Have you ever wondered what it means to praise the Lord? To praise someone means to give them the attention they are due, or to show them admiration.
So, when we praise the Lord, we are giving Him the attention and the admiration that He is due. We are recognizing and telling Him how great He is.
We can praise the Lord through singing, through praying, through writing about Him, and many different ways.
Psalm 105:1–3 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; proclaim his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell about all his wondrous works! Boast in his holy name.”
When we praise the Lord, we call on His name, we proclaim His deeds, we sing to Him, we tell of His wondrous works, we boast (or brag) about Him, and more.
Today’s sermon comes from Psalm 138, and it offers several ways that we can praise God for His faithful love. Today’s message is entitled “The Faithful Love of God.”
Well, let’s learn about the faithful love of God. Before we do, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
Well, this psalm was written by David and it’s full of praise for God.
Let’s learn about three ways that we see praise for the faithful love of God in this psalm.
First, . . .
I. A praise of thanksgiving.
Now, we’re not talking about Thanksgiving the holiday here, although I love that holiday. Rather, we’re talking about the act of expressing thanks.
When we tell God that for which we are thankful, then we are showing thanksgiving.
Listen to the words of David in Psalm 138, starting in verses 1-3:
1 I will give you thanks with all my heart;
I will sing your praise before the heavenly beings.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name
for your constant love and truth.
You have exalted your name
and your promise above everything else.
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
you increased strength within me.
David says, “I will give you thanks will all heart.” He says also that he will bow down and “give thanks” to the name of God.
Brothers and sisters, it is good, proper, and necessary for us to give thanks to the Lord. We should pray with thanksgiving, we should sing with thanksgiving, we should speak with thanksgiving, we should write with thanksgiving and more.
We should thank God for food and nourishment. We should thank God for shelter and clothing. We should thank God for our families. We should thank God for our church. We should thank God for the sunshine and the rain. We should thank God for rest. We should thank God for health and life. We should thank God for our jobs and our retirement. We should thank God for our country, state, county, and city. We should thank God for recreation and enjoyment. We should thank God for air conditioning and luxuries. We should thank God for peace and love. We should thank God for our very breath. Most of all, we should thank God for saving us from ours sins, rescuing us from death, and seating us in His heavenly kingdom.
In this passage, David is thanking God for His constant love and truth (verse 2), he is thanking God for answering His call (verse 3), and he is thanking God for increasing strength within him (also verse 3).
Notice two other characteristics of David’s praise.
First, notice at the end of verse 1, David says that he will praise God before the heavenly beings.
Some of your translations say “gods” rather than heavenly beings.
There’s discussion about whether the Hebrew language here is referring to angels, or the false gods worshiped by other nations, or even to highly powerful rulers on the earth.
However, the point here is that David is saying that God is more powerful, and he will praise God in the presence of all the other so-called powerful beings. God is the one worthy of praise! God is the one worthy of thanks! David is giving God the praise and thanksgiving that He is due. No other heavenly beings are due praise. No other kings or rulers are due praise. False gods are certainly not due praise. Only the Lord God is due praise!
Second, notice that David says in verse 2, “You have exalted your name and your promise above everything else.”
As David is thanking and praising God, part of what he is praising Him for is the reality that God exalts Himself and His ways above everything else.
You see, no one is more worthy of praise than God. No one is more worthy of exaltation than God.
God is so worthy of exaltation that He even exalts Himself.
What’s strange and wonderful all at the same time is that it’s not arrogant for God to exalt Himself because God is actually the only one who is fully worthy of being praised.
There is no one better for God to praise than Himself.
So, David recognizes the greatness of God and recognizes that God is worthy to be praised with a praise of thanksgiving for who He is and what He has done.
Second, we see . . .
II. A praise of truth.
One of the ways that we can praise God is by declaring the truth of who He is, declaring the truth of His ways, and declaring the truth of His Word.
So, you might say, “God, I praise you for sending your only Son, Jesus, and whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life.”
Or, “Lord, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made in your image.”
Or, “God, I praise you because when I trust in you with all my heart, you will direct my paths.”
Listen to what David says in verses 4-6:
4 All the kings on earth will give you thanks, Lord,
when they hear what you have promised.
5 They will sing of the Lord’s ways,
for the Lord’s glory is great.
6 Though the Lord is exalted,
he takes note of the humble;
but he knows the haughty from a distance.
David says that all the kings of the earth will give thanks to the Lord.
Well, obviously, this is not the case one hundred percent of the time, right? There are a lot of bad kings, presidents, and rulers who do not praise God. So, what does this mean?
What David probably means is one of two truths, or perhaps both of these truths.
One, David probably means that many kings throughout the earth will witness the greatness of God through God’s people and will give Him thanks.
For example, we hear of the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, saying in Daniel 4:37 “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and glorify the King of the heavens, because all his works are true and his ways are just. He is able to humble those who walk in pride.” This was a pagan, godless king, who was praising the one true living God because he witnessed God at work.
Second, David could also mean that one day eventually every king of the earth will be compelled to acknowledge and thank God for all that He deserves.
Indeed, we hear something very similar about not just kings but everyone, as we read the words of Paul in Philippians 2:10–11: “ . . . at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
So, David is praising God for the truth that God is worthy of glory and honor, and David says that one day others (indeed, kings) will recognize the greatness of God and they will thank Him for His work and sing of His ways, for His glory is great.
Then, as David lifts a praise concerning the truths of God, he gives us a sneak peek into the all-knowing and all-seeing greatness of God.
He says in verse 6 that even though God is highly exalted, He notices the humble.
So, even though the Lord is great, powerful, mighty, and majestic, He notices the humble, the lowly, the weak, and the needy.
Here’s the truth of who God is: not only does He notice the humble, He cares for them.
What’s more, David says in verse 6 that God knows the haughty from a distance.
Haughty means arrogant or proud; those who think a lot about themselves.
David said God notices these people from a distance. Indeed, a lot of people notice these people from a distance because they don’t stop bragging about themselves.
However, the truth about God is that He is the only one who is truly great. He is not impressed with the haughty, but He cares about the humble.
Indeed, James 4:6 says, “ . . . God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
God is against the arrogant, the haughty, and the proud; He resists them. However, He cares about the humble.
This is a praise of truth. God is great! God is worthy of the praise of the kings of the earth. God is exalted. And, even as God is great, He cares about the lowly people of the earth.
Here, we see a praise of truth.
Finally, we see . . .
III. A praise of trust.
Look at verses 7-8:
7 If I walk into the thick of danger,
you will preserve my life
from the anger of my enemies.
You will extend your hand;
your right hand will save me.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.
Lord, your faithful love endures forever;
do not abandon the work of your hands.
One of the ways that David praises God, and one of the ways that we can praise God is when we express our trust in Him.
David says that when he is in the thick of danger, he can trust God to preserve his life.
David trusts God to extend His hand to save him.
David trusts that God will fulfill His purpose for him.
David trusts that God’s faithful love will endure forever.
Finally, David asks God not to abandon His work.
This last comment is sort of a rhetorical statement.
David doesn’t actually think that God is going to abandon His work. Rather, David is affirming what God is doing.
David is essentially saying, “Keep doing what you’re doing, God!”
You see, David has spent his life seeing that the Lord is good and faithful. God had proven Himself faithful and worthy of a praise of trust.
What about in your life? Has God proven Himself faithful to you? Is God worthy of your trust? If you agree with these statements, indicate by saying “Amen.”
Can you trust God with your job?
Can you trust God with your finances?
Can you trust God to direct your paths?
Can you trust God with your family?
Can you trust God to provide you joy?
Can you trust God with your heath and life? Can you trust God with your salvation? Can you trust God with your Christian walk? Can you trust God to prepare a home for you in heaven?
Can you trust God during the craziness of this world? Can you trust God to send His Son Jesus back to the earth to rescue us at the time He has appointed?
Can we trust God to take care of our church?
David trusted God, and so can you. David expressed a praise of trust, and so can you.
Let this bottom line summarize what we’re learning in Psalm 138.
Bottom Line: We should praise God for His faithful love.
God is worthy of our praise! We can praise Him with thanksgiving for all that He has done. We can praise Him in the truth of His greatness. We can praise Him with the trust that He is due.
God is great, He is exalted, and He is loving.
Verse 8 says, “Lord, your faithful love endures forever.”
Because He loves us, we can praise Him with thanksgiving. Because He loves us, we can praise His truth in the world. Because He loves us, we can praise Him with a praise of trust.
Let us commit to praise God for His enduring love!
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Write a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s faithful love.
What would you like to say to God in a prayer of thanksgiving?
Perhaps take some time this week to write in a journal or in your phone how you would like to thank God for His faithful love.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Look for an opportunity to share God’s faithful love.
Are you grateful for God’s faithful love? Well, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone else.
Look for an opportunity this week to share God’s faithful love with someone else. Show kindness. Tell someone how much God loves them. Share how Jesus can take away our sins.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
What is something for which you long and yearn? My two youngest sons long and yearn for Xbox. My oldest son longs and yearns for his virtual reality headset. My wife longs and yearns for sleep. Of course, I long and yearn only for godly things (joke). What about you?
Listen to what the psalmist says in Psalm 84. He says in verse 2, “I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord.”
Church, the Lord is good, Amen? Psalm 84 helps us see many different ways that the Lord is good. Today’s sermon is entitled “Consider the Goodness of the Lord.”
So, let us do that. Let us consider the goodness of the Lord as seen in this psalm.
Before we do, let’s go to the Lord in prayer.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the psalm now. Look at Psalm 84:
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord of Armies.
2 I long and yearn
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even a sparrow finds a home,
and a swallow, a nest for herself
where she places her young—
near your altars, Lord of Armies,
my King and my God.
4 How happy are those who reside in your house,
who praise you continually.
Selah
5 Happy are the people whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a source of spring water;
even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.
7 They go from strength to strength;
each appears before God in Zion.
8 Lord God of Armies, hear my prayer;
listen, God of Jacob.
Selah
9 Consider our shield, God;
look on the face of your anointed one.
10 Better a day in your courts
than a thousand anywhere else.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
than live in the tents of wicked people.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield.
The Lord grants favor and honor;
he does not withhold the good
from those who live with integrity.
12 Happy is the person who trusts in you,
Lord of Armies!
Ok, let’s consider five ways that we see the goodness of God at work in this psalm.
First, . . .
I. Consider the desire for the Lord.
First of all, we need to realize that when the psalmist is speaking about the loveliness and greatness of the dwelling place of God, he’s talking about the temple. However, the loveliness and greatness of which he speaks is not simply because the temple itself was wonderful.
To be sure, the temple in Jerusalem was lovely. It was grand. It was majestic. It was great. However, it pointed to someone who was more lovely, more grand, more majestic, and full of more greatness!
The psalmist himself makes this clear at the end of verse 2. He says, “My heart and flesh cry out for the living God.”
He wants more of God, therefore he loves the place where God’s presence dwells.
What about you? Does your heart and flesh desire God? Does your inner being and outer being desire God?
If you desire God, do you desire the things of God?
Of course, God no longer dwells in a temple. Rather, His Holy Spirit dwells in His children, in His people, in His bride, in His Church.
You can’t love God and hate His holy dwelling place at the same time. That doesn’t make any sense! You can’t love God and not love His church!
When you love God, you love where God dwells.
When you long for God, you long for His presence; you long for His dwelling place!
Can you say of God’s church, “How lovely is your dwelling place . . . I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord”?
Consider the desire for the Lord that we see in Psalm 84.
Also, . . .
II. Consider the joy in the Lord.
There’s a sense in verses 3-5 that there is happiness and joy that comes from being in the presence of the Lord.
Verse 3 says that even the birds find a home in the presence of the Lord.
Indeed, the temple complex would have certainly had nests where birds come and go.
Verse 4 says, “How happy are those who reside in your house, who praise you continually.”
I have to think that the psalmist had these birds in mind, but he also probably has in mind any person who spent time in the temple complex. They were in that place to worship the Lord, and the joy of the Lord would fill them as they worshiped Him.
Verse 5 says, “Happy are the people whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.”
You see, this pilgrimage would have been a journey to travel to the temple of the Lord to worship Him.
Happiness and joy are found in those who travel to worship the Lord.
I wonder if that describes us as we get ready and travel to Sunday worship. Some of us can hardly get ourselves out of bed. Some us are wrangling kids or wrangling a spouse. We might say “Get yourself in that car or we’re going to be late for church! Don’t talk back to me, we’re going to worship Jesus! Put a joyful look on your face!”
Sometimes we’re so preoccupied or distracted from the lesser things of life that we miss out on the pure joy that is found in the Lord, the pure joy that is found in the presence of the Lord, and the pure joy that is found in worshiping the Lord.
Consider the joy in the Lord.
Next, . . .
III. Consider the blessings of the Lord.
Remember in verse 5 that we get this picture of travelers going on a journey to the temple of the Lord.
Verses 6 and 7 speak of these travelers moving through the Valley of Baca, which probably refers to a dry valley.
Then, it speaks of the blessings of the Lord that are upon the travelers as they travel.
Notice in verse 6 that it doesn’t say that the Lord is a source of spring water for the Valley of Baca. Rather, it says they are. That is, the travelers are a source of blessing. Then, in verse 7, it says, “They go from strength to strength.”
You see, what is happening here is that God is blessing His people, then they are a blessing to others and they are filled with strength wherever they go.
You see, God not only blesses His people, He blesses others through His people.
When God’s people are filled with the goodness of God, they are springs of water in a dry land; they carry strength with them wherever they go. God’s people are a blessing to others.
This idea sounds very similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Church, when God blesses you, you are so filled with His goodness that you can be a blessing to others as well.
We see in verses 8 and 9 that the psalmist recognizes his dependence upon the Lord for blessings and he asks for even more blessings.
He asks,
“Hear my prayer.”
“Listen, God of Jacob.” (or, God of Israel)
“Consider our shield.” (which would refer to the strength and identity of Israel)
“Look on the face of your anointed one.” (which would refer to the king of Israel)
The psalmist realizes his blessings and the blessings of Israel come from the Lord, and he asks God for even more.
Church, we also must recognize that all blessings come from the Lord, and it is good and right for us to ask God for even more of His blessings.
Consider the blessings of the Lord.
Fourth, . . .
IV. Consider what compares to the Lord.
Church, what compares to the Lord?
I have a love and desire for lots of things. I love my wife. I love my family. I love fishing and hunting. I love sitting on the porch during a rainstorm. I love watching my favorite movies. I love falling asleep to my wife’s favorite movies. I love tres leches cakes. I love shrimp and grits. I love fried okra. I love when the Florida Gators win a football game. I love when my boys make me proud. I love our church staff. I love Anna Maria Island. I love solving problems. I love preaching the Bible. All of that is great! But nothing compares to the Lord!
Consider what compares to the Lord!
No one is stronger than the Lord. No one is wiser than the Lord. No one is more forgiving than the Lord. No one is more faithful than the Lord. Nothing is bigger. Nothing is older. Nothing is wider. Nothing is deeper. Nothing is brighter. No one is richer. No one has more authority. No one has more credibility. No one is more loving.
Nothing compares to the Lord God Almighty, the Lord of Armies!
The psalmist says in verse 10, “Better a day in your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than live in the tents of wicked people.”
One day in the presence of the Lord is better than a thousand at (fill in the blank). What’s your favorite place to be? One minute in the presence of the Lord is better than ten thousand days there.
The psalmist says that he’d rather stand at the entrance of the presence of the Lord than dwell in the tents of the wicked. By the way, I realize some of you hate tents, but these would have been nice tents where the fancy people lived at that time.
Listen, church: nothing compares to the Lord. Consider what compares to the Lord.
Finally, . . .
V. Consider the goodness of the Lord.
Let’s look at the final two verses again. Look at verses 11 and 12:
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield.
The Lord grants favor and honor;
he does not withhold the good
from those who live with integrity.
12 Happy is the person who trusts in you,
Lord of Armies!
The Lord is good.
He is a sun, meaning that He provides nutrients, warmth, and light for His people.
He is a shield, meaning that He provides strength and protection for His people.
The Lord grants favor and honor to His people.
The Lord does not withhold good from those who follow Him and live with integrity.
What happens when we trust in the Lord? In verse 12, we learn that we are happy when we trust in the Lord.
All of our lives, He has been faithful. All of our lives, He has been good.
Church, let this bottom line summarize what we are learning from Psalm 84.
Bottom Line: There is nothing like the goodness of the Lord.
Enjoy the good things of this world. Every good thing comes from God. Enjoy all of His blessings.
However, there is nothing that we should enjoy more than enjoying the Lord Himself.
There is nothing like the goodness of the Lord.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Consider what brings you joy.
What makes you happy? What turns a bad day into a good day for you? What gives you energy?
Take some time and think about what brings you joy.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Consider the Lord.
Think about the Lord. What are your views about Him? What is your relationship with Him? Who is He to you? What has He done for you? Consider the Lord this week.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Every fall, I go to the woods of Hopkins County, Kentucky, to spend time with friends and enjoy time in the woods. When I lived there, I helped my friend Jim move an old cabin onto the property he owned and get it set up in a permanent spot. One of the things that we did was to establish a firm foundation for the cabin. We put some huge rocks under the footer of the cabin to support the cabin evenly and firmly. Here’s why: we wanted to be able to rest easily in the cabin. We didn’t want to worry about the possibility of the cabin coming crashing down in the middle of the night. We wanted to be at rest.
David says in verses 1 and 2 of Psalm 62, “I am at rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken.”
We need the rest that comes in God. Today’s sermon is entitled “At Rest in God Alone.”
Before we go into this passage any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the entire passage together, then we’ll dive into it:
1 I am at rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you threaten a man?
Will all of you attack
as if he were a leaning wall
or a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to bring him down
from his high position.
They take pleasure in lying;
they bless with their mouths,
but they curse inwardly.
Selah
5 Rest in God alone, my soul,
for my hope comes from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock.
My refuge is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts before him.
God is our refuge.
Selah
9 Common people are only a vapor;
important people, an illusion.
Together on a scale,
they weigh less than a vapor.
10 Place no trust in oppression
or false hope in robbery.
If wealth increases,
don’t set your heart on it.
11 God has spoken once;
I have heard this twice:
strength belongs to God,
12 and faithful love belongs to you, Lord.
For you repay each according to his works.
So, we need to find our rest in the Lord.
Life is throwing so much at us; many of us have restless minds, restless hearts, restless bodies, and restless souls.
St. Augustine of Hippo said in his famous work, The Confessions, “ . . . our hearts are restless till they find their rest in Thee.”
Brothers and sisters, we must find our rest in God.
So, let us now discover from Psalm 62 three ways that we find rest in God.
First, . . .
I. Be at rest in the salvation of God.
Aren’t you so glad that God offers salvation?
Without God, we are absolutely lost in our sin. Without God, we are dead, we are blind, we have hard hearts, we are God’s enemies, we are under the power of evil and darkness, we are in desperate need.
However, in God, there is salvation!
Listen to the words of David in this psalm:
Verse 1: “I am at rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.”
Verse 2: “He alone is my rock and my salvation . . .”
Verse 6: “He alone is my rock and my salvation . . .”
Verse 7: “My salvation and glory depend on God. . . .”
Listen, church, God is our only hope for being saved from all the evil and craziness of this world, and God is our only hope for being saved from all the evil and craziness of ourselves.
He is our salvation. So, you can be a rest in God.
When you don’t know how you can go on in this life, be at rest in the salvation of God.
When you have confusion and chaos in your family, be at rest in the salvation of God.
When you are struggling with anxiety or depression, be at rest in the salvation of God.
When you are dealing with anger or bitterness, be at rest in the salvation of God.
When you are paralyzed with guilt over past sin or present sin, seek repentance and be at rest in the salvation of God.
We all need rest, and that rest is found in the salvation of God.
Second, we learn that we can . . .
II. Be at rest in the steadiness of God.
God is a firm foundation. He is a rock. He is steady.
David says in verse 2, “I will never be shaken.”
He says in verse 6, “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.”
In verse 7, he calls God “my strong rock.”
Aren’t you glad that God is steady? There’s not a lot of steadiness in this world.
We have war, then we have peace.
Our culture has one view of marriage and the family, then our culture has another view of marriage and the family.
The economy is up, then the economy is down.
We have styles that come and go. The mullet haircut was popular, then it was laughable, then it’s popular again (by the way, it never really looked good).
Church, there is a lot of shiftiness out there, but God is rock-steady!
Pay attention to verses 3 and 4.
David is speaking about those who are trying to take advantage of those who are in unsteady circumstances and those who are doing well.
David says, “How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you attack as if he were a leaning wall or a tottering fence? They only plan to bring him down from his high position. They take pleasure in lying; they bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly.”
When someone is leaning or tottering, they may be attacked by evildoers. When someone is in a high position, they may have evildoers plotting to bring them down.
These evildoers take pleasure in sinning against those who are vulnerable.
Without God we are unsteady, we are vulnerable, we are shaky. Without God, we have no reason to be at rest.
However, with God, we can rest in His steadiness.
Finally, we can . . .
III. Be at rest in the sovereignty of God.
When we speak of the sovereignty of God, we mean that God has authority and power over everything.
Listen, Church: The fact that God has authority over everything and power over everything should comfort us. We should be at rest in the sovereignty of God.
David says in verse 1, “I am at rest in God alone . . .”
David says in verse 5, “Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him.”
David says in verse 7, “My salvation and glory depend on God.”
David says in verse 8, “Trust in him at all times, you people . . .”
He is the one in whom we should rest! He is the one who comforts us! He is the one with power and authority! He is the one who is sovereign!
Listen to these final few verses, which, by the way, sound very similar to something out of the Book of Ecclesiastes. Look at verses 9-12:
9 Common people are only a vapor;
important people, an illusion.
Together on a scale,
they weigh less than a vapor.
10 Place no trust in oppression
or false hope in robbery.
If wealth increases,
don’t set your heart on it.
11 God has spoken once;
I have heard this twice:
strength belongs to God,
12 and faithful love belongs to you, Lord.
For you repay each according to his works.
In verse 9, David points out that both common people and important people will disappear. They are a vapor or an illusion.
In verse 10, David points out that wealth and dishonest gain are not worth trusting in. They will not bring you rest.
In verse 11, David reminds us that true strength belongs to God. He alone is sovereign.
In verse 12, David speaks to God. He says that faithful love belongs to the Lord. Then, he affirms that God is truly the one who repays each according to their works.
This is not to say that our salvation is earned by our works. No, the Bible settles that elsewhere.
Rather, this is to say that God sees all, God will settle all, God will properly judge all, and God is sovereign over all.
In the end, it doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor, where we are from, how successful we are, which political party we belong to, what ethnicity we are, or anything like that. All that will matter is if we have rested in the sovereignty of God. Have we trusted Him and rested in Him?
At the end of the day, brothers and sisters, if we are God’s children, it should bring us comfort and peace to know that God is sovereign over all.
We can be at rest in the sovereignty of God.
Let this bottom line summarize all that we are learning from this psalm.
Bottom Line: Trust in God at all times.
David says in verse 8, “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge.”
Indeed, God is our refuge. He is our rest. We can rest in His salvation, His steadiness, and His sovereignty.
Friends, you can trust in God at all times. No matter your circumstances. No matter your past. No matter your present. No matter your future. No matter how long you’ve been coming to church. No matter how much of the Bible you have memorized. No matter any of that . . . if you are God’s child, you can trust Him at all times.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Pour out your heart before God.
Did you notice that’s the second part of verse 8?
David said, “ . . . pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge.”
Go to God for your rest. Let Him hear about your heartaches. Let Him hear about your hurts. Let Him hear about your craziness. Let Him hear about your anxiety. Let Him hear about your fears.
We receive this encouragement not only from the words of David in Psalm 62. Listen to what our Lord Jesus said in Matthew 11:28? “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Do you have a place where you can go to get a moment of relaxation or refuge? For some of you, that might be your home, or your back porch, or something like that. For me, it’s my office here at the church. Sometimes, when things get crazy at the church, or I’ve been running around doing different things, I feel the need to go in my office, shut the door, and just seek some refuge. My office sort of calms me, relaxes me, and resets me.
We need a place of refuge.
Today, in Psalm 46, we’re going to learn that there’s no better refuge than the Lord. There’s no better strength than the Lord.
Today’s sermon is entitled “The Lord Our Strength.”
This psalm is given to us by the sons of Korah. We don’t know much about them, but they were a family group, probably musicians or lyricists, who wrote several psalms and may have done some other things.
By the way, this psalm also uses the word selah several times. We’re not exactly sure what it means, but we think it’s a musical expression that serves as a pause or a moment to reflect.
Ok, let’s look at Psalm 46 together:
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
2 Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,
3 though its water roars and foams
and the mountains quake with its turmoil.
Selah
4 There is a river—
its streams delight the city of God,
the holy dwelling place of the Most High.
5 God is within her; she will not be toppled.
God will help her when the morning dawns.
6 Nations rage, kingdoms topple;
the earth melts when he lifts his voice.
7 The Lord of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Selah
8 Come, see the works of the Lord,
who brings devastation on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease throughout the earth.
He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces;
he sets wagons ablaze.
10 “Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
11 The Lord of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Selah
Let’s pray together before we go any further.
(prayer)
Alright, let’s draw out three principles we can learn from this psalm.
First, . . .
I. God is our helper.
The famous group of theologians, known as the Beatles, said, “Help! I need somebody. Help! Not just anybody. Help! You know I need someone. Help!”
We need some help, don’t we?
We have political turmoil in our country. We have economic turmoil in our country. We have multiple wars taking place. We have entire countries with toppled governments. We have brokenness in our families. We have evil and perversion being taught to our children. We have pastors who are caught in sin and scandals. We have drugs and depression. We have fires, hurricanes, droughts, pollution, and more.
We need some help, don’t we? We need a helper.
Listen, church: God is our helper.
Verse 1 says that God is “ . . . a helper who is always found in times of trouble.”
Speaking of the city of God, verse 5 says, “ . . . God will help her when the morning dawns.”
In times of trouble, God is there to help us. Also, each new day, when the morning dawns, God is there to help us.
Have you ever been in a time of trouble and you need some help?
Perhaps you’re changing a dirty diaper, and you yell across the house, “I need some help in here!”
Perhaps you’re doing your taxes, so you call your accountant and say, “I need some help!”
Perhaps you and your spouse are having a difficult time, or you’re having a hard time with one of your children, so you call a trusted Christian friend and say, “I need some help.”
We need help in many different ways.
Listen, friend: God is your helper in times of trouble. He cares about you. He knows what you need. He can help you.
So, also, His help is not available just every once in a while.
You won’t wear out your welcome with God. You won’t annoy Him by asking Him for help too many times. You won’t exhaust His resources.
When the morning dawns every single day, God is our helper!
“Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me”
Brothers and sisters, God loves us, and He is our helper.
Second, we see that . . .
II. God is our strength.
Sometimes, we need additional or greater strength, don’t we?
We may need someone to help us carry a couch. We may need the other parent to talk to the kids. We may need someone to open a jar for us.
We do not have the strength we need to handle everything that life throws at us. We do not have the strength to measure up to God’s standard. We do not have the strength to keep absorbing evil attacks against us.
I think my younger boys think I’m invincible. They love to punch me in the gut. They’ll say, “Dad, can I punch you?” Then, they just slug me right in the stomach. After I’ve eaten, that’s no fun. I’m not strong enough to handle the physical assault of growing boys.
So also, you and I are not strong enough on our own. We need strength.
Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength.”
Verse 7 says, “The Lord of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”
Verse 11 says, “The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”
Notice also that verses 4 and 5 speak of a river that provides blessing to the city of God. It says, “There is a river—its streams delight the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High. God is within her; she will not be toppled.”
Have you ever noticed that most major cities are located on or near a water source such as a river, a lake, or an ocean?
Water helps bring flourishing to a city in many different ways. This psalm speaks of a metaphorical river that brings strength to the city of God. The streams of this river delight the city of God.
Church, may we all realize that there is strength and blessing that comes from the Lord God.
God is better than escaping to your office for refuge. God is better than home, sweet home. God is better than a security blanket. Children, God is stronger than your parents. God is able to bless you more than your grandparents. God is more secure than Fort Knox. God is stronger than the Hoover Dam. God is tougher than the Marine Corp. He’s smarter than the Air Force. He’s more responsive than the Coast Guard. He’s more consistent than the Army. He’s more traveled than the Navy.
When we are weak, He is strong. When the world is dangerous, He is strong. When we are down, He is strong. When others attack, He is strong. When all is hopeless, He is strong.
Philippians 4:13 says, “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Exodus 15:2 says, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”
Listen, church: You and I are not strong enough on our own. We need the strength of God. So, also, this world is not strong enough to defeat us, because we have the strength of God.
That takes us to our third point:
III. God is our victor.
Now, when I say that God is our victor, I don’t mean that Victor is His name.
Rather, I mean that God is the victorious one!
God is the one who brings victory!
Listen to Psalm 46:
Verse 2, “We will not be afraid . . .”
Verse 7, “The Lord of Armies is with us . . .”
Verse 8, “Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth.”
Verse 9, “He makes wars cease throughout the earth. He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces; he sets wagons ablaze.”
Verse 11, “The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”
Church, aren’t you glad that victory is not totally dependent on you? Aren’t you glad that victory is not dependent upon our government? Aren’t you glad that victory is not dependent on any military power?
All of those things can fail! However, God will never fail! He is victorious! He will win!
I love how this psalm points out the catastrophe that is happening in the world and then points to the victory of God.
Just to be clear, the writers of this psalm are pointing to terrible things that could happen.
Think for a minute about terrible things that could happen all around us.
Here’s what the sons of Korah thought about. Verses 2 and 3 say, “though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.” This is exaggerated language, like something out of a Hollywood movie. Church, though the entire earth would come crashing down, God is our victor!
Verse 6 says, “Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice.” Church, God is our victor!
Verse 9 says, “He makes wars cease throughout the earth. He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces; he sets wagons ablaze.” Church, God is our victor!
In Verse 10, God speaks as He says, “Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
Many of you know this verse as “Be still and know that I am God.”
Here’s the point: with all the craziness that is going on around us, we must pause and recognize that God is our victor. We must know that He is God.
Brothers and sisters, we must understand there is victory in the Lord!
One day, when Jesus returns, He will show Himself as the ultimate victor, the ultimate victorious one!
Revelation 19:11–16 says, “Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on his head. He had a name written that no one knows except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. The armies that were in heaven followed him on white horses, wearing pure white linen. A sharp sword came from his mouth, so that he might strike the nations with it. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”
God is our victor! In Him, we find help. In Him, we find strength. In Him, we find victory.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God is the refuge and strength that His people need.
Church, we need a helper. We need some strength. We need a victor.
God is the refuge and strength that we need.
He is the place where we can go and feel secure, refreshed, and strengthened.
“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.”
I pray that the truths discovered in Psalm 46 bring you hope and joy.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Identify some ways that God is your refuge.
Take some time to think through how God is your refuge. How does He bring you hope? How does He bring you safety? Comfort? Strength? Victory? Perhaps you can write down these truths that you identify. Perhaps you can share them with others.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Ask the Holy Spirit to comfort you with His presence.
Some of you may not feel the comfort of God. You may not feel like He is your refuge. Ask Him to comfort you by the power and presence of His Holy Spirit.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Last week, we started a new series called “The Psalms of Summer.”
We looked at Psalm 1 last week, and it ends with these words in verse 6, “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous.”
We need the Lord to watch over us, don’t we?
You know, the Bible uses a metaphor to refer to God’s people, which reminds us that we need someone watching over us. The Bible refers to us as sheep.
Sheep really need help. They really need someone to watch over their way.
In fact, sheep are really pretty dumb. Here’s a video you may have seen of a sheep that demonstrates just how dumb they are. (show video)
We are like this sheep. We need some help. We need someone to guide us and direct us.
In Psalm 23, David writes about how the Lord cares for and watches over His people. He speaks about how the Lord is like a shepherd. Today’s sermon is entitled “The Great Shepherd.”
Before we dive into this passage, let’s pray together and ask the Lord to guide and direct us now.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s read Psalm 23 and then see what we can draw out of it.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have what I need.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life;
he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.
Ok, let’s walk through this passage and discover six ways the Lord is a loving shepherd for us.
First, . . .
I. The Lord provides for us.
In verse 1, David says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need.”
Notice your English translation has the word LORD in what’s called small caps.
All the letters are capitalized, yet the O, R, and D are a little smaller than the L. That’s called small caps.
The reason the word LORD is written in small caps is to designate that this is the formal name for God. This is the name Yahweh.
So, David is saying, “Yahweh is my shepherd.”
A loving shepherd will provide for his sheep. Such is the case with God and His children.
God cares for us and provides everything that we need.
He may not meet all of our wants, right? Sometimes what we want isn’t what we need, is it? Sometimes, we want things that we shouldn’t want. After all, that dumb sheep in the video wanted to jump back into the ditch.
I imagine sometimes that the Lord God just shakes His head and laughs at us when we are being dumb sheep.
However, don’t you know, church, that the Lord God knows what we need?
The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Listen, the Lord knows what you need, and He will provide everything you need.
Ultimately, what you need more than anything else is Him.
Sometimes, it’s when we don’t have some of the things that we think we need that we realize what we really need is Him.
He is a good shepherd. He will supply what you need.
Not only does the Lord provide for us, also, . . .
II. The Lord cares for us.
He is not just a provider in the sense that He is some cold or robotic supply machine. No, He is also caring.
David says in verses 2 and 3, “He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life.”
A sheep would delight in green pastures full of lush grass in which to graze.
A sheep would not only be refreshed by still, quiet waters, they would also be safe from rushing rapids and danger of drowning.
Listen, Church, God wants you to thrive. He wants you to be at peace. He wants you to be at peace.
Recently I worked outside for about 2.5 hours. Then I came back inside and I was terribly hungry and thirsty. I needed some food and drink to renew my life. So also, we need renewal in our spiritual lives, and the Lord gives us the spiritual renewal that we need.
The Lord wants to provide for and care for you so that (as it says in verse 3) your life will be renewed!
Some of you may feel like no one cares for you. Listen: The Lord God cares for you. Some of you may feel like lots of people care for you. Listen: No one cares for you like the Lord God cares for you.
The Lord not only provides for us and cares for us, . . .
III. The Lord directs us.
Verse 3 says, “he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
A good shepherd directs the sheep on which path to take. He keeps them safe and helps them to flourish. So also, the Lord directs us and cares for us.
Have you ever been in the woods with someone, and it’s your first time, but they’re very familiar with the property? Isn’t it nice to follow someone who can direct your path?
Listen, friends: No one knows the best path for you better than the Lord God.
Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Church, you can trust the Lord. You can rely on His ways. You can follow Him as your shepherd, as He leads you along the right paths, for His name’s sake!
When you follow Him, He is glorified, He is honored, and He is magnified as The Great Shepherd.
Next, we see that . . .
IV. The Lord comforts us.
Verse 4 says, “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”
Of course, many of you have memorized this verse as “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”
The original Hebrew language here speaks of a deep darkness or a deep gloominess.
There’s something about deep darkness that brings fear. Children are often afraid of the dark. Adults are often afraid of the dark. Even the bravest of adults are more cautious of the dark, or may say, “Don’t be there after dark.”
Darkness has a fear associated with it.
However, David says that even in the darkest valley, even when it’s as dark as death, he will fear no evil or danger.
Why doesn’t he fear? Because the Lord God is with him.
He is guided and comforted by The Great Shepherd.
David is saying that He is comforted because God is with him.
What does a child do when they are with their parent in the dark? They draw close to their parent, and seek to be side by side, arm in arm with their parent, their comforter.
Listen, child of God: He is with you as He was with David. He is your comforter!
We learn that God said to His people in Deuteronomy 31:6, “ . . . For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.”
He will not leave or abandon you either. He will be with you, and He will comfort you.
Next, we learn that . . .
V. The Lord blesses us.
The metaphor of God shifts now from a shepherd to a host. David speaks of God as if He is hosting David at an honored banquet.
Verse 5 says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
In this metaphor, we see that even though David’s enemies are present, the Lord is still blessing him, and there’s nothing his enemies can do to stop God’s blessings on David.
We see this image of God anointing David’s head with oil.
Anointing someone’s head with oil was a sign of honoring and respecting them.
Today, we may honor someone by letting them sit at the head of the table, letting them eat first, or letting them sit in the comfortable recliner.
So, David is pointing out that even though his enemies are present, even though bad things are happening around him, God is still blessing and honoring him.
Do you think there’s a lesson here for us, Church?
So many of us have hard things happening in and around our lives. Many of us have evil things happening in and around our lives.
Listen, God is still your Great Shepherd. God is still providing you with what you really need. God is still caring for you. God is still guiding you. God is still comforting you. God is still blessing you.
God is your Great Shepherd now, and He will always be your Great Shepherd.
That takes us to our final lesson we see in this passage.
VI. The Lord keeps us.
David concludes by saying in verse 6, “Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.”
From where is this goodness and faithful love coming? It’s coming from God, right?
The goodness of God is pursuing David. The faithful love of God is pursuing David.
Listen, brothers and sisters: If you are God’s child, He will never give up on you. He will never stop pursuing you with goodness and faithful love. He will never stop showing you His mercy.
David then speaks about the House of God. He is referring here to the dwelling place of God among the Israelites, which at that time would have been the Tabernacle.
Some translations say, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” A better translation is “length of days” or “as long as I live.”
What David means is that for the rest of his life, God will pursue him and he will rest in the blessings of God.
Of course, we not only have Psalm 23, we have the entire Bible to teach us that not only will God bless us in this life, He will indeed bless us forever.
Jesus said in John 10:27–28, “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.”
In Jesus, we indeed will dwell with the Great Shepherd forever.
What a beautiful psalm this is. It’s a reminder that the Lord is good to His people.
That’s our bottom line for today:
Bottom Line: The Lord is good to His people.
We are His sheep, and He cares for us. He is pursuing us with His goodness all the days of our lives.
Listen, brothers and sisters, the Lord is good to His people. Trust Him and go to Him.
Challenge yourself this week in this one way:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Dwell in the goodness of God.
The rest of your days, celebrate the goodness of God in your life; take in all of His blessings and love for you.
In the deep, dark valley, dwell in the goodness of God.
In the presence of enemies and evil, dwell in the goodness of God.
In struggle and in victory, dwell in the goodness of God.
Remind yourself of His goodness. Proclaim His goodness. Dwell in His goodness.
Psalm 23 points us to the Great Shepherd. We learn that this Shepherd was revealed to us even more in the gospel.
Listen to what Jesus said about Himself in John 10:14–15: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Do you know the Good Shepherd? Does He know you?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
I have a lemon tree that I planted back in 2020. It looked something like this when I planted it. Now, it looks something like this. Some of you can’t even see it. There it is.
The reason it looks so pitiful is because it has not received the proper nourishment. There’s really not someone looking after it well. I haven’t let it die, but I haven’t really helped it thrive.
Today, as we start a summer series called “The Psalms of Summer,” we’re going to start at the very beginning, Psalm 1.
Psalm 1 helps us see how a person thrives in this life. It shows us two ways: one way that leads to having a life like my lemon tree, and the other that leads to a life of a tree that looks something like this.
Today’s sermon is entitled “The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked.”
Let’s pray together before we go any further.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at Psalm 1 now and then, we’ll see what we can learn together:
1 How happy is the one who does not
walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners
or sit in the company of mockers!
2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams
that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 The wicked are not like this;
instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
What I love about this psalm is that it is very clear and simple. It shows two ways and the results of those two ways.
So, let’s look at these ways.
First, we should . . .
I. Avoid the way of wickedness.
Look at verse 1 again:
1 How happy is the one who does not
walk in the advice of the wicked
or stand in the pathway with sinners
or sit in the company of mockers!
Ok, let’s pay attention to the elements of this verse.
First, we see that this person is happy. Many of your translations say blessed.
The Hebrew term used here is ashre, which means privileged or happy.
So, this is not a financial or physical blessings. Rather, this blessing is a fulfilling joy that comes to someone when they avoid wickedness.
Fulfilling happiness comes to those who avoid wickedness.
Notice that the psalm gives three different descriptors of the way of evil: The advice of the wicked, the pathway with sinners, and the company of mockers.
We are happy when we do not walk in the advice of the wicked. That is, we don’t listen to the advice of the wicked. We don’t allow our minds to be affected by the wicked.
Second, we are happy or blessed when we don’t stand in the pathway with sinners. We are not to be on the same path as a sinner. That is, we are not to act like sinners. We should not allow our behavior to be sinful.
Third, we are happy when we do not sit in the company of mockers. Mockers are those who celebrate sin and hate righteousness. To sit in the company of someone means to hangout or identify with them. Our identify ought not to be associated with sin or sinners.
So, we should avoid wickedness in these three ways:
We should protect our mind from sin, . . .
we should avoid sinful behavior, and . . .
we should not be identified with anything sinful.
We should avoid the way of wickedness.
Second, we learned that we should . . .
II. Pursue the way of righteousness.
Look at verse 2. This is what we should pursue instead of pursuing wickedness:
2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction,
and he meditates on it day and night.
What does the person who is blessed do? He or she delights in the Lord’s instructions.
Church, do you delight in the ways of God?
Do you want to hear from God? Do you want to experience God?
Think about the areas that we heard about in verse 1; those areas that we are to protect from wickedness. Instead of those areas being affected by wickedness, do you want them affected by God?
Do you delight in God to impacting your mind? Do you delight in God guiding your behavior? Do you delight in God to shaping your identity?
There are things we delight in at different levels, right?
I delight in lots of people, but not like I delight in my family. I delight in lots of food, but not like I delight in deviled eggs. I delight in lots of music, but not like a delight in music from the 1990s. I delight in lots of hobbies, but not like I delight in throwing a fishing line into the water. I delight in lots of churches, but not like I delight in First Baptist Church Bartow.
It’s ok to delight in many things, but not like we delight in God and His ways!
Brothers and sisters, if we want God to impact and influence us, we must recognize that His word and His ways are what we need!
The Bible is not given to us to give us a list of rules to keep us from having fun or keep us from living our best life. Rather, the Word of God is given to us to bless us and give us something worth delighting in!
You will not lose something if you follow God; you will find something, including a holy happiness.
The psalmist goes on to say that the happy person meditates on the Lord’s instructions.
To meditate on something means to purposefully think about something and dwell on it.
In other words, you won’t accidentally think about the ways of God. You must purposefully choose to delight in the ways of God. You must choose to focus on the Word of God.
The Apostle Paul reminds us of this truth in Philippians 4:8. He says, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.”
Church, we must dwell on the things of God. We must delight in the things of God.
Well, what is the result of our delight in and dwelling on the things of God? We already know from verse 1 that it will lead to our happiness.
But wait, there’s more! Let’s move to our next point:
III. The results of righteousness.
Verse 3 speaks to these results. Look at your Bible again:
3 He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams
that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
A righteous person who delights in God and dwells on God will be like a tree that flourishes!
The righteous person is like a lemon tree that is full of lemons. Like a peach tree bursting with peaches. Like a mango tree that with branches sagging because of the weight of big ripe mangoes.
Notice that the psalmist says that whatever the righteous person does will prosper. Let’s not be short-sighted here.
The psalmist is not necessarily talking about physical or financial prosperity. There may be some prosperity in that sense that comes from living a righteous and wise life. However, that is far too short-sighted.
After all, Jesus said in Matthew 6:19–21 “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Well, what kind of fruit should we aim to grow? I’m so glad you asked. Paul says in Galatians 5:22–23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
We should desire to have a life that is like a tree that abundantly produces godly fruit, not earthly fruit!
There is a heavenly prosperity that comes from a pursuit of God and His ways! There are godly blessings that come with delighting in and dwelling on God and His ways.
The blessings of this world are like worthless pocket lint compared to the beautiful blessings of God.
These are the results of righteousness.
Well, what happens when you go the other direction?
That’s our final point:
IV. The results of wickedness.
Look again at verses 4-5:
4 The wicked are not like this;
instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
As we think about these two verses, first of all, let’s figure out what chaff is.
Chaff is the extra dried out scraps that are leftover after wheat is harvested. It’s like worthless dried out grass; basically like all of our yards were for the last few months before we got this monsoon of rain over the last week.
The psalmist says that the wicked are like this worthless dried-out wheat waste. They have no roots to keep them alive. They have no true value in life. They have not received any nourishment to be healthy.
Like chaff, the wicked will easily be blown away and unable to stand before God.
The reality is that we will all one day stand before God.
Hebrews 9:27 says, “And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment.”
When the wicked face the judgment of God, they will not be able to stand.
When the righteous, who delighted in God and dwelled on God, assemble to stand before God and all of His glory, and to receive all of His inheritance, the wicked will not be able to stand among them.
Let’s conclude this sermon by looking at verse 6:
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
This verse is our bottom line for today:
Bottom Line: The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
Do you know what happened to my lemon tree? No one was looking out for it. I should have been, but I wasn’t. Once in a while I may water it. I’ve fertilized it once. But, I haven’t really been looking out for it. It needs some care. It needs some nourishment. It needs to be watched over.
Listen, church: The Lord watches over the way of the righteous. He will give you all the blessings you need, and then some. You will be abundantly happy when you delight in God and dwell on God.
However, listen to this: The way of the wicked leads to ruin.
Do you want to be happy, or do you want to be ruined?
Challenge yourself this week in the following two ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Avoid wickedness.
Don’t have anything to do with sin and wickedness. Get as far away from sin as you can.
Don’t think on sin, don’t walk in the path of sin, and don’t fill your time with those who will lead you into sin.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Pursue righteousness.
To pursue something means to chase after it; it means to put effort into attaining it; it means to not give up.
Stop pursuing sin and start pursuing righteousness.
Begin pursuing righteousness by pursuing Jesus.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Have you every had someone ask you what you did during your day, and you think, “Where do I start?” Perhaps you had a wide-variety of tasks; perhaps you had a long day; perhaps you had a lot going on.
We are in the middle of a section in the Book of Acts that describes the missionary journeys of Paul, Barnabas, and their companions.
There is a lot going on with Paul and Barnabas during this time. Indeed, there’s a lot going on in today’s passage.
Well, today, as we look again at Paul and Barnabas, we’re going to see that they had a lot going on. Indeed, the title of today’s sermon is “A Lot Going on with Paul and Barnabas.”
Let’s pray together before we go any further.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the passage together, and then we’ll look at what’s going on with Paul and Barnabas.
Look at Acts 14:1-20:
1 In Iconium they entered the Jewish synagogue, as usual, and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they stayed there a long time and spoke boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace by enabling them to do signs and wonders. 4 But the people of the city were divided, some siding with the Jews and others with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat and stone them, 6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian towns of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding countryside. 7 There they continued preaching the gospel.
8 In Lystra a man was sitting who was without strength in his feet, had never walked, and had been lame from birth. 9 He listened as Paul spoke. After looking directly at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 Paul said in a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” And he jumped up and began to walk around.
11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought bulls and wreaths to the gates because he intended, with the crowds, to offer sacrifice.
14 The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting: 15 “People! Why are you doing these things? We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to go their own way, 17 although he did not leave himself without a witness, since he did what is good by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.” 18 Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.
19 Some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. 20 After the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
Ok, let’s look at what’s going on.
First, we see . . .
I. A synagogue
Verse 1 says right away, “In Iconium they entered the Jewish synagogue, as usual.”
Ok, let’s look at our map again.
For reference, here’s Jerusalem. Remember from last week, Paul and Barnabas were in Pisidian Antioch. Now they have traveled to Iconium.
Notice what was happening while they were at the synagogue in Iconium.
Luke (the author of Acts) says in verse 1 that the missionaries “spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.”
Remember, we learned last time that some of the people of Pisidian Antioch rejected Paul and Barnabas, so they stuck to their calling and moved on to keep preaching the gospel.
As they normally did, they spoke in the synagogue, and both Jewish listeners and non-Jewish listeners believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
However, there were some other things going on.
Next, we see . . .
II. A situation
Verses 2-7 indicate that some problems arose; they had a situation.
We learn that the Jews who did not believe in Jesus as their Messiah stirred up the people of the town, mostly non-Jewish (or Gentile), against the missionaries.
Yet, even in the midst of that trouble that was being stirred up, we see in verse 3 that they stayed there for a long time and continued to minister.
However, it appears that the situation got worse. Look at verses 5-6:
5 When an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat and stone them, 6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian towns of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding countryside.
Verse 7 says that in the countryside, they continued to preach the gospel.
It’s important to realize, church, that even when a situation arose, the missionaries did not give up.
They pivoted, and they kept ministering in the name of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes a situation is going to arise in your life and Christian walk. Don’t give up! Don’t stop! Pivot and keep going! Seek the Lord and keep going!
Be encouraged by the ministry of the missionaries, as we read in verse 7, “There they continued preaching the gospel.”
Well, there’s a lot going on in this passage. Next, we see . . .
III. A sign
Verse 8 tells us that while in the countryside, Paul and Barnabas encountered a man in Lystra who was unable to walk.
By the way, Luke wanted to make sure that we really understood that this man was disabled.
He says the man was without strength in his feet, had never walked, and had been lame from birth.
In other words, this man was thoroughly physically disabled.
However, verse 9 indicates that Paul noticed that this man had faith to be healed.
So, Paul spoke to the man and told him, “Stand up on your feet!”
The man did stand up. In fact, verse 10 indicates that he jumped up and began to walk around.
Again, this is another sign that God was at work through His followers, so that others might know that He has power to work miracles and power to save sinners.
Well, there’s something else happening here as well.
Next, we see . . .
IV. A sacrifice
Look again at verses 11-13:
11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought bulls and wreaths to the gates because he intended, with the crowds, to offer sacrifice.
So, we see this sacrifice that the locals wanted to carry out in order to worship Paul and Barnabas.
Well, why in the world would they want to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas?
You see, the area where Paul and Barnabas were ministering was heavily populated by Gentile people who were heavily influenced by Greek culture.
As you look at the map, you see the area where they are ministering has them moving farther away from Israel, and closer towards Greece.
It becomes evident in this passage that after the healing of this man, these people actually thought that Paul and Barnabas were gods.
They were so convinced that Paul and Barnabas were gods that the local priest of the Greek gods went to get some bulls to sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas.
It’s at this point that Paul and Barnabas start to realize what’s going on.
That leads to the next thing that we see in this passage, which is . . .
V. A sermon
Now, you might wonder why Paul and Barnabas didn’t realize what was going on sooner.
However, pay attention to what it says in verse 11. It says they we speaking the local Lycaonian language.
So, Paul and Barnabas couldn’t understand what was going on because of the language difference, but they figured out what was going on when the bulls showed up.
See in verses 14-16 how they responded to what was happening:
14 The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting, 15 “People! Why are you doing these things? We are people also, just like you, and we are proclaiming good news to you, that you turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.
For someone to tear their robes was an expression of deep grief or distress. It was also a sign that someone witnessed blasphemy.
Paul and Barnabas couldn’t believe what they were hearing. The very thing that they were trying to turn the people away from is what the people were now practicing in a terrible attempt to honor Paul and Barnabas.
So, Paul began to teach them in this sermon that there is one true God who made everything, and He is the only one worthy of worship!
Paul went on to say that there was a time when God gave people and nations over to their own desires, their own way of worship, and their own sin.
Paul further said that even during such times, God still left His witness upon them, and He still showed His grace to them.
Now, however, these people who were once left to themselves have a message delivered to them from Paul and Barnabas. That message is that Jesus Christ can save sinners!
Brothers and sisters, do you have a sermon within your heart, ready to share about those who need to hear about Jesus?
I don’t mean a formal sermon that’s 35 minutes long with three points that all start with the same letter.
I mean, do you have a message ready in your heart to declare to those who are absolutely lost that Jesus Christ can save sinners‽
Luke points out in verse 18 that even with this sermon of explanation, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.
Well, that’s the sermon.
Finally, let’s look at . . .
VI. A stoning
Let’s look at the final verses. Look at verses 19 and 20:
19 Some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. 20 After the disciples gathered around him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
Let me just say, first of all, how strange these verses are in the sense that Luke kind of just says this in passing.
However, this is a big deal! Paul was stoned to the point that the people think he is dead!
This was a terrible and evil event.
However, notice the extent of the evil here: The people who disagreed with Paul and Barnabas from previous places where they had been were following them in order to oppose their ministry.
I mean, that’s some commitment right there. They were committed to opposing the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Church, let that be a warning to us. Some people are going to be completely committed to opposing the work of Jesus Christ through His people and through His church.
However, we should be more aware of this: Jesus is committed even more to make sure that His church does not fail. Evil will be defeated, the Church of Jesus Christ will prevail, and Jesus will stand victorious upon the head of Satan.
Paul suffered; Paul was hurt by the forces of evil (so much so that they thought he was dead); but the mission of God would go on; the Church of Jesus would live, and is still living today.
This passage concludes by telling us that after Paul came back to himself, they stayed the night in town, and then he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
There’s a lot going on with Paul and Barnabas. Let this bottom line summarize what we are learning:
Bottom Line: Though we never know what lies ahead, we serve a God who does.
I’m sure Paul had no idea that all that would happen to him and Barnabas.
I mean, one moment, he was being worshiped, and the next, he was being stoned to death.
Paul and Barnabas did not know what lied ahead for them. However, they knew that they served and worshiped a God who knows all things and has the power to accomplish all that He desires to accomplish.
Brother or sister in Jesus, do you know this truth? Do you understand that we do not know what lies ahead for us, but we serve a God who does?
Challenge yourself in this one way this week:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Ask God to increase your trust in Him.
If you are a follower of Jesus, I’m sure you want to trust Him more.
So, ask God through prayer to increase your trust in Him.
On sunny days and gloomy days, we need to trust God.
On hard days and easy days, we need to trust God.
On days of boldness and on days of fear, we need to trust God.
On days of certainty and on days of confusion, we need to trust God.
On days of blessing and on days of poverty, we need to trust God.
We don’t know what lies ahead, but the one true God does, so ask Him to help you trust Him.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Have you ever thought about a missed opportunity? When I first started a job as a youth pastor in Naples, Florida, I was invited by a family member to go on an Alaskan cruise and have the entire thing paid for by that person. Well, everything within me said that it was not a good idea to ask for twelve days off work after I just started a new job. So, I didn’t go. They had the time of their lives, and I stayed behind to work. Though I think I made the right decision, it was certainly a missed opportunity.
Opportunities come and go in our lives, don’t they? Some of those opportunities are chances to share the love of God or tell someone about the saving work of Jesus Christ. These are gospel opportunities.
Today, we’re going to hear about the continued missionary work of Paul and Barnabas. In the second part of Acts 13, we’re going to see them ministering in another city named Antioch. Today’s sermon is entitled “Another Antioch, Another Gospel Opportunity.”
Let’s pray together before we go any further.
(prayer)
Ok, so let’s recall what was happening in the earlier part of chapter 13.
Paul and his companions were ministering on the island of Cyprus.
Now, let’s look at verse 13 and part of verse 14:
13 Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, but John left them and went back to Jerusalem. 14 They continued their journey from Perga and reached Pisidian Antioch.
So, Paul and his companions left Cyprus, then came to Perga, from there they went to Pisidian Antioch.
Now, pay attention to two aspects of these two verses.
First, this is a different Antioch than the one from where they were sent off.
This is Pisidian Antioch. This is another Antioch.
Similarly, there’s a Lakeland, Georgia; there’s a Bartow County, Georgia; there’s a Polk County, Georgia; and so forth. So, also, there were several different Antiochs.
Remember, this is another Antioch, another gospel opportunity.
Second, notice that John Mark left them and went back to Jerusalem.
We’re not really sure why John Mark left them, but we know from later in the Book of Acts that Paul was not happy that John Mark left them. There will be more on that later in our series in this book.
Alright, now we have some context for what’s going on in this passage, so let’s dive into this passage some more.
Initially, we see . . .
I. The first opportunity.
Let’s pick it up in the second part of verse 14:
On the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, you can speak.”
16 Paul stood up and motioned with his hand and said: “Fellow Israelites, and you who fear God, listen! 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors, made the people prosper during their stay in the land of Egypt, and led them out of it with a mighty arm. 18 And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness; 19 and after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 This all took about 450 years. After this, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 After removing him, he raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David the son of Jesse to be a man after my own heart, who will carry out all my will.’
23 “From this man’s descendants, as he promised, God brought to Israel the Savior, Jesus. 24 Before his coming to public attention, John had previously proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 Now as John was completing his mission, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not the one. But one is coming after me, and I am not worthy to untie the sandals on his feet.’
26 “Brothers and sisters, children of Abraham’s race, and those among you who fear God, it is to us that the word of this salvation has been sent. 27 Since the residents of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him or the sayings of the prophets that are read every Sabbath, they have fulfilled their words by condemning him. 28 Though they found no grounds for the death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him killed. 29 When they had carried out all that had been written about him, they took him down from the tree and put him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead, 31 and he appeared for many days to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we ourselves proclaim to you the good news of the promise that was made to our ancestors. 33 God has fulfilled this for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm:
You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
34 As to his raising him from the dead, never to return to decay, he has spoken in this way, I will give you the holy and sure promises of David. 35 Therefore he also says in another passage, You will not let your Holy One see decay. 36 For David, after serving God’s purpose in his own generation, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and decayed, 37 but the one God raised up did not decay. 38 Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers and sisters, that through this man forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you. 39 Everyone who believes is justified through him from everything that you could not be justified from through the law of Moses. 40 So beware that what is said in the prophets does not happen to you:
41 Look, you scoffers,
marvel and vanish away,
because I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will never believe,
even if someone were to explain it to you.”
First of all, notice that Paul and his companions went to the synagogue and sat down.
Remember, the synagogue is the center of religious and educational life for the Jewish people.
Paul and those with him went into the synagogue as participants, not as preachers.
Yet, we notice that they were invited to say something.
The leaders of the synagogue said, “ . . . if you have any word of encouragement for the people, you can speak.”
Well, you better believe that Paul had a word to share. He always had a word to share.
Brothers and sisters: Do you have a word of encouragement to share with someone?
If given a gospel opportunity, how would you respond?
Paul’s word of encouragement was the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In verses 16 through 41, Paul shares the basics of the gospel story.
Notice that he addresses his words to “Fellow Israelites, and you who fear God.” Apparently, there were Jews, as well as non-Jews, gathered at the synagogue.
Paul walks through how God chose Abraham, led His people out of Egypt, they wandered in the wilderness, they settled in Canaan, He gave them judges, He gave them prophets, He gave them kings, He raised up David as king, He raised up Jesus the Messiah from the line of David, and John the Baptizer prepared the way for Jesus.
Paul then says in verse 26, “Brothers and sisters, children of Abraham’s race, and those among you who fear God, it is to us that the word of this salvation has been sent.”
So we see next that Paul describes how Jesus was rejected, condemned, and crucified. Then, Paul says Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to people.
Paul finishes this section by quoting a series of Old Testament passages that point his hearers to the reality that Jesus Christ has fulfilled all of God’s promises to His people.
Finally, Paul warns them not to miss out on what God is doing through Jesus.
So, this is the first opportunity Paul has to speak to this group, and he wants them to know the good news of Jesus Christ.
However, this was not his only opportunity.
Next, we see . . .
II. The second opportunity.
The first opportunity happened as Paul and others were invited to speak after the normal teachings had already taken place at the synagogue.
We learn from this passage, though, that the listeners wanted more. Listen to verses 42-44:
42 As they were leaving, the people urged them to speak about these matters the following Sabbath. 43 After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and urging them to continue in the grace of God. 44 The following Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the word of the Lord.
We see two ways that the listeners wanted more:
First, they followed Paul and Barnabas out of the synagogue.
Now, our pastors always stay after service to talk to folks, answers questions, pray with people, and more. We stay until everyone has chance for ministry.
However, I’ve never had anyone follow me after I leave the church building. I imagine I would say, “Can I help you with something? Leave me alone; I’m going to go get some lunch.”
Yet, the people in this passage were so touched by what Paul and Barnabas said that they followed them out of the synagogue.
That’s the first thing that we see.
Second, we see that Paul and Barnabas were invited back to teach the next Sabbath day.
Those who gathered at the synagogue gathered on the Sabbath day, which is Saturday.
The Sabbath is the Jewish day of rest and intentional reflection on God.
So, the people asked Paul and Barnabas to come back so they could hear more about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
However, as we’ve seen several times in the Book of Acts, not everyone was excited to hear the gospel story.
That leads to our final point:
III. The lost opportunity.
If we’re not in tune with what God is saying to us, we may lose an opportunity that is presented to us, as happened in this passage.
Listen to these final few verses from Acts 13:
44 The following Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what Paul was saying, insulting him.
46 Paul and Barnabas boldly replied, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
I have made you
a light for the Gentiles
to bring salvation
to the end of the earth.”
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the prominent God-fearing women and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district. 51 But Paul and Barnabas shook the dust off their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Ok, there are several things happening in these verses:
First, we see that nearly the entire town gathered to hear the word of the Lord from Paul and Barnabas.
However, the Jewish authorities didn’t like the fact that Paul and Barnabas were getting so much attention. So, they began to oppose them, contradict them, and even insult them.
Notice in verse 46 that Barnabas and Paul boldly replied to them, stating that because of their rejection of the message, the door would open for the message to go to the Gentile people.
This was a lost opportunity for the Jews but a new opportunity for the Gentiles.
Verse 48 says, “When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed.”
You see, God was not caught off guard. He knew all along that some of the Jews would reject their Messiah, and He knew all along that some of the Gentiles there that day would believe. Indeed, they were appointed to eternal life.
So, the word of God continued to thrive and continued to spread.
Meanwhile, the Jewish power-players stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and they were expelled from the region.
Since Paul and Barnabas were no longer welcome there, they symbolized that they were moving on by shaking the dust off their feet.
Indeed, this command was given by Jesus Himself when He was speaking to those He sent out. Matthew 10:14 says, “If anyone does not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town.”
You see, there are so many who need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ that if a person or area rejects it, we can simply move on to the next person or area.
Many of the Jewish leaders in that region lost an opportunity, but how did it affect the disciples?
Verse 52 says, “And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”
There’s a sweet joy and blessing that comes from the Lord when you are walking in His will, Amen?
Even though they were pushed out of the region, even though some rejected their message, they were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Church, let’s transition now to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God’s servants must maximize gospel opportunities.
When Paul and Barnabas had an opportunity to speak after that first day in the synagogue, they maximized that opportunity.
When Paul and Barnabas had an opportunity to speak in the synagogue the next week, they maximized that opportunity.
When some of the influential Jews rejected the gospel, Paul and Barnabas maximized the opportunity to share the gospel with non-Jewish people.
God’s servants must maximize gospel opportunities.
Weekly Challenge #1 – Recall a past gospel opportunity, and think how you could have maximized it.
Sometimes the best way to move forward is to think how we could have handled the past differently.
How could you have maximized opportunities better at school, work, in your home, in your neighborhood, or out in the community? Perhaps a conversation comes to mind? Perhaps a relationship? Maybe even a conflict comes to mind? Reflect upon past opportunities and learn, so by God’s grace, you can be prepared to maximize future gospel opportunities.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Do you remember what is going on in the Book of Acts?
In Acts 11, we learned about the rise of Antioch as a city of Christian influence. We also learn that Saul and Barnabas became teachers and influencers in the city of Antioch.
We learn in Acts 12, that Saul and Barnabas came down to Judea with an offering from the church in Antioch. While there, James is put to death, and Peter is jailed. Yet, Peter is miraculously set free by the power of an angel of God.
At the end of Acts 12, we see Saul and Barnabas make their way back from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Today, our passage picks up with Saul and Barnabas back in Antioch.
Before we read our passage, let’s go to God in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at this passage together. Look at Acts 13:1-12:
1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
4 So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant. 6 When they had traveled the whole island as far as Paphos, they came across a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (that is the meaning of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9 But Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at Elymas 10 and said, “You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery, you son of the devil and enemy of all that is right. Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? 11 Now, look, the Lord’s hand is against you. You are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time.” Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 Then, when he saw what happened, the proconsul believed, because he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
By the way, church. I mentioned a few weeks ago that the attention of the Book of Acts would soon shift away from Peter and the twelve apostles towards a focus that is primarily upon Paul. This is that time. As we continue through Acts, you will see the primary focus will be on the ministry that God accomplished through Paul.
So, in today’s passage we will read about a journey that Saul and Barnabas take as one of their very first missionary journeys. Today’s sermon is entitled “The Journey to Cyprus.”
So, let’s learn about this journey.
First, we see that . . .
I. Saul and Barnabas are set apart.
We learn right away in verse 1 that there were several different prophets and teachers in Antioch, including Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, Barnabas and Saul.
Then, in some way (we don’t know specifics), the Holy Spirit of God spoke to them and told them to set apart two of these prophets and teachers for a work to which God was calling them.
Of course, we are familiar with these two who are set apart: they are our friends Barnabas and Saul.
Notice what the church does: verse 3 says they did four things:
- They fasted – That is, they went without food in order to turn their focus to God.
- They prayed – They spoke to God collectively as a church.
- They laid hands on them – This does not mean that they roughed them up; rather they devoted special attention and focus on Barnabas and Saul as they lifted up to God in prayer.
- They sent them off – After they set them apart and prayed, they sent them off in obedience to the Lord.
By the way, these are all things that we still do today as a church:
We seek to hear from the Holy Spirit of God. We desire to know what God wants for us.
We fast and pray for each other. Perhaps you’ve never fasted; I encourage you to do so. I’d love to talk to you more about what that means.
Also, we pray for folks. We send them off for ministry or affirm a special ministry that God has for them.
You see, God was calling His servants from His church then, and God is calling His servants from His church now.
He is calling pastors and teachers. He is calling ministers and missionaries. He is calling helpers and supporters.
God is calling His people for special tasks, and as the Church in Antioch did, we must be prepared to pray for them, prepare them, set them apart, and send them out.
So, first, Saul and Barnabas are set apart.
Next, we see that . . .
II. Saul and Barnabas are sent out.
The end of verse 3 says, “they sent them off.”
Then, starting in verse 4 and following, we read:
4 So being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant.
We hear about this fellow John mentioned in this passage.
Again, this is John, who is sometimes called John, sometimes Mark, and sometimes John Mark.
John Mark is the assistant who went along with Saul and Barnabas. We heard about John Mark last week. This is the same guy.
In today’s passage, Saul and Barnabas minister on the island of Cyprus.
In order to get to Cyprus (here’s a zoomed-out view), Saul and Barnabas left Antioch, traveled to Seleucia, and then they sailed down to Cyprus.
Now, we’re going to see in just a moment that Luke (the author of Acts) puts his focus on a particular ministry experience that Saul and Barnabas had on the island of Cyprus, but it’s presumed that Saul and Barnabas were ministering the entire time they were there.
They were called out by God, and they were sent out by God’s church to do God’s work on the island of Cyprus.
However, not everyone was glad that Saul and Barnabas were there to do the work of the Lord.
That leads to our third point:
III. Paul and Barnabas are silencing opposition.
We learn in verse 6 that Saul and Barnabas encountered a sorcerer of Jewish descent, who we’re told is also a false prophet.
The name of this false prophet is Bar-Jesus, which actually means “Son of Jesus.” There’s some irony about his name because Saul will call him the son of someone else in just a moment.
Verse 7 says, “He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God.”
Then, verse 8 lets us know two things:
First, Bar-Jesus is also known by the name Elymas.
Second, Bar-Jesus opposed the ministry of Saul and Barnabas and tried to keep them from ministering to this proconsul.
A proconsul is a type of leader appointed by the Roman Empire who is over a particular area.
Apparently, Bar-Jesus didn’t like the fact that the proconsul was interested in what Saul and Barnabas had to share. So, he sought to turn the proconsul away from the teaching of Saul and Barnabas.
Well, notice how Saul handles the situation. Look again at verses 9-11:
But Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at Elymas and said, “You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery, you son of the devil and enemy of all that is right. Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? Now, look, the Lord’s hand is against you. You are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time.” Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
We see, first of all, this other name for Saul.
Of course, this is his more famous name. Saul is also known as Paul.
You see, Saul was his Hebrew name, and Paul was his Roman name.
He is more commonly known today as Paul, which is due primarily to the fact that Paul is what he is more frequently referred to from this moment in Acts 13 and onward.
So, Paul looks straight at this false prophet sorcerer and says to him, “You are a son of the devil.” He is essentially saying, “Your name may mean ‘Son of the Savior,’ but your behavior indicates that you are a a son of Satan.”
He also says, “You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery,” and you are the “enemy of all that is right.” Then he says, “Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?”
Paul told it like it was, didn’t he?
After calling out Bar-Jesus for his sin, Paul then pronounces a prophetic judgment that will come upon Bar-Jesus.
Paul tells him that he will be temporarily blind, and, indeed, that blindness came upon him.
There’s some beautiful irony in the fact that the description of this blindness is very similar to that which Paul himself experienced during his conversion experience with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Who knows, perhaps after this temporary blindness was over for Bar-Jesus, he too would come to the ability to see with his spiritual eyes, not just his physical eyes.
Nevertheless, after the proconsul witnessed all that happened, verse 12 says he “believed, because he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.”
The proconsul heard the message of the Lord, he witnessed the work of the Lord, he was astonished, and he believed.
Church, when people hear the word of the Lord through His people, and witness the work of the Lord in His people, many will be astonished, and they will believe.
As we learned last week also, no opposition can stop God accomplishing astonishing acts and miraculously saving sinners.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God can use His servants in astonishing ways, even in the face of opposition.
God used Paul and Barnabas to minister on the island of Cyprus, and miraculously change the life of that Roman proconsul.
There is nothing that the forces of evil could do to stop Paul, whether it was Bar-Jesus (the son of the devil) or the devil himself.
So, let us serve God faithfully, expecting Him to do astonishing acts through His people.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Pray for faithfulness during opposition.
Listen, God’s people will be opposed. It’s inevitable. The ways of God are not the ways of this world.
People may discourage you, people may insult you, people may hinder you, people may even persecute you.
Pray for God’s Holy Spirit to fill you with faithfulness.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Determine to share the Word of God.
Paul and Barnabas were sent out as missionaries to take the gospel to the island of Cyprus and beyond.
Likewise, some of us may be sent to take the gospel around the world.
What’s for sure is that we are all sent out, no matter where we are, to take the gospel with us every day to share with others.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Listen, church: God’s mission cannot be stopped.
I want to tell you the story of a man named Min-jae, a man from North Korea.
Min-jae became a follower of Jesus during a lengthy business trip to China in 2004.
Five months later, after being baptized and receiving his own small Korean Bible, Min-jae returned to North Korea. As he prepared to leave China, someone from the church made a bold request: Would he accept a shipment that included ten hidden Bibles once he returned to North Korea?
At first, he declined. He was already nervous about bringing his own small Bible into the country. If border guards caught him, he could be tortured or killed, or end up in one of North Korea’s notorious concentration camps.
As he agonized over the decision, he remembered that he had given his life to Christ, and it was no longer his own. He decided to trust his Lord.
“Now I believe in God, and in God, everything is possible,” he thought.
The shipment arrived a few months after Min-jae’s return to North Korea. At 1 a.m. on a morning in November 2005, he approached a boat along the bank of the river, praying for God’s protection and guidance with every step.
After retrieving three large vinyl duffle bags, he hoisted them onto his back and ran toward his home in the dark. Once inside the relative safety of his home, he opened the bags to find them tightly packed with pants. But wrapped randomly within the clothing were 10 small Bibles. Min-jae decided to keep the dangerous books hidden until God led him to the right people.
Then, as he walked through his village one day, he heard a man whistling a Christian hymn. Min-jae made note of where the man lived and decided to deliver some Bibles to him that night under cover of darkness.
After midnight, Min-jae rewrapped eight of the 10 Bibles in the pants and left them at the man’s front door. He didn’t leave a note for fear that it could be traced back to him.
Months later, Min-jae returned to China with the intent of defecting, but in November 2006 he was arrested and extradited to North Korea.
In prison, he met a former friend who had been arrested because of his Christian faith. And as they talked, Min-jae came to realize that the man he gave the Bibles to was his friend’s uncle. That man had also been arrested and was being held in a different cell in the same prison.
Min-jae’s friend told him that his uncle had given the eight Bibles to relatives, who had then committed their lives to Christ. The entire family of 27 people began to gather secretly at night to worship God and to read and discuss the Scriptures. But one night, a neighbor overheard the believers singing hymns and reported them to authorities. The secret police raided their home and arrested everyone, including his friend and his friend’s uncle, and sent them all to a concentration camp.
Min-jae was released after seven months in prison, and in 2014, he successfully defected to South Korea.
He remains concerned — even feeling a bit guilty — about the Christian family suffering in a concentration camp. After all, he supplied the Bibles that helped lead to their imprisonment. Still, he knows that God ultimately provided the Bibles and that he is with them as they suffer in His name.
“I just want for North Korean people to hear the gospel and share the gospel,” he said. “That is my only prayer.” (this true story was taken from the ministry called “Voice of the Martyrs”)
Church, God’s mission cannot be stopped.
God’s mission could not be stopped in the Book of Acts, and it cannot be stopped today.
As we continue our study in the Book of Acts, let us read about some of the difficulties of the early Church, and how God’s mission pressed on.
In our study of Acts 12 today, we’re actually going to hear about three different angels, so I’ve entitled today’s sermon “The Three Angels of Acts 12.”
Let’s start off our study by looking at Acts 12:1-3. These verses will set us up for what’s happening in this chapter.
1 About that time King Herod violently attacked some who belonged to the church, 2 and he executed James, John’s brother, with the sword. 3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter too, during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.
Let’s stop here for now and ask God to guide us through this sermon.
(prayer)
Ok, remember that we’re going to see three mentions of angels in this passage. So, let’s start off with . . .
I. The angel that rescued Peter.
So, don’t forget what we just read before we prayed.
We learn that King Herod is attacking the church. By the way, this is not Herod the Great from the time of Jesus; this is his grandson, Herod Agrippa I.
This Herod executed James.
This particular James is James the brother of John, the son of Zebedee.
This James is one of the apostles who was in the inner circle of Jesus’ followers. We frequently hear “Peter, James, and John” mentioned in the Gospels; this is that James.
So, James is put to death, and Herod thinks it wise to try and do the same to Peter.
One reason Herod may have wanted to persecute Peter was to make himself look more powerful. Peter was a popular figure, so if Herod overpowered him, perhaps people would fear and respect him more.
Also, Herod probably thought he could earn some points with the powerful Jewish leaders because they didn’t like Peter.
Finally, Herod probably wanted to squash this surging growth of Christianity. Peter was their most popular figure. If he could take down Peter, perhaps he could take down Christianity.
However, remember this church: God’s mission cannot be stopped.
Well, let’s look at the next few verses and see what we learn.
4 After the arrest, he put him in prison and assigned four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was praying fervently to God for him.
6 When Herod was about to bring him out for trial, that very night Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the sentries in front of the door guarded the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, “Quick, get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 “Get dressed,” the angel told him, “and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Wrap your cloak around you,” he told him, “and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed, and he did not know that what the angel did was really happening, but he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 After they passed the first and second guards, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went outside and passed one street, and suddenly the angel left him.
11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected.”
So, we learn about this angel that rescued Peter.
Peter was in prison, heavily guarded, yet God, through His angel, was easily able to set Peter free.
Notice some of the details of this section:
Verse 5 indicates that while Peter was in prison, the church was praying fervently for him.
Verse 6 indicates that Peter had guards on both sides of him while he slept, as well as guards watching the door to the prison. There were sixteen guards in total. The plan was to leave Peter no means of escape.
Verses 7-11 say that an angel woke him up and miraculously snuck him out of the prison cell and out of the entire prison complex into the city.
Notice also in verse 7 that the angel struck Peter on the side.
I imagine Peter was thinking, “Take it easy.”
However, don’t forget that Peter was sleeping. Sometimes, we men really need to have someone slap us pretty hard to wake us up.
In fact, Peter was sleeping so hard that it took him a while to realize that he wasn’t simply having a vision, even after he got struck in the side, got dressed, and walked out of prison.
So, Peter escapes prison and death with the help of an angel of God.
Church, God’s mission cannot be stopped.
Next, we learn about . . .
II. The angel that wasn’t Peter.
Let’s learn about this second angel. Look at verses 12-17:
12 As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was called John Mark, where many had assembled and were praying. 13 He knocked at the door of the outer gate, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer. 14 She recognized Peter’s voice, and because of her joy, she did not open the gate but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the outer gate.
15 “You’re out of your mind!” they told her. But she kept insisting that it was true, and they said, “It’s his angel.” 16 Peter, however, kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.
17 Motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Tell these things to James and the brothers,” he said, and he left and went to another place.
Ok, there are a lot of things going on in these verses, including a few strange things.
First, we notice that Peter goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark.
This guy, Mark or John, is also known as John Mark. He is the author of the Gospel of Mark in the Bible.
We’ll learn later that he was a companion of Saul and Barnabas as well.
This house is where a lot of the disciples gathered and prayed for Peter.
Second, notice that Peter knocked, Rhoda saw Peter, then went to tell everyone that he was there, while Peter was left hanging at the outer gate.
Third, notice that those praying for Peter did not think that Peter could have been there.
They were praying for Peter’s release, and Peter was released, but they couldn’t believe it. Dr. Chuck Lawless points out in his course on prayer (which we’re studying on Wednesday nights) that the disciples who were gathered here couldn’t believe that God had actually answered their prayer.
In fact, we learn that the disciples think it’s more likely that Peter is dead and what Rhoda sees is actually Peter’s angel.
By the way, there’s no evidence to suggest that people actually have angels. This was an ancient belief held by some, which doesn’t actually fit the Bible’s teaching on true angels. After all, this is the angel that was not Peter, not the angel that was Peter.
Fourth, notice that they finally let Peter in, and he explains the whole story to them.
Peter tells them how the Lord brought him out of prison, then he tells them to notify James and the brothers.
Of course, the brothers would be other apostles who were not present.
This James is obviously not James the son of Zebedee, because this chapter starts off with that James being killed.
Rather, this James is James the literal half-brother of Jesus.
This James is one that we will hear about more in the New Testament, including in the New Testament book that he wrote.
This was no angel; this was Peter! God had rescued Peter.
Church, God’s mission cannot be stopped!
Finally, we see . . .
III. The angel that struck Herod.
Let’s look at the final few verses. Look at verses 18-25:
18 At daylight, there was a great commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19 After Herod had searched and did not find him, he interrogated the guards and ordered their execution. Then Herod went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
20 Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. Together they presented themselves before him. After winning over Blastus, who was in charge of the king’s bedroom, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food from the king’s country. 21 On an appointed day, dressed in royal robes and seated on the throne, Herod delivered a speech to them. 22 The assembled people began to shout, “It’s the voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 At once an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he was eaten by worms and died.
24 But the word of God flourished and multiplied. 25 After they had completed their relief mission, Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, taking along John who was called Mark.
Herod had lots of issues, didn’t he?
He put James to death, he tried to put Peter to death, he put the sixteen soldiers to death who were guarding Peter, and now we see that he was mad at the people of Tyre and Sidon.
You see, it appears that Herod thought he could use his influence, power, and wealth to get his way in whatever he did.
Others even praised him as someone great, including the people in this story.
However, we learn quite clearly from this passage that there is only one who is truly great, truly powerful, and truly wealthy. There is only one who is worthy of glory. There is only one who can get His way in all things, and that is the Lord God.
So, we learn in this passage that Herod is struck down by an angel of the Lord, and he was eaten by worms and died.
Herod was not fit to receive glory; only God is fit to receive glory. Herod’s mission would not succeed; only God’s mission will succeed.
That takes us to our bottom line, something you’ve already heard several times today:
Bottom Line: God’s mission cannot be stopped.
Listen, church: Nothing can stand in the way of God’s mission. People cannot stand in the way of God’s mission. Problems cannot stand in the way of God’s mission. Politicians cannot stand in the way of God’s mission. The powerful cannot stand in the way of God’s mission. Princes cannot stand in the way of God’s mission. Principalities cannot stand in the way of God’s mission. Pastors cannot stand in the way of God’s mission. Presidents cannot stand in the way of God’s mission. Pandemics cannot stand in the way of God’s mission.
God’s mission cannot be stopped! He’s all-powerful! He’s all-wise! He’s all knowing! He’s all-loving! He’s all-going! He’s all-giving! He’s ever-present! He’s everlasting! He’s full of grace! He’s full of joy! He’s full of light! He’s full of life! He cannot be stopped! He cannot be tricked! He cannot be overcome! He cannot be overpowered!
Herod the Great could not stop Him! Herod Agrippa could not stop Him! Hell cannot stop Him!
God’s mission will stand! His church will prevail! His name will be praised! He will receive glory! And, His will will be done!
Do you believe it, church? I hope you do.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Identify one way you can accomplish God’s mission this week.
You can be used by God to accomplish His mission. Isn’t that incredible?
What is one way you can accomplish God’s mission this week?
Just think of one step you can take towards greater faithfulness to the mission of God.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Pray for God’s mission to be done in our church.
Will you pray for our church? Oh, how desperately we need to cry out to God in prayer. Pray for our pastors, pray for other leaders in our church, pray for our church body.
Pray this week for God’s mission to be done in our church.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
In the 1500s there was evidence of a small native settlement in Florida that was labeled Rio de la Paz. Later that settlement would disappear and a group of Black Seminoles would establish a settlement in the area named Minatti.
Still later, a settlement would be established named Ft. Blount. The community would undergo several different names, including Peace Creek, Peas Creek, and Reidsville. However, in 1862, the community would come to be known as Bartow, Florida.
The late 1900s was a period of growth for the city of Bartow. In 1885, the Florida Southern Railroad opened in Bartow. A year later, the Bartow branch of the South Florida Railroad, connecting Tampa and Orlando, was completed. In 1887, Summerlin Institute, the first brick schoolhouse south of Jacksonville, was built.
By the turn of the century, Bartow had become the most populous city south of Tampa on the Florida peninsula – larger than Miami or West Palm Beach.
As the city grew, a number of industries moved into the Bartow area. In the first few decades of the 1900s, thousands of acres of land around the city were purchased by the phosphate industry. Bartow would become the hub of the largest phosphate industry in the United States. Polk County was the leading citrus county in the United States for much of the 20th century, and Bartow had several large groves.
Well, that’s just a bit about the rise of Bartow. I’m grateful to Wikipedia for some of that information.
It’s interesting to learn about the rise and influence of a city. Today, we’re going to learn about the influence of another city. Today’s sermon is entitled “The Rise of Antioch.”
Let’s read the passage for today and learn about this city.
Let’s look at Acts 11:19-30:
19 Now those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord.
25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the reign of Claudius. 29 Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea. 30 They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.
Join me now in prayer as we seek to hear from the Lord.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s learn what is so significant about Antioch.
First, notice that . . .
I. Barnabas travels to Antioch.
Luke starts off in verse 19 by giving us a bit of a refresher. We need to recall that after Stephen was killed for his faith, persecution broke out, and the people of the early Jerusalem church scattered.
You may recall that Acts 8:1 says, “On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria.”
So, followers of Jesus were scattered all throughout the ancient world, well beyond the boundaries of Jerusalem.
Here’s a map to show the areas that Luke mentions in verses 19 and 20. Look at how much the believers scattered.
Luke mentions these cities. So, here’s Judea (the region around Jerusalem). Then Luke mentions Phoenicia, Antioch, Cyprus, and Cyrene.
Then, Luke tells us that some followers of Jesus who had settled in Cyprus and Cyrene then came to Antioch and began to proclaim the good news of Jesus to the Greeks, or the non-Jewish people living there.
(go back to point #1 slide)
A lot of these people who heard the gospel in Antioch believed what they heard and turned to Jesus Christ.
Once again (as has happened several times in the Book of Acts), news reached the believers in Jerusalem, so they sent Barnabas to check on what was going on in Antioch.
Do you remember Barnabas?
We first met Barnabas in Acts 4, as he sold some property and donated the funds for the use of the early church.
Then, we hear about him again in Acts 9, as he speaks on behalf of the recently converted Saul to the disciples in Jerusalem.
Also, you may recall that his name means “Son of Encouragement.” We’ll see in this passage that he offers some more encouragement in Antioch.
Verse 23 tells us what happened when Barnabas arrived in Antioch. It says, “When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts.”
Verse 24 says that as Barnabas encouraged them, even more people were added to the number of followers of Jesus there in Antioch.
Sometimes people just need some encouragement, don’t they? They need to be told to keep up with good work, keep following Jesus, keep being faithful, and keep strong in the Lord. Barnabas was that type of guy for those in Antioch, and the Lord blessed them through the ministry of Barnabas.
Church, let that be a little side note from this passage. Be an encourager. Aim to strengthen the faith of others by being an encourager.
Barnabas was an encourager. However, Barnabas felt that there was someone else who could also help the situation in Antioch, so we he went to fetch his old friend Saul.
That takes us to our second point:
II. Saul travels to Antioch.
Look again at verses 25 and 26.
25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers.
Why would Barnabas want Saul?
Well, remember Saul had been dramatically changed by God, he was passionate about his faith, and the Lord had gifted him with a unique ability to debate and explain that Jesus is the Messiah.
You may recall that Acts 9:22 says, “But Saul grew stronger and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.”
Also, in Acts 9:28, it says, “Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.”
So, Barnabas sought out Saul in order to bring someone with a sharp mind and a contagious passion for the Lord Jesus Christ, to teach the growing number of followers of Jesus in Antioch.
Barnabas traveled from Antioch up to Tarsus to fetch Saul, and Saul came with Barnabas back to Antioch.
We see what resulted in Saul coming to Antioch. He and Barnabas taught large numbers of believers in Antioch.
Notice this also: the effect of so many people coming to Jesus and growing in their faith in Antioch led to other people giving them a nickname.
Once again, look at verse 26. It says at the end of that verse, “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.”
You see, up until this point, the Christians referred to themselves with other names, such as the Way, Followers of the Name, the disciples, the brothers, the Church, and more.
Never at this point had they been known as Christians, which means “belonging to Christ” or “of the party of Christ.”
Just as a little side-note here, would people describe you as someone who belongs to Jesus Christ?
That’s a challenging question, isn’t it? Do you belong to Jesus? Do others know that you belong to Jesus?
So, the term Christian started to distinguish the followers of Jesus from other Jewish people.
You see, as more and more non-Jewish people started to join the disciples, and as the disciples started to learn more and more about what it meant to follow Jesus, a wedge would start to be driven between those Jews who rejected their Messiah and those (Jewish and non-Jewish) who embraced Jesus as the Messiah.
And so, as a result of the ministry of Saul and Barnabas in Antioch the believers would increase in number and influence, so much so that they earned a new nickname that would remain some 2,000 years later.
We’ll find out that the influence of those in Antioch would go far beyond simply earning a nickname.
That takes us to our third point:
III. Resources travel from Antioch.
In verses 27 and 28, we learn that prophets were traveling from Jerusalem to Antioch, including one particular prophet named Agabus.
Now, we’ll hear about Agabus again later, but for now he is prophesying about a famine that will affect much of the Roman Empire.
Notice how the believers in Antioch came together to support the believers back in Judea, the region that surrounds Jerusalem.
Verse 29 says, “Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea.”
This generosity that we see is right in line with the generosity that we see in the earlier part of Acts when the early Church shared their resources with one another.
Pay attention to what is happening here, church: The gospel was so powerful in Antioch that these new non-Jewish Christians were so filled with the love and grace of God that they were sending resources out of Antioch back to Judea to support those whom most of them had never met and perhaps never would meet on this side of heaven.
What would drive them to such generosity? It’s only the love of God and the grace of God as experienced in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the supernatural filling of the Holy Spirit of God.
Church, the gospel should drive us to radical sacrifice and generosity!
We, the believers in Central Florida, should have this same behavior when it comes to giving to the work of the expansion of the gospel and the prospering of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christians should be the most generous, the most compassionate, and the most sacrificial.
Before we leave this point, notice in verse 30 that we see that Saul and Barnabas took these resources to the elders.
This is a small picture that the leadership of the individual churches is shifting from the apostles to the elders, of course, also known also as pastors, overseers, and shepherds throughout the New Testament.
That’s just a little nugget that we need to notice in this passage.
Ok, back to the main point now: we see that resources came out of Antioch to help the believers in Judea.
Barnabas traveled to Antioch, Saul traveled to Antioch, and resources traveled from Antioch.
Let this bottom line summarize what we’re learning today:
Bottom Line: Antioch became a hub for gospel expansion.
We witness here the rise of Antioch. This city would go on, as we shall see, to be a center, or a hub, for the expansion of the gospel for years to come.
By the way, it’s worth noting that Antioch as a city was quite wicked, yet the church in Antioch was quite powerful, even in the midst of worldliness.
Why is that?
You see, the church there was not of the world; they were not of Antioch; they were of Jesus. After all, they were called Christians: those who belonged to Jesus!
Church, so also, we ought not to be of the world; we ought to be of Jesus! We ought not to be of Bartow; we ought to be of Jesus. We ought not to be of a certain political party; we ought to be of Jesus.
We ought to be Christians, those who belong to Jesus.
What a beautiful passage from the Book of Acts, which shows us the rise of Antioch.
Challenge yourself this week in the following two ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Ask God to make us more like Antioch.
Church, let me ask you something: Could God make our church a hub for gospel expansion? (you bet He can)
Could God make our church a place where disciples are growing in their faith? (you bet He can)
Could God make our church a center of Jesus-like generosity? (you bet He can)
Will you join me this week in asking God to make us more like Antioch? Make that your challenge this week.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Expand the gospel.
You can be a gospel expansion hub as well.
Share with others how Jesus has changed you.
Let someone know that they are loved by God.
Invite someone to church.
Pray for someone, and let them know that you are praying for them.
Tell someone the basics of what it means to be forgiven of their sins.
Challenge yourself to expand the gospel this week.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
I want to tell you about a time that I was accused of something. My family and I were driving to my brother’s wedding in Texas. Well, if you’ve not driven in Texas, you may not know this, but the speed limit is like 150 mph or something. Anyhow, I was driving rather fast, and a police officer had a car pulled over. I couldn’t get over, so I hugged the far side of the lane that I was in so that I wouldn’t be close to the police officer’s car. After it was safe to do so, I veered back a little to center my car in the lane. Well, wouldn’t you know it, that police officer finished what he was doing and then pulled me over. He said it looked like I was swerving. He wanted to see if I was impaired while I was driving. My wife, Jennifer, had a smirk on her face because she always has an opinion about my driving. But I could not believe that I was being accused of poor driving. So, I said to the officer, “Let me explain.”
In today’s passage, Peter is going to face an accusation and he is going to explain what happened. Today’s sermon is entitled, “Let Me Explain.”
You may recall from last week what happened in Acts 10. If you were out last week, that’s ok because Acts 11 provides a bit of a recap from last week’s passage.
So, let’s look at the passage in Acts 11:1–18:
1 The apostles and the brothers and sisters who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, 3 saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
4 Peter began to explain to them step by step, 5 “I was in the town of Joppa praying, and I saw, in a trance, an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners from heaven, and it came to me. 6 When I looked closely and considered it, I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky. 7 I also heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’
8 “ ‘No, Lord!’ I said. ‘For nothing impure or ritually unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But a voice answered from heaven a second time, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call impure.’
10 “Now this happened three times, and everything was drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to accompany them with no doubts at all. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we went into the man’s house. 13 He reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is also named Peter. 14 He will speak a message to you by which you and all your household will be saved.’
15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came down on them, just as on us at the beginning. 16 I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If, then, God gave them the same gift that he also gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?”
18 When they heard this they became silent. And they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has given repentance resulting in life even to the Gentiles.”
Let us go to God in prayer and ask Him to speak to us now through this passage and through this sermon.
(prayer)
Now, let’s identify three sections of this passage and listen to what God might be teaching us:
First, we see . . .
I. The accusation
Verse 1 points out that the news of the Gentiles coming to God had spread all throughout Judea.
Remember, Judea is the region surrounding Jerusalem.
You may remember this map , which contains the journeys of Peter in Acts 9 and 10.
Well, Judea is pretty much right here.
Judea was the center of early Christianity and also the home of most of the traditional Jewish Christians.
So, the work that God accomplished through Peter in Caesarea By the Sea (which we learned about in Acts 10) had spread all throughout a major portion of Israel, the region of Judea.
As the news spread, some people didn’t like what they heard, so they confronted Peter about what they didn’t like.
Verses 2 and 3 say, “When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, ‘You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.’”
By the way, to say that these men were uncircumcised was to say that they were non-Jewish; they were Gentile; they were “unclean” according to the Jewish law.
Notice that they weren’t critical of Peter for sharing the gospel with non-Jewish people; rather, they were critical of Peter for eating with non-Jewish people.
To eat with somebody means that you get up close and personal.
Further, if you’re a traditional Jew, when you eat with “unclean” people, you might expose yourself to “unclean” food.
Notice, also, that those who were critical were called “the circumcision party.” More than likely, this phrase refers to a group of ultra-traditional Christians who not only wanted to maintain their Jewish roots but they wanted others to conform to their ultra-traditional preferences.
Now, I want to be careful not to be too hard on these accusers because Christianty was new, and it started as an exclusively Jewish faith.
Up to this point, the Christians were Jewish, so they were still trying to figure all of this out. They were still trying to figure out how Jesus made all things new.
They had not yet understood the implications of what Jesus meant when He said, “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).
Similarly, they had not yet fully understood what Jesus meant when He said in Luke 22:20 “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”.
So, these ultra-traditional Jewish Christians may not have been people just trying to cause problems; they may have still been hung up on the law, which they had clung to as part of the heart of their worship of God.
It’s interesting, though, that they chose to criticize Peter. Of all the people they could criticize, they were criticizing Peter?
Who besides Peter at that point had stood more boldly for the cause of Christ? Who besides Peter had preached more faithfully in front of thousands of people? Who besides Peter had God used to do more amazing miracles in the early church?
Yet, Peter is the one they are criticizing.
Let this be a side note, church: This is not the main point of this passage, but here’s a little nugget we can learn. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter if you’re doing great work for the Lord that yields great success for the church, you will still be criticized. That’s ok; you’re in good company with Peter.
Also, other times you will totally mess up and deserve criticism. That’s ok, as well; you’re also in good company with Peter from some of his other stories.
Nevertheless, let’s go back to our main point: Peter is accused of eating with unclean Gentiles.
Well, how does Peter react? Let’s look now at . . .
II. The explanation
We see in verses 4-17 that Peter largely gives a recap of what happened in chapter 10.
By the way, it’s worth noting that the accusation leveled against Peter was absolutely true. Peter did eat with non-Jewish people. However, much more took place besides gathering around a table for a meal.
Peter describes the vision that God gave him, he describes the vision that God gave Cornelius, he describes how Cornelius’ men escorted him to Caesarea, he describes how he spoke about Jesus to all those gathered in Caesarea, and he described how the Holy Spirit came down upon those who were gathered there.
Peter then says in verse 16, “I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” Peter is quoting what Jesus said in the beginning of Acts, from Acts 1:5.
Peter then says in verse 17, “If, then, God gave them the same gift that he also gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?”
Here’s what Peter is getting at in his explanation: God was clearly at work among these Gentiles.
Peter said he had a vision from God not to call something unclean that God has made clean.
Peter said he was instructed to go visit a man who was once considered “unclean” simply because of his cultural and genetic background.
Peter said after he spoke to this man and all those with him that the Holy Spirit came upon those non-Jewish people in the same way that the Holy Spirit came upon the Jewish Christians, presumably speaking about the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2.
Peter then recalls how Jesus said that a sign of someone who follows Jesus is when the Holy Spirit comes into their life.
Everything started to click for Peter, so he couldn’t help but be obedient to what God called him to do, which is why he asks in verse 17, “How could I possibly hinder God?”
Peter’s explanation is that God told him to do it, he did it, and God showed up in a powerful way. I mean, what can you say to that?
Well, how did those who accused Peter respond?
That takes us to our final point:
III. The glorification
How did the accusers respond? Look at verse 18 again:
When they heard this they became silent. And they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has given repentance resulting in life even to the Gentiles.”
We learn in verse 18 that these accusers, this “circumcision party,” these ultra-traditional Jewish Christians, heard what happened, and they glorified God!
This reaction is incredible! This is how things should go, right? An accusation is made, an explanation is given, and the two sides come together in agreement. In this case, they come together in agreement to glorify God because non-Jewish people can be saved from their sins by the work of Jesus Christ.
This was something that was totally unexpected and probably unfathomable to committed Jewish people. They would have never thought that non-Jewish people could be saved by the Jewish Messiah without having to actually convert to Judaism. After all, they said repentance had come “ . . . even to the Gentiles.”
They were learning that Jesus came to save more than just the Jewish people. They were learning that the covenant through Jesus was much more powerful than the covenant through the Jewish law.
As they learned these beautiful realities, they glorified God.
God’s people were starting to recognize God’s work.
That brings us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God’s true people will recognize God’s true work.
Listen, church: If God is in something, God’s people should be able to recognize it.
Now, in order to recognize God’s work, we must be close to God.
We must know Him by reading His Word.
We must speak to Him through prayer.
We must listen to Him by meditating on His Word and sensing His Spirit speaking to us.
Listen, church: God will lead you to do supernatural things in your life. God will lead our church to do supernatural things.
You must recognize God’s call and God’s work. We must recognize God’s call and God’s work.
We must all be obedient together, and we must give glory to God together.
Weekly Challenge #1 – Consider if you might be opposing the work of God.
Peter said in verse 17: “How could I possibly hinder God?”
You might ask yourself that question: How could I possibly hinder God? How could I possibly oppose God? How could I possibly try to stand in the way of what God is doing?
The reality is, God can do amazing things in our lives, but we sometimes have a spirit of resistance to what God is doing.
Similarly, God is sometimes doing amazing things through churches, but some of the people from within that very church have a spirit of resisitance to what God is doing.
So, ask yourself this week if you are opposing the work of God.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Celebrate the life–giving grace of God.
What a joy that the gospel came not just for the Jewish people but for all who call upon the name of Jesus.
As Paul celebrated in Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.”
As they did so in verse 18, may we celebrate and glorify God because He gives repentance that results in life to everyone who believes.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Have you ever been in a situation where favoritism was shown?
Perhaps you felt like you were passed over for a job or a job promotion because of favoritism.
Perhaps you felt like you didn’t make a sports team or a position in a club or band because of favoritism.
Perhaps you felt like your parents were stricter on you because of favoritism.
Favoritism isn’t fun, is it?
Have you ever thought about this question: What if God showed favoritism?
That wouldn’t be good, would it?
Well, let’s look at a sneak peek of this passage. In Acts 10:34 Peter says, “Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism.”
It’s good to know that God does not show favoritism.
Well, let’s figure out what led up to this moment in the passage. Today, we’re going to learn about “God’s Vision for His People.” That’s the name of today’s sermon.
Join me in prayer; then we’ll dive into Acts chapter 10.
(prayer)
Ok, we’re going to cover all of Acts chapter 10 today. It’s a lot to cover, so let’s get into it.
We’re going to learn about four elements from this passage.
First, let’s learn about . . .
I. Cornelius’ vision
Let’s look at Acts 10, verses 1-8.
1 There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the Jewish people and always prayed to God. 3 About three in the afternoon he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius.”
4 Staring at him in awe, he said, “What is it, Lord?”
The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have ascended as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, he called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, who was one of those who attended him. 8 After explaining everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Here, we have this man named Cornelius. We learn a few things about him, don’t we?
We learn that he lived in Caesarea. As a reminder, this would be Caesarea by the Sea, not Caesarea Philippi.
We learn that he was a centurion. A centurion is a commander in the Roman army who would have commanded around 100 soldiers.
We know that he was a member of the Italian Regiment.
Now, to me, this sounds like he was a member of the mob, but that’s probably not what this means.
Rather, the Italian Regiment probably referred to a specific regiment , either containing soldiers from Italy or a regiment which originally started in Italy.
We also learn that Cornelius was a devout man whose entire household feared God.
What this descriptions means is that Cornelius was a man who respected and sought after the God of Israel, the one true living God.
He prayed to God, and he even showed charity to the Jewish people.
That’s a little about who Cornelius is. Now, let’s see what happened to Cornelius.
We learned in verse 3 and following that Cornelius had a vision from an angel of God.
The angel says to Cornelius in verses 4 and 5, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have ascended as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter.”
You see, Cornelius feared the Lord and was seeking the Lord, and the Lord was about to reveal Himself to Cornelius, and He would do so through Peter.
However, Peter was not there at that time. So, the angel instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa to fetch Peter, and that’s exactly what Cornelius did.
So, that’s Cornelius’ vision.
Next, let’s learn about . . .
II. Peter’s vision
Look at verses 9-16:
9 The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the roof about noon. 10 He became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners to the earth. 12 In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky. 13 A voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.”
14 “No, Lord!” Peter said. “For I have never eaten anything impure and ritually unclean.”
15 Again, a second time, the voice said to him, “What God has made clean, do not call impure.” 16 This happened three times, and suddenly the object was taken up into heaven.
We learn that as the men are traveling to Joppa to find Peter, he is just minding his own business. Then, he goes up on the roof to spend time in prayer while he waits for lunch to be prepared.
We discover that Peter then went into a supernatural trance. Now, this trance was not caused because Peter was so hungry (I’ve felt that hungry at times). Rather, this trance was caused by God to teach Peter something.
However, the vision was connected to Peter’s hunger because we see that Peter was presented with all types of animals to eat.
Now, I know that we have all kinds of special diets today, like vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, keto, high carb, low carb, and all that stuff. However, they didn’t really have all of that back then.
Generally speaking, the people would eat certain grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. When it came to meat, they killed animals and they ate them.
However, the Jewish people had certain restrictions on which types of animals they could eat, as specifically commanded by God in the Mosaic Law (or the law given through Moses).
We learn in verse 12 that in this sheet Peter saw “ . . . were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky.” All the animals were in here. This was like the Golden Corral buffet of animals.
So, there were clean animals in this sheet and there were unclean animals in this sheet. Yet, the voice from heaven says to Peter in verse 13, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.”
Peter politely refuses to eat these animals three times, and each time, the voice replies, “What God has made clean, do not call impure.”
Well, what could all of this mean? I imagine Peter was pretty confused, and some of you probably are, as well.
Let’s keep learning. Next, we see . . .
III. Peter’s visit
Look at verses 17-33:
17 While Peter was deeply perplexed about what the vision he had seen might mean, right away the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon’s house, stood at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon, who was also named Peter, was lodging there.
19 While Peter was thinking about the vision, the Spirit told him, “Three men are here looking for you. 20 Get up, go downstairs, and go with them with no doubts at all, because I have sent them.”
21 Then Peter went down to the men and said, “Here I am, the one you’re looking for. What is the reason you’re here?”
22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who has a good reputation with the whole Jewish nation, was divinely directed by a holy angel to call you to his house and to hear a message from you.” 23 Peter then invited them in and gave them lodging.
The next day he got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him. 24 The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up and said, “Stand up. I myself am also a man.” 27 While talking with him, he went in and found a large gathering of people. 28 Peter said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner, but God has shown me that I must not call any person impure or unclean. 29 That’s why I came without any objection when I was sent for. So may I ask why you sent for me?”
30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this hour, at three in the afternoon, I was praying in my house. Just then a man in dazzling clothing stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your acts of charity have been remembered in God’s sight. 32 Therefore send someone to Joppa and invite Simon here, who is also named Peter. He is lodging in Simon the tanner’s house by the sea.’ 33 So I immediately sent for you, and it was good of you to come. So now we are all in the presence of God to hear everything you have been commanded by the Lord.”
Ok, let’s look at our maps again. See here that Peter travels from Joppa where he was staying after God used him to heal Tabitha, then he travels up from there to Caesarea.
It seems to be about two days journey for the men to come to Joppa, then another two days for Peter to journey back with them to Caesarea.
So, Peter is thinking about this vision, then the Spirit of God basically tells him, “Hey some guys are looking for you, go with them and do what they say.”
Peter obeys and comes to meet the men before they even fetch him. That’s pretty cool, isn’t it?
The men are asking about Peter, and Peter just shows up. This is just another sign of how God is at work in this story.
As we saw in the passage, Peter goes back with the men to Caesarea, hangs out with these non-Jewish men, and hears about what Cornelius has experienced.
We notice through all of this that the pieces start falling into place in Peter’s mind. He starts to see what God is doing here. Peter starts to realize God’s vision for His people.
That’s our final point:
IV. God’s vision
Let’s look at the final part of this chapter:
34 Peter began to speak: “Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, 35 but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 You know the events that took place throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the devil, because God was with him. 39 We ourselves are witnesses of everything he did in both the Judean country and in Jerusalem, and yet they killed him by hanging him on a tree. 40 God raised up this man on the third day and caused him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but by us whom God appointed as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and declaring the greatness of God.
Then Peter responded, 47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
Let’s come back to where we started in this sermon. Verse 34: “Peter began to speak: ‘Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism.’”
Listen, church: God’s vision for His people is a vision with diversity. God does not show favoritism; God shows mercy, grace, and love.
God does not save you based on whether you are Jewish or non-Jewish.
You are not saved by your ethnicity. You are not saved by your income, your intelligence, your heritage, your beauty, your ability, your location, your power, your prestige, your gender, your political party, your status, your standing, or anything based on who you are.
It’s not about who you are in and of yourself, it’s about who you are in Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.”
As Peter explains the gospel to Cornelius and those gathered at his house, he says of Jesus in verse 43, “All the prophets testify about him that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.”
The dinner table at God’s heavenly home will include His sons and daughters from generations and generations from every reach of the globe, all united under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
We read about this beautiful reality in a vision of what is to come in Revelation 7:9–10 “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
That brings us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God’s vision for His people includes all those who believe in Jesus.
God radically changed Cornelius and all those with him. Those who were considered foreigners were welcomed in as part of God’s family.
Their faith was proved genuine in front of Peter, and the other Jewish Christians as the Holy Spirit came upon them and they were baptized in the name of Jesus.
God had a vision for His people to include much more than the Jewish people, and His vision was displayed powerfully that day.
Challenge yourself in this one way this week:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Embrace God’s vision for His people.
Do you understand God’s vision for His people? Do you embrace it as your own heart and desire as well?
Church, as we read in verse 34, God does not show favoritism. So, let us liberally and faithfully declare the salvation of Jesus Christ, and let us extend the invitation to become part of God’s family to any and all who will hear.
As Romans 10:13–15 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
May we have hearts that embrace God’s kingdom, and may we have mouths that preach God’s kingdom.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Let’s recall where we left off in the Book of Acts because we’ve been out for a couple of weeks.
You may remember that Saul went to Tarsus to escape being killed, and the Church in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was experiencing peace and was strengthening.
You may also recall that I said much of the remainder of the Book of Acts would focus on Paul, which is true.
However, before we focus on Paul, we’re going to go back and learn some more about the continued ministry of Peter.
So, let’s look at our passage today, which is Acts 9:32-43:
32 As Peter was traveling from place to place, he also came down to the saints who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed,” and immediately he got up. 35 So all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas). She was always doing good works and acts of charity. 37 About that time she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him who urged him, “Don’t delay in coming with us.” 39 Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. He called the saints and widows and presented her alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed for some time in Joppa with Simon, a leather tanner.
Let’s pray together before we go any further.
(prayer)
So, we see Peter was active in ministry. He was traveling outside of Jerusalem, going place to place, and ministering in the name of Jesus Christ.
Today’s sermon is entitled “Peter Travels and the Lord Works.”
So, let’s look at our map again. Here’s where we see Peter travel in this passage.
Ok, here’s Jerusalem. While going from place to place, Peter traveled to Lydda (also called Lod), then to Joppa.
Later, in another passage, we’ll find out that Peter will travel to Caesarea.
Well, what is Peter doing as he is traveling? He was ministering to those he encountered. He was doing miracles in the name of Jesus, and many were coming to know Jesus as Lord.
So, let’s look at what is happening in this passage in a little more detail.
First, we see that . . .
I. The power of Jesus led to people being healed.
There is no doubt that the power of Jesus was at work in this passage, right?
We see two miraculous healings through the ministry of Peter.
First, we learn about the healing of Aeneas.
Aeneas was paralyzed; he had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years.
So, this was a legitimate physical disability, not some minor thing.
Yet, in verse 34, Peter simply says, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.”
What happened next, church? Verse 34 says, “immediately he got up.”
Sometimes God chooses to work immediately, doesn’t He?
Peter told Aeneas to make his bed, which probably referred to the mat that he was lying on.
So, Aeneas was healed! He went from constantly lying in a bed to instantly making his bed. He didn’t need that mat any longer, because Jesus Christ healed him!
Next, Luke (the author of Acts) tells us about another healing.
We’re introduced to a woman named Tabitha, also called Dorcas, who is located in Joppa.
Tabitha was well-loved because she ministered to so many others, particularly widows.
However, Tabitha became very sick, and she died, leaving many in sorrow because of her death.
Tabitha seemed to be one of those who everybody loved. So, lots of people were sad when she passed.
Well, Peter happened to be close by in Lydda, which was near Joppa.
The people of Joppa had faith that Peter could help in Tabitha’s situation, so they asked Peter to join them.
Peter joined them, sent everyone out of the room, and healed Tabitha. He simply said, “Tabitha, get up.” We learn that she did, indeed, get up. She was healed by the power of Jesus Christ.
Of interest to this story is the parallel to a time when Jesus healed a young girl.
In the Book of Mark, we hear about how Jesus healed Jairus’ daughter from death to life. Mark said in Mark 5:41, “Then he took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum” (which is translated, ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up’).”
We learn that the word for little girl is Talitha. So, in Mark 5, Jesus says, “Talitha, get up.” Then, in Acts 9, Peter says, “Tabitha, get up.” That’s pretty remarkable, isn’t it?
This reality is just a fun little reminder that Jesus said that the apostles would continue the type of ministry that He did.
So, we see these two powerful miracles that Peter accomplished in the power of Jesus’ name.
Well, healing is not the only thing that took place in this passage.
We also see . . .
II. The power of Jesus led to people being saved.
The pattern we have seen in the Book of Acts is that God does amazing things and people come to recognize the wonder and the saving power of the name of Jesus!
Once people experience Jesus they get saved from their sins.
We see this happen again in this passage.
After the healing of Aeneas, verse 35 says, “So all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”
Also, after the healing of Tabitha in Joppa, verse 42 says, “This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”
You see, church, when the Lord works, people cannot help but recognize that God is wonderfully powerful.
Once they realize that God is powerful, God often opens their eyes so that they can see that He can save them from their sins.
Jesus pointed to this reality in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
When God works through His people, other people start to see how He is working through His people, and then some of those other people also become His people.
God is a people person. He heals people, He saves people, and He uses people.
The power of Jesus led to people being healed, and the power of Jesus led to people being saved.
The power of God was truly evident in Acts chapter 9.
Now, some people may wonder if God can still work this way today.
That leads to our final point:
III. The power of Jesus is still present today.
I want to be clear right up front, church: God can do anything that He wants to do. He has the power and the authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, save sinners, and so much more.
There are generally two main schools of thought regarding whether or not God still does miracles like those described in the Book of Acts.
There are those who believe that these miracles have stopped or ceased. These people are called cessationists.
Then, there are those who believe that these gifts can keep occuring today, or that they continue. These people are called continualist.
I am a continualist, and I’ll tell you why.
First, I don’t believe there is any convincing scriptural proof to indicate that miraculous gifts, such as healing, have ceased.
Second, I believe God is still powerful and still works in powerful ways.
Third, there are credible accounts of miraculous events from all over the world, including from some of our own International Mission Board missionaries.
Finally, we see miraculous events described at the end of days, and if miraculous events have ceased, that doesn’t explain how those events will happen.
Now, I also want to be clear about something else: I don’t believe that all those who claim to perform miracles are actually performing miracles.
For some reason, this area is one which many false teachers and charlatans have latched on to in order to deceive God’s people.
Let me warn you, church: be careful, be discerning, and go back to the Bible. Don’t trust just any teacher on television or YouTube.
Go back to the Bible and see how God works. Remind yourself that the end goal of miracles was to point people to Jesus and the forgiveness found in Him. Miracles are not the end goal. Knowing God is the end goal.
Let me give you a little tip: if people speak more about healing or prosperity than they speak about forgiveness of sins and knowing Jesus, that is not a teacher you should listen to.
Be careful, be wise, and be discerning.
So, how should we respond, church?
We should respond by asking God to work miraculously in us and through us for the goal of us knowing Him more and proclaiming Him more. (repeat)
The power of Jesus is still with us today. Jesus can change lives. Jesus can heal sickness. Jesus can raise the dead if He wants to do so. Most importantly, Jesus can still save sinners!
Here’s our bottom line from today’s passage:
Bottom Line: God used Peter in a great way to do great things.
God used Peter to bring healing to a paralyzed man. God used Peter to bring life to a dead woman.
More than those two miracles, God used Peter to lead many to turn to the Lord.
Listen, church: God can use you in a great way to do great things. God can use our church in a great way to do great things.
Do you believe that? God is still using His people today!
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Ask God to accomplish great things in you.
God will not work through you in a way like He did in Peter until He first works in you.
God can change you in a mighty way. God can save you from your sins. God can increase your faith in Him.
God can do great things through you. First, ask God to accomplish great things in you.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Ask God to accomplish great things through you.
Once you’ve surrendered yourself to God, and He has done great things in you, then God can do great things through you.
Don’t you want to be used by God? Don’t you want God to do great things through you? If so, spend some time this week asking God to do great things through you.
Weekly Challenge #3 – Ask God to accomplish great things through our church.
Church, I believe that God wants to do some amazing things in our community and in our world, and I believe He wants to do so through our church.
Would you join me in asking God to do great things through our church, for His glory? Challenge yourself to ask God to do that this week.
God did great things then, and He is doing great things now. Come to Him, and see what He will do in your life. (Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Passage: Psalm 122 – A Prayer for JerusalemA song of ascents. Of David.
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let’s go to the house of the Lord.”
2Our feet were standing
within your gates, Jerusalem —
3Jerusalem, built as a city should be,
solidly united,
4where the tribes, the Lord’s tribes, go up
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
(This is an ordinance for Israel.)
5There, thrones for judgment are placed,
thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the well-being of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure;
7may there be peace within your walls,
security within your fortresses.”
8Because of my brothers and friends,
I will say, “May peace be in you.”
9Because of the house of the Lord our God,
I will pursue your prosperity.
Introduction:It’s amazing to see secular mediums (movies, books, etc.) unintentionally make references to gospel truths. A recent example of this comes from a movie called “Thor: Ragnarok”. In this movie, Thor experiences a great deal of character growth, but not before going through tremendous loss at the hands of his evil sister, Hela. She single-handedly, and extremely successfully invades Thor’s home, the beautiful city of Asgard. She easily defeats Thor, forcing Thor and the few remaining survivors of his people to abandon their home.
In a moment of desperation, a very exhausted and disheartened Thor exclaimed to his father, “I am not strong enough… It’s too late. She’s already taken Asgard”. Thor was so focused on losing the city that he forgot a very important truth, which his father gently reminded him of. “Asgard is not a place, and it never was… Asgard is where (its) people stand.” Long story short, Thor eventually beats Hela (sort of), but in doing so, the city of Asgard is completely destroyed. This was a tremendous learning experience for Thor because Asgard represented joy, unity, and security for Thor’s people. It was only after losing the city that Thor could experience the hope they had for the future.
Jesus says something similar about the Church. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, (slide)
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”
Just like the city of Asgard, the Church is not a place; it’s where Jesus unifies a group of people who are gathered in His name. In that, they share joy, unity, and security in Jesus Christ.
Today we’re going to be looking at a passage of scripture that describes a city similar to the city of Asgard. It’s a city that meant so much to God’s people because it represented joy, unity, and security for God’s people. We’re going to be talking about the city of Jerusalem. As exciting as it is to see aspects of the gospel unintentionally portrayed in secular mediums like movies, we should expect to see the gospel portrayed throughout the entirety of the bible, especially in areas of the Old Testament. With that in mind, we’re going to see how the gospel is shown through the city of Jerusalem. So, I’ve entitled this sermon “Jerusalem & the Gospel” (slide).
Let me invite you to find Psalm 122, which is our passage for today. We’re going to read through it together and then discuss several ways this passage points us to the gospel. So, please follow along as we read.
(read passage; pray)
This passage is quite short, but it contains a great deal of hidden truths for us to uncover. If you’re following along in your bulletin, you’ll notice a series of blanks for you to fill in. Before we get to those blanks though, I’d like to take a few moments to give you some background information about this passage to help us better understand the author’s intentions, but also to make us sensitive to how the Holy Spirit could speak to us through this passage as well.
If we look at the beginning of our passage, we see this Psalm is attributed to David, who, at the time of writing this Psalm was king over Israel, and as such lived in the city of Jerusalem. In fact, Jerusalem is often referred to as the “city of David”. If we look at verse 5 of our passage, we see David refer to the “…thrones of the house of David”. David ruled as king over Israel, and his throne was in Jerusalem. This is an important aspect that we will return to later.
We also see at the beginning of this passage this Psalm is called “a song of ascents” (some translations read “a song a degrees”, or “a song for pilgrims”). This is one of 15 different Psalms (Psalm 120-134) written by different authors at different times for different reasons. They later became a collection of Psalms used by Jewish pilgrims who traveled to Jerusalem multiple times a year for festivals and times of worship.
Whether or not David wrote this Psalm specifically to be used as a “song of ascents”, we don’t know. However, David does indicate his understanding of the Lord’s desire for His people to gather before Him in worship. If we look at the end of verse 4, David refers to “…an ordinance for Israel”. For those of us who don’t use this word often, an ordinance is a law/command. In this case, it refers to several commands God gave His people back in the times of Moses. If we look at Deuteronomy 16:16, we see an example of one of these ordinances: (slide)
“All your males are to appear three times a year before the LORD your God in the place he chooses…”
God then describes various feasts and times of celebration, all of them meant to guide His people in worship and thanksgiving for all God had done on their behalf. This is the reason David wrote this Psalm: to remind God’s people of His ordinances; that God desires His people to gather together in worship. And we see in verse 1 of our passage that David is filled with joy about this ordinance. He says, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let’s go to the house of the Lord.” David rejoices at the thought of gathering in unified worship and thanksgiving to the Lord.
We might be tempted to ask: if these ordinances were written back in a time when Moses wrote the books of the law (side note: this is centuries before David’s kingship, and definitely before a time when Israel occupied Jerusalem), why is Jerusalem the center of this ordinance when David writes this Psalm? What is the significance of Jerusaelm? This leads us to our first point: Jerusalem’s Significance. (slide)
Point I: Jerusalem’s SignificanceIn our passage, David talks about several key aspects of Jerusalem. Starting in verse 3, David remarks abouts its physical construction. It’s a city “…built as it should be, solidly united.” Other translations say, “closely compact”, or ‘bound together”. And later, in verse 7, he talks about the “…security within (its) fortresses.” Jerusalem wasn’t just a city. It was a stronghold, built defensibly on the top of a hill. To invade this city was literally an uphill battle. It was designed to withstand and outlast enemy attacks.
It was also a gathering place, where God’s people would come together. In verse 4, David describes it as a place “where the tribes…of the lord go up to give thanks to the name of the Lord.” This city represented strength and security; it represented the unity of God’s people. Perhaps most significantly, this city represented God’s presence among His people.
Something we don’t see in our passage is that Jerusalem was the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant (see 2 Sam 6). This was a large, ornate box that contained several artifacts including the Ten Commandments. Most importantly though, the Ark was the physical manifestation of the presence of God. The Ark was God’s reminder to His people that He was among them, and David had it brought to Jerusalem.
This city held great significance to God’s people. David saw it for what it was in his time: a symbol of God’s presence with His people. It instilled joy, unity, and security in God’s people. More than this though, it instilled a hope for the future, which leads us to our second point: God’s Promise. (slide)
Point II: God’s PromiseWe briefly touched on this aspect earlier in our discussion, so let’s revisit verse 5 from our passage. David refers to “…thrones (of) judgment… thrones of the house of David”. These thrones serve two purposes. The first is simple: the throne of a king is meant to establish justice; David’s throne represents godly justice. Secondly, and more significantly, these thrones were a reminder of God’s promise to David early in his kingship.
We read about this promise in 2 Samuel 7:12-13. In this passage, we see David wrestling with a desire to build God a house worthy of His Name. However, God’s promise to David has greater implications than a house for God to dwell in. In this passage God says to David, (slide)
“12When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13He is the one who will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever… 16Your house and kingdom will endure before me forever, and your throne will be established forever.”
David wanted to build a temple for the Lord, but the Lord had a greater plan. This plan would address the future of David’s throne. A descendant of David’s would build a house for the Lord that would be established forever. This is an incredible promise, and one that would fill David, and all God’s people with hope for the future. As long as the city of Jerusalem stood, God’s people hoped that eventually one of David’s descendants would build a house of the Lord that would be established forever!
Unfortunately, human beings are incredibly short-sighted, and this hope would have to pass through trials before it could be brought to perfect fulfillment, which leads us to the third point: Jerusalem’s Decline. (slide)
Point III: Jerusalem’s DeclineWe need to understand that God is faithful to His Word. His promise was for David’s throne to be established forever through one of his descendants. In the book of 1 Kings 6:12a-13, God reiterates this same promise to David’s son, Solomon, (slide)
“…if you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep all my commands by walking in them, I will fulfill my promise to you, which I made to your father David. 13I will dwell among the Israelites and not abandon my people Israel.”
Solomon would indeed inherit his father’s throne, and he would also be the one to build a house for the Lord in Jerusalem (see 1 Kings 6). However, we find out later that Solomon did not remain faithful to the Lord, but instead gave himself over to idolatry and the worship of false gods. God’s promise to David would not be fulfilled in Solomon, nor would it be fulfilled in Solomon’s son, Rehoboam.
The kings following David’s reign did not remain faithful to the Lord, but instead led God’s people away from Him, and the results were devastating. The nation of Israel would experience division and war; Solomon’s temple would eventually be destroyed, rebuilt, and destroyed again; the beautiful city of Jerusalem would no longer represent unity and security among God’s people. So, where does this leave us? It leaves us in desperate need of a perfect king who won’t lead people away from God, but will instead bring people to God. This leaves us in need of redemption, which brings us to our fourth and final point: God’s Redemption. (slide)
Point IV: God’s RedemptionThe city of Jerusalem was indeed an incredible city, and it represented a great deal to God and His people. However, the hope of God’s promise was not in a place, but rather in a person.
There is indeed a king from the line of David who would and has established security in the house of the Lord forever. Only, most didn’t recognize Him when He arrived. In Luke 1:32-33, an angel of the Lord appeared to a very young, pregnant, and confused girl. And the angel told her, (slide)
“32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 32He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”
This king is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the perfect King who perfectly fulfills God’s promise to David, and who establishes security in the house of the Lord forever. This is the hope we have in the gospel, and this is how Jerusalem points us to the gospel. It represents our need for a perfect King and a merciful savior. This leads us to the bottom line of our entire passage: The gospel brings eternal security. (slide)
Bottom Line: The gospel brings eternal security.Our passage began with a focus on Jerusalem. It was a place where God’s people would go to appear before the Lord in worship. Fortunately for us, we no longer have to travel to Jerusalem to appear before the Lord, because the House of the Lord is no longer a singular place. In 2 Corinthians 6:16, Paul quotes the prophet Ezekiel. (slide)
“For we are the temple of the living God, as God said: I will dwell and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of God’s promise to David. He brought about eternal security for all who would call upon His name. This is the gospel. Romans 1:16 says this about the gospel, (slide)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.”
Then in Acts 2:21, (slide)
“…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The gospel is the good news about Jesus; He is the perfect king who establishes the house of God forever, and all who call upon His name are saved and become temples of the living God. In this, we have joy, unity, and security for all eternity.
Weekly Challenge(s):Celebrate the hope of the gospel.Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:20. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”Look for an opportunity to rejoice in the Lord with a brother or sister in Christ. Share the hope of the gospel.If we have eternal security in Jesus, and if all who call upon his name can experience it as well, we need to be active in sharing this hope.Look for an opportunity this week to share hope with someone. Closing:(Gospel presentation & closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Many of us love new things. I love a new pair of Brooks tennis shoes, a new pocket knife, and a new short-sleeve button-down shirt with a pocket.
You all love a lot of new things as well. In fact, I asked many of you on Facebook to share new things that you like. Here’s what some of you said:
New art supplies, new babies, new crayons, new bars of soap, new bag of coffee beans, new orange blossoms, a new day, new improvements, new pens and markers, new car smell, new friends, new beginnings, new book smell, newly tilled soil, newly cut grass, meeting new Christian friends, new opportunity to share the gospel, new sunsets, new opportunities to be a better person, newly baked bread, new believers in Christ, new adventures, new leather baseball, new leather baseball glove, new car, new puppy, new planner, new school supplies, new sunrise over the ocean, new group of students, new house, visiting a new city or country, trying new foods, the smell of a newborn baby, new jar of peanut butter, a new Bible, a new violin, new sheets on the bed, new wiper blades on your car, new mercies each day, new sprouts in your garden, newly brewed coffee, new closeness to the Holy Spirit, new shoes, new gallon of ice cream, new stick of deodorant, new grandson, new lumber, new taste of coffee, new spring blossoms, new Play-dough, new fabric and patterns, and new clothes.
We like new things, don’t we?
Well, there is also a newness that’s associated with Easter. In fact, even the bunnies, eggs, and spring flowers associated with Easter have their origins in celebrating newness and birth.
However, there is a much greater newness that Christians associate with Easter. That newness is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This morning’s sermon is entitled “The Newness of Easter.”
Let’s pray together before we go any further.
(prayer)
So, how is there newness associated with Easter? How is their newness in Jesus? Well, let’s discover that. First, in Easter, we see . . .
I. The newness that Jesus brought to the world.
You see, everything in this world has been messed up since sin first came into our world.
We can learn about this catastrophe in Genesis 3. Sin messed up everything.
Then, God started to intervene to fix what people messed up. He established a covenant with His people; this covenant involved prophets and sacrifices. It was a good system, but it wasn’t the full blessing that God would bring.
What God established then was not the full plan. That plan was a temporary plan until He would give something better; until God would do something new.
Then, through one of God’s final prophets before Jesus, God sent a message that something new was about to happen.
God’s prophet, John the Baptizer, said this about Jesus in Matthew 3:2: “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!”
You see, something new came with Jesus. The kingdom of heaven was revealed in a new way. There was a newness that Jesus brought to the world, and John the Baptizer said at that time that it was near.
When Jesus began His ministry on the earth, that message of newness continued.
Speaking the same message that John spoke about Him, Jesus said about Himself in Mark 1:15: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Jesus was saying that something new was here! Jesus was calling people to Himself to experience the kingdom of God in a new way; He was calling them to experience newness in Him!
Near the end of His ministry on the earth, as Jesus instituted what we now know as the Lord’s Supper, Jesus said this in Luke 22:20, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
Jesus brought a new and better way to know God.
Jesus brought a new and better way to experience the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus brought a new and better covenant between God and humanity.
Of course, we also see the newness that Jesus brought, demonstrated in a powerful way through His resurrection.
Luke 24:1–6 says, On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen!”
At Easter, we remember that Jesus came, died, and rose from the dead, bringing newness to the world.
Second, at Easter, we celebrate . . .
II. The newness that Jesus brings in your life.
Those of us who have been changed by Jesus know that Jesus brings newness in our lives.
The Book of Ephesians explains what our life was like before Jesus, and let me tell you, folks, it does not paint a pretty picture.
We are told that without Jesus, we are dead, disobedient, ruled over by Satan, living according to our fleshly desires, and that we were children of wrath.
What a terrible picture.
Yet, Jesus brings newness to our lives. Right after that section in Ephesians, Ephesians 2:4–7 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
Did you catch that? God made us alive in Jesus! What a beautiful and wonderful miracle! Easter remembers that Jesus brings newness to our lives!
The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”
In Jesus, we are quite literally new creations. There’s a transformation that takes place in those who follow Jesus. It’s not necessarily a physical transformation, though following Jesus can actually change our appearance. More so, it’s a spiritual transformation. It’s an emotional transformation. It’s a psychological transformation. It’s a behavioral transformation. It’s a relational transformation.
The old has passed away and the new has come!
You might say, “Well, that sounds crazy.” It’s more than crazy; it’s supernatural!
You see, there is a special power that comes to those of us who are in Jesus. There is a special power found in the resurrection of Jesus.
Philippians 3:10 says, “My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection . . .”
There is power in the resurrection of Jesus. There is newness in your life when you experience Jesus.
Easter remembers and celebrates the newness Jesus brings to your life.
Finally, at Easter, we remember . . .
III. The newness that Jesus will bring to all things.
You know, the reality is, we live in a world that is still plagued by the old curse.
We still have the oldness of death. We still have the oldness of darkness.
We still have the oldness of sin. We still have the oldness of suffering.
We still have the oldness of corruption. We still have the oldness of chaos.
We still have the oldness of hatred. We still have the oldness of hurt.
We still have a lot of the old curse that came when sin came into the world.
Well, why is that?
You see, God has not completely eliminated sin yet because to do so, He would have to completely eliminate sinners. Yet, God, in His grace, is being patient with sinners to give them opportunity to turn to Him and be made new.
2 Peter 3:8–9 says, “Dear friends, don’t overlook this one fact: With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
God is being patient with sinners and calling them to repentance.
If you do not know God, come to Him today. Come to God through His Son Jesus, who makes all things new.
God is patient with sinners.
However, a day is coming when Jesus will return, just as He left the earth, and He will make all things new.
Jesus will eliminate sin and sinners from the earth, and with it, He will eliminate all the old cursed things of the earth.
Part of the blessing of Jesus bringing newness to all things is that He will bring our old mortal bodies back to life so that we can live eternal life in new immortal bodies with Him in paradise forever.
Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”
There is new life in Jesus that even death cannot undo. Easter remembers that Jesus will make us totally new.
Not only will Jesus make us totally new, He will also make all things new.
Revelation 21:4–5 says, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Then the one seated on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new.’”
Can you imagine everything being made new?
Just this past week I painted our living room and stairwell with a new fresh coat of paint. It looks great. But then, all you have to do is look up at the ceiling and see that the ceiling white does not look new. The dining room does not look new. My sons’ rooms certainly don’t look new.
We are constantly surrounded by old and cursed things. However, Easter reminds us that Jesus will make all things new! There is hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that all will be made right! All will be made new!
Behold, He is making all things new!
Easter reminds us of the newness that Jesus will bring to all things.
Let this bottom line summarize all that we’re learning this Easter Sunday:
Bottom Line: The newness of Easter is found in the newness of Jesus.
Jesus brought newness to the earth, Jesus brings newness to your life, and Jesus will bring newness to all things.
The newness of Easter is found in the newness of Jesus.
Challenge yourself in these two ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Thank God for newness.
For those of us in Jesus, let us thank God that He brought newness, that He has made us new, and that He will make all things new.
What a wonderful act at Easter: thanking God for newness.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Look to Jesus for newness.
If you’re ready to escape the old curse of this world, come to Jesus for newness.
If you’re ready to become a new creation, come to Jesus.
If you want something new, come to Jesus.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Have you ever been astounded and confounded by something? I recall when the iPhone was first invented. I was like, “Wow! That’s incredible! How does it work?” Or, perhaps if you’re a parent, you recall when your first child came to you. You might have thought, “This is amazing! I have a baby! Now, what do I do?”
Some of us have been astounded and confounded! We’ve been amazed, and we’ve wondered what in the world is going on.
Well, we heard last week about the miraculous transformation that took place in the life of Saul when Jesus powerfully changed him on the road to Damascus.
Now, we’re going to learn about Saul’s ministry in Damascus, and we’re going to learn that the Jewish leaders were astounded and confounded. Indeed, that’s the title of today’s sermon.
Before we go any further, let’s go to God in prayer and ask Him to speak to us through this passage.
(prayer)
So, let’s do a little recap here:
After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven.
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit came powerfully upon the early Christians, and they became witnesses for Jesus.
After the Holy Spirit came powerfully, the Church began to grow and grow as they ministered in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas.
After the Church began to grow, the Jewish authorities began to persecute the Christians in Jerusalem and even killed some, including a man named Stephen.
After the persecution took place, Christianity continued to grow, and expanded beyond the borders of Jerusalem as faithful Christians, like Philip, shared the gospel of Jesus Christ to those outside of Jerusalem.
After Christianity continued to spread, a man named Saul was ravaging the church and arresting followers of Jesus.
After Saul began to persecute Christians, Jesus appeared to him and radically transformed him to become like one of those he previously persecuted.
That brings us roughly to where we are today in Acts 9.
So, today, we’re going to continue the story of Saul to see what happened after he was radically transformed.
First, we’re going to learn that . . .
I. Saul proclaimed Jesus in Damascus.
Remember, Saul was on his way to Damascus when he had an encounter with Jesus. Then, Saul made his way to Damascus, was prayed for by Ananias, regained his sight, and was baptized.
After all that happened, Saul spent some time in Damascus. Let’s see what he was up to while he was there:
Listen to Acts 9:19–22:
And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some time. Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.” All who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man in Jerusalem who was causing havoc for those who called on this name and came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?” But Saul grew stronger and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
Notice in verse 19 that it says, “Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some time.”
Now, we don’t know exactly how long Saul was with the disciples, but we do have a hint.
Listen to what Paul says in Galatians 1:17-18 about what is probably referring to this time: “I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus. Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days.”
So, it is likely that Saul hung around Damascus and Arabia for as much as three years. That’s a long time!
Well, what is Saul doing while he is hanging around Damascus? Luke (the author of Acts) tells us in verse 20: Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.
The persecutor is now the preacher!
Saul was changed so much by Jesus that he started proclaiming, in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God!
Of course, Luke tells us what happened after Saul proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God.
In verse 21, we learn that those who heard him were astounded. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing!
They were like Ananias in last week’s passage. “Isn’t this the same guy who was bringing harm to the name of Jesus? Now, he’s proclaiming the name of Jesus!”
Not only were people astounded; they were also confounded. Not only could people not believe what they were hearing, they also could not understand what they were hearing. They were astounded and confounded.
Verse 22 says that Saul grew stronger as a disciple of the Lord, and as he spoke to the Jews there, some were absolutely helpless to stand against what he was saying.
Well, usually people who think they are powerful and brilliant don’t like to feel confounded. So, they wanted to do something about this Saul fellow.
Well, let’s see what they did.
Next, we learn that . . .
II. Saul escaped the Jews in Damascus.
Look at Acts 9:23–25:
After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plot. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall.”
First of all, we notice Luke’s vague words, “After many days had passed.”
Remember, this period could have been as long as three years. So, many, many days had passed.
We see in verse 25 that Saul had some disciples, meaning that he had some people who followed him and his teaching.
Remember, Saul was growing stronger in his influence in Christianity, and the long period of time that he was around Damascus allowed him to develop some followers.
However, Saul not only developed followers, he also developed enemies. Verse 23 says that the Jews came up with plans to kill Saul.
By the way, this won’t be the only time that someone tries to kill Saul.
Saul, however, learned about the planned attack and was snuck out of the city by his disciples by being lowered in a large basket from the city wall.
So, Saul escaped the Jews in Damascus.
It is at this point that Saul travels to Jerusalem.
While he was there, . . .
III. Saul proclaimed Jesus in Jerusalem.
Listen to what verses 26–28 say:
When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Notice, first of all, that Saul intended to join up with the disciples in Jerusalem, but they were a little hesitant (as Ananias was).
Remember, persecution seemed to be heavier in Jerusalem, and Saul was quite famous as a persecutor.
They were not really sure that Saul was actually a disciple.
Then comes along our old friend Barnabas.
You may remember Barnabas from back in Acts 4 as one who sold his property and donated it to the early church.
You may also remember that his name means “Son of Encouragement.” He is acting as an encourager now as he brings together Saul and the other disciples.
Barnabas somehow knew what God had done in Saul’s life, and he explained Saul’s miraculous transformation to the disciples in Jerusalem.
So, Saul became accepted among the disciples.
Luke says in verse 28, “Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.”
There seems to be a pattern here with Saul, doesn’t there? Since Saul was changed by Jesus, everywhere he went, he spoke boldly in the name of Jesus.
What caused Saul to speak so boldly? He had been changed by Jesus and he was filled with the Holy Spirit of God.
Folks, when Jesus changes somebody, it should be evident, Amen?
As with Damascus, not everyone liked that Saul was speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
That leads to our final point:
IV. Saul escaped the Jews in Jerusalem.
Let’s look at Acts 9:29–31:
He conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
We learn that Saul is conversing and debating with the Hellenistic Jews.
You may recall that the Hellenistic Jews are those Jews who carry a Greek influence in their life. They are sort of the cultured Jews, if you will.
Well, Saul was highly educated, he was full of passion, he had radically been changed by Jesus, he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he had spent many days in Damascus growing stronger.
So, Saul was ready to talk about Jesus! He was not only astounding and confounding in Damascus, he was debating and conversing in Jerusalem.
The Jews in Damascus wanted to kill him because he was confounding them; now the Jews in Jerusalem want to kill him as well.
However, the brothers (who would have been some of the disciples) discovered that the Hellenistic Jews were trying to kill Saul, so they sent him off to Tarsus (which was his hometown), and they sent him by way of Caesarea by the Sea.
So, let’s look at our maps again: Saul traveled from Damascus to Jerusalem, then from Jerusalem to Caesarea by the Sea, then from Caesarea to Tarsus.
The rest of this passage tells us that as Saul is sent away, the church experiences a period of peace, strengthening, and growth.
I cannot help but think that this might have been due to the fact that Saul, one of the chief persecutors, became a convert to Christianity.
The Jewish leaders had a problem on their hands: one of their chief persecutors had become a Christian preacher.
The Jewish leaders got all stirred up about Saul; then he left town; then things sort of settled down for a bit.
Nevertheless, God was in all of these happenings, and Saul wasn’t the only one growing stronger during this time; so was the church.
Let this bottom line summarize what we’re learning today:
Bottom Line: The bold change in Saul made him a bold witness for Jesus.
Jesus did something amazing in Saul’s life, and Saul became a bold witness.
Church, think about this for a moment: has God done something amazing in your life? Has God brought about a bold change in your life? Well then, don’t you want to be a bold witness for Him? Jesus said in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses . . .”
Have you received power? Are you a witness?
Challenge yourself this week in this one way:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Ask God to make you bold for the name of Jesus.
Saul was bold because he experienced a bold change.
Now, I want to be clear: God may not call you to travel around and preach Jesus in the way that Saul did (or He just might).
However, God is calling you to be a bold witness for Jesus in all that you do. He is calling you to boldly share with those in your circle of influence that Jesus is Lord.
So, challenge yourself this week to ask God to make you a bold witness for the name of Jesus Christ.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Have you ever had a change of plans?
I remember when I moved from Florida to Henderson, Kentucky, to be a youth pastor at Henderson’s First Baptist Church. I was planning a lake retreat for our youth group in May. I was looking forward to lots of swimming and water sports. You see, as a Florida boy, I was accustomed to plenty of warm weather and warm water in May. Finally, a wise adult leader in our youth group humbly spoke up and said, “Bro. Matt, the water is still pretty cold in May up here in Kentucky.” Well, we had a change of plans!
Perhaps you’ve had a change of plans in your life. Perhaps an unexpected opportunity, an unexpected job change, or even an unexpected child brought a change of plans for you.
Today, we’re going to learn more about someone we’ve heard about a couple of times already in the Book of Acts. We’re going to learn about Saul of Tarsus, and we’re going to learn that Saul had a change of plans. In fact, God had a change of plans for Saul.
Today’s sermon from Acts 9:1-18 is entitled “A Change of Plans.”
I can’t wait to dive into this passage. Before we do, let’s pray together and ask the Lord to speak to us.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the entire passage together. Let’s look at Acts 9:1-18:
1 Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said.
“I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.
10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.”
“Here I am, Lord,” he replied.
11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Ananias went and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Well, we see a change of plans here, don’t we?
Let’s look at Saul’s plans first, then we’ll look at the plans that Jesus had.
First, we see that . . .
I. Saul planned a persecution.
Saul was a persecutor, and he was apparently pretty good at what he did.
Now, remember, a persecutor is someone who brings harm to someone else because of their faith.
You may recall the killing of Stephen in Acts 7. We read this in Acts 7:58: “They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.”
Additionally, we learned this in Acts 8:3 “Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.”
Then, we see in today’s passage, in verse 1, “Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.”
Saul planned a persecution.
Saul took specific steps, including going to the high priest, requesting letters to be sent to the synagogues, and actually going on his way to carry out these persecutions.
In fact, in today’s passage, Saul is on his way to Damascus to bring harm to the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, let’s go back to our maps.
Here is where Jerusalem is, which is where Saul would have gone to the high priest for permission to persecute Christians.
Here is where Damascus was, which would have been where Saul was going to carry out this particular persecution.
You might wonder why Paul was seeking letters from the high priest to arrest followers of Jesus.
Well, you see, even though the people of Israel were under the authority of the Roman Empire, the high priest carried great authority among the Jewish people. Often the Roman authorities would allow the Jewish people to govern themselves unless things got really out of control.
What’s more, the Bible Knowledge Commentary points out that Damascus may have been under the Nabatean king, Aretas IV, rather than directly under the control of the Romans. So, Saul may have been wise to get the high priest to work with the Nabateans because neither the Jews nor the Nabateans liked the Romans.
Nevertheless, the high priest granted these letters, which would have been similar to arrest warrants in today’s culture.
So, Saul planned persecution.
However, don’t you know that the plans of man don’t always succeed, do they?
Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many plans are in a person’s heart, but the Lord’s decree will prevail.”
Well, let’s see what the Lord’s decree was in this situation, and let’s see if it prevails.
Saul planned persecution, but . . .
II. Jesus planned a transformation.
Church, in case you don’t already know, let me tell you, Jesus is in the business of transformation!
Jesus can make the blind see.
Jesus can make the deaf hear.
Jesus can make the crippled walk.
Jesus can make the hater love.
Jesus can make the selfish generous.
Jesus can make the racist a reconciler.
Jesus can make the gossiper an encourager.
Jesus can make the dead alive.
Jesus can make a sinner into a saint.
Jesus can make His enemy into His beloved.
Jesus can make a persecutor into a preacher.
Church, Jesus is in the business of transformation!
So, we see Jesus has a change of plans for Saul the persecutor.
We see in verse 3 that as Saul is on his way to bring persecution to the city of Damascus, Jesus strikes Saul with a sudden light from heaven.
This light was so brilliant that Saul fell to the ground.
Then, following this light, comes a voice. We learn in verse 4 that the voice says, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
Now, stop a minute and put yourself in the place of Saul. Who could this be who is saying this to you?
Is it the husband and wife whom you snatched out of their home in the last city you were in?
Is it the young disciple whom you grabbed from the temple courts who was teaching about Jesus? Perhaps it’s even Stephen coming back from the dead to confront Saul?
No; this could only be one voice, and I think Saul probably knew that.
Yet, Saul says in verse 5, “Who are you, lord?”
Of course, the passage tells us that the Lord answered. He said, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!”
Can you imagine the flood of emotions that must have filled Saul’s heart and mind? Fear, confusion, amazement, shock, humiliation, and more.
Even in those very few words spoken by Jesus to Saul, I believe that God began working a transformation in the heart of Saul.
Next, we learn that Jesus commanded Saul to go to the city (Damascus) and wait for further instructions.
I don’t know about you, but I believe if I encountered a powerful light and a voice from the Lord Jesus telling me something to do, my response would probably be “Yes sir!”
Saul, indeed, followed the Lord’s instructions.
We learn that as a result of his encounter with Jesus, Saul was left blind for a few days and had to be led by his companions to Damascus.
By the way, his friends didn’t catch the whole experience. They knew something was going on, but they didn’t totally understand what was going on.
It’s at this point in the story (around verse 10) that we hear about another man named Ananias.
It’s helpful to know that this is not the same Ananias who dropped dead when he and his wife lied to the Holy Spirit. At this point in Acts, that other Ananias is dead, so this is not him.
This Ananias is told by the Lord in verse 11 to “Get up and go to the street called Straight . . . to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul.”
How does Ananias respond? He’s like, “Are you sure you want me to do that Lord?”
Ananias says in verses 13 and 14, “Lord . . . I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
You see, church, Ananias is concerned for good reason. Ananias is concerned because of what he knows.
He knows that Saul is a bad dude. He knows that Saul is breathing down murderous threats against the church. He knows that Saul is arresting the saints of God.
Ananias knows some things. However, there is one thing that Ananias doesn’t know. Ananias doesn’t know that Jesus planned a transformation!
Verses 15 and 16 tell us, “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’”
You see, church, Saul planned on being an instrument who would bring mayhem to the Church. Jesus planned on Saul being an instrument to bring the message of the gospel to the Gentiles, to kings, and to the people of Israel.
Finally, Jesus says, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
This statement by the Lord would certainly prove to be true.
Saul, who previously brought suffering to the followers of Jesus, would now suffer himself as a follower of Jesus.
We will find out that Saul will suffer greatly, but what’s beautiful is that Saul didn’t consider his life a misery because of his suffering.
Don’t take my word for it; listen to what Saul said himself in Philippians 3:8: By the way, these words would come after Saul the persecutor became Paul the apostle. He said, “More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ”
Everything that Paul gave up in this world was considered filthy waste in his eyes so that he may gain Jesus Christ!
What a transformation!
Finally, we see that Ananias obeys, goes and prays for Saul, including that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul regains his sight, and he demonstrates his transformation by being baptized.
Everything in Saul’s life will change from this moment on.
Saul may have planned persecution, but Jesus planned transformation.
God would do something great in the world by His power and for His glory, and He would do it (in part) through Saul.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: The change of plans in Saul’s life would shape the future of Christianity.
I can’t wait for us to learn more about what God will do through the apostle Paul.
Most of the remaining pages of the Book of Acts are going to record the amazing ministry that God will accomplish through the amazing transformation that happened in the life of Saul the persecutor.
Church, we must understand that Jesus Christ of Nazareth can bring about any transformation that He plans.
He transformed Paul, He transformed me, He has transformed many of you, and He is still transforming lives today.
When Jesus gets involved, we see a change of plans that involves radical transformation.
Challenge yourself this week in the following two ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Describe the change that Jesus brought in your life.
Has Jesus brought transformational change in your life? Have you ever taken the time to describe that change? Get alone with the Lord, spend some time in prayer, and write down how God has changed you.
Are you able to tell someone else about what Jesus has done in your life?
Weekly Challenge #2 – Ask God how He wants to use you for His name.
Are you willing for God to change plans in your life?
Are you willing to sign your name on a blank contract, and let God fill in the terms of the agreement?
Be all in, church, and ask God how He wants to use you for His name.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Last week we heard about Philip traveling to Samaria to share the gospel with non-Jewish people. We saw the beginning of the gospel expansion.
This week, we will learn that Philip was a traveling man! He not only shared the gospel in Samaria, he also shared it in Gaza.
As a review, here’s the map we looked at last week.
Last week, Philip traveled from Jerusalem up to Samaria. Now, he travels down from Samaria, back to Jerusalem, then to Gaza. From Gaza he traveled to Azotus, then to Caesarea.
Philip was a traveling man, and as he traveled, he was having gospel encounters.
This particular encounter that we will read about today was a special encounter. Indeed, it was a supernatural encounter. In fact, the title of today’s sermon is “Philip’s Supernatural Encounter.”
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us as we study His Word.
(prayer)
As we look at this passage today, we’ll see three situations that are part of Philip’s supernatural encounter.
First, we see . . .
I. The opportunity.
Let’s look at the passage. Look at Acts 8:26-29:
26 An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is the desert road.) 27 So he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem 28 and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud.
29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.”
We see in this passage that Philip has an opportunity that lies before him.
He has been told to leave where he is and head down a desert road to meet a man whom he doesn’t know.
Notice that Philip was told this information by an angel of the Lord. We don’t know the particulars, but we know that this was a supernatural occurrence.
We also don’t know a lot about the man whom Philip was to meet, but we do know a few things about him.
We know that he was an Ethiopian.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that the Ethiopia mentioned in this passage is probably not the same as modern-day Ethiopia.
Most likely, the Ethiopia mentioned here referred to a kingdom that stretched from modern-day Ethiopia, through Sudan, all the way up to the southern part of Egypt.
We also learn that this man was in a chariot, and he was a high official in the royal court.
More than likely, this man was quite wealthy. After all, not everyone had chariots.
Further, because he was a high-ranking official, he probably had great wealth.
By the way, the queen’s name was likely not Candace. Rather, that would have been her title. She would have been The Candace, similar to how you would have The Pharoah in Egypt.
Third, we learn that this man was a eunuch.
Not everyone knows what a eunuch is, but it’s not something I will explain in detail in mixed company.
It’s enough to say that a eunuch is a man who has had his body altered in a way that he can be trusted to be in the presence of a queen or princess without something inappropriate happening.
Kids, if you have a question about that, you can ask your parents. Adults, if you have a question about that, you can ask one of our other two pastors.
Finally, we learn that this man was on his way to worship in Jerusalem.
Now, there’s no explicit evidence that this man was a Jewish convert.
However, it does appear that he was interested in learning about the God of Israel, and worshipping in Jerusalem.
So, this man’s heart was perhaps already open to hearing about the Jewish Messiah.
Notice what the Ethiopian man was doing: He was reading the Book of Isaiah aloud.
The Book of Isaiah contains some of the most powerful prophecies concerning Jesus the Messiah.
As we’ll learn in just a moment, that’s precisely what this man was reading.
So, we see in verse 29 that the Spirit of God told Philip to “Go and join that chariot.”
Well, how did Philip respond to this opportunity?
Next, let’s see . . .
II. The obedience.
We see in this passage that Philip was obedient. He was not only obedient to the angel of the Lord who told him to go down to Gaza, he was also obedient to the Spirit who told him to go join the chariot.
Listen to verses 30-35:
30 When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”
31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this:
He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb is silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who will describe his generation?
For his life is taken from the earth.
34 The eunuch said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or someone else?” 35 Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture.
The passage that the man was reading is Isaiah 53:7-8, which is one of the “Suffering Servant” passages of Isaiah.
These passages are prophecies that speak about a man, referred to as the “Suffering Servant,” who we later find out is none other than Jesus Christ.
The Ethiopian is curious about who this could be about. He wonders if Isaiah is prophesying about himself or someone else.
Notice that Philip was intuitive to the opportunity before him.
First of all, he had an angel of the Lord and the Holy Spirit speak to him. However, he was also intuitive to the specific opportunity to launch into a gospel conversation. In other words, Philip was paying attention and looking for an opportunity.
Philip said in verse 30, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”
Philip sensed the opportunity to tell this man about Jesus, and he asked this transitional question to further open the door for this man to hear about Jesus.
Philip didn’t say, “Well, that’s a confusing prophecy; good luck with that.” No, Philip sensed an opportunity to further open the door for the gospel, and he obediently took advantage of the opportunity by asking the man this question.
Of course, the man asked, “How can I understand . . . unless someone guides me?”
What a perfect set-up for Philip to obediently share the gospel, and that’s exactly what he did.
Verse 35 says, “Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture.”
Philip sensed the opportunity, and he obediently followed through.
Well, what happened next? Finally, we learn . . .
III. The outcome.
Let’s look at verses 36-40:
36 As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” 38 So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip appeared in Azotus, and he was traveling and preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
We don’t know all the details of their discussion, but it appears to contain much more than the prophecy from the Book of Isaiah.
Remember, verse 35 said that “beginning with that Scripture.” Philip told the man the good news.
So, they could have spoken for quite some time about the good news of Jesus. Perhaps they even spoke about baptism because the man evidently knew that baptism was to follow belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In verse 36, The man asked, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?”
What belief and what obedience from this man! The outcome was that he believed Philip’s message and demonstrated his belief by being baptized.
By the way, this baptism here affirms our belief in believer’s baptism by immersion. The man believed the gospel, then he went down into the water to be baptized.
So, the outcome for the Ethiopian man is that he believed and was baptized.
What was the outcome for Philip?
Well, he was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord.
By the way, a miraculous work of the Spirit like this was not unprecedented in the Scriptures, although it was uncommon. In other words, though it wasn’t something that never happened, it was something that didn’t usually happen.
So, the Spirit took Philip from Gaza to Azotus, then he made his way to Caesarea.
Just as a note, this was not Caesarea in the region where Jesus ministered. This was a different Caesarea on the coast, called Caesarea Maritima or Caesarea by the Sea.
So, we see the outcome of Philip’s obedience to the opportunity that was before him.
Let this bottom line summarize what we’re learning today.
Bottom Line: Philip’s obedience led to a supernatural outcome.
This encounter was amazing, wasn’t it? God was at work in this story in an amazing and powerful way.
This was Philip’s supernatural encounter.
Before we conclude here, there’s a warning I want to give to us all, church. You see some of us may be tempted to think that what God did then was amazing and supernatural, but we don’t see that kind of work today.
This was Philip’s supernatural encounter. The reality is, all of us have an opportunity to have supernatural encounters. You see, the same Holy Spirit still works through God’s people today.
Church, we must recognize that God is still working through His church. He still gives us opportunities, we must still be obedient, and He still brings supernatural outcomes.
The greatest supernatural work in all of human history is that God saves sinners, and you better believe that He is using still using His people, like Philip and like you, to make that happen.
As we read in Romans 10:14–15:
“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
God is still giving opportunities to share the good news, we must still be obedient, and God is still bringing amazing outcomes.
That’s why we believe at First Baptist Church Bartow that part of being a follower of Jesus Christ, part of being a disciple, is reaching others. We want to reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to be used as Philip was used.
So, let us all challenge ourselves this week in these three ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Look for opportunities.
Opportunities to share the love of God and the good news of Jesus are all around you. Are you open to those opportunities?
Look for opportunities. Be ready for opportunities. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize opportunities.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Be obedient.
What will you do when you recognize an opportunity? Will you be obedient?
God is still using His people? Will you be used by Him?
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the courage and faithfulness to be obedient.
Challenge yourself this week to be obedient to the opportunities that you have.
Weekly Challenge #3 – Leave the outcome to the Lord.
We do not control the outcomes; we must simply recognize the opportunities and be obedient.
You know what? It’s a good thing that we don’t control the outcome, isn’t it? God is much wiser, much holier, and much more powerful than we are.
So, challenge yourself to be obedient and leave the outcome to the Lord God.
Do you want to see God do something supernatural? Be obedient.
Do you want to see God do something supernatural in your life? Come to Jesus.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Last week we had a special service where we observed both the Lord’s Supper and baptism, and I preached a sermon specifically about understanding the ordinances of the church. We took a one-week break from our series in Acts.
This week, we’re back in Acts.
You may recall that the last major event that happened in our study of the Book of Acts was the killing of Stephen. That’s where we’re going to pick up our study this morning: just after the death of Stephen.
Before we go any further, let’s pray together.
(prayer)
Today’s sermon is entitled “The Gospel Expansion Begins.”
You see, up until this point, all of the work of the Church was focused in and around Jerusalem. However, the death of Stephen and the persecution of the church would serve as an expansion of the reach of the gospel.
Let’s learn about that and more in today’s passage.
First, let’s learn about . . .
I. The ravaging of the church.
Let’s start off by looking at Acts 8:1–4:
“Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison. So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the word.”
Notice, first of all, that it says Saul agreed with putting him to death.
Of course, it’s been a couple of weeks since we were in Acts, but if we were reading straight through, you would remember that the him that is spoken of here is Stephen.
Also, you would remember that those who killed Stephen took off some of their outer garments and kept them under the watch of a man named Saul.
This is the same Saul. This is Saul of Tarsus. Luke (the author of Acts) is revealing more and more about Saul of Tarsus, as he will become a central figure in the Book of Acts.
So, Saul agreed with putting Stephen to death.
What’s more, we see that on the day that Stephen was killed, a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem.
Remember, when it speaks about the church in Jerusalem, it’s talking about the people, not a building. A severe persecution broke out against the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem.
Luke tells us what happened as a result of that persecution.
Verse 1 says, “ . . . all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria.”
So, the twelve apostles stayed in Jerusalem, but we see the majority of the followers of Jesus scattered throughout the land.
Don’t forget, there are not just a few Christians at this point. As we’ve learned throughout the first seven chapters of Acts, the Lord continued to add to the church daily those who were being saved.
There was great expansion of the church in Jerusalem, and now we start to see the expansion of the church outside of Jerusalem.
Verse 4 says that as they were scattered, they “went on their way preaching the word.”
Lest we forget, we must remember what Jesus said in Acts 1:8. He said,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
We see this happening here, don’t we? The gospel reach is expanding into Judea and Samaria right here in Acts 8.
However, Saul is not having it. He is on a mission to stamp out this expansion of the Church.
Verse 3 says Saul was ravaging the Church.
Saul would actually go house to house and drag off men and women to put into prison.
Saul wasn’t messing around. He hated the success of the gospel, he hated the expansion of the Church, and he was doing everything he could to slow down the followers of Jesus.
However, though there was a ravaging of the church, there was also . . .
II. The reaching of the Samaritans.
Let’s pick it up in verse 5:
5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 The crowds were all paying attention to what Philip said, as they listened and saw the signs he was performing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
9 A man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and amazed the Samaritan people, while claiming to be somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least of them to the greatest, and they said, “This man is called the Great Power of God.” 11 They were attentive to him because he had amazed them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized, he followed Philip everywhere and was amazed as he observed the signs and great miracles that were being performed.
Again, we see that what Jesus said would happen is actually happening.
Jesus told His followers that they would be witnesses in Samaria. Philip is being a witness in Samaria.
Jesus told His followers that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Philip was accomplishing powerful Spirit-filled ministry among the people in Samaria.
You may recall that Samaria was an area north of Judea that was home to a lot of people who were either not Jewish or were of mixed Jewish descent.
Here’s a map for you: here’s Jerusalem, here’s Judea, and here’s Samaria.
The Samaritans were not well-loved by the Jews, and the Jews were not well-loved by the Samaritans.
However, don’t you know that the gospel transcends any and every cultural barrier‽ The gospel can shatter all hate, all racism, and all walls!
Philip understood this reality, and Philip sought to expand the reach of the gospel. Verse 5 says, “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them.”
What resulted from Philip’s preaching?
Verse 8 says, “So there was great joy in that city.”
Verse 12 says, “But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.”
Through the witness of Philip and the power of the Holy Spirit, lives were changed, and the gospel was expanded because of the proclamation of the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.
We also hear this information about a man named Simon.
Simon was a sorcerer who drew the attention and praise of people because he practiced sorcery, which impressed the people.
Verse 10 says they even referred to him as “the Great Power of God.”
Well, even though Simon was the one who impressed everyone, Simon himself became impressed when he saw the real great power of God at work.
Verse 13 tells us that Simon believed and was himself baptized as a follower of Jesus.
We’ll hear a bit more about Simon in a minute. For now, we see in this passage the reaching of the Samaritans.
Finally, notice . . .
III. The receiving of the Spirit.
Let’s look at the final few verses of this passage.
Let’s look at verses 14-25:
14 When the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 After they went down there, they prayed for them so that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit because he had not yet come down on any of them. 16 (They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also so that anyone I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 But Peter told him, “May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your heart’s intent may be forgiven. 23 For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by wickedness.”
24 “Pray to the Lord for me,” Simon replied, “so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
25 So, after they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
Ok, let’s talk about what’s going on here.
First, we must acknowledge that there is some mystery here.
The mystery centers around the idea that these Samaritans accepted Jesus as their Lord, and they were baptized, yet they did not yet have the gift of the Holy Spirit.
You see, this was not a normal thing in the New Testament. Generally, we see someone receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when they receive Jesus as their Lord.
So, it’s a bit mysterious as to why this is happening.
One theory that several scholars have, with which I tend to agree, is that God chose to withhold the giving of the Holy Spirit as a way to verify that salvation was indeed coming to these Samaritans.
You see, up to this point, the gospel work and the growth of the Church had been limited primarily to Jewish people in and around the city of Jerusalem.
Now, Philip is taking the gospel outside of Jerusalem into Samaria.
If you think back to Acts 2, what did God do in Jerusalem to show that the age of the Church was beginning?
We saw God’s miraculous work as the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and unleashed power into the Church.
In Acts 8, it appears that we’re seeing a special occurrence of the Holy Spirit being given in a unique way as the very first group of non-Jewish people come into the Church. In fact, one commentator has referred to this story as the “Samaritan Pentecost.”
So, we see the coming of the Holy Spirit in a way that the Samaritans see the power of God at work in them, and Peter of John get to witness the Holy Spirit at work in the Samaritans. Don’t forget that Peter and John are the two primary leaders of the Church at this point.
Now, Peter and John can go back to Jerusalem to personally testify that they witnessed the Holy Spirit coming upon non-Jewish followers of Jesus.
Indeed, we see in verse 25 that Peter and John do go back to Jerusalem.
Notice something spectacular about their trip back. After witnessing the Spirit coming upon Samaritans, Peter and John also started sharing the gospel with Samaritans.
Verse 25 says, “they traveled back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.”
I believe this is why God chose this unique way of giving the Spirit to the Samaritans, not only to encourage the Samaritans in their salvation, but also to encourage the apostles in their proclamation of the gospel to the non-Jewish world.
This miraculous event and the timing of this miraculous event will be used by God for the expansion of the gospel.
Before we leave this point, let us not forget about Simon the Sorcerer.
We see in verses 18 and 19 that Simon saw the coming of the Holy Spirit when Peter and John laid their hands on the believers.
Simon wanted the ability to do this also, so he offered to buy this gift from the apostles.
For a sorcerer to buy a magical ability from someone was not a strange request. However, Peter reacted so strongly because this event was no magic trick. This was the power of God at work!
You see, the power of God is available to anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord, no matter how much money you have! Now we see that it doesn’t even matter if you are Jewish or non-Jewish!
There is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved than by the name of Jesus of Nazareth!
When we call upon Jesus, powerful things begin to happen, including the coming of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Peter rebuked Simon and called him to repentance.
So, we see in this section the receiving of the Spirit. Let’s summarize all this with this bottom line:
Bottom Line: God began a gospel expansion that still continues today.
What God did through Philip in Samaria would begin to create a gospel expansion that is still taking place. The gospel has spread all over the world, yet there is still work to do.
In fact, did you know that Jesus said that the beginning of the heavenly kingdom would only happen after the gospel expands to all peoples? Jesus said in Matthew 24:14:
This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
So, let us thank God that the gospel expanded to us, and let us continue to be a part of the gospel expansion.
Challenge yourself this week in this one way:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Commit to be a gospel expander.
Will you play your part?
Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
We have been sent out to be gospel expanders. Will you do your part?
Challenge yourself to do so this week and beyond.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
In my office, I have some different pictures of my family. I don’t have those pictures because I forget what my family looks like. I can identify them in a lineup at any time. I have pictures of them because I love them, and I want to focus on them.
So also, the Lord gives us physical signs of certain things that help us remember who He is, what He has done, and how He loves us.
For example, a wonderful sunset helps us remember that God is an awesome Creator.
A newborn child helps us remember that God is the giver of life.
A warm embrace from a Christian brother or sister reminds us of the gift and power of Christlike love.
Well, today, we will learn about the ordinances of the church. We’re going to learn that the ordinances of the church are physical symbols that help us remember and focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Today’s sermon is entitled “Understanding the Ordinances of the Church.”
Before we get into this, let’s pray together and ask God’s Spirit to lead us.
(prayer)
At First Baptist Church Bartow, we believe that there are two ordinances of the church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and we will look at both of those this morning.
Before we get into the two specific ordinances, let’s talk about what ordinances are.
Our first area of concentration is this:
I. The ordinances of the church are opportunities to focus on the gospel.
Many of you may not know what an ordinance is when it comes to the church. You may hear the word “ordinance” and think of a city ordinance.
Well, that’s not what we’re talking about this morning.
An ordinance is something that is commanded or decreed.
We call these ordinances because they were ordained, decreed, or commanded, not by a legal official but by our Lord Jesus Christ.
These two ordinances are directly from the lips of Jesus Himself, as we’ll see later in the sermon. Anytime Jesus says to do something, we must pay attention.
These two ordinances, or sacraments as they are sometimes called, are not only ordained by Jesus Himself, but they are also beautiful reminders of the gospel, and they are opportunities for us to focus on the gospel. Listen to what the Bible says about this:
Speaking of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus says in Luke 22:19, “ . . . Do this in remembrance of me.”
Also, we’ll talk about this more later, but Paul says of baptism in Romans 6:5, “For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection.”
You see, the ordinances help us focus on Jesus and His work.
We’ll see this even more as we explore the ordinances in just a moment.
Some Christians who came before us, the Protestant Reformers, used to say that the ordinances were visible words of the gospel. I like that. We hear the gospel preached with audible words and see the gospel displayed with visible words through the ordinances.
So, we hear the gospel preached through sermons and Bible study, we sing about the gospel through musical worship, we fellowship because of the gospel, we give for the sake of the gospel, and we see the gospel displayed in the ordinances of the church.
Let’s look now at the ordinances.
First, . . .
II. We remember the gospel in the Lord’s Supper.
The beginnings of the Lord’s Supper go back to the last meal that Jesus and His apostles would share before His crucifixion.
Jesus and the apostles were all Jewish, and they were preparing to celebrate the Passover meal.
The Passover meal remembered God’s grace in passing over the people of Israel when all the first-born of Egypt died, and it remembered God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
The apostles did not fully understand that they would soon celebrate a greater Passover found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
So, they gathered together, and Jesus spoke of what was to come at His crucifixion.
Listen to the account of this in Matthew 26:26–30:
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
We see from the Bible that Jesus brought attention to two elements at the Supper, which are significant: the bread and the cup.
The bread represented the body of Jesus, which would be beaten and killed at His crucifixion.
The cup (which is generally grape juice or wine) represented the blood of Jesus, which would be poured out when Jesus was killed on the cross.
When we take the bread and juice, we remember the work of Jesus because we remember that His body was beaten and crucified, and that His blood was spilled.
One may ask why we focus on Jesus’ death. Well, it’s important that we remember the death of Jesus because His death on the cross pays the penalty for our sins! It’s because of Jesus’ death that we can be saved from the curse of sin!
The Lord’s Supper helps us remember the work of Jesus!
The apostle Paul speaks of the Lord’s Supper as well.
Listen to what he says in 1 Corinthians 11:23–30:
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So, then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself; in this way let him eat the bread and drink from the cup. For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep.
As we think about the Lord’s Supper, it may be helpful to recognize that we take a few different “looks” at the Lord’s Supper. Listen to these four “looks”:
At the Lord’s Supper, we . . .
1. . . . take a past look at the Lord’s crucifixion
We remember the work of Jesus on the cross. The Lord’s Supper helps us do that.
After all, Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
2. . . . take a present look at the Lord’s covenant
Jesus said, “This is the new covenant.” We have been set free by the blood of Jesus, and we now have a new covenant with God through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
3. . . . take a future look at the Lord’s coming
Paul said in verse 26, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Additionally, Jesus said in Matthew 26:29 (which we read earlier), “But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Jesus and Paul are both pointing us to a future meal with Jesus in heaven that will be a celebration of all that Jesus has done and all that He will be doing when all things are made new. We look forward to that!
4. . . . take an inward look at our conscience
Paul speaks of not taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner. We are to examine ourselves to see that we are in good fellowship with the Lord and with our brothers and sisters in Christ before we take the Lord’s Supper.
This is why we believe at First Baptist Church that only faithful baptized believers should take the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is not for everyone; it’s for faithful followers of Jesus.
We are to take this ordinance seriously and with reverence.
We remember the gospel at the Lord’s Supper.
The second ordinance is baptism.
III. We see the gospel in baptism.
Baptism is a picture of the work of Jesus in the life of a person.
We see this in several different ways:
First, Jesus was baptized Himself before He began His ministry.
You can refer to Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, and John 1 to read about Jesus being baptized by John the Baptizer.
When we are baptized, we are like Jesus.
Second, our sins are washed away by Jesus, and baptism is a picture of being washed with water.
Third, at baptism, someone goes underwater and comes back up. This is like a picture of when Jesus was buried and then rose from the dead.
Listen again to the words of Paul from Romans 6:3–5:
Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection.
We weren’t literally buried with Jesus, and we didn’t literally rise with Jesus. However, baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual reality.
When someone goes into the water, it’s a picture of the literal death of Jesus and our spiritual death to sin. When someone comes up out of the water, it’s a picture of the literal resurrection of Jesus and our spiritual resurrection to a new life.
Baptism pictures the work of Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Finally, at baptism, we are being baptized like other people who follow Jesus in our church.
To be a member of First Baptist Church Bartow, you must be a baptized follower of Jesus.
In baptism, we are showing a picture of the gospel by saying that we are like others in our church: we follow Jesus, too!
Before we leave this, I want to answer a few more questions regarding baptism.
It’s important to realize that baptism is not what makes someone a Christian. It’s not what saves someone from their sins.
Remember, when the thief on the cross next to Jesus asked for Jesus to remember Him, Jesus said to Him, “today you will be with me in paradise.” That thief was certainly not baptized.
You see, baptism is a symbol of the work of Jesus in a Christian’s life. It’s a picture of the forgiveness of sins, not the actual forgiveness of sins. It’s a sign to everyone that you follow Jesus.
Baptism can be thought of like a wedding ring. Someone who is married wears a wedding ring as a symbol that he or she is married. The wedding ring does not make the person married, but it shows people that he or she is married. So also, baptism does not make you a Christian, but it is an important symbol that you are a Christian.
So, baptism is a picture to everyone that the person being baptized loves Jesus, wants to identify with Jesus and other Christians, and wants to obey Jesus.
Also, we believe that only followers of Jesus should be baptized. If baptism is a picture of the work of Jesus in someone’s life, then that someone must have experienced the work of Jesus. Therefore, we don’t believe that infants or young children should be baptized. Further, we don’t believe that non-Christian older children or adults should be baptized. Baptism is only for followers of Jesus.
Additionally, we believe that baptism should be by immersion. We believe this for three main reasons:
- The Greek word baptizō usually means to immerse; not to sprinkle, pour, or dip, but to immerse.
- Most of the examples that we have of baptism in the New Testament seem to be by immersion. See, for instance, Jesus’ baptism and the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:36-39 (which we’ll cover in the Book of Acts later).
- Baptism by immersion is what most closely pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
So, we see the gospel in baptism.
Here’s what it all boils down to. This is our bottom line:
Bottom Line: The ordinances of the church are God–given reminders of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When a church practices the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, they are obeying the command of Jesus, and they are focusing on the work of Jesus.
What a gift from God to help us remember the work of Jesus!
Here’s how we can put this into action in our lives:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Take opportunity to remind yourself of the gospel.
Take every opportunity.
The ordinances remind us that we must focus on the work of Jesus.
So, take every opportunity. Talk to your family about the gospel. Pray about the gospel. Sing about the gospel. Focus on the gospel.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Celebrate the ordinances of the church.
Participate in the ordinances at our church.
Encourage others in baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Teach your children and grandchildren about the ordinances.
Show reverence and excitement towards the ordinances.
In addition to preaching, giving, praying, singing, and more, the ordinances help us focus on the gospel. They are all about the gospel of Jesus Christ!
We’ve already celebrated baptism together today. Now, we’re going to celebrate the other ordinance. We’re going to take the Lord’s Supper together. At this time, I’d like to ask our deacons to come as we prepare to serve the supper.
(Lord’s Supper)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
You may recall that we were introduced to Stephen a few weeks ago.
We learned that he was one of the seven men chosen to serve the church by serving the widows of the church.
In our last sermon together, we saw his heroic stand before the Freedmen’s Synagogue and the Sanhedrin (the full Jewish court).
Remember that he was full of grace and power. Remember that he was performing great wonders and signs. Remember that he was full of the Holy Spirit. Remember that his face was like the face of an angel.
Do you remember all of that?
Well, last time, the sermon was called “The Stand of Stephen (Part 1).” I’ve cleverly entitled this sermon, “The Stand of Stephen (Part 2).”
This sermon is going to be a bit different because we’re covering an entire chapter.
This chapter contains sort of a sermon from Stephen that is broken up into themes or sections.
So, we’re going to look at a lot of Scripture, and hopefully learn a lot from God.
Before we go any further, let’s go to God in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
I want to look at verse 1 before we go into the main part of the passage.
It says in verse 1,“‘Are these things true?’ the high priest asked.”
Well, the things to which the high priest is referring are the accusations that were brought against Stephen. Remember, he was accused of speaking against Moses and God, he was accused of speaking against the temple and the law, and he was accused of saying Jesus would destroy the temple and change the customs of Moses.
So, the high priest wants to know, “Are these things true?”
Well, let’s hear what Stephen has to say.
First, as we dive into this passage, notice that Stephen provides . . .
I. A review of Israel’s past.
Ok, I’m going to read a lot of this passage. Let’s look at verses 2-50:
2 “Brothers and fathers,” he replied, “listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran, 3 and said to him: Leave your country and relatives, and come to the land that I will show you.
4 “Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this land in which you are now living. 5 He didn’t give him an inheritance in it—not even a foot of ground—but he promised to give it to him as a possession, and to his descendants after him, even though he was childless. 6 God spoke in this way: His descendants would be strangers in a foreign country, and they would enslave and oppress them for four hundred years. 7 I will judge the nation that they will serve as slaves, God said. After this, they will come out and worship me in this place. 8 And so he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. After this, he fathered Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.
9 “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt, but God was with him 10 and rescued him out of all his troubles. He gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over his whole household. 11 Now a famine and great suffering came over all of Egypt and Canaan, and our ancestors could find no food. 12 When Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there the first time. 13 The second time, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. 14 Joseph invited his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five people in all, 15 and Jacob went down to Egypt. He and our ancestors died there, 16 were carried back to Shechem, and were placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
17 “As the time was approaching to fulfill the promise that God had made to Abraham, the people flourished and multiplied in Egypt 18 until a different king who did not know Joseph ruled over Egypt. 19 He dealt deceitfully with our race and oppressed our ancestors by making them abandon their infants outside so that they wouldn’t survive. 20 At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God’s sight. He was cared for in his father’s home for three months. 21 When he was put outside, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted and raised him as her own son. 22 So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his speech and actions.
23 “When he was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. 24 When he saw one of them being mistreated, he came to his rescue and avenged the oppressed man by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He assumed his people would understand that God would give them deliverance through him, but they did not understand. 26 The next day he showed up while they were fighting and tried to reconcile them peacefully, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’
27 “But the one who was mistreating his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying: Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me, the same way you killed the Egyptian yesterday?
29 “When he heard this, Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. 30 After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he was approaching to look at it, the voice of the Lord came: 32 I am the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look.
33 “The Lord said to him: Take off the sandals from your feet, because the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. And now, come, I will send you to Egypt.
35 “This Moses, whom they rejected when they said, Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?—this one God sent as a ruler and a deliverer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years.
37 “This is the Moses who said to the Israelites: God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. 38 He is the one who was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors. He received living oracles to give to us. 39 Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him. Instead, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. 40 They told Aaron: Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we don’t know what’s happened to him. 41 They even made a calf in those days, offered sacrifice to the idol, and were celebrating what their hands had made. 42 God turned away and gave them up to worship the stars of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:
House of Israel, did you bring me offerings and sacrifices
for forty years in the wilderness?
43 You took up the tent of Moloch
and the star of your god Rephan,
the images that you made to worship.
So I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.
44 “Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses commanded him to make it according to the pattern he had seen. 45 Our ancestors in turn received it and with Joshua brought it in when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before them, until the days of David. 46 He found favor in God’s sight and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 It was Solomon, rather, who built him a house, 48 but the Most High does not dwell in sanctuaries made with hands, as the prophet says:
49 Heaven is my throne,
and the earth my footstool.
What sort of house will you build for me?
says the Lord,
or what will be my resting place?
50 Did not my hand make all these things?
Ok, that was a lot. Let’s break down some major themes throughout this section of Scripture.
Notice, first of all, that Stephen reviews Israel’s past.
What we encounter are facts of Israel’s history that would cause very little disagreement from the leaders of the Sanhedrin.
Stephen talks about how God appeared to Abraham when he was living in a land without God, and God called Abraham to leave his country because He was calling him to a new land and a new promise.
Stephen recounts how God prophesied to Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved in a foreign land, yet God would multiply Abraham’s offspring into a great people.
Stephen reviews how God provided the covenant of circumcision to Abraham, providing a son and a grandson to Abraham, who were named Isaac and Jacob.
He spoke about how more sons came from Jacob, who composed the twelve patriarchs, or twelve tribes of Israel.
He spoke about how Joseph was betrayed and sold to Egypt by his brothers, but God used that moment to rescue the clan of Israel.
In this large chunk of Scripture, Stephen reviewed the calling of Moses and how God used Moses to help deliver His people out of Egypt.
He spoke about how the people of Israel rejected God’s servant, Moses, and God became angry with them.
He spoke about how Joshua led the people in the wilderness, how God gave them the Tabernacle as a place of worship, and how the Tabernacle remained until the days of David.
He recalled how Solomon built a temple for God to be worshiped.
Then, however, Stephen begins to make a shift. He’s going to turn the heat up more in just a moment, but for now, notice what he says in verse 48.
Stephen says, “but the Most High does not dwell in sanctuaries made with hands.”
Then, in verses 49 and 50, Stephen goes on to quote Isaiah 66.
Stephen is sort of pressing into what he was accused of doing earlier: speaking against the temple.
However, Stephen does not give his opinion on such matters; he simply speaks what God said through the prophet Isaiah.
So, that was a summary of all that Stephen said. Stephen delivered a review of Israel’s past.
However, Stephen now starts to turn up the heat.
Next, Stephen delivers . . .
II. A revealing of Israel’s present.
Let’s look at verses 51-53:
51 “You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are always resisting the Holy Spirit. As your ancestors did, you do also. 52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. 53 You received the law under the direction of angels and yet have not kept it.”
Stephen comes out swinging in this section, doesn’t he?
He calls the religious leaders stiff-necked, meaning they are stubborn. Further, he says they have uncircumcised hearts and ears, meaning they don’t believe as true Jewish people and they don’t hear as true Jewish people. He basically says they are non-Jewish in their belief and in their hearing of the law of God.
Remember, he is speaking to the Sanhedrin! They are the supposed experts in Judaism, and they have the highest authority in Judaism.
Stephen doesn’t stop there. He also says that they have resisted the Holy Spirit of God. The ones who were supposed to hear from the Spirit of God and help the people understand the Spirit of God are instead resisting the Spirit of God.
Then, Stephen makes it personal. He says that their ancestors were persecuting the true servants of God, and they are too.
He said their ancestors killed the ones who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, Jesus, and they themselves actually killed the Righteous One, Jesus.
Finally, Stephen points out that they have rejected the law of God, which was given to them miraculously by God under the direction of angels.
Essentially, Stephen is saying that they have squandered and killed the good gifts that God gave them.
Wow, Stephen says it directly and clearly, doesn’t he?
Don’t forget that Stephen is a man full of the Holy Spirit. This was God’s message for these people to hear, delivered by God’s servant, Stephen.
However, even though Stephen was filled with the Spirit, even though he was speaking the truth, Stephen was about to face a difficult realization.
Let us see now . . .
III. A realization of Stephen’s future.
Let’s look at this difficult passage together. Look at verses 54-60:
54 When they heard these things, they were enraged and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 He said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57 They yelled at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him. 58 They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And after saying this, he fell asleep.
Stephen’s future was unfolding before him in this passage.
First of all, we see that the Jewish leaders became very angry.
It says they were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth.
Gnashing teeth would almost be like groaning or growling. They were super angry.
Yet, even though they were full of anger, Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit.
In fact, Stephen was so in tune with the Spirit that God provided a miraculous gift for him, allowing him to see into heaven, see the glory of God, and see Jesus standing at God the Father’s right hand.
I have to think that this moment provided a supernatural peace and understanding of what was to come for Stephen.
Even though Stephen was about to face one of the worst moments of his life, he was simultaneously experiencing one of the best moments of his life.
When Stephen told them what he saw, they lost it, dragged him out of the city, and killed him by pulverizing his body with stones.
Notice what Stephen said while this was happening:
In verse 59, Stephen says, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
Also, in verse 60, Stephen says, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!”
Then, we see that it says Stephen fell asleep, meaning that he died.
Notice also in 58 that the men stoning Stephen took off their garments so that they could really get into the physical process of killing Stephen.
As they did so, they kept their garments under the watch of a man named Saul.
Remember that name, as we’ll come back to him again and again in the coming weeks.
Before we leave this section, remember the two things that Stephen said: “Receive my Spirit” and “Don’t hold this sin against them.”
Does this sound familiar? Did anyone else say such things as they were killed in an unjust and evil manner by the Jewish authorities?
Well, of course, our Lord Jesus said such things.
Jesus said in Luke 23:46, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.”
Jesus said in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”
As Jesus suffered for His faithfulness to the mission of God, so Stephen suffered for his faithfulness to the mission of God.
We see a realization of Stephen’s future. Stephen would pour out his life in faithfulness to God and for the mission of God.
Well, what are we to make of all of this?
It seems that this was clearly God’s path for Stephen. What happened after this would create a shift in the growth and expansion of the church (more on that in the coming weeks).
However, let this bottom line summarize what we’re learning today:
Bottom Line: God’s plan for prospering the gospel includes the persecution of His people.
On the surface level, this may sound crazy. You might think, “How could God allow His people to suffer?”
However, the suffering of God’s people is an abundant reality in the Scriptures, and God uses our suffering for His glory.
Consider how God used the suffering of His people in Egypt to show His glory in the Exodus.
We’re going to learn later how God used the suffering of the early church to expand the reach of the gospel.
Think about how God brought about His mission and His glory in the suffering of His own Son.
2 Timothy 3:12 says, “In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Luke 14:27 says, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Romans 5:3–5 says, “And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Persecution is a part of Christianity. Suffering is a part of Christianity. It was then, and it is now.
Further, it seems in many ways that suffering may actually strengthen our relationship with God.
So, consider the reality that God’s plan for prospering the gospel includes the persecution of His people.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Pray for those who persecute you.
Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Also, remember the attitude of both Jesus and Stephen: “Father, forgive them.”
If you’re experiencing persecution in any form, pray for those who are persecuting you, that they may come to the forgiveness of God and be used for God’s glory.
If you think it’s impossible for God to change an enemy of Christianity, I can’t wait to tell you more about Saul of Tarsus.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Pray for the persecuted.
There are persecuted Christians all over the world right now.
I recommend to you the resource The Voice of the Martyrs. Check it out online and learn more about the persecuted church.
For now, commit this week to pray for those who are persecuted or mistreated for their faith.
Weekly Challenge #3 – Pray for faithfulness.
Finally, pray for yourself, that you would be faithful.
We never know what awaits us in this life, but we do know this: God is in control, and He has called us to faithfulness.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
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We are continuing our series in 1 and 2 Timothy. Today, we will be in 2 Timothy 2:1-13.
Let’s read the passage, and then we’ll go from there:
1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound. 10 This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy:
For if we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.
Join me in prayer as we ask God to speak to us through this passage:
(prayer)
When Florida businesses started to open back up after the COVID-19 shutdown, we received notice that Universal Studies was offering a deal to buy a one-day ticket and get the rest of the year free. We were so excited because we wanted to get out of the house, and we are not the kind of family who can often purchase multi-day passes for a theme park. Well, we took the deal, and when we went, we would write a little note and put it in the pockets of our young sons. Then, we would tell them what to do if they got lost. “Go find an adult and give them the note,” which had our names and phone numbers on it. Well, we’re blessed that they never got lost. But each time, we would say, “Remember the note. Remember the note.” We wanted to constantly remind them about what they needed to know because their well-being was dependent on that knowledge.
In this passage today, Paul is reminding Timothy what he needs to know to live his life as a faithful Christian and minister of the gospel. Today’s sermon is entitled, “Remember to be Strong in the Lord.”
So, as we reflect upon this passage, let’s remember three specific focuses that we need to remember.
First, . . .
I. Remember your work.
Paul has already told Timothy not to fear and not be distracted by false teachers.
Now, he tells Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
We’ve talked about this before, but I want to point out how helpful it is that Paul identifies both the effort that Timothy must give and the power by which that effort succeeds. Paul says, “be strong” in the “grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
It is by Timothy’s intentional effort, that is founded in the grace of Jesus Christ, that strength will come.
Church, as we remember the work that Jesus has left for each of us, we must remember that we need strength, and that strength is found in Jesus.
Paul then gets specific about the work that Timothy has before him.
In verse 2, Paul says, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Paul has invested in Timothy, and he is calling Timothy to invest in others. Part of Timothy’s responsibility as a minister of the gospel is to train up others to do ministry.
Timothy needs to remember his work.
Well, what about you? What work has God called you to do?
Well, we learn in the Great Commandment that God has called us to love Him and love others above all else.
We learn in the Great Commission that God has called us to go and make disciples.
We learn in Acts 1:8 that Jesus said we are to be His witnesses.
We learn in 1 Corinthians 10:31 that we are to glorify God in everything that we do.
Church, we must remember our work.
We can do lots of other things, we can have hobbies, we can have interests, we can laugh, we can play, we can enjoy many things in this world, but we must never forget the work to which God has called us.
Remember your work.
Second, . . .
II. Remember your loyalty.
In verse 3, Paul again mentions the suffering associated with following Jesus. He says, “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
Again, because we are loyal to Jesus, that means we also understand that we may have to suffer at times, as He did.
Paul gives three metaphors to help us understand his teaching about loyalty:
First, he gives the metaphor of a soldier: To whom are we to be loyal? A good soldier is loyal to their commanding officer. We are to be loyal to our commanding officer, to our Lord, to our Master; we are to be loyal to Jesus!
Second, Paul gives the metaphor of an athlete. How are we to be loyal? We are to be loyal by competing according to the rules. We are to follow the paths and teachings that Jesus has given us. We are to follow God’s design for our lives.
Third, Paul gives the metaphor of a farmer. What is the result of our loyalty? When we are loyal, there is a reward. Just as the farmer is rewarded with the fruits of his harvest, so also those who are loyal to Jesus and His mission will receive a bountiful reward for their faithfulness.
Paul says in verse 7, “Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
Basically, Paul is saying here, “Listen and think about what I said.”
Indeed, we should listen to and think about what Paul said to Timothy, and what God is saying to us through this passage.
Let us remember our loyalty.
Finally, . . .
III. Remember your salvation.
Paul says very clearly in verse 8, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David.”
Church, we must remember Jesus! He is risen from the dead; He is the King of kings, descended from King David; He is sitting at the right hand of God; He is saving souls; He is returning again to rescue His own! We must remember the salvation that is found in Jesus.
Paul says in verse 9 that he suffers for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul does not enjoy being in a Roman prison. However, Paul knows that even though he may be bound, the word of God is not bound; the gospel of Jesus Christ is not bound.
Paul knows that God will continue His mission. God will keep saving sinners. God will keep building His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
Paul knows these realities, which is why he says in verse 10, “This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”
Paul endures his suffering and imprisonment because he knows that even though he may be bound, God is still working. He also knows that through his suffering, others are coming to salvation in Jesus Christ. God is saving His children, those chosen by Him, to a salvation that is not only a rescue from sin but a promise of eternal glory.
Paul remembers his salvation and the salvation of others.
Then, Paul continues with these wondrous words in verses 11-13:
11 This saying is trustworthy:
For if we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.
There’s so much packed in these verses. However, let’s catch this summary of these verses: Jesus is faithful to His own.
While remembering our salvation, we must remember that Jesus is faithful.
If we die with Him in His crucifixion, we will also live with Him in His resurrection.
What Paul says here is nothing new.
Jesus said in
Matthew 16:24
, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
Paul said Romans 6:4 “Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.”
Jesus said in John 8:51 “Truly I tell you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”
Also, Paul says if we endure with Him, we will reign with Him. At the same time, if we deny Him, He will deny us.
Again, this is not new information for the follower of Jesus.
Those who are faithful to Jesus will reign with Jesus.
Revelation 20:4 says, “Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
Those who reject Jesus’ offer of salvation and deny Him as Lord will not be accepted by Him into a heavenly home. Jesus said in Matthew 10:33 “But whoever denies me before others, I will also deny him before my Father in heaven.”
Finally, Paul says if we are faithless, He will remain faithful.
In other words, the gospel is not dependent upon us; we are dependent upon the gospel.
Again, nothing new here. Paul said in Romans 3:3-4 “What then? If some were unfaithful, will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Absolutely not! Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar.”
We have the privilege of being a part of what God is doing. However, though we are not perfect, we serve a perfect Savior who will continue to bring His children to salvation.
Church, when you remember your salvation, remember that you have been saved from your sins, remembers that you will live with Christ, remember that you will reign with Christ, remember that He is faithful, and remember that His mission to save others will continue to succeed.
Remember your salvation.
Remember this bottom line from today’s sermon:
Bottom Line: The grace of God gives us strength and endurance.
Our entire salvation is based on the grace of God.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.”
Not only that but our strength and endurance are based (as Paul says in verse 1) on God’s “grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
We are saved by grace, and we endure by grace.
Child of God, endure in the grace of God.
Weekly Challenge #1 – Identify three ways that you can continue to endure.
I could list several ways that you could take intentional steps to endure, but don’t make me do all the work for you!
Take some this week and put some thought into how you can stay faithful and endure as a Christian.
When I was a missions pastor, I used to prepare to take groups on mission trips. I would tell them things like, drink lots of water, get a good pair of walking shoes, lose a little weight (or a lot of weight), eat well, pray, bring a journal, practice your testimony, things like that. We were getting prepared to endure through the entire mission trip.
What about your life as a follower of Jesus? How will you prepare yourself to endure?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
In 2004, a wonderful country music song came out by a man who is no relation to me, Mr. Tim McGraw (I have no G in my name, by the way). The name of that song was “Live Like You Were Dying.” The song spoke about a man who thought he was dying, so he decided to do all these things that he’s always wanted to do, such as going skydiving, Rocky Mountain climbing, and going 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu.
Well, today we are starting the book of 2 Timothy. This book of the Bible is another letter from the apostle Paul to a young pastor who he has influenced greatly named Timothy. It is believed that this was one of Paul’s last letters, and as he wrote it, he was imprisoned in a Roman prison where he awaited his execution. So, in a sense, Paul is writing as if he is dying. He’s writing what is most important for him to share with Timothy before he leaves this earth. That is the context of this letter from Paul to Timothy.
Today, Paul’s message to Timothy is to stay faithful in his calling as a pastor. He is essentially telling Timothy to “Keep On Keeping On.” That is the title of today’s sermon.
Before we go into the sermon, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at 2 Timothy 1. I’ll read the entire thing, and then we’ll walk through it together:
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the sake of the promise of life in Christ Jesus:
2 To Timothy, my dearly loved son.
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. 4 Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.
6 Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
8 So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 For this gospel I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher, 12 and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me, until that day.
13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 15 You know that all those in the province of Asia have deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from him on that day. You know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.
Ok, let’s walk through this passage. First, let me give an . . .
I. Introduction
As I said earlier, Paul is most likely writing his final letter to Timothy, from a Roman prison, and he most likely knows about his impending death.
In this passage, Paul addresses some instructions to Timothy that address potential struggles that Timothy could have.
Now, it’s important to note that there is no indication that Timothy is necessarily having all of the struggles that Paul addresses in this passage.
However, Paul wants to be sure that if Timothy is to face these struggles and temptations Timothy is prepared to respond accordingly.
As he often does, Paul starts the letter by saying who he is and to whom he is writing the letter.
Paul the apostle is writing a letter to a pastor named Timothy.
Timothy has been discipled by Paul, and he is very special to Paul, as indicated in verse 2 when Paul calls Timothy “my dearly loved son.”
Then, at the end of verse 2, Paul offers a blessing to Timothy.
He desires for Timothy to experience grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and Jesus our Lord.
In verses 3-5, Paul recalls his own ministry, his special relationship with Timothy, and Timothy’s faithful Christian mother and grandmother.
So, here’s what we see in this introduction:
Paul has been faithful to the Lord, as his Jewish ancestors were.
Paul has been faithful in his prayers for Timothy.
Paul was a faithful friend and mentor to Timothy, as was evidenced by Timothy’s tears the last time they parted each other’s company.
Then, Paul remembers the faithfulness of Timothy’s mother and grandmother.
There’s a lot of faithfulness going on among these folks.
May we be found so faithful, church. May we have the kind of faith that brings joy to others, as Paul said in verse 4, so that he “may be filled with joy.”
Ok, so let’s get into the meat of what Paul has to say. First, let’s realize that Paul is telling Timothy . . .
II. Don’t fear the difficulties.
Remember, in this letter, and particularly in this introduction, it seems as if Paul is concerned that Timothy may be tempted to cower back when difficulties come his way.
We don’t know that Timothy had expressed fear, but minimally Paul was aware that Timothy might face fear in his future ministry.
Listen to what Paul says:
In verse 7, Paul says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear.”
Then in verse 8, Paul says, “So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner.”
Paul realizes what every pastor comes to know: as you lead a church, it will sometimes get difficult.
Sometimes you will encounter false teachers in the church. Sometimes you will encounter gossips and busybodies in the church. Sometimes those in the church will slander you, even though they should honor you as a leader of the church. Sometimes those you invest in will leave the church. Sometimes you will have to make leadership decisions that are difficult. Sometimes what you have invested your entire life in will appear as foolishness to the world.
Paul says to Timothy: God has not given us a spirit of fear, and do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus.
Listen, church: this message was intended for a young pastor named Timothy, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, it’s also intended for a 41-year-old pastor named Matt, and it’s also intended for you.
Do not fear. Do not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
There will be difficulties, not only in ministry, but in your life as a Christian. Do not fear the difficulties. Keep on keeping on.
Second, . . .
III. Do face the difficulties.
Will things get difficult? Yes! Should we make it our goal to avoid the suffering that is associated with the gospel of Jesus Christ? No!
Paul says in verse 8, “Share in suffering for the gospel.”
He says in verse 13, “Holdon to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
He says in verse 14, “Guard the good deposit . . .”
These verses sound very much like last week’s passage, where Paul says to fight the good fight.
Paul wants Timothy to stay focused and persevere.
Have you ever been in a situation where you have to remind yourself what you’re doing and how you’re supposed to be doing it?
Perhaps you’re assembling a piece of furniture that you bought from Ikea or Amazon, and you are totally lost. Confusion and fear have started to overtake you. You’ve lost focus and you don’t know what to do. Well, what should you do? You should go back to the instruction manual, right?
Folks, we have something to help us focus. We have an instruction manual. Paul said in verse 13, “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
Listen, church: the sound teaching of the Bible contains God’s instructions for how we should live as His children. He tells us that we will face difficulties, but we don’t need to fear the difficulties. The Bible gives us sound teaching, and the Bible shows us the faith and love that are found in Jesus.
Before we leave this point, let’s go back to verse 7.
He’s already told us that God has not given us a spirit of fear. In verse 7, we learn that He has given us a spirit “of power, love, and sound judgment.”
Church, you will face difficulties. When you do, face them with power, love, and sound judgment.
You belong to God, so live your life with the power of God, the love of God, and the wisdom of God.
Keep on keeping on.
Speaking of God, let’s move to our last point:
IV. Don’t face the difficulties alone.
Paul encourages Timothy not to be afraid and to embrace the reality that these difficulties will come. Yet, he doesn’t expect Timothy to face these difficulties by his own power.
In verse 8, Paul says, “share in suffering for the gospel.”
Remember, as Paul is writing to Timothy, he is writing from a Roman prison. Many others have suffered for the sake of the gospel. Timothy is not alone; you are not alone when you suffer.
What’s more, our Lord Jesus suffered the ultimate suffering.
Paul said elsewhere, in Philippians 1:29, “For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”
So, there is a very real sense, and a needed reminder for us, that when we suffer, we are not suffering alone. Many other faithful followers of God suffer, and Jesus Himself suffered greatly.
However, not only are we not alone because others have suffered, listen to what Paul says in verse 14.
How are we to guard the good deposit? Verse 14 says, “through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
Likewise, Paul says in verse 6 that Timothy was given “the gift of God.”
He says in verse 7, “For God” has given us power, love, and sound judgment.
Paul says in verse 8, we are to “[rely] on the power of God.”
Child of God, you are not to face the difficulties of this journey alone. You are to walk this journey through the Holy Spirit who lives in you. You are to face these difficulties with the gift of God that is in you. You are to live this life, relying on the power of God.
Keep on keeping on, through the power of God.
Let this bottom line bring clarity to our message today:
Bottom Line: God has called us and equipped us to persevere in our faith.
We are not to be afraid; we are not to be timid; we are not to be ashamed; we are to persevere.
Not only has God called us to this task, but He has given us everything that we need to accomplish this task.
He has saved us, He has given us a holy calling, He has given us sound teaching, and He has given us His Spirit. He has given us everything we need to faithfully follow Him.
Through the power of God, we can keep on keeping on.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Identify what part of your walk with God is difficult right now.
We will experience difficulties.
Perhaps you’re having health difficulties. Perhaps you’re having financial difficulties. Perhaps you’re having difficulties with certain people; maybe even a fellow Christian. Perhaps you’re struggling in your faith.
This week, challenge yourself to identify what part of your walk with God is difficult.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength to endure.
We don’t want to end up being those who do not endure, like those Paul named in verse 15: Phygelus and Hermogenes.
No, we want to endure; we want to be faithful, like the one Paul named in verse 16: Onesiphorus.
The Holy Spirit can help you; He’s here for you. Ask Him to give you the strength to endure.
May these words from Paul in verse 12 encourage you as we come to a close: “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me, until that day.”
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Well, folks, this is our final sermon in 1 Timothy. Next, we’ll be moving into 2 Timothy.
We learned last week that Paul is giving some final instructions to Timothy and the church in Ephesus.
This sermon is part 2 of a two-part sermon called “The DON’Ts and DOs of Our Pursuits.”
I want to look at last week’s passage together and then read right on through to the end of the book.
Look at 1 Timothy 6:3-21:
3 If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. 8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11 But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you 14 to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 God will bring this about in his own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.
17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, 19 storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.
20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent and empty speech and contradictions from what is falsely called knowledge. 21 By professing it, some people have departed from the faith.
Grace be with you all.
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask him to guide us as we conclude this passage and this book of the Bible.
(prayer)
Ok; there’s a lot to be said from this passage, some of which was said last week.
As a matter of review, here are the DON’Ts that we covered last week:
I. Don’t pursue false teaching.
II. Don’t pursue riches.
Now, we want to transition to the DOs. We must not only know what not to do; we must also know what to do.
So, first, . . .
III. Do pursue godliness.
Paul says very clearly to Timothy in verse 11, “But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”
Paul has already mentioned the DON’Ts, such as false teaching and the pursuit of riches.
Paul tells Timothy to flee the DON’Ts; stop pursuing the DON’Ts and start pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
DON’T pursue the DON’Ts; DO pursue godliness!
This idea that Paul shares here reminds me of Hebrews 12:1-2, which says in part, “Let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
We are to actively pursue godliness.
Of course, Paul continues in verse 12 with these words:
“Fight the good fight of the faith.”
and, “Take hold of eternal life to which you were called.”
Listen, church: we must never forget that it is only by the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that we are saved from our sin, and kept close to God.
Still, there is an active participation that is required from us to become more and more like Jesus.
We must pursue godliness! We might fight to be faithful! We must take hold of all of the blessings that Jesus has secured for us in our salvation!
We must pursue godliness!
Paul mentions that Timothy had made a good confession of his faith before others.
Perhaps this was at his baptism, when he publicly proclaimed that he was a follower of Jesus. Perhaps this was when he was set aside for his ministry as a pastor. We’re not entirely sure when this was, but nonetheless, Paul tells Timothy to remain faithful to that which he has proclaimed.
Then, in verse 13, Paul refers to when Jesus made a good confession, before his death, in the presence of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
It’s as if Paul is saying to Timothy, “As Jesus was faithful, you remain faithful.”
That’s a good reminder for us all, church; as Jesus was faithful, may we remain faithful. Let us continue to pursue godliness. Let us fight. Let us take hold of our salvation.
Paul then tells Timothy how long he should keep pursuing godliness. How long should he keep fighting the good fight?
Look at verse 14: “ . . . keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
There you go, church! Keep being faithful until Jesus comes back! Then, He will powerfully, miraculously, and beautifully give you rest and newness that was earned on your behalf because of His faithfulness.
We must be faithful now because Jesus has already been faithful on our behalves.
I love this little tidbit here in verse 15. Well, when will Jesus come back? Paul says, “God will bring this about in his own time.”
Don’t worry, child of God. He will make all things right; He will bring you rescue; He will give you rest in His own time.
Then, Paul gives a beautiful little doxology in verses 15 and 16 (look again at your Bible).
He says, “He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.”
Isn’t that wonderful?
Ok, church: first, do pursue godliness.
Second, . . .
IV. Do pursue good works.
Paul spends some time addressing money again (it must have been really important to him).
Last week, we covered what Paul said about not pursuing riches. Now, Paul shifts his discussion to those who are already rich.
Look at verses 17-19:
17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, 19 storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.
So, in last week’s sermon, we’ve already learned not to be arrogant, and we’ve already learned not to pursue riches.
Now, Paul tells Timothy to instruct the rich not to put their investment in that which is uncertain, but in that which is certain: God Almighty!
So, rather than pursuing riches, we learn in verses 18-19 that we are to pursue good works.
By the way, I think this idea of pursuing good works is applicable to all of us, even if we’re not rich.
Paul says to do what is good, be rich in good works, be generous and willing to share, and store up treasures (of course, in heaven).
Notice at the end of verse 19, Paul says to “take hold of what is truly life.”
Well, what does that mean?
You see, we’re not to take hold of worldly riches; we’re to take hold of our salvation.
So, there is a sense that when we give away worldly riches for the sake of good works and generosity, then we are experiencing the beauty of our salvation.
So, pursue good works and pursue something good. Pursue what is truly life.
By pursuing good works, whether it’s how we use our resources or something altogether different, we are laying a foundation of godliness and generosity that will carry over in the new age to come.
In verses 20-21, Paul offers a few final summary statements concerning what he has already said elsewhere.
Then, Paul offers a final farewell by simply saying, “Grace be with you all.” Indeed, we need God’s grace in this life as we await the life to come.
Church, may we pursue godliness, and may we pursue good works in our lives.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: We must purposefully pursue God’s ways in our lives.
Church, we must be purposeful; we must be intentional.
You will not become godly by accident. You will not do good, godly works by accident.
We must pursue godliness. We must pursue good works. We must fight the good fight. We must take hold of eternal life.
Challenge yourself this week in this one way:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Choose to fight the good fight.
Make a conscious decision to fight to be faithful.
Moms know something about this, right? Sometimes it is a fight to be a mom. You’re juggling all that you’ve got to juggle, the kids are asking for snacks, dad wants to know to know where the ketchup is, you haven’t even finished getting dressed for the day. It’s a fight to be a mom. However, you choose to fight because you’re a mom, and you love being a mom (most of the time).
Even more so, it’s a joy to be a follower of Jesus. May we fight to be faithful.
Paul said elsewhere in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”
James said in James 4:7, “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Hebrews 10:39 says, “But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.”
Church, let us be intentional; let us fight the good fight!
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Many of you know that there are certain DON’Ts and DOs when it comes to certain activities. For example, when you play golf, you DON’T drive your cart on the green. When you go fishing, you DO hold your rod tip up when reeling in a fish. When you handle a firearm, you DON’T point at anything that you’re not willing to shoot. When you’re singing, you DO breathe from your diaphragm. When you’re teaching a room of children, you DON’T allow the children to take control. When you go to Sam’s Club, you DO get the free samples. You get what I’m saying, right?
Well, there are some things we should do and some things we shouldn’t do when it comes to what we pursue as followers of Jesus.
Today’s sermon is entitled, “The DON’Ts and DOs of Our Pursuits – Part 1.” Obviously, there will be a part 2 to this series next time.
Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
Well, we’re heading toward the finish line for 1 Timothy. Paul now starts to set the minds of Timothy and the believers in Ephesus on what they should and should not do as they pursue Jesus and pursue their life as followers of Jesus.
So, let’s look at the passage together. Look at 1 Timothy 6:3-10:
3 If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. 8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Ok, we’ll walk through this passage in two sermons. In part 1, we’re going discover two DON’Ts. Next time, we’ll discover two DOs.
So, let’s look at these DON’Ts. First, Paul instructs that we . . .
I. Don’t pursue false teaching
Paul begins this section of his letter by speaking in a very condemning way about false teachers.
Of course, Paul has already condemned false teachers elsewhere.
But, in this passage, Paul goes on to describe some of the evil reasons for false teaching and some of the evil consequences of false teaching.
First of all, let’s look at the evil reasons behind false teaching.
Paul says in verse 4 that these false teachers are conceited and understand nothing.
In other words, they are arrogant and ignorant. That’s a bad combination, isn’t it?
These false teachers think they know everything, but they really understand nothing.
Paul also says that this person has an unhealthy interest in disputes. This person just likes to argue.
I can tell you, as a pastor, I’ve met some people who just like to argue. I can confirm that usually, they are arrogant and ignorant.
These kinds of people are not healthy for themselves or for the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must not be like these people, and we must be cautious of these types of people.
Next, Paul goes on to describe some of the evil consequences of their false teaching.
Look at verses 4 and 5. Paul says from these people come “ . . . envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement . . .”
He then says that they are “depraved and deprived of the truth.”
Church, let me assure you that we should watch out for anyone who is both arrogant and ignorant AND depraved and deprived.
Not only must we watch out for those types of people, we should not be those types of people.
We must not be false teachers, and we must not tolerate false teachers.
Don’t pursue false teaching.
Well, let’s look at the second DON’T:
II. Don’t pursue riches
Pay attention to the last part of verse 5. Paul, speaking about some of the motivations of the false teachers, says that these false teachers “ . . . imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.”
Some of you have probably heard this false teaching, right?
There has been a cancer that has plagued the modern Church that claims that the pursuit of godliness results in material riches.
What a ridiculous, unbiblical, foolish, evil notion. Godliness does not equate to earthly riches. Godliness and worldly riches are totally independent of one another.
One can be totally holy while being totally financially broke. So also, one can be tremendously wealthy in the eyes of the world while also being spiritually bankrupt.
Likewise, it is entirely possible for someone to be close to God and very wealthy (as Abraham was in the Old Testament). So also, one can be totally evil and also be totally poor.
So, we must not buy into the lie of these false teachers in Timothy’s day, nor false teachers today, who teach that godliness is a way to material gain.
What’s more, Paul warns us against the pursuit of riches for the sake of riches. Listen again to what he says in verses 9-10:
9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
I mean, just listen to how Paul describes this. He uses strong language, such as temptation, trap, foolish, harmful, ruin, destruction, evil, wandering, and piercing.
We must be careful to note that Paul doesn’t say money in and of itself is evil.
Many godly people have lots of money. In fact, if you have a place to lay your head and food to eat, you are wealthier than a huge portion of our world. If you have a vehicle, you are stinkin’ rich compared to a lot of the world!
Paul does not say that money is evil. It’s the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil.
You see, the love of money will plant a root in our hearts that grows and blossoms into sin.
The root of the love of money will cause greed to blossom in our hearts.
The root of the love of money will cause the desire for power to blossom in our hearts.
The root of the love of money will cause lying and cheating to blossom in our hearts.
Prioritizing money as more important than it should be in our lives will lead us away from that which is most important, and into a life that is worth far less than that which God designed for us.
So, how do we know how much money we must have? What should make us happy? Well, I’m glad that you asked.
Look again at verse 6. Paul says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Contentment means being satisfied with what we have.
Paul says that to be godly and to be satisfied with whatever God has given you is greatgain. In other words, if you really want to be blessed, then pursue the ways of God and learn to be happy with what God has given you.
Paul continues in verses 7-8, “7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. 8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.”
Food and clothing: that’s what Paul mentions. That’s the standard for what the Bible teaches that we truly need. Everything else is above and beyond that.
Paul says we should be content with these.
There’s certainly nothing wrong with having more than food and clothing, but we must not be caught up in the pursuit of more stuff.
When we’re not content with what God has given us, and we’re not pursuing godliness, we can start to go down a path of sin.
As we’ve already learned in verses 9-10, those who pursue riches are potentially led into all kinds of evil.
So, let us not pursue riches; let us pursue godliness and contentment; and let us experience great gain.
Paul says at the end of verse 10 that “ . . . some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Don’t wander away from the faith, don’t pierce yourself with many griefs.
Don’t love money. Instead, use it for God’s glory and God’s kingdom.
Don’t prioritize money more than you should. Consider it as a tool entrusted to you by God to use for His glory, His kingdom, and His mission in your life.
Don’t pursue riches; pursue Jesus.
If God sends worldly riches your way, then use them for His glory.
If God does not send worldly riches your way, remember that there is an inheritance that awaits you in heaven to which the pocket change of this world cannot compare.
The riches of this world are temporary. The riches of God are better, and they are forever.
Let this bottom line summarize the truth from this passage:
Bottom Line: Self-centered pursuits are not God-centered pursuits.
Isn’t this obvious, church? If you’re constantly pursuing what you want, you won’t be pursuing what God wants.
The motivation behind the false teachers was self-centered. The motivation behind pursuing riches is self-centered.
Self-centered pursuits are not God-centered pursuits.
Let us recognize some of the DON’Ts of our pursuits.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Consider your motivations.
What motivates you?
If I ask my kids to clean up their toys, they may slowly start to meander over there and pick up the toys. However, if I say, “As soon as you pick up your toys, we’ll go to the Family Fun Center.” Hey, things start to happen.
Likewise, if my wife asks me to stop working at the computer, I may tell her that I have some stuff that has to get done. However, if she asks me to stop working at the computer so we can go to Sonny’s BBQ. Boom! I’m up from that computer.
Motivation matters!
So, what motivates you?
The apostle Paul said this in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
Are you motivated to live your life for the glory of God or for something else? Think about that this week.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Commit to pursue godliness.
C. S. Lewis (a great Christian thinker and author of The Chronicles of Narnia) said this: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
Listen, church: you were not made merely for this world. Only God can truly satisfy. Find your joy and contentment in Him.
Challenge yourself to pursue godliness this week.
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Well, we’re back in 1 Timothy. We took a week off from this series as Pastor Dirck taught us from Mark 14 , about the prayer life of Jesus.
Today, we’re going to talk about how we treat those in positions of authority.
Now, you might think, “Haven’t we already talked about this in 1 Timothy?”
Well, yes, we have. However, Paul comes back to this issue again in his letter, so we will come back to this issue again today.
Today’s sermon is entitled “Showing Honor in the Church and Beyond.”
Before we dive into the passage itself, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask him to speak to us. Join me now in prayer.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at this passage together, then we will walk through it.
Look at 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2:
5:17 The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, and, The worker is worthy of his wages.
19 Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. 20 Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will be afraid. 21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism. 22 Don’t be too quick to appoint anyone as an elder, and don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 Some people’s sins are obvious, preceding them to judgment, but the sins of others surface later. 25 Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.
6:1 All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed. 2 Let those who have believing masters not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but serve them even better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Teach and encourage these things.
Ok, so we see some instructions on honoring elders; we also see some instructions about honoring masters. So, let’s dive in a little more and see what we can learn.
First, let’s learn that . . .
I. Church leaders should be generously honored.
Paul says very clearly in verse 17, “The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor . . .”
Remember, the term elder is one of several words used in the New Testament to refer to pastors of local churches.
Notice that Paul says “double honor.”
Paul has already said elsewhere that all leaders should be honored. However, Paul wants to make a distinction that church leaders are worthy of double honor.
You see, some people may be under the impression that church leaders ought not to be compensated well, because, after all, they’re serving the Lord.
In fact, I’ve heard of some churches who intentionally pay their pastors poorly so that they can keep them humble. Let me just point out that it is the Holy Spirit’s place to keep the pastor humble, not some committee or board from a church.
I’m grateful to be a part of a church who is willing to pay me to do what I love, which is pastoring God’s people.
For those churches who intentionally pay pastors poorly, it’s not only unkind to the pastor and his family; it’s also unbiblical.
Paul gives a biblical illustration in verse 18 to drive home his point when he says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.”
In other words, if you keep feeding an ox while it is working, it will work harder, and it will work longer.
Here’s the principle: if you take care of the leaders of the church, they’re going to be better pastors for you. If they don’t have to worry about scraping up money to pay their bills, they will have more time and energy to devote to the work of ministry at the church.
Paul goes on to say in verse 18, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
If pastors and church leaders serve the church well, the church should honor them well. In fact, they should honor them with a double portion.
You might ask, “What if they’re not good leaders?”
Well, Paul addresses that. Paul says in verse 17, “ . . . elders who are good leaders . . .”
If they’re not good leaders, then they aren’t worthy of double honor. However, I also believe that if pastors aren’t doing a good job, working hard, and leading well, something ought to be done. Perhaps they need to be in a new position or at a new church. The scenario that Paul gives us is a church who honors good leaders. So, both parties must be part of this process.
Paul also adds, “especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”
Now, at this point, you might think I’m advocating for myself. However, I assure you that I do not have a time machine, and I did not go back in time and ask Paul to write this down.
This is the Word of God, and this is His message to us, His church.
Some, however may believe that certain church leaders are not doing a good job. How should we handle concerns with pastors?
Well, I’m glad you asked. That’s our next point:
II. Church leaders should be carefully rebuked.
Because church leaders are to generally have good and godly character, and because church leaders are worthy of double honor, those who seek to bring an accusation or rebuke against church leaders should do so very carefully.
Listen again to what Paul says here. Look at verse 19: “Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.”
Man, I wish churches observed this rule.
Over the last six years, I have had several accusations brought against me by a small number of people at our church.
Somebody said once that I told a person they couldn’t become a member of our church without taking a test (not true). Somebody said once that I told a member of our church that they were not a Christian (not true). Someone said recently to a pastor in another church that I was blowing our church’s money (not only is that not true, it’s not possible; I have no control over our church budget). In each of these cases, there were not two or three witnesses who brought the accusation. It was one person passing it on to another, usually through gossip.
Paul is clear that an accusation against an elder should be genuine, and it be should verified by two or three people.
Let me just say, most of those who slander and gossip about the pastors in our church, we usually find out about it. Sometimes it’s hurtful, sometimes it’s so far-fetched that it’s humorous, but it is always sinful and evil. I’m very grateful that there are very few people who do that in our church family.
I’m also grateful for how our church shows love and honor to our pastors. We usually find out about that as well, so thank you; may God bless you for your faithfulness.
Notice, though, that Paul does anticipate that there may be times for elders (or church leaders) to be rebuked. He says in verse 20, “Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will be afraid.”
If church leaders do sin, and certainly if they are unrepentant, they should be publicly rebuked before the church.
You see, church leaders must understand how serious the calling and job is, and the sin of a pastor is a serious issue; after all, they are to be above reproach.
Paul then warns Timothy to be fair and impartial in how he treats other elders, and to be careful not to associate with those elders who are sinful.
He says further not to appoint church leaders too quickly. As he has already said in chapter 3, leading a church is a noble calling, and it’s a serious calling.
So, church leaders are to be doubly honored, they are not to be accused without credibility, and they are to be kept from sin as much as possible.
Next, Paul transitions to short little tidbits of wisdom and instruction, stuck in this passage.
Look again at verses 23-25:
23 Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 Some people’s sins are obvious, preceding them to judgment, but the sins of others surface later. 25 Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.
Paul provides three bits of wise instruction for Timothy here:
Drink some wine for medicinal purposes.
- Sins, whether obvious or not, will eventually become known.
- Good works, whether obvious or not, will eventually become known.
First of all, church: it’s good for us to remember that the Bible does not command that we are to totally refrain from alcoholic beverages.
The Bible does say that we should use wisdom and moderation in all things.
The Bible does say that drunkenness is foolish and sinful.
The Bible does say we should obey the laws of the land.
The Bible does not say alcohol is inherently sinful.
Also, we must remember that God knows our sin as well as our good works. He will judge us and reward us as He sees fit.
However, Paul points out that others will also notice our sin and our good works. So, whether it is how we treat our pastors, or whatever, let us walk in good works, not in sin.
Finally, . . .
III. Other leaders should be thoughtfully respected.
Paul spends a couple of verses in chapter 6 speaking of another authority relationship in the Greco-Roman world.
It’s important to point out, while we are speaking of slaves and masters in these two verses, that what was happening in the ancient Roman Empire was not the same type of slavery that happened in the 1800s in America.
Roman slavery was not based on discrimination against one particular ethnicity. Rather, one could become a slave by several different means, including being born into slavery, owing a financial debt, paying a penalty for a crime, or being conquered in war.
Paul has already spoken elsewhere about honoring authority, and he means for those under the authority of a master to do the same.
Paul wants Christian slaves to know that those who are disrespectful to their masters can tarnish the name of Jesus.
Likewise, Christian slaves who have Christian masters should not try to take advantage of their masters simply because they are brothers and sisters in Christ. Rather, they should honor them even more because they are family.
Now, let’s be clear, Paul is neither condemning nor affirming slavery. What he is speaking about is how Christians treat those who have authority over them.
Paul then adds at the end, “Teach and encourage these things.”
Here’s the point of this and all that Paul has said: the people of God ought to show honor to those who are in positions of authority.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom line: Christians should show proper respect to leaders, particularly church leaders.
Don’t forget, Paul says that the overseers, elders, or pastors of the church are worthy of double honor.
However, every person in authority has been put there by God for His own reason.
Remember, Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.”
So, Christians should show proper respect to those in authority, especially those in authority in the church.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Consider how you honor leaders in your life.
Who are some of the leaders in your life, outside of church? How do you show honor to them?
How do you honor your boss? What about your parents or teachers? What about local law enforcement? What about city officials, our governor, or our president? Do you show honor to those in authority, as the Bible commands you to do?
Challenge yourself to consider that this week.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Consider how you honor church leaders.
This is a bit awkward for me to speak about this because I’m one of your church leaders. However, it’s in the Bible, so I’ll speak to it.
Think this week about how you show honor to the leaders of our church. Just to be clear, Paul is speaking primarily about pastors.
How do you (as an individual) do when it comes to honoring the pastors of our church?
Do you honor God by obeying His Word when it comes to showing double honor to our pastors?
Do you entertain gossip or accusations against our pastors? Do you allow others to do so?
Consider that question this week.
(Gospel presentation – God has a design for our church, and He has a design for you)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Introduction:
My wife and I have recently graduated to a new stage of life; we’re raising a toddler. Toddlers are unique creatures. At that point in life they begin to learn higher forms of communication: pointing, grunting, using broken sentences and made-up words. Despite this language barrier, we as parents are (usually) able to understand and communicate back with our children. Unfortunately, and much to the dismay of our children, there are times when they don’t always get what they ask for because it’s not what’s best for them.
The scriptures teach us that we also should communicate ourselves, our wants and our needs to the Lord through prayer.
Philippians 4:6 – Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
However, there are times when we don’t feel like we can communicate clearly. Fortunately, the scriptures also teach us the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when our words fail us.
Romans 8:26 – In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.
We are given countless examples of prayer throughout scripture, and though many things can be said of prayer, the bottom line is that we should communicate with the Father and then surrender ourselves to His design. A recent show called The Chosen has this to say about prayer:
“It is the first step in getting the heart and the mind right.” – Jesus
On October 25, 2020, our church celebrated a time of recovery and reunion as we returned to our sanctuary after seven months of online worship and social distancing because of COVID 19. The first passage that was preached in our sanctuary was Matthew 26:36-56, which is almost word for word the account we’re going to be studying today in Mark 14:32-42. Both of these passages detail the same account of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to His arrest and crucifixion. Jesus, in His foreknowledge, has been warning His disciples about this for a long time, and now that moment is just around the corner. So, Jesus withdraws to spend time in prayer, which is our focus this morning: Praying Like Jesus.
So, let’s look at our passage as we continue to worship the Lord through studying His word. (Read Mark 14:32-42, then pray.)
In our passage, Jesus is moments away from the most pivotal moment in history. And as He prays, we’re going to look at three elements of His time in prayer. The first is…
Point 1: Jesus communicated His distress.
Jesus is currently enduring incredible amounts of distress, and He is open about that towards His disciples. In verse 34, Jesus confesses to His disciples that He is “…deeply grieved to the point of death.” What would cause such emotional distress?
For some time, Jesus has been preparing His disciples for His death and resurrection, which we can see earlier in Mark 8:31 – “Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days.”
Jesus warned His disciples about this, and now that moment is right around the corner. However, in spite of betrayal and arrest at the hand of one of His own disciples, despite the abandonment by those who closely followed Him, the humiliation of unjust trials and the ultimate verdict of crucifixion, even in spite of the physical suffering of the crucifixion itself, Jesus is bearing the weight of something far worse; He will soon endure the wrath of God as Jesus accepts the penalty of sin of our behalf separating Him from the Father. This separation is the source of Jesus’ “…(grief) to the point of death”. So, Jesus turned to the Lord in prayer.
In withdrawing Himself to pray, Jesus also gathered His closest companions to Him during His time of distress. Verse 32-34 tells us that He not only gathered all His disciples, He also took Peter, James, and John (His closest companions) with Him to keep watch while He prayed.
Side note: So often, it’s easier for us, in our times of need to attempt to care for ourselves instead of turning to our church family for emotional and spiritual support through prayer.
Unfortunately, we’ve already seen that the disciples weren’t able to remain awake and pray.
In verse 37-38, “Then he came and found them sleeping. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? 38Stay awake and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
In these verses, Jesus addresses the struggle His disciples are experiencing: willingness to follow Jesus, but weakness to follow through. He tells them, “…(their) spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Jesus knew the state of their hearts, but also the battle at work within them against temptation. So, He called them to remain awake and alert to pray against temptation.
Jesus knew the state of Peter’s heart, that Peter was willing to do anything. However, Jesus also knew the power of temptation at work in His disciple’s heart, that inevitably Peter would deny Him. And yet, Jesus not only encouraged His disciples to pray against temptation, but also demonstrated what it looks like for the flesh to be weak and yet to overcome through prayer.
There is power when we pray for and with one another. How does one overcome through prayer? We see this in Jesus’ prayer. We see that…
Point 2: Jesus acknowledged God’s authority.
In verse 36, we get a glimpse of the words that Jesus communicates to the Father. “And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”
Jesus begins this most powerful example of prayer and submission to the Lord with a simple statement: “…All things are possible for you.”
Throughout scripture, we see evidence of God doing the impossible. So, is it unwarrented for God’s children to ask the impossible of Him? Jesus even teaches us earlier in Mark 11:23 – “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.”
Jesus is fully aware of God’s insurmountable power. After all, Jesus was there when He, the Father, and the Holy Spirit laid the foundations of the world. John 1:2-3 – “He was with God in the beginning. 3All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.”
In Jesus’ knowledge of God’s authority, He appeals to the Father in His distress, “…Take this cup away from me.” And if we stopped here, and Jesus’ petition was granted, we would have no hope because Jesus would not have taken our sins upon Himself, and we would bear the full wrath of God for our sins. But praise God, Jesus did not end His prayer there. He immediately followed His petition with a statement of complete surrender, “Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”
We are not able to comprehend the capacity of God’s authority. In fact, God Himself speaks to this in Isaiah 55:9 – “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
This exchange between Father and Son brings a paradox to light. Consider these two truths about our Savior:Jesus was fully God. Colossians 2:9-10
– 9For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, 10and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Jesus was fully human. Philippians 2:5-7– 5Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 6who, existing in the form of God, did
not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity.
These two truths are impossible to reconcile in our human minds. However, this paradox points us to one important reality: Jesus surrendered to God’s (His own) design for our sake. This leads us to our third and final point…
Point 3: Jesus followed God’s plan.
This moment is where, as they say, “the rubber meets the road”. After spending hours of time in fervent prayer, Jesus returned to the moment that was the source of His grief. Look again at verse 41-42. “41Then he came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. See, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.””
In these two verses, we see two realities at work. The first is, the disciples spent their time sleeping when Jesus had instructed them to stay awake and pray against temptation. Quickly thereafter, we see the results of this: the disciples would abandon Jesus, Peter would deny even knowing Him, and they would all lose hope, forgetting Jesus’ promises that He would indeed be crucified, but would rise from the grave three days later.
Jesus, on the other hand, spent His time in prayer, and then He rose to meet His circumstances in full submission to God’s plan.
Jesus teaches us, and expects us to spend time in prayer, seeking the Father’s Will and remaining faithful to Him. He instructs us to pray without giving up. In Luke 18:7-8 – “7Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? 8I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? ”
This discipline of praying without giving up is exactly what we see Jesus demonstrating: He brought His cares, anxieties, and desires to the Father, spent hours doing this through prayer, and afterwards, remained faithful to God’s will.
Jesus doesn’t teach us to pray away circumstances or hardship. Jesus teaches us to pray through our circumstances and hardships. He teaches us to cry out to the Lord, and to trust Him to do what is just and right for His people. Jeremiah 29:11 speaks to this – “11For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Let us take comfort in this promise, and not burden ourselves with the idea that, through prayer, we can bend God’s ear to our whims. Instead, let us pray as Jesus teaches us to pray: surrender to the Father, and trust Him to do what is good and right in the lives of His people.
God has a plan for us, and His design for us is in our best interest. This is why Jesus prayed: to surrender Himself to the Will of the Father, that through His sacrifice for us, we could experience redemption through His death and hope through His resurrection. So let us learn from Jesus’ example. Let us learn to pray as Jesus prayed. This leads us to our Bottom Line.
Bottom Line: Petition the Father and trust His plan.
To petition someone means to make a “formal request to an authority figure”. Jesus demonstrated that for us, what it looks like to petition the Father and accept the results. So, let us learn from his example. Challenge yourself this week in the following ways…
Weekly Challenge(s):
Pray like Jesus.Bring your joy, grief, thanksgiving, and sorrow to the Father.Pray before, during, and after hardships.Pray against temptation.Pray to seek God’s Will. Trust God’s plan.After laying your prayers before the Lord, trust God’s answer.Trust God has a plan for you, and with your best interest in mind.Have hope that you are loved and planned for by the creator of the universe. Closing:
Jesus suffered for our redemption. Jesus surrendered for our victory. But it doesn’t stop there because Jesus rose again to prove His authority over sin and death. And if we believe in that gospel message, we have hope and life abundantly, starting now and lasting to eternity.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
In April 1979, Sister Sledge released the hit single “We are Family.” The song celebrated sisters who were close together as a family.
Well, in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are family. Here at First Baptist Church Bartow, we are family. We exist, among other reasons, to “Love the Church,” which means loving one another as family.
Today, as we continue our study in 1 and 2 Timothy, we will learn about “Loving Our Family.”
Before we journey into this passage, join me in prayer, as we seek to hear from the Lord.
(prayer)
As we explore this passage, remember that Paul has just finished telling Timothy not to let anyone despise his youth; rather he is to set an example for others.
Now, Paul transitions into telling Timothy (and, by implication, others) how he should treat other members of his church family.
Let’s look at the passage together and then see what God teaches us. Look at 1 Timothy 5:1-16:
1 Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity.
3 Support widows who are genuinely in need. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God. 5 The widow who is truly in need and left all alone has put her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; 6 however, she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command this also, so that they will be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 No widow is to be enrolled on the list for support unless she is at least sixty years old, has been the wife of one husband, 10 and is well known for good works—that is, if she has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the saints’ feet, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they are drawn away from Christ by desire, they want to marry 12 and will therefore receive condemnation because they have renounced their original pledge. 13 At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, but are also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t say. 14 Therefore, I want younger women to marry, have children, manage their households, and give the adversary no opportunity to accuse us. 15 For some have already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it can help widows in genuine need.
Ok, let’s look now at three specific ways that we should treat each other as a church family.
First, . . .
I. We should honor one another.
Paul tells Timothy specifically how to speak to different groups of people in the church. Remember, although Paul is speaking directly to Timothy regarding the church in Ephesus, these principles are applicable to us as well.
Here are four groups Paul speaks about:
Regarding older men, Paul says not to rebuke them but to exhort them as fathers.
Regarding younger men, Paul says to treat them as brothers.
Regarding older women, Paul says to treat them as mothers.
Regarding younger women, Paul says to treat them as sisters and with purity.
Going back to older men, I must admit that I’ve failed at this before.
You see, as a young pastor, I often have excitement for what the church could be, and I get angry when people bring sinfulness or foolishness into the church, and it makes me angry no matter what age the person is. However, I ought to be careful not to rebuke them harshly. I ought to be self-controlled, and treat older men as I would my father.
Paul says to exhort older men. To exhort means to strongly encourage. Did you hear that? Encourage, not discourage. So, I, and all of us, should seek to encourage older men when they are out of line, and lovingly urge them to seek Jesus and the good of the church.
With younger men, we can be a bit more direct with them, as we would with our brother, but we still do so with love.
I might call my brother a knucklehead, whereas I wouldn’t speak that way to my father or my grandfather. However, I still love my brother, and I treat him with love, whether it’s my actual brother or my brother in Christ.
Older women, we treat as we would our mothers.
You better believe that I respect and honor my mother. Otherwise, she might call me a knucklehead.
If my mom was going the wrong direction on something, I would humbly and lovingly seek to redirect her. I wouldn’t be harsh or humiliating toward her. So also, it should be that way with older women in the church.
Finally, with younger women, we are to treat them like sisters.
Specifically for pastors, we are to care for younger women and love them appropriately, with purity, as we would a sister.
Here’s the main point of verses 1 and 2: we’re family in the Lord, and we ought to treat each other with kindness, gentleness, and love.
Next, as a church family, . . .
II. We should care for one another
Paul spends a good time in this passage speaking about taking care of widows.
You see, in biblical times, widows were particularly vulnerable, especially if they didn’t have a father or son to look after them.
Paul points out that the church should be there to take care of those widows who are genuinely in need. After all, the church is a family.
Church, First Baptist Church Bartow is a family. We have some crazy family members, but we are a family nonetheless.
Paul is speaking here specifically about widows, but the principle applies to anyone who is in need in our church family.
Anyone who is genuinely in need should receive care from their church.
Paul says very straightforwardly in verse 3, “Support widows who are genuinely in need.”
James says in his letter, in James 1:27 “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Church, if we want to be a genuine church, if you want to have pure and undefiled religion, take care of those in our church family who are in need.
Finally, Paul teaches that . . .
III. We should not take advantage of one another.
Paul mentions in a few different ways how the church should be careful to focus their efforts on helping those who are genuinely in need. He doesn’t want Timothy or the church in Ephesus to focus on those widows who don’t really need help.
Therefore, we must be careful not to become those who take advantage of the church and distract from those who are genuinely in need.
So, Paul spends a good amount of time focusing on two groups who may be in danger of taking advantage of the church: young widows and family members of widows. Let’s see what he says.
First, notice in verses 9-11 that Paul makes a very detailed list of qualifications for which widows should receive support.
We are not to take this list as exact prescriptions for us today. After all, foot-washing is not as necessary today, 60 years old is not as old as it once was, and some women don’t have any children.
However, this idea of putting thought into who the church will help and who the church will not help is a biblical idea, as we see in these verses.
Also, in verses 11-15, Paul says not to treat younger widows the same as older widows.
Paul’s discussion of younger widows centers on the idea that some would make a pledge of singleness to Jesus, but then go back on it when they find a strapping young man that shows interest in them.
Paul says rather than go through all that swing of commitments, they should try to remarry and live a godly married life.
By the way, we know from elsewhere in the Bible that Paul doesn’t believe every person has to be married. Rather, he says most should be married, but he makes exceptions for those who are called to a special life of godly singleness.
So, generally speaking, Paul would encourage younger widows to remarry, rather than try and live off of the generosity of the church.
We must also note here that Paul offers some warnings for those who reject his instructions.
Paul warns about the widow who is self-indulgent and uses the church to meet their selfish need. Paul says in verse 6, “she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.”
Of course, Paul is speaking about this type of woman being spiritually dead.
The church can provide for this person’s physical needs, but if they are mooching off of the church, they have a bigger problem, they are dead spiritually.
Then, Paul says in verse 4, “But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God.”
So families should take care of their family members who are need, rather than expecting the church to take care of them. This is, first and foremost, their responsibility.
Similarly, Paul says in verse 16: “If any believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it can help widows in genuine need.”
Sometimes families are critical of the church for not helping their loved ones. First of all, we try to help any member of our church who is in need. Second, the apostle Paul says the family themselves should be the ones doing the heavy lifting when it comes to taking care of their loved ones in need.
Some women (and men also at times) don’t have families who take care of them; these are the ones who are truly in need, and the ones the church should be helping.
Paul offers a warning concerning this as well, in verse 7. He says, “if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
You see, even non-Christians know that you should take care of your own family.
If a Christian refuses to take care of their own earthy family members, Paul says they have essentially denied the faith.
Finally, Paul gives a warning about women becoming idle with their singleness.
Paul says in verse 13 that certain women “ . . . learn to be idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, but are also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t say.”
Now, to be clear, single women are not the only gossipers and busybodies in the church. Married women can also gossip, as can men (both single and married).
However, Paul is concerned about some of these young widows who potentially find themselves with nothing better to do with their time than to sin.
In fact, Paul warns in verse 15, “For some have already turned away to follow Satan.”
Church, may we never find ourselves in such a state that we have nothing better to do with our time than to sin.
If you have a problem with gossip or some other sin, it may be because you have too much time on your hands. Get yourself busy with godliness, so that you don’t become busy with gossip and sin. Get yourself busy with prayer, Bible study, evangelism, Bible memorization, fasting, Christian service, hospitality, generosity, forgiveness, and more. Get yourself busy with the things of God and forget about the things of this world!
One final word from your pastor here to our ladies.
Paul has a lot to say here about women. He’s concerned that women not go the way of the world or the way of evil. Paul knows that some women have already forsaken Jesus and have gone the way of the world.
Ladies, don’t go the way of the world; go the way of Jesus! Don’t seek the trends of the world, the acceptance of the world, the beauty of the world, or the approval of the world. You have all that you need in Jesus. You are already accepted because of the work of Jesus. You are far more beautiful than anything this world has to offer because of the beautiful work of Jesus! Seek Jesus, and find all that you need in Him!
In summary, Paul is pointing out that we should not take advantage of the church. We should not mooch off the church, or think the church owes us something. Rather, we are to sacrificially and joyfully love one another as a family.
Let this bottom line summarize this passage:
Bottom line: The church should love and care for their own.
We are a family. May we behave as a family, who truly loves God and loves one another.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Consider how you care for your earthly family.
Paul was pretty emphatic about caring for our own families. So, consider how well you are caring for the family that God gave you on this earth.
Pray about that and think about that this week.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Consider how you care for your church family.
How well do you love on your church family and take care of those in need?
How well are we doing as a church?
Pray about that and think about that this week.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
We are in the middle of a two-part sermon regarding “How the Church Should Handle the Truth.”
We’re looking at a long passage, so I broke it up into two sermons.
Let’s look at the passage now. Join me in 1 Timothy 3, starting in verse 14.
3:14 I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon. 15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the Spirit,
seen by angels,
preached among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
4:1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. 3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. 8 For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 10 For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 13 Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Pray with me now as we continue into this passage.
(prayer)
So, let’s catch up on our points from last week.
First, we learned that . . .
I. The church supports the truth.
Remember, the church refers to people, not a building, and these people are the pillars and foundation of the truth.
Second, we learned that . . .
II. False teachers distort the truth.
You may recall that the specific false teaching that Paul was referring to in this passage was those who made up extra rules for Christians to follow.
Paul described this false teaching as demonic.
Indeed, the church and its leaders should not tolerate false teaching.
Ok, that catches us up from last week. Let’s keep going now with part 2 of this passage.
Third, in order to know what is true from that which is false, . . .
III. We should train with the truth.
In verse 6, Paul encourages Timothy to point out false teaching and keep teaching good teaching.
Paul says if he does point out false teaching to the church (whom he calls brothers and sisters), he will be a good servant of Jesus. In other words, a faithful pastor will be sure to point his people to false teaching for their protection in the faith.
By the way, some major false teachings that plague the church today include . . .
Legalism, which is what Paul describes in this passage. Legalism adds extra rules in order to gain God’s favor.
Another is liberalism. Liberalism progressively starts to deny the authority of the Bible, and allows humanity and culture to dictate truth for the church.
A third is the prosperity gospel, also known as health and wealth theology. This belief teaches that if you truly love God, you will be wealthy, healthy, and prosperous. This belief cherry-picks verses from the Bible, while ignoring the totality of the Scripture, the actual experience of those in the Bible, and 2,000 years of church history.
There are certainly other false teachings, but these three are big ones in the modern church today.
Let me remind you, church: these beliefs are demonic.
Let’s move to verses 7 and 8.
Paul says, “But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
We’ve heard Paul speak to Timothy this way already; about avoiding silly teachings. He spoke about this in verses 3 and 4 of chapter 1. Instead of spending time focusing on silliness, Paul tells Timothy to train in godliness.
There’s certainly nothing wrong with the training of the body. I believe we should seek to be in good shape, and be good stewards of the bodies God has given us.
However, Paul wants to point us to that which is more beneficial.
Church, we should wake up and pay attention here. We can put a lot of energy into a lot of things, some of which are beneficial for us, but the best place to put our energy and focus is into becoming more godly.
We can put a lot of energy into getting healthy, getting wealthy, getting educated, getting comfortable, getting safe, getting secure, getting a good family, and more. All of those things can be beneficial. However, the most beneficial goal that you can achieve is to become godly!
Paul says godliness has promise, or benefits, in this life and in the life to come!
We should train with the truth!
We must become more and more godly. It will be for our benefit now and into eternity.
Then, Paul gives this helpful saying in verses 9-10. He says, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”
Church, let us labor and strive because of the hope that is found in the living God, who is the Savior of all who believe.
Let us train in the truth.
Finally, . . .
IV. We should persevere in the truth.
Pay attention to these final verses:
Paul tells Timothy in verse 11, “Command and teach these things.”
Paul tells Timothy in verse 12, “ . . . set an example for the believers . . . ”
Paul tells Timothy in verse 13, “ . . . give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching.”
Paul tells Timothy in verse 14, “Don’t neglect the gift that is in you . . .”
Paul tells Timothy in verse 15, “Practice these things,” and “ . . . be committed to them . . .”
Paul tells Timothy in verse 16, “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching,” and “ . . . persevere in these things.”
To persevere means to keep going, keep fighting, keep seeking out something. We ought to persevere in the truth!
Paul is giving clear instructions for Timothy that are for the good of the church. These are instructions for the local church. These are instructions for how the church should handle the truth.
Paul is imploring Timothy to stay faithful to the truth. Keep teaching the truth. Keep practicing the truth. Keep reading the truth. Don’t neglect the gift of the truth. Set an example in the truth. Be committed to the truth. And to persevere in the truth.
By the way, church, all of this is still applicable and important for us today.
These challenges are beneficial for church leaders today, and they are beneficial for church people today.
We must be people of the truth; we must be a church of the truth.
This passage also contains a famous verse that many teenagers claim as their own.
Look at verse 12: “Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
By the way, Timothy was certainly no teenager at this time. He was probably in his thirties. However, teenagers can certainly set an example for other believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
Nevertheless, Timothy was considered a young pastor. I know what that feels like. As far as I know, when I became senior pastor of this church, I was one of the youngest ever in its history (perhaps the youngest). Not any longe; I’ve earned a lot of gray hairs since then.
Even if we are young in age, we ought not to be immature in the faith, especially if we are in positions of leadership.
By the way, catch this also: don’t let anyone despise your elderly age, either. If you are an elderly Christian, don’t consider your best days in the church behind you. Certainly, don’t become cranky and combative with those younger than you. Rather, set an example of godliness! Set the pace of godliness for our church!
Younger Christians ought not to think that they need to wait to be faithful Christians one day. Rather, they are to set an example for other Christians now. So also, elderly Christians ought not to think that they’re somehow separate from the rest of the church. Rather, they are to set an example for other Christians to follow.
Each of us and all of us should be living examples of the holiness and love of God, that others can look to for a life of godliness, and a life of truth.
I love how in verse 16, Paul tells Timothy to “persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Now, we know Timothy himself cannot save anyone; he can’t save himself or his hearers. However, the truth can save Timothy, and the truth can save Timothy’s hearers.
Church, Paul is calling Timothy to persevere in the truth, and we should all accept this challenge to persevere in the truth!
Let this bottom line summarize what we are learning in this passage:
Bottom Line: Gospel people must be committed to gospel truth.
Timothy was a gospel person. Paul was a gospel person. Paul wanted the church in Ephesus to be gospel people, so he called them to be committed to the truth of the gospel.
The truth of the gospel is that God created us and loves us; sin separated us from God; God is pursuing us to forgive our sins through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus; God sent His Holy Spirit to be with His church; we are to proclaim the forgiveness offered through Jesus; and Jesus is coming back one day to judge sin and to make all things new.
We, the church, must be committed to gospel truth.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Embrace the truth in your life.
If you’ve not been changed by the gospel, really changed, embrace the truth in your life.
Be saved. Be changed. Be new.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Cultivate the truth in the church.
To cultivate means to prepare and nourish something so that it can grow.
We ought to be people who are committed to the truth. We ought to create an environment where the truth can grow and thrive in our church.
Let’s not neglect any of God’s ways for our lives, and let’s not add to what God has already given us. Rather, let’s be committed to the truth and cultivate the truth in our lives.
Weekly Challenge #3 – Spread the truth to the world.
Remember, Jesus said in John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
So many people need to be set free. They’ll never know how to be set free unless someone tells them.
Will you spread the truth? Let us spread the truth in Bartow, in Polk County, and all over the world.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
There was a popular show in the 90s called, “The X Files.” One of the taglines for the show was, “The truth is out there.”
In the movie, “A Few Good Men,” Jack Nicholson declared, “You can’t handle the truth!”
You see, people want the truth.
Jesus said in John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The truth is paramount for the church. In our sermon today, we’re going to learn that Paul refers to the truth as the story of God’s great work in the world.
We’re also going to talk about how the church should handle the truth. That’s the title of today’s sermon, “How the Church Should Handle the Truth.”
Before we go any further, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us through His Word. Join me in prayer.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the passage, and then walk through four ways we handle the truth.
Look at 1 Timothy 3:14. We’ll read all the way through 4:16.
3:14 I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon. 15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the Spirit,
seen by angels,
preached among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
4:1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. 3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. 8 For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 10 For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 13 Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Ok, first, let’s see that . . .
I. The church supports the truth.
First of all, notice that Paul wants to come to see Timothy and visit the church in Ephesus soon. But, he may not be there right away, so he doesn’t wait to give him instructions for how the local church should operate.
Paul says in verse 15, “But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household.”
It’s very important that the church receive these instructions. So, important that Paul doesn’t wait to tell them later. Rather, he tells them in this written letter to Timothy.
Church, we must realize that the words that Paul had for Timothy and the church in Ephesus were important then, and they are important to us today.
This Word from the Holy Spirit of God contains instructions for the church; they are instructions for our church.
Pay attention to how Paul goes on to describe God’s household in verse 15.
Paul says, “ . . . which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
So, God’s household is the church, and the church is the pillar and the foundation of truth. In other words, the church supports the truth.
By the way, let’s remember what the church is, or better yet, who the church is.
The church is not a building; this building is not the household of God. This building is a building.
Rather, the church is a people. When Paul is writing to the church, he is writing to people who are followers of Jesus who are gathered together in Ephesus.
Hand illustration: you may remember the old hand illustration, this is the church, this is the steeple, open the door and there’s all the people. That’s wrong. The biblical illustration is, here’s the building, here’s the steeple, open the door and there’s the church.
First Baptist Church Bartow is a people who are gathered together under the lordship of Jesus Christ, and we, the people support the truth of God; we hold up the truth of God here in Bartow.
So, we must be people of the truth. We must maintain the truth, proclaim the truth, explain the truth, and sustain the truth.
Paul then goes on in verse 16 to describe part of that which the church is to hold up: the mystery of godliness.
Look at verse 16:
And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the Spirit,
seen by angels,
preached among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
Paul does not speak of this mystery as something that we can’t understand. Rather, Pauls speaks of this as a great and marvelous wonder that God has performed.
God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, in the flesh; Jesus was supported by God’s Holy Spirit; Jesus was seen by angels; Jesus is preached among the nations; Jesus has been believed all over the world; and Jesus has been taken up in glory, waiting to return one day soon.
This mystery, this marvelous truth, is the story of the gospel.
This mystery of God is part of the truth that the church is charged to support and hold up as the message that must be heard, must be preached, and must be preserved.
The church supports the truth.
Second, . . .
II. False teachers distort the truth.
Ok, we’re moving into chapter 4 now.
Look at verses 1-5 again.
4:1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. 3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
Paul points out how the Holy Spirit of God has warned us that some will depart from the Christian faith.
We’re not exactly sure what Paul means here by the Holy Spirit warning us. Three ideas come to mind:
First, remember that Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would remind us of the things He taught. Well, Jesus taught that false teachers would come, so perhaps Paul is saying that the Holy Spirit is reminding us of what Jesus already told us.
Second, we know that the Holy Spirit was using the apostles by giving them the gift of teaching and prophecy during the days of the early church. We know from the writings of the apostles in the Bible, that they also warned about false teachers.
Third, perhaps Paul was referring to a general divine wisdom that the Holy Spirit gives to Christians through his revealing to them the things of God, through His grace and illumination.
In any case, Paul says people will depart from the faith and follow false teachers.
Paul says in verses 1-2 this will happen in part because they are “paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.”
Pay attention to this, church: the false teaching that Paul is speaking about here is described by him as demonic. It’s very important that we catch this truth.
Now, pay attention to how Paul continues to characterize the false teaching.
Paul said that these false teachers claim that people cannot be married and that they can’t eat certain types of food.
So, here’s what’s happening. These false teachers are not being fast and loose with morals, and they are not ignoring God’s laws; rather, they are actually adding to it; they are creating extra rules.
They are saying that good followers of God will not get married, will not eat certain foods, and will follow these extra rules that they made up.
Can we think of any made-up rules that people have said Christians need to follow? Boy, I heard a lot of these growing up: men can’t have beards, women can’t wear pants, don’t go movies, don’t listen to rock or hip-hop music, don’t grow your hair too long if you’re a man, don’t cut your hair too short if you’re a woman, don’t play cards, don’t dance, don’t take even one sip of alcohol, don’t smoke, don’t chew, and don’t date girls who do.
Church, if we think that someone has to follow these extra made-up rules to be approved by Jesus or to be part of the church of Jesus, we are way off! In fact, Paul describes this type of false teaching as from a deceitful spirit and the teachings of demons.
Let me make it clear for you: it is demonic to require that someone perform a set of manmade rules in order for them to feel that they have earned the favor of God.
I’m not the smartest man in the world, but I’m smart enough to know that we should not do things that are demonic.
May we never be a church who pretends that anything makes us right with God other than the blood of Jesus, received through faith, by the wonderful grace of God.
Once we’ve been saved by God’s grace, we live a radically different life, following the ways of God. By the way, the ways of God are not found in the minds and opinions of humanity; they are found in the Holy Word of God; they are found in the Bible.
Pour yourself into the Bible, search out God’s ways, and commit yourself to that.
Well, how should we handle these kinds of moral issues, like certain types of food and marriage, and more? I’m glad you asked; Paul tells us in verses 4-5.
Paul says, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.”
The Bible says elsewhere that every good thing is from above, meaning it’s from God. If we are responsible with and grateful for all that God has given us, then it is good.
Now, we’re not to abuse what God has given us. When it comes to how we live, we are to be careful and wise. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:12 “‘Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible for me,’ but I will not be mastered by anything.”
So, let us be holy, let us be wise, and let us be biblical.
The church must be on the lookout for those who want to add to, or take away from, the one true gospel.
Church, whether it’s this issue here, or another issue, false teachers will seek to distort the truth of the gospel.
Next, in order to know what is true from that which is false, . . .
III. _________ should _________ with the truth.
IV. _____ should _________ in the truth.
Bottom Line: Gospel people must be committed to gospel truth.
Timothy was a gospel person. Paul was a gospel person. Paul wanted the church in Ephesus to be gospel people, so he called them to be committed to the truth of the gospel.
The truth of the gospel is that God created us and loves us; sin separated us from God; God is pursuing us to forgive our sins through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus; God sent His Holy Spirit to be with His church; we are to proclaim the forgiveness offered through Jesus; and Jesus is coming back one day to judge sin and to make all things new.
We, the church, must be committed to gospel truth.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Embrace the truth in your life.
If you’ve not been changed by the gospel, really changed, embrace the truth in your life.
Be saved. Be changed. Be new.
Weekly Challenge #2 – _________ the truth in the _________.
Weekly Challenge #3 – _________ the truth to the _________.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
God has a good design for all of His creation. That’s where we started last week’s sermon, and we want to continue to acknowledge that wonderful reality as we move into today’s sermon.
Last week, we learned that God had roles for men and women in the worship setting.
One of the realities that I kept coming back to last week is that God has placed someone in an authority position over the life of the church and over the worship service of the local gathered church.
Church, God has a design for the church and how it should operate.
Paul is writing to Timothy in these verses to tell him about the qualifications for two positions, or offices, in the church. These two positions are pastors and deacons.
So, let’s talk a little bit about those qualifications this morning.
First, let’s pray together and ask God to supernaturally speak to us.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at these two positions in the church, which Paul discusses in
1 Timothy 3:1-13
.
First, let’s look at the position of pastor.
I. Pastors must be godly leaders.
In a nutshell, what Paul is telling us from these first few verses is that pastors must be godly leaders.
How do we know that? Well, let’s look at the passage and go from there. Look at verses 1-7.
1 This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. 4 He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.
First of all, notice that in the CSB, we have the word “overseer.”
The Greek word that Paul is using here is episkopos, which can be translated as overseer or bishop.
Elsewhere, the New Testament uses the word presbyteros to refer to pastors. Presbyteros translates literally as elder.
It’s clear from their usage in the Bible that these titles for pastors are used interchangeably. The terms elder, shepherd, overseer, bishop, and pastor all refer to what we know of today as the leader of a local church, a pastor.
Notice in the passage that Paul spends most of his time focusing on character traits of a pastor. Let’s walk through these quickly but succinctly.
An overseer is to be “above reproach.”
This means that no one can bring a credible accusation against a pastor.
For example, I hope that if someone claimed that I was a raging alcoholic who doesn’t love his family, most of you would say, “That doesn’t sound right. Pastor Matt seems to be different than that.”
Also, we see that a pastor should be the husband of one wife.
This literally means that a pastor is to be a “one-woman man.”
Although some think that this verse means a pastor cannot be divorced, it more likely means that a pastor must be exclusively devoted to his wife.
Now, there are some other items in this passage (and the rest of the Bible) that have implications for divorce, but if Paul was speaking primarily about divorce in this verse, he probably would have just said, “An overseer should not be divorced.” But Paul didn’t say that. So, even though a divorced man may raise concerns about being a pastor, that’s probably not what Paul means here.
Next, we see Paul say a pastor must be “self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable.”
Each of these speaks to the character of a pastor. Let’s just be clear; a pastor should not be a jerk. He should be kind. He should have common sense. He should be well thought of by others.
Next, Paul says a pastor should be “able to teach.”
Pastors are clearly supposed to be teachers. The Bible points to this time and again.
Although a pastor doesn’t have to teach two or three times a week, a pastor ought to be able to understand the truths of the Bible, and then communicate the truths of the Bible to others.
Next, Paul speaks about character again. A pastor should not drink excessively, not be a bully, not be quarrelsome, and not be greedy.
This is pretty easy to understand, right? Do you want your pastor to be a drunk, greedy, hard to get along with bully? Or, would you rather have a pastor who understands moderation, who is kind, helpful, and generous?
Also, in verse 4, Paul says a pastor must “manage his own household competently.”
Now, this doesn’t mean that a pastor should be a perfect parent, or that his family should be perfect. However, a pastor should be able to lead his family well, and respond well when things don’t go according to plan.
Paul points out why in verse 5. He says, “If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?”
Trust me: children do not always follow the leadership of their parents, and church members do not always follow the leadership of their pastors. However, just as a father must generally lead his family well, so also a pastor must generally lead the church well.
Paul goes on to say that a pastor must not be a new convert.
A pastor needs to be mature and established in his faith, not someone who is still figuring out the basics of following Jesus.
Finally, he must have a good reputation with others.
This fits with what Paul has already said. A pastor must have good character. If he is known as a man of poor character, it will reflect poorly upon the church, and perhaps upon the name of Jesus.
Also, it’s important to point out that when we notice all the masculine emphases in this passage, as well as what Paul says in 1 Timothy 2, as well as the totality of the rest of the Bible, it seems clear that the role of pastor is reserved for men.
I talked about this a lot last week, so I don’t want to spend too much time on this issue, but it’s important to realize that God has a design for the church, and that design includes the reality that the highest level of leadership in the church (pastors) are to be men.
Now, you might say, “Pastor, where does this passage say that the pastors are the leaders of the church?” Well, it’s certainly implied when Paul says in verse 5 that a pastor must take care of the church. However, there are other passages that support this idea of the pastors being the leaders of the church.
Consider 1 Peter 5:1-2 “I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you . . .”
Also, consider Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
Later in the letter that we’re studying, Paul says in 1 Timothy 5:17 “The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”
So, clearly, the Bible paints a picture of the pastors/overseers/elders as the leaders of the church.
By the way, let’s not walk away from this passage without acknowledging that Paul says in verse 1 that it is a “noble work” to be a pastor.
Being a pastor is an honorable task, and it’s a good task. If God is calling you to be a pastor, consider it an honor, and be faithful to the calling.
Others who are not pastors, remember that what your pastors are doing is noble and honorable, and treat the task and the position as such: noble and honorable.
So, pastors must be leaders with godly character; they must be godly leaders.
Next, . . .
II. Deacons must be godly servants.
Now, we’re not going to spend nearly as much time in this section because there are a lot of similarities here between the characteristics that a pastor is to have and the characteristics that a deacon is to have.
Let’s look at the passage. Look at verses 8-13:
8 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. 12 Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Ok, we see many similarities here between overseers and deacons.
First of all, we need to point out that the word used for “deacon,” diakonos, means servant, or minister.
A deacon is to be known primarily as a servant; not a leader, not a board member, not a governor of the church, but a servant.
So, these servants are to have a lot of the same character traits as the overseers.
They are to be respectable, self-controlled, generous, not controlled by alcohol, knowledgable about the faith, tested for spiritual maturity, husbands of one wife, and good fathers.
We see that verse 11 is dedicated to “wives.”
The word that Paul uses here actually means “women.”
Some believe that Paul is speaking here about women deacons. That’s entirely possible, but not definitive.
In either case, women are certainly allowed to be servants in the church, but the role of leaders of the church (the pastors), as stated earlier by Paul, are clearly to be men.
By the way, Paul would not say that the other members of the church are not to serve. Rather, the deacons are to be the primary servants of the church.
Also, if you go back to Acts 6 (on your own time), you’ll see that the earliest deacons actually came on board to make it easier for the leaders of the church (at that time, the apostles) to focus on the most important ministry.
So, deacons are supposed to serve the church and serve alongside the pastors, in order to make it easier for the pastors to minister.
When churches allow deacons to have authority over the pastors, or to give the pastors a hard time, you now enter into a completely unbiblical situation. That is actually the opposite of what the Bible teaches.
So, deacons are to be godly servants.
Let this bottom line summarize what we are learning from this passage:
Bottom Line: God has designed the church to be operated by godlypeople.
God has designed the church to be led by godly pastors, and to be served by godly deacons.
Listen, church: God has changed our lives through the work of Jesus, Amen? Since God has changed us, we have the wonderful opportunity to discover God’s design for us and for the church. So, let us pursue Him, and His design.
A church full of godly people will be operated by godly people.
Here are a couple of ways you can take action this week, as a result of what we’re learning from 1 Timothy 3:1-13:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Honor godliness in others.
Godliness is so important for all of us, especially those who lead and serve the church.
So, we should honor those who are godly. Likewise, those who are in roles of leadership and service in the church who are not godly should be called to repentance and we should pray for them.
The Bible says to show honor where honor is due, so let us honor godliness in our church.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Pursue godliness in yourself.
Not only should pastors and deacons be godly, all of us should pursue godliness.
By the way, in case you didn’t catch this, most of these characteristics are traits that every Christian should display, not just pastors or deacons.
So, let us pursue God by pursuing godliness in our lives.
As we pursue God, we must remember that beautiful reality that God pursued us first.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
One of the foundational truths of the Christian faith is that God is a wonderful Creator, and He has a design for everything.
God designed the earth, and He has a plan for the earth.
God designed animals, and He has a plan for the animal kingdom.
God designed the Church, and He has a plan for the Church.
God designed men and women, and He has a plan for men and women.
God designed the family, and He has a plan for the family.
Part of what it means to follow God is that we submit to His will and plan for our lives.
Well, today, we’re going to talk about some of God’s design for the church.
Don’t forget, Paul is writing to Timothy, a young pastor, to give him instructions for the church in Ephesus.
Today, Paul’s going to talk, in part, about the role of men and women in worship. Today’s sermon is entitled “The Roles of Men and Women in Worship.”
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer, and then let’s dive into this passage.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at
1 Timothy 2:8-15.
8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. 9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God. 11 A woman is to learn quietly with full submission. 12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.
Alright, as we journey through this passage, let’s discover three truths that we can apply to our lives and to local church worship.
First, we are to . . .
I. Pursue prayer, not anger.
Ok, look at verse 8 only. Paul says, “Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.”
Church, this part is really easy to understand.
Now listen, this instruction in verse 8 is for men, but I dare say this applies to women as well.
Here’s what we should gain from verse 8: prayer is good, anger and arguing are bad.
That’s pretty easy to understand, isn’t it?
Here’s a question for the men in our church: how are you known?
Are you known as a man of prayer? Are you known as a man of anger and arguing? Are you known as a man of complaining? Are you known as a man of apathy? Are you known as a man of intimidation? Are you known as a man of cowardice? Are you known as a man of worldliness? Are you known as an intelligent man? Are you known as a godly man?
Paul says that the men of the church should be men of prayer, with hands lifted up to God.
Men, God wants you to be talking to Him, and in a tight relationship with Him. God doesn’t want to be spouting off to other men in the church, and arguing and fighting to get your own way.
If the men in this church, and in every church, would put their big boy britches on and learn what it means to be in an intimate relationship with the one true living God of the universe, rather than squabbling over ridiculousness, the world wouldn’t know what hit them. The devil wouldn’t know what hit him!
Oh, what a powerful force the church would be if we would be men, and people of prayer!
Pursue prayer, not anger.
Second, . . .
II. Pursue modesty, not attention.
Paul spent a moment speaking about men; now he shifts his attention to women.
In the following verses, Paul will speak about modesty, teaching, learning, authority, creation, childbearing, and more. Let’s focus first on modesty.
Look at verses 9 and 10. Paul says, “9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.”
Ok, first of all, we see that Paul commands women to dress modestly. Well, what does that mean?
I think at a minimum, modesty includes properly covering up ourselves so as not to draw inappropriate sensual thoughts from anyone.
So, Paul would certainly say that we should properly cover the parts of our bodies that should only be seen by ourselves or our spouses (if we have a spouse).
However, Paul goes on to describe hairstyles, jewelry, and expensive apparel. So, it seems that when Paul speaks of modesty, he’s speaking of more than just covering up the personal parts of our bodies.
You see, the church in Ephesus had been infiltrated by Roman culture, which included, among other things, elaborate and flashy dress by women, for the purpose of drawing attention to themselves.
So, here’s the point when it comes to modesty. When we are immodest, it means that we are drawing unnecessary attention to ourselves.
Paul would say that we should not want people to think how beautiful we are, how attractive we are, how much money we have, how athletic we are, or how special we are.
Rather, we should seek to give all the glory to God. We should be purposeful not to seek any of the attention or glory that belongs to God.
Now, I don’t believe that Paul would want us to look like slobs, either. As with most things, there’s a balance. We can look neat and nice, without trying to look flashy and special.
So, women (and men, too, for that matter), should not seek to draw attention to themselves. Rather, in their pursuit of loving God and loving others, they are to be known (look at verse 10) for good works. Paul says that good works are “ . . . proper for women who profess to worship God.”
So, be known as a proper woman: who worships God and does good works for the glory of God.
Women, don’t be flashy, be holy.
Pursue modesty, no attention.
Finally, . . .
III. Purse God’s design, not power.
Again, Paul is speaking primarily to women, but the big-picture principle applies to everyone. God has a design and purpose for us, and we should pursue that design and purpose.
Look again at what Paul says in verses 11 and 12: 11 A woman is to learn quietly with full submission. 12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet.
First of all, I want to point out that every commentary I read that spoke about the word quiet in this passage noted that the Greek word used here in Paul’s original writing does not mean “absolutely silent.” Rather, it means “peaceful” or “calm.” So, let’s get this cleared up right away: Paul does not mean that women are never to talk in a church setting. That is definitively not what he means.
Well, what does Paul mean?
I’m going to give you three ideas that I believe Paul wants to drive home here:
- In worship, women are to be primarily learners, not teachers.
- In worship, women are to submit to those who are in authority.
- In worship, women are not to have authority over a man.
Now, I want to talk about each of these ideas briefly and explain why I arrived at them.
Let’s talk about idea #1 first.
First of all, I arrived at this idea because Paul says very clearly, “ . . . a woman is to learn quietly.”
We’re going to learn later in chapter 3, that I believe God has designed the role of pastor to be filled by men. So, by God’s design, the primary role of women, IN WORSHIP, is to learn.
Paul is not saying that women can never teach. He’s not even saying that women can’t teach men. Paul is speaking about the local church gathering for worship. In that context, God’s design is for pastors to teach, and pastors (by God’s design) are to be men. Again, we’ll look at that next time.
Women are to be a part of the worship service, but they (and most of the other men, by the way) are in the role of leaner, not teacher.
Second, let’s look at idea #2.
I believe part of what Paul wants us to know is that in worship, women should submit to those in authority. By the way, I believe that Paul wants everyone to submit to those in authority in worship.
Remember, Paul just said that he doesn’t want the men to get angry or to argue. It stands to reason that Paul doesn’t want men to take authority that doesn’t belong to them either.
As I’ve already pointed out, those who are in authority in the church should be the pastors, and pastors are to be men. Therefore, women (and the other men) are to submit to pastors, who are men.
Finally, let’s look at idea #3.
In the context of worship, women are not to have authority over a man. You’re probably catching on by now.
Who are those in authority in the worship setting? They are pastors, and pastors are to be men.
So, Paul is teaching that women should not have authority in the worship service, because they are not pastors, and they are not pastors because (minimally) they are not men.
Next, Paul appeals to Creation and the Fall to help drive home his point.
In verse 13, Paul points out that God has a design that is supposed to be followed, and in verse 14, he reminds us what happens when we depart from that design.
God’s design for Creation was that Adam would be the leader to Eve, but when they departed from that design, things fell apart for both Adam and Eve.
So, also, God has a design for the church (which we’ll explore more in the coming weeks), and when we depart from that design, things fall apart for the church.
Now, verse 15 is a bit confusing; let’s look at it. Paul says, “But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.”
Let’s be very clear right off the bat: Paul is not saying that a woman will receive forgiveness of her sins if she has a child. That’s not what he means.
Therefore, Paul means something different. I believe what Paul is getting at is that a woman will do well if she fulfills the functions which God has designed for her. Childbearing is one of the general functions that God has designed for women.
This doesn’t mean that all women must have children, but Paul is pointing out that it’s proper for a woman to have children, but it’s not proper for a woman to seek to have authority in a worship setting.
So, also, it is good for a woman to continue in faith, love, and holiness.
I hope the Lord is giving you some clarity about this passage as we walk through it.
Just as a wrench shouldn’t be used to drive a nail, a pencil shouldn’t be used to cut paper, and a mattress shouldn’t be used to cross the Atlantic; so also a woman is not designed to lead the local church worship service (and not all men are either).
Let this bottom line summarize what God is teaching us today:
Bottom Line: Following Jesus includes following God’s design in the church.
Some of you may bristle at this idea that God did not design women to lead the church worship service.
Well, let me ask you why you would be bothered by this idea.
Do you feel that God is unwise or unfair? Is it unfair that a bird can fly, but a human cannot? Is it unfair that a woman can birth a child, but a man cannot? Is it unfair that a whale can reach the depths of the ocean with a single breath, but a human toddler cannot?
You see, God has a good design for all of His creation. When we follow Jesus, we submit ourselves to God, and we submit ourselves to God’s design and plans for us and for His church.
Following Jesus includes following God’s design for His church.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Discover God’s design for you.
Dive into God’s Word and learn more about what it means to follow Him, according to His design for you.
What does God have for you? What are God’s plans for you? The truth is, we don’t know all of God’s plans, but we know a lot about what God wants for each of us, based on His Word.
Discover that this week.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Pursue God’s design for the church.
God has a specific design for our church as well. Again, we don’t know every detail of God’s plans, but we know a lot about what God wants for our church, based on His Word.
May each of us pursue God’s design for our church, His church.
(Gospel presentation – God has a design for your life as well)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Do you ever get sidetracked when you’re talking about something? You all know that happens to me often when I’m preaching. My wife and I often have a hard time finishing a conversation because we hear, “Mom, mom, mom, dad, dad, mom, dad, dad, mom.” We get sidetracked.
Well, Paul started giving instructions to Timothy in last week’s passage, but he got sidetracked and provided us with a beautiful picture of the power of the gospel to save sinners.
There’s nothing wrong with getting sidetracked as long as you can bring it back, right? Well, today, Paul brings it back to some of the instruction that he was giving Timothy.
Our sermon today is from 1 Timothy 1:18-2:7. This message is entitled “Strong Faith in the Strong Salvation of Jesus.”
Let’s read the passage and then go from there. Before we read it, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask for His blessings.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s read 1 Timothy 1:18-2:7.
18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
2:1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.
7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Ok, let’s learn what God might have for us in these verses. We find in this passage four spiritual actions that Paul is charging Timothy with doing, and leading others to do. These actions are certainly charges that we should accept as our own responsibility as well. So, let’s learn them and embrace them as our own.
First, . . .
I. We must fight for faithfulness.
Paul pointed out to Timothy that God had called him to this role of leading churches. In fact, although we don’t know details, we learn that it was even prophesied that Timothy would be called to this ministry.
Therefore, Paul tells Timothy in verse 18 to “fight the good fight.”
Timothy must not lose heart, he must not give up, and he not be distracted; he must not be overcome by fear, discouragement, or apathy.
Timothy must continue to fight for faithfulness.
Church, we, too, must fight for faithfulness.
You may get discouraged. You may get tired. You get distracted. You may become tempted. You may get hurt. You may be fearful.
Listen: fight the good fight! Fight to keep reading God’s Word. Fight to keep praying. Fight to keep sharing the message of Jesus. Fight to keep forgiving others. Fight to not gossip. Fight to not complain. Fight to not return to sin. Fight to have faith. Fight to trust God. Fight to keep a good conscience. Fight to be generous. Fight to be a part of the church. Fight to be a part of fellowship with other Christians. Fight to be a disciple. Fight the good fight!
When we fight the good fight, we can look forward to the moment when Jesus will say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant . . . Share your master’s joy.” (Matthew 25:23).
We hear about two people in verses 19 and 20 who did not fight the good fight. Hymenaeus and Alexander were two who did not have faith and a good conscience.
Paul says that he delivered them to Satan, probably indicating that he followed a pattern similar to Matthew 18. Matthew 18 teaches that if someone continually refuses to repent, you put them out of the church, indicating that they do not appear to be legitimate followers of Jesus, all the while praying that they repent and come back to Jesus and His church.
Church, let us resolve not to be like Hymenaeus and Alexander. Let us resolve not to give up any ground to evil or to sin. Let us fight the good fight.
We must fight for faithfulness.
Second, . . .
II. We must pray for people.
Pay attention to the very clear instruction of chapter 2, verse 1. Paul says, “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone.”
That’s pretty clear, right? We are to pray for everyone!
Most experts believe that when Paul says petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings, he is simply giving examples of several different ways that we can pray for others.
It’s almost as if Paul is saying, “Pray for others as much as you can, in as many ways as you can.”
Paul then transitions to get specific for whom we can pray. Although he just said to pray for everyone, here he specifies that we are to pray for kings and those in authority.
Now, we don’t have kings in our country, but we certainly do have those in authority.
Do you pray for those in authority? What if you didn’t vote for them; do you still pray for them?
Paul gives the motivation that we are to pray for these authorities. He says, “ . . . so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”
I believe that Paul means at least two things when he says this.
First of all, I believe that Paul wants us to pray for those in authority so that there might be peace and prosperity in the land, so that all can live a quiet and tranquil life.
When there is chaos and calamity in our land, we do not have peace. So, we should pray that our authorities can lead us in peace.
However, I also believe that Paul means for us to honor and respect our authorities by praying for them.
Don’t forget, Paul said in Romans 13:1 “Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.”
Paul said in Titus 3:1 “Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.”
Paul said in Romans 12:18 “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
So, this idea of us honoring authorities and others, by praying for them, and living at peace ourselves, is a command that Paul has submitted to his readers multiple times.
Look at verse 3. How does God feel when we pray for others? Paul says, “This is good, and it pleases God our Savior.” Well, that’s good enough for me.
Church, let’s seek to please God our Savior. Let’s pray for people.
Finally, . . .
III. We must speak for salvation.
Let’s finish out the passage. Let’s read 3-7.
3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.
7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Listen again to the salvation language in this passage:
Paul says in verse 3 that God is our Savior.
He says in verse 4 that God wants everyone to be saved.
He speaks of Jesus being our mediator in verse 5.
He speaks of Jesus being our ransom in verse 6.
Paul wants to make it very clear that God has provided salvation and that salvation is found in Jesus!
In fact, Paul says in verse 7 that he “was appointed a herald” to tell people about this message.
A herald is someone who seeks to get the attention of people in order to announce a special message (show picture).
Sometimes, at the Wednesday fellowship meal, I will get everyone’s attention and relay an important message. I’ll say, “Seconds!”
Paul wants to announce to everyone the message of salvation in Jesus. Paul is speaking for salvation.
Church, God’s Word constantly reminds us to speak the salvation message. We must also speak for salvation. We must be heralds for the gospel.
I was at a conference this week, and the security guard struck up a conversation with me (I think he thought I worked at the church where the conference was held). I was able to talk to him about baptism, but the most important question I asked him was, “Are you a follower of Jesus?”
The most important thing for anyone to hear is how they can know and follow Jesus!
The gospel must be proclaimed. We must tell people that Jesus really lived, He really died, He really was buried, He really rose to new life, He really ascended to Heaven, and He really is coming back one day.
Church, fight for faithfulness, pray for people, and speak for salvation.
Let this bottom line summarize Paul’s instruction to Timothy in this passage.
Bottom Line: The salvation of Jesus must be our focus.
Jesus saved us, and He wants to work through us to bring salvation to others.
That reality must be our focus. We must fight for that, we must pray for that, and we must speak for that.
Everything else in our lives and everything else in our church should take second place to the salvation offered through Jesus.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Commit to pray for people.
That’s fairly simple to do. Right something down on a slip of paper, and put it on your mirror or your refrigerator. Download an app to help you remember.
Pray for your friends, your family, your church, your pastors, your coworkers, your teachers, your neighbors, our city authorities, our county authorities, our state authorities, our national authorities, and authorities in other countries; Jesus even said to pray for our enemies.
Commit this week to pray for people.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Commit to fight for faithfulness.
Did you know that it’s not easy to live the life of a Christian? Do you know why that is? Because as we follow Jesus, we’re still looking backward toward what we’ve left behind.
Sometimes, when I’m trying to get my kids to really understand what I’m saying, I’ll tell them, “Look at me.” Then, they get distracted, and I’ll stop talking and say, “Look at me again.” I need them to focus on me because I love them, and what I want them to know is better than what is distracting them.
Listen, church: what Jesus has for you is so much better than the distractions of this world.
Fight for faithfulness. Fight to turn your eyes upon Jesus, and the things of this world will become less attractive and less distracting.
Don’t be distracted by sin, don’t be distracted by stuff, don’t be distracted by selfishness. Fight for faithfulness! Fight the good fight! Fight to be like Jesus!
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
Response Song – Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
(Announcements – Richard)
(Giving emphasis)
(Benediction)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
The apostle Paul was a man who was committed to Judaism. He considered himself a Jew of Jews. He was highly trained and he was highly devout.
In fact, before God changed Paul, he viewed his devotion to Judaism as a call to persecute those who belonged to a new religious movement. They were devoted to a man who claimed to be the Son of God, who was crucified, and who had risen from the dead. These people were called Christians.
However, God had great plans for Paul. On his way to bring harm to some of these Christians, Jesus appeared to Paul, and he himself became a Christian. Then, God told him that he would be used as an apostle; one who was sent to take the message of Christianity to others.
Paul became a devout missionary and church planter, planting many churches, and raising up others to lead in these churches. One place where he planted a church was the powerful city of Ephesus. One of those whom Paul trained, and whom Paul left to lead the church in Ephesus, was a young man named Timothy.
The letters of 1 and 2 Timothy are Paul’s correspondence and charge for Timothy to pastor the church in Ephesus well.
These two letters are what we will study over the next several weeks in a series called “Instructions for the Local Church.”
Today’s sermon is entitled “Focusing on What’s Important.”
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us as we study His Word.
(prayer)
Today’s passage is a little bit of introduction from Paul, and then Paul gets right into impactful truth from God’s Holy Spirit.
So, let’s look at the passage and learn what God has to say to us. Look at 1 Timothy 1:1-17:
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope:
2 To Timothy, my true son in the faith.
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach false doctrine 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith. 5 Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on. 8 But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately. 9 We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for slave traders, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.
12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry—13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
So, as we reflect upon this page, let’s extract three foundational truths from this letter from Paul, which are applicable for our lives.
First, . . .
I. Godlyinstruction is rooted in love.
Paul gives some beautiful introductory words, including his mention of the wonderful grace, mercy, and peace that come from God the Father and our Lord Jesus.
Then, Paul transitions in verse 3 to a charge for Timothy to remain in Ephesus.
You see, Timothy was serving as pastor in Ephesus, and if Timothy is like most pastors, there were probably times that Timothy wanted to give up and head out.
However, Paul wanted him to remain with the church in Ephesus.
Paul gives the primary reason why he wanted Timothy to remain in Ephesus. Look at verse 3 again. Paul says, “ . . . so that you may instruct certain people not to teach false doctrine or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies.”
Let me tell you: we pastors hear a lot of crazy stuff that people think is worth discussion or acceptable to teach.
The particular problem for those in Ephesus had to do with false doctrine, myths, and some issue with certain genealogies. However, there could be other issues for other churches at other times.
Some of the biggest issues that I deal with are false doctrine, conspiracy theories, and personal preferences.
Let me just help you out church: if it’s not in the Bible, don’t ask that it be taught in our church; if it’s some crazy theory that you came up with, don’t expect our pastors to care a whole lot; and if it’s about your personal preference, don’t expect our pastors to act like it’s the most important thing in the church.
Rather than being concerned with silliness, we should be concerned with the proper handling of God’s Word.
In addition to being a family that is rooted in love and glorifying God, one of the primary purposes of the church is that it would be a place of godly instruction.
Well, what is the goal of all of this godly instruction? I’m glad you asked. Paul tells us in verse 5: “Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.”
When pastors and others teachers seek to teach the truth of God’s Word, it is done as an act of love.
When we commit this act of love, we should do so from a pure heart, with a good conscience, and in sincere faith.
The message of God is a message of love, because the Creator of the universe has spoken to you, and He wants to know you as His own.
We should value godly instruction, and we should realize that it is an act of love.
However, Paul said that some had departed from this message and started chasing after nonsense.
Church: may we never care more about secondary issues and nonsense than the loving message that springs from God’s Word.
True, godly instruction is rooted in love.
Second, . . .
II. Sin is rooted in lawlessness.
Next, Paul speaks of the law and sin, and how the two interact.
Look at verse 8. Paul says, “But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately.”
You see, church, you may recall from our discussion in Romans that the primary purpose of the law is to show us what is righteous and what is sinful.
You may remember, I described the law like a speed limit sign. You don’t really know how bad you’re speeding until you see the speed limit sign. So, also, the law of God shows us what is right and what is wrong.
Paul lists several particular sins, including lawlessness, rebellion, ungodliness, sinfulness, unholiness, irreverence, murder, sexual immorality, homosexuality, slavery, lying, perjury, and then he adds, “ . . . whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching.”
Our goal as God’s people should be, as Paul said in verse 11, to do that which, “ . . . conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God.”
Yet, when we reject God’s ways to do what we want to do instead, that is sin. Sin is rejecting God’s ways in favor of our ways.
Sin is rejecting holiness for unholiness. Sin is rejecting honoring our parents for dishonoring our parents. Sin is rejecting the honoring of life for murder. Sin is rejecting God’s design for marriage or purity for sexual immorality or homosexuality (or any modern variation). Sin is rejecting truth for lying. Sin is rejecting honoring and valuing others for slavery.
Let me tell you, church: culture’s view on these issues will shift from time to time, but God’s Word is constant.
The view of Christians will shift on these issues as well from time to time. There was a day and time when proclaiming Christians even supported the evils of the slave trade. What an atrocity!
We must stand for the Bible, no matter the view of the culture and no matter the view of other professing Christians.
At times, churches or Christians may even be considered bigoted or hateful because they stand for biblical views.
Listen, church: the culture does not set the standard of righteousness; the majority does not set the standard of righteousness; the Church does not set the standard of righteousness. God sets the standard of righteousness! God is our guide, and His Word is our standard.
Don’t forget, to teach the truth of God’s Word is actually an act of love. However, to reject God’s law is an act of sin.
Sin is rooted in lawlessness, which is a problem for all of us, because each of us has sinned.
That takes us to our final point:
III. Salvation is rooted in grace.
In case we think that Paul is simply wagging his finger at all the sinners in the world, he makes it very clear in this passage that all of us are sinners in need of the grace of God.
Let’s skip down to verse 15 to see very clearly Paul’s position on this matter. He says in verse 15, “This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them.”
Paul’s not pointing out how bad everyone else is while saying that he really has his act together. Rather, Paul is saying that all of us need the salvation that comes through Jesus.
Look at verse 13. Paul says he was “ . . . a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man.”
Despite his sin, God appointed Paul to ministry as an apostle, and he received mercy and grace from God.
Listen, church: none of us deserve the forgiveness of our sins that is offered through Jesus. The fact that any of us are rescued from our sin is an act of God’s grace.
Look at verse 16. Pauls says, “But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.”
Salvation is rooted in grace!
Let this bottom line summarize Paul’s message in 1 Timothy 1:1-17:
Bottom Line: We must focus on the message that Jesus savessinners.
Let us not be distracted by secondary, sinful, or slanderous issues. Rather, let us focus on the message that Jesus saves sinners.
Let us focus on, and be thankful for, the grace of God. This saying is trustworthy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
Verse 17 beautifully displays the praise that is due to God because of His wonderful grace shown through Jesus.
Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:17, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Challenge yourself to live out this passage in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Determine to focus on what is mostimportant for the church.
I wonder if we gathered all the concern and chatter in our church, and sorted it into two buckets, one with true godly conversation and one with conversation concerning other matters, how those two buckets would compare to one another. Which would be heavier?
Will you make a commitment to focus on what is most important for the church? Will you make a commitment to focus on the gospel and true godly instruction?
Weekly Challenge #2 – ThankGod for the gospel.
Spend some time this week thanking God for how He has saved you from your sin.
Aren’t you glad you don’t have to live your life without the grace of God? Thank Him this week.
Weekly Challenge #3 – Proclaim the gospel.
This saying is trustworthy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
This is the most important message to share. Will you commit this week to share that trustworthy saying with your neighbor, with your family, with our community, and with the world?
You may want to check out the sermon series, “Gospel Tools for Gospel People,” on our website to help give you some tools to share the gospel.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
I’ve said this before, but it’s worth noting that nearly every time someone suggests a book of the Bible that I should preach, they usually suggest the book of Revelation. Well, today is your day . . . today, I am preaching from the book of Revelation.
Today, I will be preaching from Revelation 11:3-13 about the famous two witnesses. Today’s sermon is entitled “The Witness of the Witnesses.”
Let’s pray together and then journey into this passage.
(prayer)
Ok, so let’s look at the passage. Look at Revelation 11:3-13:
3 I will grant my two witnesses authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, dressed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 If anyone wants to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and consumes their enemies; if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6 They have authority to close up the sky so that it does not rain during the days of their prophecy. They also have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every plague whenever they want.
7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war on them, conquer them, and kill them. 8 Their dead bodies, will lie in the main street of the great city, which figuratively is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9 And some of the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will view their bodies for three and a half days and not permit their bodies to be put into a tomb. 10 Those who live on the earth will gloat over them and celebrate and send gifts to one another because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.
11 But after three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” They went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watched them. 13 At that moment a violent earthquake took place, a tenth of the city fell, and seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake. The survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Ok, this is a weird story, right? So, let’s talk about a few introductory comments, then we’ll get into three truths we can take from this story.
First, let’s try to answer the question, “Who are the witnesses?”
Well, I’m going to come right out and say it: we don’t know who they are. How’s that?
However, there are several different theories of who they might be.
Some believe that these two witnesses are Moses and Elijah, who are two of the greatest heroes of Israel, and two of God’s most faithful servants. Also, Moses and Elijah were miraculously present at the transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17.
Others think these two are Elijah and Enoch. Elijah and Enoch are both heroes of the Old Testament who didn’t actually die but were miraculously taken to God in heaven.
Others think they may be Elijah and Elisha, both who had powerful prophetic ministries during the Old Testament days.
Some think that these are not actually people but representative symbols for something. This is certainly possible as the book of Revelation is full of symbols and signs, such as the lampstands, the bowls, the stars, the thrones, and so much more.
So, perhaps the two witnesses represent the Old Testament law and the prophets.
Perhaps they represent the law and the gospel.
Perhaps they represent the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.
A leading theory is that they represent the Church.
However, there’s no way to prove who these witnesses actually are or what these symbols represent. In fact, perhaps they are two new people who have not yet ministered on the earth.
So, we really don’t know the identity of the witnesses.
Second, notice all the similarities with other biblical figures.
First of all, they prophesied, as many figures did in the Scriptures, including the Old Testament prophets, John the Baptizer, and Jesus.
Second, they wore sackcloth. Several prophets dressed in sackcloth or meager clothing, including Elijah, Isaiah, and John the Baptizer.
Third, fire comes from their mouth and consumes their enemies.
Hebrews 12:29 says, “ . . . our God is a consuming fire.”
Also 2 Peter 3:12 says, “ . . . the heavens will be dissolved with fire and the elements will melt with heat.”
Also, in Zephaniah 3:8 God says, “. . . for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy.”
They control the natural world and create plagues, as Moses and Aaron did, Elijah did, Elisha did, and Jesus did.
They suffer and die, as many of the Old Testament prophets suffered, as John the Baptizer suffered and died, as Jesus suffered and died, and as the apostles suffered and died.
They were raised to new life, as Jesus was raised to new life, and as all who are in Christ will be raised to new life.
A voice from heaven spoke, as at the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3, and the transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17.
They went up to heaven in a cloud, similar to how Elijah went up in a chariot of fire, or how Jesus ascended into heaven in a cloud after His resurrection.
An earthquake came, as at the crucifixion of Jesus.
After seeing these amazing events, people glorified God, as at the ministry of Elijah on Mt. Carmel, when Jesus calmed the storm and sea, at the crucifixion of Jesus, and so many other stories.
That’s a lot of similarities, isn’t it?
So, we’re not sure exactly who these witnesses are, but there are an amazing number of parallels between them and other people of God throughout the Bible.
Not only are there some parallel factors about these witnesses, there are also some parallel truths that apply to these witnesses and every servant of God.
Let’s look at those three parallel truths now.
First, . . .
I. There will be great victory for God’s servants.
As with these two witnesses, who initially had great victory, so also there will be times of great victory for the Church.
Look again at verse 3. It says, “I will grant my two witnesses authority . . . ”
God has given these witnesses authority, and with authority comes victory.
We hear of another time when authority is given to God’s servants. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-19? “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations . . . ”
Also, remember, as we’ve mentioned a lot recently, Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of Hell would not prevail against His church.
What we witness with these witnesses, whether they are actual people, or whether they represent something, is nothing less than the reality that God’s servants will have a time of powerful ministry and success when it comes to the mission of God.
These men prophesied, and we learn in verse 5, that if anyone got in their way, fire came from their mouths to destroy them. I don’t know about you, but that sounds victorious to me!
Verse 6 also says that they have authority; authority to do many miraculous wonders in the world, including stopping rain, turning water to blood, and striking the earth with plagues.
These servants of God have great victory, and there is victory for all of God’s servants.
However, victory is not always constant. That takes us to a second parallel truth:
II. There will be great suffering for God’s servants.
There will be great suffering in this world for God’s servants.
Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
Jesus never said that there wouldn’t be suffering. Quite the opposite! He said there would be suffering.
Many of God’s servants suffered, not only in the Bible, but throughout Christian history, and many are suffering now.
Notice in this passage, starting in verse 7, that these servants of God suffered greatly.
We see that the beast from the bottomless pit comes up to conquer and kill these servants of God.
This beast is surely a powerful evil spiritual force who is determined to stop the work of God. The beast does, indeed, stop the work of these servants of God (at least for a little while).
Not only are these servants of God killed, but we see in verse 8 that their bodies lie in the street, which according to Jewish culture, is a disgrace.
As their bodies lie in the street, the entire earth celebrates their death, and even exchange gifts with one another as if it is a holiday.
Now, again, we don’t know if these are two literal men or whether they represent something bigger. But, we do know that these verses describe a terrible experience of suffering for God’s servants.
However, this is not the end for these servants of God, is it?
Finally, we see that . . .
III. There will be a great resurrection for God’s servants.
This weird story does not end in verse 10. It continues on.
Look again at verses 11-13 again:
11 But after three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” They went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watched them. 13 At that moment a violent earthquake took place, a tenth of the city fell, and seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake. The survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
You see that these witnesses are standing up alive again. As a result, great fear fell on those who witnessed the witnesses.
I imagine part of the fear that fell on everyone was that they were freaked out that two dead people came back to life.
However, they may have also remembered that these prophets were shooting fire from their mouths and killing their enemies not that long ago. Meanwhile, the bad guys had been celebrating the fact that the witnesses were dead and they left their bodies in the street.
Then, we hear a voice from heaven, which is always a sign of God’s authority speaking into the situation.
The voice says, “Come up here.” Then, the men went up to heaven in a cloud.
That’s not the end. After the men go up to heaven, an earthquake came and killed many of the people who were on the earth, then they gave glory to God.
Now, to say that they gave glory to God doesn’t necessarily mean that they became Christians and started going to church and everything.
What it means that these people gave glory to God, means at a minimum, that they recognized and acknowledged the greatness and power of God.
Clearly, God did this, and clearly, God is wonderful.
Church, the witnesses had great victory, then they suffered greatly, but they certainly experienced a great resurrection.
There is a great resurrection promised for all of us who are in Jesus!
Paul describes the resurrection of all followers of Jesus in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Paul says, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”
Paul said in
Philippians 3:20-21, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.”
Jesus said in John 14:3 “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.”
No matter what happens on this earth, God will make all things new, good, and right, and He will raise you and all of us who follow Jesus to new life.
There will be a great resurrection for God’s servants.
That brings us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God has great plans for His servants.
Listen, God never promised that life on this earth would be perfect and lovely. However, He did promise that eternity would.
God has great plans for you; trust Him.
Romans 8:28 says, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
We’re reminded in Hebrews 13:5 that God said, “. . . I will never leave you or abandon you.”
Church, God has great plans for you that culminate with you entering into His presence, into His glory, and into His paradise for all eternity.
God was doing something weird and mysterious with these two witnesses, and we don’t have it all figured out. However, we do know this much: this story ended with these witnesses in heaven and with God receiving glory.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Determine if you trust God with your future.
The reality is, some of us could end up suffering. In fact, the Bible seems to describe a lot of suffering for followers of God.
Do you trust God with your suffering? Do you trust God for your resurrection? Do you trust God with your future?
Weekly Challenge #2 – Submit yourself as a servant of God.
These two witnesses, whoever they are or whatever they represent, clearly trust God and His plan for them. They were submitted as servants of God.
What about you? Are you submitted to be a servant of God? Will you be faithful, not only in moments of victory but also in moments of suffering?
Will you be a faithful follower of God?
Jesus was faithful, and Jesus trusted the Father, so that we could be changed forever.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
Response Song – He Will Hold Me Fast
(Announcements – Richard)
(Giving emphasis – History Room)
(Benediction)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
My big brother, Ben, is a wonderful sleeper. That guy can nap like it’s his job. He’s a super hard worker, and a great husband and father. So, when he’s tired, he sleeps, even if it’s not bedtime. I’ve gone hunting with him, only to find him sleeping in the truck. I’ve gone fishing with him only to see him fall asleep in the boat. The guy knows how to sleep.
In today’s Bible passage, we’re going to hear about a young man who also was apparently pretty good at sleeping. Today’s sermon is entitled “The Dangers of Sleeping During the Sermon.”
Let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us as we study His Word.
(prayer)
Let me give you a little background to what leads up to our passage in Acts 20.
After Jesus rose from the dead, He hung out on the earth for forty days; then He ascended back to Heaven.
After Jesus left the earth, the apostles began to lead the church, and tell others about Jesus.
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, and Peter preached a powerful sermon where about 3,000 people became part of the early Church.
From there, the church began to blossom and spread through the ministry of Peter and John, and the other apostles. God also raised up another apostle, one who was once an enemy of the Church, whose name was Paul.
Paul would become a legendary preacher, missionary, and church planter. He was particularly effective in taking the gospel to the non-Jewish world.
Paul took the gospel to many cities, including a city called Troas. That takes us to Acts 20:7-12, where Paul would spend seven days in Troas.
By the way, the book of Acts was written by Luke, who was a traveling companion of Paul.
Well, let’s dive into today’s passage. Look at Acts 20:7-12:
7 On the first day of the week, we assembled to break bread. Paul spoke to them, and since he was about to depart the next day, he kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the room upstairs where we were assembled, 9 and a young man named Eutychus was sitting on a window sill and sank into a deep sleep as Paul kept on talking. When he was overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down, bent over him, embraced him, and said, “Don’t be alarmed, because he’s alive.” 11 After going upstairs, breaking the bread, and eating, Paul talked a long time until dawn. Then he left. 12 They brought the boy home alive and were greatly comforted.
This is a weird story, right? I’ve never heard of this happening to anyone other than this young man named Eutychus.
By the way, that’s also a weird name. Although his name Eutychus means “fortunate.” Now, this story certainly didn’t start out fortunate for Eutychus, but it did end that way.
Something special happened in this story. However, I hope that you will see there’s more than one special element to this story.
First, let’s see that . . .
I. There is something special about the fellowship of God’s people.
When we speak of fellowship, we mean gathering together and spending time together.
One aspect we repeatedly see in the New Testament concerning the early church was that they gathered frequently.
Churches should enjoy being together in fellowship with one another.
In this case, the church gathered at a building, probably someone’s house, and they hung out all night. That’s amazing!
Church, we should have a bond with one another to where we enjoy being together.
Now, to be clear, this was a special circumstance. From what we know, Paul was about to leave town, so they probably spent more time together than they normally do, so they could soak up every last ounce of what Paul was teaching.
However, it was a regular occurrence for them to gather and fellowship (or hang out) together.
By the way, did you know that you don’t have to gather in the church building in order to be the church? The church is not a building; it’s a people.
Sometimes people will say to me, “Pastor, I wish we had more services because I enjoy being around my church family.” When did we start thinking that we have to schedule something in this building in order for us to fellowship with our church family?
If you need me to sanction something in order for you to fellowship, then here it is: Go! Hangout! Love one another, eat together, watch movies together, go shopping together, pray together, serve others together, cry together, laugh together, spend your lives together, vacation together. You are sent! This is the official church announcement to fellowship with your church family.
I was recently in a discussion with some other pastors and church leaders about online attendance. I told them that we don’t track online attendance at our church. Now, let me be clear, I believe in online resources, and I think we do a fairly good job with our online resources. However, our goal is to get people together, face to face, in worship and in fellowship with one another.
The Bible says in Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
Jesus said in John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Acts 2:46-47 describes the early church this way: “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”
Listen, church: there is something special about the fellowship of God’s people.
Second, . . .
II. There is something special about the message of God’s people.
Notice in this passage that it says four times that Paul was speaking or talking.
In verse 7, Paul spoke to them.
At the end of verse 7, it says Paul kept on talking until midnight.
In the middle of verse 9, it says Paul kept on talking.
In verse 11, it says Paul talked a long time (you don’t say!).
This is wild, isn’t it? At our church, after I finish my last point, folks are starting to pack their things up and look for the door. If I went much past noon, many of you would wonder what my problem was.
However, the church in Troas gathered together, presumably around dinner time, and then Paul spoke until midnight. He took a break to raise a dead boy back to life, and then he spoke more until dawn, which is when the sun comes up.
If these folks eat dinner around 6:00 PM or so, you have six hours until midnight, and then probably about another six hours until dawn. Paul was potentially speaking for twelve hours or more!
Yet, the people continued to stay and listen to Paul. Why? You see, Paul was God’s apostle, and he carried a message for God’s people. There’s something special about the message of God’s people.
God’s people can carry with them, and pass on to others, God’s supernatural, Holy Spirit-filled message.
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us.”
Paul said in
Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
Paul said in
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes . . .”
James said in James 1:21 “ . . . humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
There is power in the Word of God! There is power in the message of God’s people.
You see, church: when Jesus left this world, He said He would send the Holy Spirit, who would give us power to be witnesses of all that Jesus said and did.
We have the message of Jesus, and we are to share that powerful message with each other and with the world.
The apostle knew that there was power in the message. He shared with his brothers and sisters in Christ (as he did for about twelve hours for the church in Troas), and he shared it with the lost world.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
The message of God, given to His people, is powerful.
That’s why we can gather in worship, that’s why we call each other for encouragement and prayer, that’s why we share the message with others, that’s why churches gather in secret all over the world, even in the face of persecution, and that’s why the church in Troas gathered for twelve hours to hear from Paul.
There is something special about the message of God’s people.
Finally, . . .
III. There is something special about the power of God’s people.
I’ve mentioned this over and over throughout our series about weird stories from the Bible.
God can work miracles through His people. He’s promised it time and time again, and He’s done it time and time again.
What happened in this passage is miraculous. Verse 10 says, “But Paul went down, bent over him, embraced him, and said, “Don’t be alarmed, because he’s alive.’”
What a miracle. God brought life back to this young man through the power of His people.
God still works powerfully through His people today.
I want to tell you a story that my wife got to experience, and the power of God among His people. We were at a small retreat for pastors, and Jennifer got to get away for a few minutes with another pastor’s wife. We were staying close to the beach, and this lady had not seen the beach, so Jennifer said, “Let’s go see it, we’re so close.” This pastor and his wife were going through a really hard time and were looking for a new church to serve. Somehow Jennifer and the other lady mentioned how much they loved the beach, and Jennifer prayed specifically that this couple would find a church close to the beach. Listen to what this pastor’s wife recently wrote to Jennifer: “Good evening Jen. I hope you are well. I wanted to thank you for praying for me a few months ago in October. I will never forget you encouraging us to take a few steps into the water and to pray. You prayed a precious prayer to the Lord for my family. That He would lead us to a church that would cradle and love my family and to a church that needed us too. You also prayed at the end that God would bring us to a church near the beach. I was so blessed that day by your prayer and hid the prayer in my heart and prayed many days as we waited on the Lord. I wanted to tell you that we moved to a city near the beach to serve at a church named BEACH Church. The Lord heard your prayer and I wanted you to know, friend! We bought a home and live about 10 minutes from the beach. God shows off sometimes!” Isn’t that amazing, church? God is amazing!
Church, there is something special about the power of God’s people. These two ladies who love the Lord came together in prayer, and God did something miraculous.
Now, to be clear, God doesn’t promise all of us a home near the beach. Quite the contrary. Sometimes God’s sovereign will for us involves suffering.
However, God does promise this: He promises power for the church.
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “ . . . on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
Church, God can do something special through His people.
There’s something special about the power of God’s people.
Let this bottom line summarize what God is teaching us in this passage:
Bottom Line: There’s something special about what God does through His people.
God did something special through His people at the church in Troas, and He still does special things through His people.
Lives are changed, prayers are answered, communities are transformed, countries that are closed to the gospel have churches raised up, chains of addiction are broken, fear is eliminated, gossip is killed, churches are transformed, all because of the power of God and the special work that He does through His people!
Never forget the special fellowship of God’s people, the special message of God’s people, and the special power of God’s people.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Identify what is special about the local church.
I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again, the local church is God’s plan A, and is there no plan B.
Take some time this week to dive into God’s Word and learn what it says about the power of the local church.
What does God promise to do through His church? What can God do in our church?
Weekly Challenge #2 – Identify how you can be used by God in our church.
There’s something special about God’s people. Well, how can God use you, one of His people, to do something special in His church?
I just spoke to two new members this past Wednesday about how they can be used in our church? What about you. How can God use you in our church?
God can do something special in His church THROUGH you. But, before that, God wants to do something special IN you.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
Response Song – His Mercy is More
(Announcements – Richard)
(Giving emphasis – History Room)
(Benediction)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
As my sons grow up, they are discovering what it means to be a son of a pastor. One of my boys asked one time, “Dad, what do other kids’ daddies do for a job?” As if pastoring was the only job for a man. Also, once in a while, they’ll say something like, “Well, my dad is the pastor!” Or, they’ll say, “Dad, you’re the pastor; why don’t you just do what you want to do.” I have to explain to them what it means to be humble and wise when you are serving in a position of authority, or when your father is in a position of authority.
In our weird story today, we’re going to hear Jesus speak about sons of a king and how they are treated because their father is in charge of all things.
So, let’s pray together, and then we’ll dive into this passage.
(prayer)
First, let’s give a little context for this story. Jesus has called His disciples, and they are ministering through Israel. Their base of operation is Capernaum. So, anytime they go to Capernaum, all eyes are on them. Oftentimes, people will question them or try to trap them in some controversy while they are there. So, that gives you a little background to this passage.
Ok. Let’s read the passage. Look at Matthew 17:24-27:
24 When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”
25 “Yes,” he said.
When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes? From their sons or from strangers?”
26 “From strangers,” he said.
“Then the sons are free,” Jesus told him. 27 “But, so we won’t offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and take the first fish that you catch. When you open its mouth you’ll find a coin. Take it and give it to them for me and you.”
Today’s sermon is entitled, “I Will Make You Fishers of Money.”
Of course, this is a play off of what Jesus said when He called His disciples, when He said, “I will make you fishers of men.”
Obviously, this sermon is not about gaining money. Well, what is this weird story about? I’m glad you asked.
First, let’s discover that we must . . .
I. Remember theMaster.
One beautiful truth that comes out of this weird story from the Bible is that we serve the King!
Our God is Master of all of the universe!
We must maintain that truth in our hearts and in our minds.
The Bible paints a very clear picture that we should honor those in authority, even when we don’t agree with them.
We should honor our parents. We should honor our bosses. We should honor our elected officials. We should honor our pastors. Why? Because the one who is in ultimate authority (God) has commanded that we do so.
However, we should never forget, we know who is really in charge around here!
He is the King of kings! He is the Lord of lords! He is the Alpha and the Omega! He is Master of all.
We belong to the King! We belong to Jesus!
The exchange between Jesus and Simon Peter in verses 25 and 26 makes it very clear that we are children of the King, and the children of the King shouldn’t have to pay for the King’s home (which is what the Temple tax was).
Look again at verses 25 and 26:
“What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes? From their sons or from strangers?” “From strangers,” he said. “Then the sons are free,” Jesus told him.
The children of the King are free! Ultimately, we don’t owe anything to anyone because we are children of the Master.
So, we must remember the Master.
Second, we must . . .
II. Remember the mission.
Even though we only owe our allegiance to the Master, even though we only owe anything to our King, the Master has given us a mission.
Among other things, God has told us repeatedly through His Word not to cause trouble and stir up rebellion just for the sake of causing problems.
Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.”
Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11 says, “ . . . seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business . . .”
1 Peter 3:15-16, “ . . . but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.”
Jesus said in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”
So, church, we must remember the mission.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, that we are to go and make disciples.
Jesus said in Acts 1:8 that we are to be His witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in Mark 12:30-31 that the most important thing we can do is to love God and love others!
Church, there are a lot of things in this world that are important, but nothing is more important for the child of the Master, than the mission of the Master!
I enjoy college football, I enjoy sitting in the woods, I enjoy reading a good book, I enjoy driving in my old truck listening to music, I enjoy throwing a line in a lake, I enjoy watching movies, I enjoy my family, I enjoy church potlucks, but there’s nothing more important than the mission of God!
Jesus wanted Peter to know that they shouldn’t be caught up on whether or not they should pay the temple tax. Jesus said in verse 27, “But, so we won’t offend . . .”
Listen, church: It’s important that we get this. Jesus was not afraid of offending others. However, Jesus did not seek to offend for the sake of offense. Further, Jesus didn’t want to offend if it detracted from the mission.
There would be other times for Jesus and His followers when the mission actually caused offense. It will offend to say that people are sinners. It will offend to say that Jesus is the only way to God. It will offend to say that the Bible, though ancient, is powerful and true. We are not to avoid offense at all costs, but we are remember to the mission.
The mission of God must be more important than our politics, our preferences, our personalities, our professions, our protests, and our pleasure.
Sometimes we’re so distracted by making sure that everyone knows we are right and the world is wrong that we actually miss the opportunity to have any real impact in changing the world.
If you want people to feel the impact of God, then give the love of God and the truth of God. Give them Jesus! Give them the love of Jesus and give them the truth of Jesus.
Remember the mission!
Finally, . . .
III. Remember themiracle.
Church, this weird story is an absolute miracle.
I’ve caught a lot of fish in my life, but I’ve never caught one with a coin in its mouth. Furthermore, I’ve certainly never had someone tell me ahead of time that the first fish I will catch will have a coin in its mouth and then it came to be true.
I like to go fishing with my buddy Don Scarbrough, one of our deacons. While fishing with Don, I’ve caught turtles, I’ve got pieces of metal, I’ve caught sticks, and I even caught a fish that had one of my plastic worms in its mouth from a previous cast. However, I’ve never done something like what’s described in this story.
Listen, church: King Jesus is sovereignly in control of everything in the universe.
Jesus raises the dead, Jesus created the earth with His spoken Word, Jesus saves sinners, Jesus gives sight to the blind, Jesus softens hardened hearts, and Jesus can cause a fish to have a coin in its mouth and then sovereignly guide Peter’s fishing line right to that fish.
The apostle John says of Jesus in John 1:1-5, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”
Catch this: Jesus was a miracle worker, and He is still a miracle worker. We must remember the miracle!
God knows everything that you need, and He will never abandon you.
He wants you to remember that He is Master and King, He wants you to remember His mission, and He wants you to remember that He is miraculous!
Paul tells us beautifully in Philippians 4:18 “ . . . And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Some have twisted this verse to mean that God is going to make us handsome, rich, and powerful. Well, that hasn’t worked for me yet.
God does not promise you the riches of this world. That’s pocket change when it comes to the riches of God, anyway.
You don’t need the pocket change that this world offers. You need the riches of God, in glory, in Christ Jesus!
You need love, peace, life, and grace, which is only found in the miraculous power of Jesus!
Remember the miracle.
Our God is miraculous. That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: Our loyalty is to a miraculous God with a miraculous mission.
Remember to whom you belong, and remember why you are here on this earth.
We have a God who loves us powerfully, and He has left us with a powerful mission.
Let us not be distracted; let us be focused!
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Identify the mission of God.
Can you identify the mission of God? Boy, I sure hope you can if you have come to this church for more than a couple of weeks.
Take some time this week to see if you can identify the mission of God.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Ask yourself if you are on mission.
What are you doing with your life?
Are you focused on what really matters? Are you fighting for a certain political reality? Are you fighting to get your preferences met? Are you trying to preserve tradition? Are you seeking to become rich, beautiful, and powerful?
Or, are you on mission for the Master?
Challenge yourself to answer that question this week.
(Gospel presentation)
The Master was on mission to miraculously save you.
(closing prayer)
Response Song – Jesus Paid it All
(Announcements – Matt)
(Giving emphasis – two fairly new members who said God is changing their lives)
(Benediction)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Perhaps one of the most famous prophets in all of the Old Testament is the prophet Elijah. He was a major part of my favorite Old Testament story, the showdown on Mt. Carmel.
However, as wonderful as Elijah was, the prophet who followed him actually had a double portion of the spirit of Elijah. That prophet’s name was Elisha. Let me tell you, Elisha was very special, and he had some weird stories.
Today, we’re going to learn about one of the weird stories from the ministry of Elisha. Before we do, let’s go to the Lord in prayer.
(prayer)
Well, today’s sermon is entitled “When Ax Heads Float.”
In case you didn’t know, iron ax heads are not supposed to float. However, in today’s passage, we’re going to see that sometimes they do float.
Let’s look at 2 Kings 6:1-7:
1 The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please notice that the place where we live under your supervision is too small for us. 2 Please let us go to the Jordan where we can each get a log and can build ourselves a place to live there.”
“Go,” he said.
3 Then one said, “Please come with your servants.”
“I’ll come,” he answered.
4 So he went with them, and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Oh, my master, it was borrowed!”
6 Then the man of God asked, “Where did it fall?”
When he showed him the place, the man of God cut a piece of wood, threw it there, and made the iron float. 7 Then he said, “Pick it up.” So he reached out and took it.
Ok, let’s learn some more about Elijah and about this story.
First, let’s realize that . . .
I. Elisha was God’s servant.
Elisha is perhaps one of the most underrated prophets of the Old Testament.
He had some amazing miracles and stories associated with him. Some of these stories include:
Parting the Jordan River.
Purifying contaminated the water.
Producing endless oil for a widow to sell.
Raising a dead boy back to life.
Multiplying bread.
Healing a man named Naaman of leprosy.
And, one of my favorites: cursing some young boys who were making fun of his baldness. Let’s read about that one.
Look at 2 Kings 2:23-24
“From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking up the path, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, chanting, “Go up, baldy! Go up, baldy!” He turned around, looked at them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the children.”
I mean, this could be a sermon in the weird stories series for sure. However, this was one of many signs that Elisha was God’s anointed servant.
In fact, (as I said earlier) Elisha was given a double portion of the spirit that his predecessor, Elijah, had.
Listen to what 2 Kings 2:9-13 says about this: “When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you.’ So Elisha answered, ‘Please, let me inherit two shares of your spirit.’ Elijah replied, ‘You have asked for something difficult. If you see me being taken from you, you will have it. If not, you won’t.’ As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire with horses of fire suddenly appeared and separated the two of them. Then Elijah went up into heaven in the whirlwind. As Elisha watched, he kept crying out, ‘My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!’ When he could see him no longer, he took hold of his own clothes, tore them in two, picked up the mantle that had fallen off Elijah, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.”
So, we see the evidence here that Elisha received two shares, or double, of the spirit of Elijah. Elijah had a special anointing from God, and Elisha apparently had twice that!
That brings us back to our story today about the floating ax head.
We have this miraculous event where an ax head goes crashing into the river, and Elisha causes it to float supernaturally.
By the way, some people have tried to discount this story by saying that the ax head was perhaps in a shallow part of the river, or that Elisha used a stick to drag if off the bottom of the river. That is not at all how the story reads.
Listen, folks: ax heads don’t float, they sink. They’re really good at sinking. The fact that this ax head floated is weird and unnatural. In fact, it is supernatural.
This story, though weird, very clearly points to a miracle by Elisha, the servant of God.
So, back in our weird story, we have this group of men called “the sons of the prophets.”
The sons of the prophets were likely a group of young men who were training under Elisha to become prophets.
Elisha served as a prophet for 60 years, so he had some experience. Remember, he trained under Elijah, and now he is training others.
Elisha was an influential prophet, who not only performed miracles, but was consulted by multiple kings for spiritual advice.
Elisha was an ideal man to learn from to be a prophet. However, there was one problem: they were cramped for space.
In verse 1, the sons of the prophets say to Elisha, “Please notice that the place where we live under your supervision is too small for us.”
If you get too many young men crowded together, it can be a problem, and it was starting to become a problem for the sons of the prophets.
So, Elisha allows them to carry out this plan. Notice in verse 3 that they say, “Please come with your servants.”
I imagine that Elisha was a good man to have around. He could cleanse water, he could multiply bread, he could cleanse leprosy, he could sic a couple of bears on disrespectful children. So, they asked him to come along, and he did so.
Now, I have an ax here that has a head on it that’s a bit loose. If I were to swing this a few times toward the congregation, that ax head may just come off. Some of you may not like that too much. I really need to get a new handle for the ax.
Perhaps the ax this man was swinging had the same problem. No matter the cause, the effect was that this man lost the head of the ax. What made it especially terrible was that it was a borrowed ax. Anyone worth any good, knows that you don’t bring a borrowed tool back to someone when it’s broken, unless you do so with a handful of cash also.
So, there’s a problem here. Don’t you know, church, that our God is a problem solver?
He’s a waymaker, He’s a miracle worker, and He’s a problem solver.
Now, God is most concerned with the big problem of our sin; He wants to fix that problem, and He’s done so through Jesus. However, this story is what I call one of those “cherry on top” miracles. In the end, it doesn’t really matter whether that ax head gets found or not. It may matter for that man, but it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of eternity. However, God is sort of just putting the cherry on top by showing how wonderful He is.
All these young men got to witness God work a miracle through His servant, as Elisha threw a piece of wood in the river and that iron ax head floated.
Not only did the man get the borrowed ax head back, but God demonstrated His power through Elisha, the man of God.
That brings us to our second point:
II. God can do wonders through His servant.
God did many things through His servants all throughout the Bible. He did great things through Elijah, He did great things through Elisha, and He did great things through others as well.
What’s wonderful is that this power is not just limited to the Old Testament prophets.
God is still working miracles today.
God still heals others through our prayers.
God still encourages others through our love.
God still brings clarity to confusion by providing His wisdom.
God still provides through the generosity of His people.
God still blesses through loving churches.
God still saves through the proclamation of the gospel.
God still restores churches through the faithfulness of those who won’t give up on the idea of a thriving biblical church.
God is still using His servants to work miracles.
God wants to use you as His servant to do great things!
Now, you might say, “Surely you don’t mean me, Pastor Matt? I’m nothing like Elisha.”
Listen to me: Elisha was not what made Elisha special (he was a weird bald guy). God is who made Elisha special.
By the way, we still serve the same special God today!
Jesus said in John 14:12, “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these.”
Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you . . .”
Paul said in Philippians 4:13, “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you?”
Acts 4:13 says the community around the apostles reacted this way: “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
Church, God can accomplish wonders through His servants, by His power, and for His glory.
God can heal the hurting, God can feed the hungry, God can save the lost, and so much more, through you, His servant.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: The person of God can be used to do the work of God.
Elisha was the man of God. He was used by God because he was devoted to God and anointed by God.
Let’s go back to 2 Kings, when Elijah handed off his ministry to Elisha. Look at verses 12-15:
“As Elisha watched, he kept crying out, ‘My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!’ When he could see him no longer, he took hold of his own clothes, tore them in two, picked up the mantle that had fallen off Elijah, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle Elijah had dropped, and he struck the water. ‘Where is the Lord God of Elijah?’ he asked. He struck the water himself, and it parted to the right and the left, and Elisha crossed over. When the sons of the prophets from Jericho who were observing saw him, they said, ‘The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.’ They came to meet him and bowed down to the ground in front of him.”
You see, church: Elisha realized that Elijah was gone. He knew that it was his turn to be used by God, so he picked up Elijah’s mantle (which was like a cloak or cape), and he got busy with the work of the Lord.
In these days, God still works through people, and it’s people like you and people like me.
God is still using His servants. Is He using you? Will you pick up the mantle and be used as a servant of God?
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Determine if you are a servant of God.
Do you belong to God? Are you committed to Him?
Elisha was committed to God. What about you? Can you say, “All to Jesus, I surrender; all to Him I freely give?”
Weekly Challenge #2 – Determine if you can be used of God.
Do you believe that God can use you?
Do you believe the words of Philippians 2:13, which say, “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.”
Determine if you can be used of God. God’s Word says that He can use you. Do you believe the Word of God?
You might not make an ax float, but you just might be used by God to do something even greater.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
Response Song – Living Hope
(Announcements – Richard)
(Giving emphasis)
(Benediction)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Many of you have surely heard of the ark of the covenant. The ark was something that was prescribed by God and built by the priests during the time of Moses. The ark was sort of a chest, overlaid with gold, with two artistic renderings of angels on the top (called “cherubim”).
Hebrews 9:4 tells us what was in the ark. It says, “It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.”
So, we’re going to dive into a story about the ark of the covenant, and you may come to feel that’s even a bit weird.
Before we do, let’s go to the Lord in prayer.
(prayer)
Ok, so let’s read the passage, and then we’ll talk more about it.
Today’s sermon is entitled “One Bad Decision.” You’ll see why I chose that title in just a moment.
Look at 2 Samuel 6:1-11:
1 David again assembled all the fit young men in Israel: thirty thousand. 2 He and all his troops set out to bring the ark of God from Baale-judah. The ark bears the Name, the name of the Lord of Armies who is enthroned between the cherubim. 3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and transported it from Abinadab’s house, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the cart 4 and brought it with the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on the hill. Ahio walked in front of the ark. 5 David and the whole house of Israel were dancing before the Lord with all kinds of fir wood instruments, lyres, harps, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.
6 When they came to Nacon’s threshing floor, Uzzah reached out to the ark of God and took hold of it because the oxen had stumbled. 7 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah, and God struck him dead on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there next to the ark of God. 8 David was angry because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzzah, so he named that place Outburst Against Uzzah, as it is today. 9 David feared the Lord that day and said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” 10 So he was not willing to bring the ark of the Lord to the city of David; instead, he diverted it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. 11 The ark of the Lord remained in his house three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his whole family.
Ok, so let’s talk a little more about the ark.
First, let’s answer the question:
I. What’s going on with the ark?
I’ve already told you a little bit about what’s in the ark, how it came to be, and so forth.
However, the ark was not merely a relic with special artifacts inside. The ark actually represented the presence of God.
When God’s people carried the ark into battle, they were victorious. When the enemies of Israel stole the ark and kept it in their territory, they suffered.
At this point in the Bible (2 Samuel 6), David is king of Israel.
David wanted to set up a new capital for his kingdom and for worship in Israel, in a place called Jerusalem.
The ark was being held at someone’s house, and it was close to the borders of one of Israel’s greatest enemies, the Philistines.
So, David planned to bring the ark closer to his home, closer to the new capital of the kingdom, and further away from the Philistines.
So, David set off with 30,000 fit young men to bring the ark back. David probably brought this large army both as a sign of strength and prosperity, and as a genuine means of protecting the ark.
However, even though 30,000 men were brought to protect the ark, it only took one man to mess things up.
So, second, let’s see . . .
II. What’s going on with this guy’s death?
This is the weird part for many of us. We think, “Why in the world would God strike Uzzah dead for touching the ark?”
In fact, many of us may simply say that it is instinctual to reach out and grab something if it is falling.
However, that’s the problem. Uzzah’s instincts should have been to revere the holiness of God and the law of God, but those were not his instincts.
Uzzah’s instincts were more man-centered than God-centered.
You might be thinking, “What in the world are you talking about, Pastor Matt?”
You see, the ark of the covenant actually represented the very presence of God.
The ark was not like any other object. The ark carried with it the holiness of God.
In fact, God had already given specific instructions not to touch the ark.
Numbers 4:15 says, “Aaron and his sons are to finish covering the holy objects and all their equipment whenever the camp is to move on. The Kohathites will come and carry them, but they are not to touch the holy objects or they will die.”
Further, God had demonstrated time and again that the ark didn’t need protection from humans.
In 1 Samuel 5, we read of how the Philistines stole the ark of the covenant and put it in the temple of the false god, Dagon. When they came to check on the temple, the statue of Dagon had fallen to the ground and began to fall apart. Further, the people of Ashdod, where the Ark was taken after the Dagon incident, began to develop tumors. Then, they moved the ark to Gath and started having problems there also. Then, the same thing happened in Ekron.
God took care of the ark when the Philistines stole it, so much so that the enemies of Israel sent the ark back to the Israelites, along with a gold offering. God didn’t need humans to protect Him.
Furthermore, the people of Israel already had an example of what not to do when it came to trying to take care of the ark of God.
In 1 Samuel 6, when the Philistines sent the ark back to Israel, it arrived in Beth-shemesh. Some of the people of Israel, in Beth-shemesh, got curious and decided to look inside the ark. What happened was God struck down 70 persons for not revering the ark of God.
The people responded in 1 Samuel 6:20, “Who is able to stand in the presence of the Lord this holy God?”
So, the people of Israel should have known better when it came to messing around with the ark of God.
What’s even more, David allowed (or perhaps even commanded) that the ark be carried on a cart with an ox. However, this was not how God prescribed that the ark should be carried.
In Exodus, where God gave instructions to the people on how to make the ark, God said in Exodus 25:12-14, “Cast four gold rings for it and place them on its four feet, two rings on one side and two rings on the other side. Make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry the ark with them.”
You can see from this artistic rendering what the ark may have looked like.
The ark was meant to be carried on poles by priests; not on a cart by an ox. Do you know who moved the ark on a cart with an ox? The Philistines did that!
Rather than treating the ark of God the way God prescribed, the Israelites are using the same methodology to move the ark that the godless Philistines used.
You see, church: sometimes we look at this story and think that Uzzah was just innocently reaching out to save the ark, and it appears at first glance that this is what he was doing. However, what we really see is a loss of reverence and honor for the holiness of God.
Even though the title of this sermon is “One Bad Decision,” there were actually several bad decisions that led to this moment (I should pick a better sermon title).
We see David getting sloppy with allowing the ark to be transported as it was, and we see Uzzah getting sloppy with reaching out to grab the ark.
The result of this irreverence and sloppiness was the death of Uzzah.
That brings us to our final point:
III. What’s going on with how serious God is?
Church, this is certainly not the only time someone died because they disrespected the holiness of God.
In Leviticus 10, Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron the priest, presented unauthorized offerings to the Lord and they were both consumed by the fire of God.
In Numbers 16, God swallowed up the entire clan of Korah for their rebellion against Moses.
In Joshua 7, Achan’s entire family was stoned to death because the Lord’s anger burned against Israel because Achan had stollen from the treasury of the Lord.
In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira are killed instantly by God for lying to the early Church about the value of the offering they presented.
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul says that some have gotten sick or even died for taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner.
Folks, I could go on, but here’s the point: God is serious about His holiness and about His ways. The Bible continually points us to the holiness of God.
In Malachi 1:14, God says, “. . . my name will be feared among the nations.”
In Revelation 4:8, as we have a picture of heaven, we hear that angels continually call out “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come.”
Exodus 15:11 says, “Lord, who is like you among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?”
1 Peter 1:15 says, “But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct.”
Psalm 96:9 says, “Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him.”
God is certainly full of grace, He is certainly full of love, He is certainly full of mercy, and He is certainly full of holiness. Further, He expects holiness from His people.
That brings us to our bottom line:
Bottom line: We serve a holy God.
God is holy, and His ways are holy.
If God says not to touch the ark, God’s people ought not to touch the ark.
Uzzah’s instinct may have been to catch something when it was falling. However, he should have had a greater instinct to revere the Lord God and to remember His holiness.
That brings up some questions for us:
In what ways are you not revering the holiness of God?
How are we as a church? Are we respecting the ways of God?
What do we do instinctively that actually goes against what God has commanded for us?
You see . . .
Our instincts may be to do something that grows our church quickly, rather than do something that develops disciples.
Our instincts may tell us to sleep in a few extra minutes, rather than get up early to pray and read God’s Word.
Our instincts may tell us to ignore the strange person, rather than tell them about how God loves them and wants a relationship with them through Jesus.
Our instincts may drive us to hold onto bitterness when someone hurts us, rather than to extend forgiveness as Jesus commands.
Our instincts may tell us that a little gossip is ok, rather than seeking to honor others and the church by forsaking gossip.
Our instincts may tell us to look out for ourselves first, rather than being like Jesus by looking out for the good of others.
Our instincts may lead us to honor leaders who pretend to be strong, brilliant, and powerful, rather than honor leaders who are humble, wise, and godly.
Our instincts may lead us to want to do church the way we want it, with our traditions, with our preferred music, with our air temperature settings, and with our favorite sermons; rather than be intentional in all that we do to worship and glorify God and reach multiple generations of people from our community with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes, our instincts can lead us to be less like Jesus, and more like sin.
May we desire to develop holy instincts that are developed by a devotion to our holy God.
May we respond as Jesus did when He was tempted by the devil. Jesus said, “For it is written . . .” as He recalled the Word of God and the ways of God in the face of temptation. May we do the same when our instincts lead us astray.
Challenge yourself this week in the following one way:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Consider your reverence for God’s ways.
First of all, are you even concerned with what God has to say to you?
Second, how much value do you put in what God has to say to you?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
I’ve often heard Christians say, “If the Bible says it, it’s good enough for me.” Well, do we really believe that?
Not only do we believe the Word of God, but do we treasure the Word of God?
Do you revere and respect God’s ways?
Challenge yourself this week to answer that question.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
Response Song – How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
(Announcements – Richard)
(Giving emphasis)
(Benediction)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
One of my favorite songs is a song by William Nelson and Merle Haggard called, “Pancho & Lefty.” It’s a song about a couple of outlaws named Pancho and Lefty. Well, that song has inspired the title of today’s sermon, which will make more sense to you later. Today’s sermon is entitled “Pudgy and Lefty.”
Today’s sermon is from
Judges 3
. We’re continuing our series called “Weird Stories from the Bible.”
Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
As we get into this sermon, we must first understand that . . .
I. Thebuild-up of this story is weird.
First of all, we have to understand what is going on in the book of Judges.
A way to remember the book of Judges is the word “cycles.”
There were cycles that kept happening in the book. The people of God would sin against God, God would bring judgment on them, they would cry out to God, God would provide a judge or a deliverer, the people would have peace, then they would get comfortable and start sinning again. This cycle would happen over and over again in the book of Judges.
Let me just point out what I think is obvious, just so you know, church: when things are going well, that is not the time to turn your back on the Lord. In fact, there is never a good time to turn your back on the Lord.
We should faithfully trust the Lord when it’s raining and when the sun is shining. We should worship God when we are rich and when we are poor. We should praise the name of Jesus when we are healthy and when we are dying. We should follow God’s ways when our country is prosperous or when we’re living under oppression. We must realize that every blessing comes from God, and we must realize that God is with us in every moment of suffering.
Don’t be a fair-weather Christian. Be a faithful Christian who faithfully follows all the time!
It’s weird to think that it’s ok to only follow the Lord when He delivers you from trouble.
As we approach this particular story, we see that many of the Israelite tribes were failing when it came to being faithful, mostly in the fact that they did not drive the people out of the land as God commanded.
God delivered them into the land He promised when they came out of Egypt, but they are not thriving in the land because they are not obeying the Lord.
Verse 12 of our passage today, which we’ll get to in just a moment, sums up how the people were behaving in the land.
However, just know this . . . the fact that God did all that He did to deliver the people from Egypt, sustain them as He did, and bring them to the Promised Land, yet, they did not obey Him is crazy.
The build-up to this story is weird.
Second, we see that . . .
II. The unfolding of this story is weird.
Let’s look at the passage to see this particular story.
Look at Judges 3:12-30:
12 The Israelites again did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He gave King Eglon of Moab power over Israel, because they had done what was evil in the Lord’s sight. 13 After Eglon convinced the Ammonites and the Amalekites to join forces with him, he attacked and defeated Israel and took possession of the City of Palms., 14 The Israelites served King Eglon of Moab eighteen years.
15 Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjaminite, as a deliverer for them. The Israelites sent him with the tribute for King Eglon of Moab.
16 Ehud made himself a double-edged sword eighteen inches long. He strapped it to his right thigh under his clothes 17 and brought the tribute to King Eglon of Moab, who was an extremely fat man. 18 When Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he dismissed the people who had carried it. 19 At the carved images near Gilgal he returned and said, “King Eglon, I have a secret message for you.” The king said, “Silence!” and all his attendants left him. 20 Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in his upstairs room where it was cool. Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you,” and the king stood up from his throne. 21 Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. 22 Even the handle went in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed in over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the sword from his belly. And the waste came out. 23 Ehud escaped by way of the porch, closing and locking the doors of the upstairs room behind him.
24 Ehud was gone when Eglon’s servants came in. They looked and found the doors of the upstairs room locked and thought he was relieving himself in the cool room. 25 The servants waited until they became embarrassed and saw that he had still not opened the doors of the upstairs room. So they took the key and opened the doors—and there was their lord lying dead on the floor!
26 Ehud escaped while the servants waited. He passed the Jordan near the carved images and reached Seirah. 27 After he arrived, he sounded the ram’s horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hill country, and he became their leader. 28 He told them, “Follow me, because the Lord has handed over your enemies, the Moabites, to you.” So they followed him, captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and did not allow anyone to cross over. 29 At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all stout and able-bodied men. Not one of them escaped. 30 Moab became subject to Israel that day, and the land had peace for eighty years.
Ok, this is a weird story, right? This is the story of Eglon and Ehud, or as I like to call them, “Pudgy and Lefty.”
Let’s remember how the Israelites got in this position: they sinned against the Lord, and He judged them, in part by allowing Moab to take over the land and have power over them.
So, somebody has to come on behalf of Israel to deliver a tribute to King Eglon. This tribute would have been a payment to the king in order to keep the peace in the land. As long as you paid the tribute, things usually went well.
So, after eighteen years of Moabite dominance over Israel, they cried out to God, and He gave them Ehud as a deliverer. Somehow, the people knew that Ehud was their appointed deliverer, so they sent him to pay the tribute to Eglon.
Ehud had some people come with him to present the tribute, then he dismissed them away from him. Later, Ehud comes to meet with Eglon again.
Ehud comes up with a plan to thrust about an eighteen-inch long sword into the belly of Eglon.
Because Eglon was extremely fat, Ehud didn’t appear to be worried about Eglon having the agility to fight very well.
Also, Ehud was left-handed (by the way, he’s from the tribe of Benjamin, which means “son of my right hand;” so, he’s a left-handed son of my right hand). Because Ehud was left-handed, he could strap the sword under his clothes on his right thigh. People wouldn’t expect that because most people are right-handed (only 10% of the world’s population is left-handed).
Of course, Ehud was so successful, he not only killed Eglon, but he cut him so badly that human waste spilled on the floor. Then, Ehud made a daring escape, leaving Eglon’s servants waiting and scratching their heads about what was taking their king so long to come out of his chambers.
Then, Ehud called the other Israelites down to him using the blowing of the ram’s horn, and they defeated 10,000 Moabites. That’s pretty cool stuff.
So, we have some weird stuff here.
We have a super-fat bad guy named Eglon. When I think of Eglon, I think of Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars.
Then we have the deliverer, Ehud. When I think of how Ehud made his way in, killed the bad guy, and then snuck out, I think of an Army Ranger, a Navy Seal, or a Force Recon Marine.
When I think of Ehud blowing the horn, I think of Boromir from Lord of the Rings.
There’s a lot of cool stuff going on here, but really it’s kind of weird. I mean, when’s the last time you heard of someone losing a knife inside someone’s belly?
The build-up to this story was weird, and the unfolding of this story is weird.
Also, . . .
III. The aftermath of this story is weird.
The weird part of the aftermath is not that Ehud and the Israelites were victorious. I actually think that’s quite incredible.
However, let me show you something. Look at Judges 4:1. It says, “The Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord after Ehud had died.”
I mean, is this crazy, or what? God was faithful to deliver them through Othniel, the first judge or deliverer. Then, they sinned against God again, so God raised up Ehud as a deliverer.
Surely, the Israelites would learn their lesson, but they didn’t. Again and again, they turned their backs on the Lord. Again and again, they sinned, through the times of the judges, through the times of the kings, and through the times with no ruler.
The aftermath of this story is weird. Instead of trust and faithfulness, we see fear and unfaithfulness from God’s people.
The people of Israel, behaved terribly!
The fact of the matter is, we do this sometimes, don’t we?
We proclaim that we are people of faith, yet we don’t trust God to provide for us.
We claim to be people who value heavenly blessings, yet we strive harder for the so-called blessings of the world.
We make a verbal commitment to God, yet we don’t even take the time to speak to Him through prayer, or listen for Him to speak to us through His Word.
Let’s not be too hard on the Israelites, because sometimes, we’re pretty inconsistent when it comes to our true commitment to God. Some might say what we say versus what we do is weird.
God gave the Israelites Ehud as a deliverer, but Ehud was not who they ultimately needed.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: A weird deliverance is good, but we really need a wonderful deliverance.
God would give more and more deliverers to Israel. He would give them judges like Ehud, Gideon, and Samson. He would give them prophets like Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. He would give them kings like Saul, David, Solomon, and Josiah.
However, do you know how it all ended for them at the end of the Old Testament? They were totally defeated, conquered by Persia, and trying to rebuild all that was lost. They were seemingly without hope.
They had some deliverers, but they needed a wonderful deliverer.
In Galatians 1:3-4, the apostle Paul speaks of “ . . . our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.”
In 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, the apostle Paul speaks of “ . . . Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.”
Jesus is the deliver we need. He is our wonderful deliverer!
That leads to our only weekly challenge for this sermon.
Weekly Challenge #1 – Cry out to your wonderful deliverer.
Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Will you call on the name of the Lord to be saved? Will you call out to your wonderful deliverer?
We not only call upon the Lord for our initial salvation, but we also call out to Him for our every need.
Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Call out to your deliverer. Take some time this week to focus on the wonder of Jesus, our wonderful deliverer.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
Response Song – I Surrender All
(Announcements – Richard)
(Giving emphasis)
(Benediction)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
We’re continuing our series called “Weird Things from the Bible.” Last week we learned about Abraham and his wife/sister. This week, we’re learning about a famous weird story from the book of Numbers.
First, we need to know a bit about what is going on in the book of Numbers.
The book of Numbers picks up right after the Israelites were set free from Egyptian bondage, and they exited the land of Egypt and headed off for the promised land. That event is what we call “The Exodus.”
However, because the people sinned against God and didn’t trust God, they had to wander for forty years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. The book of Numbers describes a lot of that wandering.
Towards the end of the book, the people are getting closer to the Promised Land, and they begin to have battles with those who are living in or near the area that God is giving them.
So, let me show you on a map.
The yellow circle is where Israel crossed the Red Sea and came out of Egypt, the red circle is where God spoke to Moses on Mt. Sinai, the blue circle is where the Israelites settled for some time at Kadesh Barnea, and the purple circle is where we are in today’s passage. This purple circle is just east of modern-day Israel, near modern-day Jordan and Syria.
Some things happened just before the events that we’re studying today. As they near the Promised Land, the Israelites are going into battle, and they are winning the battles.
Just before chapter 22, they defeated the king of Arad, King Sihon of the Amorites, and King Og of Bashan.
Now, King Balak of Moab is concerned about the Israelites. He thinks that they may conquer him.
So Balak goes to a seer named Balaam (a seer is sort of like a prophet/magician mix).
Balak asks Balaam to curse the people of Israel so that Balak can defeat them. He actually asks him more than once to do this and offers him a lot of money to do so.
Balaam, even though he is not one of God’s people, knows enough to not do anything against the God of Israel, so he says that he can only do what God says to do.
Finally, the Lord tells Balaam that he can go with the men from Moab, but he must be careful to only do what God says.
So, Balaam saddles his donkey and goes with the men.
That brings us to today’s sermon, which is entitled “The One Who Should See and the One Who Shouldn’t Speak.”
Join me in prayer before we look at the passage, and let’s ask God to speak to us.
(prayer)
Ok, let’s look at the passage together. Join me in Numbers 22:21-35:
21 When he got up in the morning, Balaam saddled his donkey and went with the officials of Moab.
22 But God was incensed that Balaam was going, and the angel of the Lord took his stand on the path to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing on the path with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into the field. So Balaam hit her to return her to the path. 24 Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow passage between the vineyards, with a stone wall on either side. 25 The donkey saw the angel of the Lord and pressed herself against the wall, squeezing Balaam’s foot against it. So he hit her once again. 26 The angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she crouched down under Balaam. So he became furious and beat the donkey with his stick.
28 Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?”
29 Balaam answered the donkey, “You made me look like a fool. If I had a sword in my hand, I’d kill you now!”
30 But the donkey said, “Am I not the donkey you’ve ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?”
“No,” he replied.
31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the path with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam knelt low and bowed in worship on his face. 32 The angel of the Lord asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Look, I came out to oppose you, because I consider what you are doing to be evil. 33 The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away from me, I would have killed you by now and let her live.”
34 Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the path to confront me. And now, if it is evil in your sight, I will go back.”
35 Then the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to say only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with Balak’s officials.
Ok, we’ve got some weird stuff going on in this passage. So, let’s dive into it.
First, . . .
I. It was weird that Balaam didn’t see.
Think about for a moment if you can remember what Balaam’s job was. Balaam was a SEER!
Balaam was supposed to be able to sense spiritual realities that normal people couldn’t. He was supposed to be able to see the connection between the physical world and the spiritual world, then communicate between the two.
Balaam was the one who should see. However, Balaam couldn’t even sense that the angel of the Lord was about to kill him.
Balaam not seeing is like a singer who can’t sing, a teacher who can’t teach, an author who can’t write, a chef who can’t cook, or a mechanic who can’t fix a car. They’re not much help if they can’t do what they’re supposed to do.
So, we see in verses 23, 25, and 27 who saw the angel of the Lord. It was not Balaam; it was the donkey. Balaam was supposed to see, but it was the donkey who saw.
It wasn’t until the Lord graciously intervened in verse 31 that Balaam was finally able to see.
Verse 31 says, “Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the path with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam knelt low and bowed in worship on his face.”
Once Balaam was finally able to see, he was wise enough to respond in worship on his face. He knew that he needed to get his act together at this point.
Church, sometimes we’re having the problems that we’re having because we can’t see what God is doing. Sometimes our spiritual eyes are so blind that a donkey is more likely than us to see what God is doing.
Balaam couldn’t see because he wasn’t in tune with what God was doing.
In fact, if you go back to verse 22, you can see that it says God was incensed with Balaam. That means God was very angry with Balaam.
Many have tried to theorize why God was angry with Balaam because it appeared that Balaam was only doing what God told him to do.
My sense is that perhaps Balaam was rushing what God wanted to do, rather than waiting to fully hear from God. Others have said that perhaps Balaam was doing what he was doing with the wrong attitude or for his own selfish gain.
In any case, it’s clear that Balaam is not tuned in to what God is doing, so much so that he almost had his head cut off by the angel of the Lord.
It’s weird that Balaam, a seer, didn’t see what God was doing.
Second, . . .
II. It was weird that the donkey spoke.
Now, some of us know something about talking animals.
Many of you are familiar with Mister Ed. Mister Ed was a talking horse who had a television show in the 1960s.
Others of you are familiar with a talking donkey who goes by the name “Donkey” from the Shrek movies.
By the way, neither Mister Ed nor Donkey is really a talking animal (sorry to burst your bubble).
However, Balaam’s donkey was a real animal, and I believe with all my heart that he really spoke.
Listen to what verse 28 says,
Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?”
Folks, this is weird. Animals are not supposed to talk. However, this is an absolute miracle of God.
If God can create the entire world out of nothing, if He can create woman from man, if He can part the Red Sea to lead the Israelites across, if He can rain down fire on Mt. Carmel with the prophet Elijah, if He can cause a great fish to swallow a man and then vomit him up later, if He can raise Lazarus from the dead, if He can cause the deaf to hear and the blind to see, if He can speak with tongues of fire on the of Pentecost and see thousands come to salvation, if He can save wretched sinners like you and me, you better believe that He can make a donkey speak.
Nothing is impossible with God!
This is weird, but it is miraculous, and God is working through this donkey.
However, perhaps weirder than the donkey speaking are these words from verse 29: “Balaam answered the donkey.”
I mean, what is going on here? Can you imagine an animal speaking to you and then just casually answering the animal? This is crazy!
If an animal spoke to me, I would freak out!
We don’t have any animals at my house because three kids are wild enough, but we do have a church cat here. We don’t own him, but we can’t get him to leave. So, he’s been here for a while. Let me tell you, a lot of people speak to our church cat. However, I’ve never seen the cat speak back to anyone. The cat’s name is Boots. Let me just tell you, if Boots spoke to me, we’d have a problem. If he said to me, “Pastor Matt, I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while. This sidewalk where I sleep is not cutting it. I’d like to have a soft bed, perhaps a space heater in the winter . . . we’ve really got to improve things around here.” If Boots said that, I would freak out! I’d probably kick him across the sidewalk and start trying to pray demons out of him. Why? Because it’s weird for an animal to speak to a human.
It’s weird that the donkey spoke to Balaam. However, even though this was weird, God was doing something.
That takes us to our third point:
III. It was weird that God used this situation.
Think about this for a second . . . a Moabite king wanted to hire a seer named Balaam to curse God’s people so that they might be vulnerable to defeat. However, instead, God used a donkey to reveal to the non-Israelite seer that He (God) was about to have him killed because he wasn’t in tune with how God wanted to use him to bless the people of Israel, rather than curse them.
I mean, this is just a crazy story. Seers who can’t see, donkeys who shouldn’t talk, and God blesses Israel instead of cursing them as Balak wanted Balaam to do.
God had something in mind all along, and He was working out His will.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God can use the weird to accomplish His will.
God is going to work out His plan one way or another. He knows the end from the beginning, and nothing can stop His plan.
God says in Isaiah 46:9-10, “Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like me. I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will.”
Also, you may remember Job, a man who learned firsthand of the wonders of God. Job said in Job 42:2, “I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted.”
God can do anything that He wants to do, and He can do it any way that He wants to do it. He can accomplish His will with a pagan seer and a donkey, He can accomplish His will with a man married to his sister (that’s from last week), or another way that He desires.
Trust that God can accomplish His will, even by using the weird at times. Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Ask yourself if you can see the Lord at work.
Balaam didn’t see what the Lord was doing. He nearly killed his faithful donkey and lost his own life because of his spiritual blindness.
What about you? Can you see the Lord at work? Can you see how He is working in your life, in our church, in our world?
The truth is, He is working! Can you see it?
If not, spend some time in prayer, read the Bible, seek wisdom from Christians whom you trust.
Can you see God working? Challenge yourself to answer that question this week.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Consider what God might be using to get you back on track.
God used that donkey to save Balaam’s life.
Pay attention to this: that donkey caused Balaam some pain and some embarrassment. However, God used it for Balaam’s good AND to accomplish His will.
What might God be doing in your life that might be hard, painful, or embarrassing, but it is for God’s will and for your good?
Take some time and think through that this week.
Weird things happen, but God can use them to do His will in your life and in the world.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Well, we’re starting a new series called “Weird Stories from the Bible.”
It’s not often that I ask you to tell me what you’d like for me to preach, but I did this time. A few of you responded, and I’ll be covering some of the weird stories that you requested.
Throughout history, there have been some famous people who have married their relatives. That’s right, we’re getting weird right away. Several famous people married their cousins, sometimes their first cousin, including Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Thomas Jefferson, and Jesse James. It’s weird to marry a relative, right? Well, we had some of this in the Bible, also.
Today, we’re going to cover a story from Genesis 20:1-18. We’re going to talk about a situation with Abraham and his wife, Sarah. Today’s sermon is entitled, “She’s my sister . . . sort of.” If you think this sounds weird already, you’re right.
Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
Let’s look at the passage and then talk some about it.
Look at Genesis 20:1-18:
1 From there Abraham traveled to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar, 2 Abraham said about his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So King Abimelech of Gerar had Sarah brought to him.
3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “You are about to die because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.”
4 Now Abimelech had not approached her, so he said, “Lord, would you destroy a nation even though it is innocent? 5 Didn’t he himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I did this with a clear conscience and clean hands.”
6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. I have also kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I have not let you touch her. 7 Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, know that you will certainly die, you and all who are yours.”
8 Early in the morning Abimelech got up, called all his servants together, and personally told them all these things, and the men were terrified.
9 Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said to him, “What have you done to us? How did I sin against you that you have brought such enormous guilt on me and on my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.” 10 Abimelech also asked Abraham, “What made you do this?”
11 Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘There is absolutely no fear of God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.’ 12 Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife. 13 So when God had me wander from my father’s house, I said to her: Show your loyalty to me wherever we go and say about me, ‘He’s my brother.’ ”
14 Then Abimelech took flocks and herds and male and female slaves, gave them to Abraham, and returned his wife Sarah to him. 15 Abimelech said, “Look, my land is before you. Settle wherever you want.” 16 And he said to Sarah, “Look, I am giving your brother one thousand pieces of silver. It is a verification of your honor to all who are with you. You are fully vindicated.”
17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves so that they could bear children, 18 for the Lord had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household on account of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.
Ok, there’s some weird stuff happening here, so let’s point out some weird stuff from this weird story:
First, . . .
I. It’s weird that Abraham deceived the king.
It’s weird that Abraham would do this, but what’s weirder is that Abraham would do this twice.
Back in Genesis 12:10-20, Abraham lied to the Egyptian Pharoah about Sarah being his sister.
One would think that Abraham would learn his lesson. Pharoah was angry and sent Abraham and Sarah out of the land. It could have gone must worse for them, but God smoothed it out for them.
Then, Abraham wants to try the weirdness all over again with a different king.
Why would Abraham not trust God to take care of him against the pagan king?
Abraham’s excuse is that he feared the king because the king was godless. However, Abraham acted godless himself by not trusting God.
God promised that he would do something great through Abraham and Sarah, but Abraham clearly did not always trust God.
What’s even weirder is that Abraham willingly gave his wife to the godless king. Abraham was afraid that he might be killed, so he gave up his wife.
Let me just say, if a man wants to take my wife, he’d have to kill me before he can take her. Once I’m dead, she’s available if she wants to be available. However, as long as I’m living, there’s gonna be some scrapping if you want to take my wife. Not so with Abraham; he willingly gave her up.
Not to mention, we’re not even sure that Abimelech would have killed Abraham if he did know that Sarah was his wife.
It’s just weird that Abraham deceived the king by giving up Sarah, as if she was his sister.
Second, . . .
II. It’s weird that Abraham married his sister.
Now, you may remember verse 12, where Abraham says, “Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife.”
So, Sarah really was Abraham’s sister, sort of. She was his half-sister, meaning that she had a different mother than Abraham did.
Can we just stop here for a minute and say that this is weird? If you come to me as your pastor and ask me to perform a wedding for you where you marry your brother or your sister, just be aware that I am not going to do that. I do not marry sisters and brothers to one another, because IT’S WEIRD!
By the way, Abraham was not off the hook for deceiving King Abimelech.
Even though Sarah technically was Abraham’s half-sister, Abraham’s intention all along was to deceive the king.
Abraham’s story to the king was not only rooted in deception, it also put his wife at risk.
So, the fact that Sarah really was his half-sister was weird. It didn’t make the story better; it made it weirder.
Finally, . . .
III. It’s weird that God worked through this situation.
If we were to pick a couple God would use to be the mother and father of His people, I’m not sure these would be the two we would pick.
They were originally godless people whom God chose simply because He wanted to.
Abraham married his sister, then gave her to other men (at least twice).
Sarah did some weird stuff, also. She gave her servant, Hagar, to Abraham to be with so he could have a child with her. Let’s read about this in Genesis 16:1-6:
1 Abram’s wife, Sarai, had not borne any children for him, but she owned an Egyptian slave named Hagar. 2 Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.” And Abram agreed to what Sarai said. 3 So Abram’s wife, Sarai, took Hagar, her Egyptian slave, and gave her to her husband, Abram, as a wife for him. This happened after Abram had lived in the land of Canaan ten years. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she became pregnant. When she saw that she was pregnant, her mistress became contemptible to her. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for my suffering! I put my slave in your arms, and when she saw that she was pregnant, I became contemptible to her. May the Lord judge between me and you.”
6 Abram replied to Sarai, “Here, your slave is in your power; do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai mistreated her so much that she ran away from her.
Folks, this is weird.
Sarah suggested that Abraham take her servant to try and have a child. Abraham basically says, “Sure, why not?” Then, once it works, Sarah gets upset and then blames Abraham for it. This is messed up.
Abraham and Sarah were messed up . . . just like we are. They were weird . . . just like we are at times. Yet, God used them anyways.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: God uses the weird to accomplish the wonderful.
How many of you feel like you don’t have it all together sometimes?
I mean, maybe you didn’t marry your sister, but we’ve got issues, right?
Did you know that God didn’t call you to be His child because you had everything figured out? Did you know that God didn’t say that he would do great things through you because you were special?
God made this promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3: “Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
God would bless the world through Abraham. You see, Hagar’s son was not the son whom God promised. Abraham and Sarah would have a son named Isaac. Isaac would have a son named Jacob, also known as Israel. It was through the line of Israel that later a Messiah would come, and His name is Jesus.
God used the weird to do something wonderful.
God can also do something wonderful with the weird in your life.
God can work through the weird, the messed up, and the imperfect.
God does this by His grace, not because we’ve earned it in any way.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says,
“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.”
We may be weird, but God is full of grace!
Ephesians 3:20-21 says,
“Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
God can do something wonderful through you, even when you are weird at times. He can do above and beyond all that we ask or think, and it’s all for His glory, because He is truly wonderful.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Commit to trust God’s design.
God has a design for your life.
That design does not include giving your spouse to someone else. That design does not include marrying your sibling.
In fact, after Abraham, would come a guy named Moses. It was during the time of Moses that God would put a lot of laws in place to prevent shenanigans like what happened with Abraham and Sarah.
God has a way for your life. God has a way for His church. We need to trust God’s design. We need to keep being faithful.
That takes us to our second weekly challenge.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Commit to trust God’s promises.
God promised Abraham that He would bless him and bless the world through him. You better believe that God kept His promise to Abraham.
When Jesus promised He will save you, you better believe that promise.
When Jesus said we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we better believe that promise.
When Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against His church, we better believe that.
When the Bible says that nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love, we better believe that.
When God says He will never leave or forsake His people, we better believe that.
When Jesus said He’s returning to make all things right, we better believe that promise.
Challenge yourself this week, this first day of 2023, to trust in the promises of God.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Opening Songs: Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee, The First Noel
Welcome
Welcome to worship, everyone! Please be seated.
My name is Matt McCraw. I’m the pastor here at FBC Bartow!
At First Baptist Church, we exist to develop disciples who love God, love the church, and love others.
We’re so glad to gather together for Christmas worship! For now, I want us to continue to glorify God in our service.
We would love to have everyone connect with us through the Connection Card. If you have a prayer request, question, or comment, you can write that on the Connection Card. To our guests, welcome! Please fill out the Connection Card so we have a record of your visit. We also have a gift for our guests which you can pick up from one of our greeters in the back of the sanctuary as you leave. You give him your Connection Card and he’ll give you your gift bag. Everyone else can simply leave your Connection Card in your seat and we’ll get it after the service.
Also, you can connect with us online at bartow.church. If you’d like for us to pray for you in any way you can email us at prayer@fbcbartow.org.
(Missions Moment – Lottie Moon)
Join me now in prayer as we continue to worship!
Prayer
(prayer)
This morning, we’re going to learn about the Nativity.
Now, first of all, you may wonder what the word nativity even means.
Nativity refers to the occasion of someone’s birth. So, each of you who can understand me has a nativity, because you all were born.
However, when I speak of The Nativity, I am speaking of the birth of Jesus Christ. The nativity of Jesus is what we celebrate this time of year.
This morning, I’m not going to cover all of the details about the nativity, such as the fact that it probably didn’t happen anywhere around December 25, such as the fact that there was probably no barn involved, or anything like that.
Rather, today, we’re going to talk about “The Nativity Personalities.” We’re going to talk about those who were there (or were not there) at the birth of Jesus.
Let’s pray and then we’ll dive in.
(prayer)
So, we’re talking about the nativity personalities. First, let’s talk about . . .
I. Jesus
Of course, Jesus was there, right?
Now, I want you to open your Bibles to the beginning of Luke and the beginning of Matthew. We’re going to be switching back and forth, so keep your thumb or a bookmark there to flip between Matthew and Luke.
Let’s first look at Luke 2:1-7:
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
So, we see that Jesus was born, in a manger.
Now, a manger is like what most of us in America would call a trough. It’s a box that animals eat from.
Based on archaeological evidence, it’s very likely that the manger was made of stone. It could have potentially looked like this.
Also, in most nativity scenes, we see the family gathered in a small barn of sorts.
Perhaps they were gathered in a barn, but they also could have been gathered in the bottom floor of a house, or in a cave where animals were often kept for shelter.
Nevertheless, Jesus is born in Bethlehem, in a manger.
Of course, the birth of Jesus was long ago prophesied.
The prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah 9:6-7
“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.”
The prophet Micah said in Micah 5:2
“Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times.”
So, Jesus, the ruler born in Bethlehem, would be the Son who was prophesied to be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace.
That Son was born that day in Bethlehem, as was prophesied, and He is Jesus, the Son of God.
Second, we learn about . . .
II. Mary
Do any of you ladies remember how it went down when you found out you were pregnant? With our first child, we didn’t believe it because we were told that we may not be able to have children. With our second, and third, we kind of knew it before we even officially confirmed it.
Listen to how Mary found out how she was pregnant.
Luke 1:26-38 says,
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged, to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”
34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?”
35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
38 “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
There’s a lot that can be learned about Mary, and you can dive in more on your own, but remember this: I love how Mary responded at the end, “I am the Lord’s servant.” What a great response! We should all respond that way.
Of course, Mary was not alone, right? She had a man in her life and his name was . . .
III. Joseph
Listen to what Matthew says about the nativity story. We hear more about Joseph there.
Listen to
Matthew 1:18-25:
18
The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,
which is translated “God is with us.”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
When Joseph found out that his fiancé was pregnant, he decided that maybe she wasn’t the woman for him. However, an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream and told Joseph that Mary’s baby is from the Holy Spirit.
Further, Joseph was to name the baby Jesus, which means “The Lord is salvation.”
Indeed, Jesus would show that the Lord is salvation, and Jesus would earn that salvation by His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.
Joseph is one of my favorite biblical characters because we see his faithfulness to Mary and his faithfulness to the Lord.
Be like Joseph, be faithful.
Next, we learn about the . . .
IV. Angels
Flip back to Luke.
Look at Luke 2:8-20:
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!
15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.
So, we learn about the shepherds here, but we’re talking about the angels first.
We’ve already heard about two angels: Gabriel who spoke to Mary, and the other angel who spoke to Joseph in a dream.
Now, we hear about an angel who appeared to announce the birth of the Messiah. This angel is not by itself; it is accompanied by a multitude of the heavenly host, which means many more angels.
Notice, that the Bible never says that angels were there at the birth. They may have been, but we know for sure that they were there before the birth (when they spoke to Mary and Joseph), and they were there after the birth (when they appeared to the shepherds).
Speaking of which, let’s talk about the . . .
V. Shepherds
We’ve already read about the shepherds in Luke 2:8-20.
It was certainly not uncommon for shepherds to be tending flocks in ancient Israel. In fact, shepherds are still tending flocks in Israel today.
What was uncommon was that the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of the Messiah, then the angel was joined by a host of other heavenly beings.
This angel was sort of the first preacher to declare that Jesus the Messiah had come. The angel’s congregation was the shepherds.
As folks should, the shepherds listened to their preacher, and went to see Jesus the Messiah.
As a result of what they saw and heard, the shepherds glorified God.
Next, some of the common characters seen in Christmas nativities are the . . .
VI. Animals
Now, the Bible doesn’t actually say that there were animals at the birth of Jesus. However, we do know that there was a manger there, and we do know that shepherds usually have sheep or goats with them.
More than likely, there were animals in the area, or animals had been there just prior to Jesus being born.
If you want to have animals in your nativity scene, that’s quite alright.
Now, one group that was probably not there were the . . .
VII. Wise men
Some estimates are that the wise men were there anywhere from twelve days after Jesus’ birth, up to two years after He was born.
In Matthew 2:1-12, we read about the wise men:
1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this, he was deeply disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.
5 “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they told him, “because this is what was written by the prophet:
6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah:
Because out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.”,
7 Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and asked them the exact time the star appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.”
9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by another route.
So, the wise men did visit Jesus, perhaps as an infant, perhaps as a toddler, but they were not there at his birth. The Bible says very clearly that they arrived, “after his birth.”
So, if you want to display a nativity scene on your mantle, perhaps put the wise men all the way to the far side of the mantle.
There are some of the nativity personalities. A bunch of different characters who came together for one purpose, to be a part of the coming of God’s Son into the world.
Listen, church: when Jesus came, everything changed.
Jesus would come, live a holy life, and give His whole life, so that our lives could be made whole.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
The righteousness of God came, so that we might become the righteousness of God.
What a miracle. What a blessing.
We all have a birth story. We all have a nativity. But, the nativity of Jesus changed everything forever.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
Response Song – Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)
(Announcements – Richard)
(Giving emphasis)
(Benediction)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Well, this is it . . . the end of the book of Romans! We started this sermon series on January 9, 2022 and now we are concluding just in time for next week’s Christmas message.
This sermon series has been called “United in the Gospel.”
Indeed, we’ve talked about how Jewish and non-Jewish people are united by the work of Jesus, mature Christians and immature Christians are united by the work of Jesus, those who were far from God have been united with God by the work of Jesus, and so much more!
In today’s passage, Paul is going to conclude the letter. Some may think this conclusion is not super important, but it is. There’s a lot we can take away from this, so let’s look at it in just a second.
Before we do, let’s look at one issue. Look at your Bibles . . . how many of you have verse 24 in there? Ok, how many of you do not?
The reason why some translations have it and others do not is that some of the oldest manuscripts don’t have the verse. In fact, it’s not included in the New Living Translation, Christian Standard Bible, English Standard Version, New International Version, or the New American Standard Version.
However, there is no major issue here. In the New King James Version, verse 24 reads, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
Well, notice, that’s what Paul also says in verse 20 of the CSB, Paul says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
So, this isn’t some weird doctrinal statement that someone stuck in there to change the future of Christianity. Rather, it’s simply what we call a textual variant that doesn’t change the meaning of the passage in any way.
So, as I read, don’t get concerned because I skip over verse 24.
So, let’s look at the passage together. Look at Romans 16:19-27.
19 The report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy, my coworker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen, greet you.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles—27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ—to him be the glory forever! Amen.
Today’s sermon is very simply entitled “Paul’s Conclusion.” So, let’s look at Paul’s conclusion and notice three things that emerge from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
First, we see . . .
I. Gospel people.
Paul begins this section by mentioning the Romans themselves.
Remember, he said back in 15:14, “My brothers and sisters, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another.
Now, he complements them again by saying in verse 19, “The report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore I rejoice over you.”
Paul then instructs them to “ . . . be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil.”
We need to know a lot about living a godly life and very little about living an evil life.
You want to be the person who is known as someone who is really good at memorizing Scripture, rather than really good at memorizing the paths to escape law enforcement. You want to know how to make others feel welcome, rather than how to make counterfeit money. You want to be known as someone who creates unity, rather than someone who creates disunity. You want to be known as someone who can cook up a batch of brownies, rather than someone who can cook up a batch of meth. You want to be known for godliness, not ungodliness.
Paul says we ought to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.
This effort is one of the ways that we can be gospel people.
We ought to be intentional about being more good and more godly, while also being intentional about being less evil and less ungodly.
Church, that ought to be one of your goals: be more and more like Jesus every day!
Speaking of gospel people, Paul also mentions a few more friends here, this time speaking of some who are with him, who send their greetings to the church in Rome.
The letter mentions Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus.
Now, we don’t know much about most of these folks. We certainly know a good bit about Timothy. In fact, Paul wrote two letters specifically to Timothy that are part of our Bible. These letters are cleverly named 1 and 2 Timothy.
Nonetheless, we hear of these who are companions of Paul and are themselves committed to the gospel. They are gospel people.
We also see, in verse 22, that this guy, Tertius, mentions himself and claims that he wrote the letter. Well, what’s the deal with that? Did Paul write it or did Tertius write it?
Tertius was what we call an amanuensis, or “a secretary who assisted an employer by taking direct verbal dictation, copying, or writing on their behalf.”
So, these words are from Paul, but Paul had Tertius write them down for him. After all, Paul didn’t want writer’s cramp in his fingers. In verse 22, Tertius just adds a little shoutout of his own to the church in Rome.
Church, may we all seek to be gospel people, like the church in Rome and like the companions of Paul who are in this letter.
Second, we notice . . .
II. Gospel proclamation.
Look at what Paul says in verses 25 and 26:
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles.
First of all, this is such a beautiful doxology, or ending to the letter. However, we can also see some attention given to the proclamation of the gospel message in these verses.
Paul says in verse 25, that God can strengthen the Romans through Paul’s gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ.
To be clear, when Paul says “my gospel,” he doesn’t mean that he has a different gospel than the true gospel. Rather, he means the gospel that he proclaimed, which is the true gospel.
So, God can strengthen His people in and through the proclamation of the gospel. In other words, when we share the gospel with others, God’s strength is with us in our proclamation, and God is also making us stronger in our faith.
Gospel proclamation should be part of what makes us who we are as individual Christians and as a church. We must proclaim that joy has come to the world! We must go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Paul also speaks of this mystery that was unknown for so long, but is now revealed through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
You see, God had been saying through His prophets, for thousands of years, that hope was coming to the world. Now, Paul is saying that hope has come, and His name is Jesus!
The message of hope is being proclaimed. The gospel has been proclaimed, so much so, that hope reached the people of Rome and hope reached the people of Central Florida, by the proclamation of the gospel.
As Paul says in verse 26, faith is now among the Gentiles because of gospel proclamation. Faith is also among us because of gospel proclamation.
We also must be people who continue to proclaim the gospel, and proclaim the hope and faith that is found in Jesus Christ.
We must continue gospel proclamation.
Finally, we see in this passage . . .
III. Gospel power.
Listen to the obvious description of God’s power in this doxology.
In verses 25 and 26, Paul says, “25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles—27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ—to him be the glory forever! Amen.”
Church, there is power in the gospel of Jesus Christ! God is able to strengthen you according to the gospel!
When you feel helpless, turn to the power of the gospel! When you are fearful, turn to the power of the gospel! When the world beats you down, turn to the power of the gospel! When anxiety haunts you, turn to the power of the gospel! When you finally realize that you are weak on your own, turn to the power of the gospel! When your family is struggling, your marriage is struggling, your church is struggling, turn to the power of the gospel!
There is dynamite power in the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Look also at the power described in verse 20. Paul says, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
I don’t know about you, but I hate Satan. I hate his temptations, I hate his lies, I don’t even like to talk about him.
It brings me such great joy and such great hope to hear the Bible say, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”
Make no mistake, the devil is powerful, but his power is nothing compared to the power of the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Satan’s power is nothing compared to when the Holy Spirit gets ahold of a person and radically changes their life. The enemy’s power is nothing compared to what God can do through a church when they realize that there is power in the gospel of Jesus Christ!
This very comment of God crushing Satan is not something new. In fact, this was prophesied long ago by God Himself.
When the serpent tempted Eve to sin, and our world was plagued by Adam’s and Eve’s rejection of God’s ways, this is what God said to the serpent:
Genesis 3:15 says, “I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”
You see, Satan would strike the heel of the seed of the woman. Satan would cause temporary pain to Jesus, the descendant of Adam and Eve. However, make no mistake, Jesus would strike the head of the serpent. Jesus would deal the deathblow to the devil. The power of God will crush Satan under the feet of the church of Jesus Christ.
There is power in the gospel.
In fact, . . .
Bottom Line: The book of Romans is all about the gospel.
We’ve been in this series off and on for a little over a year. Now, let us remember that the book of Romans is all about the gospel.
The book of Romans is about the power of the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus; and how that miracle changes our lives.
So, when you think of the book of Romans, think of the gospel.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Identify three truths you learned from the book of Romans.
Can you think of three truths that you learned through this series?
Perhaps flip through Romans again in your Bible. Perhaps scan the sermons on our website.
Remind yourself what you learned and seek to identify at least three truths that God taught you through this book.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Commit to be a person who is all about the gospel.
What effect does this gospel have in your life? How are you different because of the work of Jesus?
If you haven’t already, commit to be a new person because of the work of Jesus and commit to be all about the gospel.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
From 1994-2004, one of the most successful television series in history ran across TV sets all over the world. That TV series was “Friends.” One of the main characters on that show was Phoebe.
Well, today, we’re going to learn about Phoebe and some other friends.
Now, we’re not going to learn about Phoebe Buffay from the television show, but we are, nonetheless, going to learn about Phoebe and some friends. In fact, today’s sermon is entitled “Phoebe and Some Other Friends.”
Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
So, let’s look at this passage and see what the Lord has to say to us. Look at Romans 16:1-18:
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. 2 So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many—and of me also.
3 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches. 5 Greet also the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert, to Christ from Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, and fellow prisoners. They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother—and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.
17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them, 18 because such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.
So, this may seem like just a list of people and some final instructions from Paul. Yet, it is the Word of God, and it contains some valuable nuggets within it.
So, let’s find in these verses four things that we can value in the church of Jesus Christ:
First, we can . . .
I. Value godly servanthood.
Paul says very clearly in verse 1, “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae.”
Then, he continues in verse 2, “For indeed she has been a benefactor of many—and of me also.”
Now, first of all, the word used for servant here is the Greek word diakonos, which is the word we translate as deacon.
So, some questions have been raised as to whether or not Phoebe was a deacon. I can definitely confirm that she was a deacon because Paul calls her a deacon.
The question is, was Phoebe in the official deacon office of a church, or was she just living her life as a servant of Jesus?
Well, we really don’t know definitively, but it appears that she was an official deacon of the church in Cenchreae.
I will say this, as your pastor: there are much more concerning issues about deacons than whether or not they are women. To be clear, we’re not talking about the office of pastor; we’re talking about deacons: the servants of the church.
The modern church has a much larger problem with deacons trying to grab power, trying to undermine the pastors, and trying to gain status in the church. Many deacons have forgotten that the heart of a deacon should be the heart of a servant.
My prayer is not that we have fewer women serving the church, but that we have more women serving the church, and more men for that matter as well.
I’m thankful for any and all who serve the church and serve the leaders of the church as Phoebe did.
I’m also thankful for all of our deacons who understand that the heart of a deacon is the heart of a servant.
You see church, in a sense, all of us can be deacons; all of us can be a diakonos, and serve the church. All of us can be like Phoebe.
Not only can we be godly servants, but we must value godly servants in the church.
Part of what it means to be disciples who LOVE THE CHURCH is that we are disciples who serve the church.
We serve with our time, our treasure, and our talents.
This past Friday was a particularly busy day for me, and knew I wasn’t going to get everything done, so I was starting to feel a little sorry for myself. Then, I walked next door to check to see that things were in order for Sunday, and I saw two different sets of volunteers serving our church. These people love our church and they love our Lord, and I was stirred to appreciate and value their service, rather than feel sorry about my busy day.
Church, we must value godly servanthood.
Second, we must . . .
II. Value godly friends.
Paul lists too many friends for us to talk about in detail, but I wanted to talk about a few.
Pauls speaks of Prisca and Aquila. By the way, you may know them as Priscilla and Aquila. They are spoken of elsewhere in Scripture.
Paul says in verse 4 that these two “risked their own necks for my life.” It’s good to have friends like that.
Paul speaks of Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia, which would have been modern-day Turkey.
That’s pretty cool to have been the very first person to be converted in that region.
Paul mentions Andronicus and Junia, who were also Jews like Paul.
Paul says that these two were noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, or among the apostles, probably meaning that they were known by some of the other apostles.
Paul goes on to speak of others who have been a blessing to him. These were people who were probably currently in Rome or perhaps traveled with Phoebe to Rome to deliver Paul’s letter.
Paul has a lot of friends that he mentions in this letter, and these friends are valuable to him.
Paul has been through a lot in his lifetime, sometimes suffering greatly for the cause of Christ.
These friends mentioned by Paul are a sign of God’s grace to him. God is blessing Paul by providing godly friends.
Church, we should value godly relationships. We should value, and we should cultivate, or develop, godly friendships.
At First Baptist Bartow, we believe that God has created you, not only to be in a relationship with Him, but to be in a relationship with Christian friends.
We encourage you to be a part of a small group Sunday School class. We encourage you to come fellowship with others during our meal time on Wednesday nights, even if you’re not eating. We encourage you to do things with Christian friends, like share a meal, go to a movie, go hiking, or whatever. We encourage you to serve together. I’m so thankful to have seen so many from our church gathered together and laughing and talking at the Christmas parade.
We should value godly friendships. In fact, we should value each other so much that we should kiss each other!
Listen again to what Paul says in verse 16, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” How ‘bout that?
So, after worship service, we all need to go kiss each other! Actually, no, let’s not do that.
What is happening here is that Paul is encouraging the Roman believers to greet each other as was custom to greet warm friends at that time.
So, for us, we may give a big handshake or a friendly hug.
If we value each other as friends, we should treat each other as friends, including giving the normal friendly greetings.
So, let us value godly friends.
Next, we should . . .
III. Value godly truth.
Let’s look at verse 17 again. Paul says, “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them.”
As John warns, as Peter warns, as Jude warns, and as Jesus warns, Paul also warns us that there will be false teachers.
Paul tells the Romans to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to what they have been taught.
Listen, church: we should take the same attitude. We should be careful not to fall into believing anything that is contrary to the teaching of the Word of God.
It doesn’t matter if it’s some preaching on television, It doesn’t matter if it’s your grand-mama or your grand-pappy, It doesn’t matter if it’s your pastor; if it does not match the Word of God, throw it out!
Church, we must value the truth! The church of Jesus Christ must know the truth, embrace the truth, and live the truth.
Jesus said in John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
May we be people of the truth; may we value the truth.
Finally, we should . . .
IV. Value godly unity.
Speaking of the false teachers who bring disunity, Paul says in verse 18, “ . . . because such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.”
When Paul speaks of “their own appetites,” he more than likely means that they do what they want for their own preferences and their own pleasures. In other words, they are concerned about themselves.
Church, this is not the way of a Christian. As followers of Jesus, and as the church of Jesus, we should value unity.
Remember, Paul said in verse 17 to watch out for these people.
If one of you saw a big rattlesnake inside the building just down the hallway, you would tell everyone who was walking that way, “Look out for that rattlesnake!” So, also, we must watch out for disunity in the church. We must see it as dangerous and ungodly. Just as you might yell out, “Snake!” So, also, you might want to yell out, “Disunity,” when you see it in the church!
Those who cause disunity do so because they are all about themselves. We must not be about ourselves. We must be about the glory of God the Father, lifting high the name of Jesus, and yearning for the work of the Holy Spirit among us.
We must value unity, and we must fight for unity in the church!
We value godly servanthood, we value godly friends, we value godly truth, and we value godly unity.
We can wrap this up with this bottom line:
Bottom Line: Let us all seek to value the virtues of true Christian friendship.
Let us be servants to one another, let us be true Christian friends, let us have relationships that are built on truth, and let us have churches that are bound in unity.
Challenge yourself to live this out in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Ask yourself if you are more like the people in Romans 16:1-16or more like the people in Romans 16:17-18.
Take some time this week to think about that. Are you the one who is a servant and a true friend, or are you the one who is selfish, deceptive, and dis-unifying?
Weekly Challenge #2 – Ask yourself what you value in others.
Paul valued these people for their servant attitude, their true friendship, and their commitment to the gospel.
What do you value in others? Take some this week to think about that.
(Gospel presentation)
These people were great friends to Paul, but there’s no one who’s as good of a friend as Jesus. What a friend we have in Jesus!
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
Perhaps you’ve heard that you can tell a lot about somebody by (fill in the blank). Like, you can tell a lot about someone by the way they speak to children. Or, you can tell a lot about someone by the way they treat a server at a restaurant. Or, you can tell a lot about someone by looking at their bank account. Or, my favorite, you can tell a lot about someone by what they keep in their bathroom.
In today’s passage, we’re going to learn that you can tell a lot about the apostle Paul by how he plans his travel.
Today’s sermon is simply entitled “Paul’s Plans.”
As Paul nears the end of his letter to the Romans, he is revealing some of his plans to them. As he does so, we see at least four aspects of Christian living in these verses.
We learn that Paul can’t even make plans without dropping spiritual truth in there!
So, let’s see what God has to say to us through the words of Paul. Before we do, let’s go to God in prayer and ask Him to speak to us.
(prayer)
Before we dive into what we might learn from this passage, let’s dive into the passage itself. Look with me at Romans 15:22-33:
22 That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. 23 But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you 24 whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you when I pass through and to be assisted by you for my journey there, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints, 26 because Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 Yes, they were pleased, and indeed are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to them in material needs. 28 So when I have finished this and safely delivered the funds to them, I will visit you on the way to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30 Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in fervent prayers to God on my behalf. 31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 and that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you.
33 May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.
Ok, let us now see these four aspects of Christian living from the passage.
First, lets us see . . .
I. Christian fellowship (22-24)
First, we see that verse 22 starts as if we should have more information. Of course, we do have more information. We have the previous fourteen chapters and the first twenty-one verses of this chapter.
Paul says, “Thatiswhy I have been prevented many times from coming to you.”
What prevented Paul from coming to see the Romans was the work of expanding the gospel in all the regions between Jerusalem and Illyricum. This expansion is what we learned about last week.
So, Paul wanted to see the Romans, but his mission work prevented him from doing so.
Paul says in verse 23, “But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you.”
Paul is saying that this part of his mission is over, and he is gearing up for his next mission, which we learn is in Spain.
By the way, when Paul mentions Spain, he is more than likely speaking of what is called the Iberian Peninsula, which occupies what is modern-day Spain and Portugal.
So, going back to the map from last week, Paul wanted to continue to travel in a western direction to expand the gospel.
Spain would have been all the way over to the west.
Paul wanted to visit Rome on the way to Spain, which would have been about halfway between Jerusalem and Spain.
So, Paul strongly desires to see the believers in Rome.
Most assuredly, Paul desires to see the Romans because he loves them in the Lord.
Church, we should have a strong desire to spend time with our brothers and sisters in Christ, as Paul desired to see the Romans.
Christianity is not a lone-wolf religion. Rather, it is an intimate relationship God and all of His children.
Now, just to be clear, it’s ok to be an introvert. It’s ok to want to be by yourself from time to time. I enjoy some good alone-time once in a while.
However, we must prioritize spending time with others who are also followers of Jesus.
As we learn in Hebrews 10:24-25, “. . . let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
Paul longed to see the church in Rome. He longed for Christian fellowship, and we should as well.
Second, we see . . .
II. Christian giving (25-29)
Paul has already indicated that he is pretty done with the expansion of the gospel between Jerusalem and Illyricum. He’s already indicated that he wants to go to Spain by way of Rome. However, he has some other affairs to tend to before he goes to Spain.
In verse 25, Paul says that he has to go to Jerusalem first because he has funds to give to the church in Jerusalem. These funds were donated by the Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia.
Notice what’s happening here: Gentile churches are donating money to give to the Jewish church in Jerusalem.
The new Christian churches are generously giving to support the oldest church where it all started.
This generous giving that was exhibited by the Gentile churches was not done out of guilt; they were glad to do it.
Paul says in verse 26 that they were “ . . . pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.”
In verse 27, Paul adds that they gave with a sense of obligation because the gospel of Jesus Christ had come to them out of Jerusalem!
It didn’t matter that one church was Jewish and the others were Gentile.
It didn’t matter that they were far away.
What mattered is that the gospel had changed these people, and they wanted to give to their brothers and sisters in Christ because of the gospel.
Church, generous giving should be part of the DNA of a Christian.
When we’ve been given the greatest gift ever given, the gospel of Jesus, we should want to give back generously and sacrificially to the expansion of the gospel.
That is why here at First Baptist Bartow, we urge you to give to the expansion of the gospel through our church, and we urge you to give to the expansion of the gospel around the world.
There’s also an indication in verse 29 that perhaps Paul hopes that the church in Rome would be generous towards the expansion of the gospel through Paul.
Paul says, “I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”
Paul is anticipating good things when he comes to see the Romans, perhaps including sacrificial giving that will fuel his work in Spain.
So, we see Christian giving.
Next, we see . . .
III. Christian prayer (30-33)
In verses 30-33, Paul asks the Romans to pray for him, and he offers a short prayer for them.
Church, I hope you know how important prayer is. I hope you know that I need prayer and that you need prayer. We all need prayer.
Paul believed in the importance of prayer, and so should we.
Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6. James teaches us in James 5 that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful. Jesus asked the apostles to pray before His crucifixion. Moses prayed, Abraham prayed, Jacob prayed, David prayed, Solomon prayed, Daniel prayed, Elijah prayed, the other prophets prayed, the apostles prayed, the early church prayed.
Church, we must be people of prayer! We must speak to God, let our requests be known, and plead that His will be done among us.
Paul says in verse 30, “Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf.”
He asks specifically that they would pray for his protection, that his ministry would be received, and that he might make it to see them in Rome.
Finally, Paul prays a short prayer for them. He prays that “the God of peace be with all of you.”
That takes us to our final point.
IV. Christian peace (33)
Paul prays a wonderful prayer when he says in verse 33, “May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.”
Church, people need peace, and what a blessing it is that we serve the God of peace.
We are to be people of peace, we are to pray for peace for others, and we are to bring others to the God of peace.
How do we bring others to the God of peace? We introduce them to the Prince of Peace.
As we are reminded this time of year of the prophecy from Isaiah 9:6: “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
So, seek peace towards others, seek peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and seek peace from the God of peace.
When someone mistreats you or takes advantage of you, seek peace from God. When you wonder how you’ll be able to pay all the bills that await you, seek peace from God. When a fellow Christian hurts you, seek peace from God. When you lose a loved-one, seek peace from God. When your kids or grandkids are dysfunctional, seek peace from God. When your parents are dysfunctional, seek peace from God. When your church is dysfunctional, seek peace from God. When everything around you is crashing down, seek peace from God.
Paul reminds us elsewhere, in Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Let God guard your hearts; go to God for peace. Ask Him to comfort you. Ask Him to calm your heart. Ask Him to eliminate your fears and worry. Ask Him to show you that He is the God of peace.
In this passage, we see Christian fellowship, Christian giving, Christian prayer, and Christian peace.
We see God working among His people.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: Paul desired to see the work of God continue among the people of God.
As Paul is making his plans, he is interweaving the work of God all throughout. You see, Paul’s plans are determined by God’s plans.
As he is going about his life, he is incorporating and celebrating aspects of the Christian life.
We should live our lives that way as well. Everything we do should be dependent upon the will of God and the ways of God.
Challenge yourself to live out this passage in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge #1 – Commit to be more devoted in fellowship, giving, and prayer.
You can do it; you can live the Christian life the way God has created you to live it and called you to live it.
So commit yourself to Christian fellowship, commit yourself to Christian giving, and commit yourself to Christian prayer.
Weekly Challenge #2 – Find your peace in God.
The world will throw a lot your way, but God offers you peace, and that peace is found in Jesus.
Jesus, Himself said in
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.”
If you find Jesus, you will find peace.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
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“The Best News”
Series: Gospel Tools for Gospel People [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
February 27, 2022
Introductory Comments:
We are continuing our series called “Gospel Tools for Gospel People.” This week is week two of three. We are looking at three Gospel tools for you, Gospel people.
Last week, we looked at one of my favorite tools, “The Three Circles.” This week, we’re going to look at a very simple tool called, “The Best News.”
Before we do, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us as we study His Word.
(prayer)
Have you ever had someone tell you, “I have some good news and I have some bad news; which do you want first?” Well, today, I have four different types of news to share with you.
Sharing the good news of the Gospel is of the utmost importance. It is the only hope for our world.
This past week I had the opportunity to hear from Darryl Strawberry for just a moment at a gathering in Orlando. Some of you know that name, he was a major league baseball player for many years. However, according to his own words, he was a womanizer, drug addict, and alcoholic. He also experienced bankruptcy and jail time. However, Darryl met Jesus and it changed his life forever. He said, “You can’t straddle the fence with God. You’ve got to make a commitment. You’ve got to surrender yourself. God was very persistent and I surrendered myself to His will and I’m glad I did.”
You may remember when Paul and Silas were in prison in the book of Acts, after they were delivered, they shared the Gospel with their jailer. Acts 16:31-34 says, “31 They said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’ 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house. 33 He took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized. 34 He brought them into his house, set a meal before them, and rejoiced because he had come to believe in God with his entire household.”
Remember, church, as Romans 1:16 says, the Gospel is, “ . . . the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
So, let’s talk about the power of the Gospel.
However, in order to talk about the good news, we must start with the . . .
I. Bad News[on screen]
I know that those of you who have been part of our Romans study have already heard a lot of bad news about the wrath of God towards sin and the total depravity of sinners, but bear with me for just a moment as we talk about the bad news some more.
In order to understand the good news of the Gospel, we must understand the bad news of our sin.
We must understand that . . .
Our sin has separated us from God. [on screen]
The Bibles makes this very clear. We’ve already studied this many times over the last several weeks.
Remember, Paul says in Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” [on screen]
Also, Paul says in Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death . . .” [on screen]
So, the bad news starts with the fact that we are sinners, our sin separates us from God, and our sin leads to death.
However, that’s not the end. There is . . .
II. Worse News[on screen]
Last week we learned that sin leads to brokenness. One way we try to deal with that is to try and fix our own brokenness. But, we can’t, can we? When we try to fix our own brokenness, it only leads to more brokenness.
Here’s the reality: We can do nothing to remove our sin. [on screen]
Paul points out clearly in Ephesians 2:8 – “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift.” [on screen]
This is not from yourselves! We can’t fix our sin problem. The bad news just got worse.
This kind of bad news is like when you get a string on a new shirt that you really love. It’s bad enough that you have a dangling string, but then you start to pull on it to get it off. What happens? It only gets worse and worse. Now, not only do you have a dangling string on your shirt, but now half your shirt is gone! The bad news turns into worse news!
However, God did not leave us in the bad news.
Remember, as Romans 5:8 says, “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [on screen]
Also, as Ephesians 2:4-5, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!”[on screen]
So, the bad news is that we are sinners, the worse news is that we can’t fix our sin.
However, there is also . . .
III. Good News[on screen]
When we try to fix our sin it’s like trying to put toothpaste back into a toothpaste tube; it’s like mopping a ballroom floor with month old cafeteria mop water; it’s like mowing your yard with a lawn-mower with a flat tire; it’s like getting pulled over by a police officer and then realizing it’s the guy that hated you in high school. The bad news gets only worse when we try to fix it ourselves.
However, the good news is that Jesus can fix it!
At the cross, Jesus did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves. [on screen]
1 John 1:7 says, “ . . . the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” [on screen]
Jesus is like a cold sip of iced tea after a day working in the yard. Jesus is like a comfortable recliner after a long day at work. Jesus is like the beach sunset after a stressful week. Jesus is like the cool breeze when you walk on a Summer day. Jesus is like finding the perfect size screw when you look in your junk drawer for a screw to finish a household project. Jesus is like the moment that the perfect answer comes to mind when you’re taking a difficult exam. Jesus is like hitting all the green lights when you’re running late for an appointment. Jesus is like your best friend who drops off a donut and a coffee just because they’re thinking about you. Jesus is like when your boss says everyone can go home early today. Jesus is like the smile and hug that your grandkids give you when they haven’t seen you in a long time. Jesus is like the news you receive when your bank calls and says that you had too much in your escrow account and they’re sending some money back to you. In fact, Jesus is better than all of those things! Jesus is the greatest news ever!
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life . . . No one who comes to me will ever be hungry.”
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
Jesus said, “I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.”
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit.”
The Good News is that Jesus is all that we truly need.
However, that’s not the end. In fact, that’s not even the best news. Let’s see what is the . . .
IV. Best News[on screen]
Through faith, we freely receive forgiveness and eternal life. [on screen]
The good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not good news if we can’t receive it; it’s only a good story.
However, the best news in the world is that we can receive the Gospel of Jesus! We can be forgiven of our sins and come into a relationship with God!
The apostle Paul says in the second part of Romans 6:23, “ . . . the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [on screen]
When we learn the Gospel ourselves and when we share the Gospel with others, we must recognize the best news that the forgiveness of Jesus is available for us!
Concluding Thoughts:
Also, church, it’s important to remember that when we are sharing the Gospel with others, we can’t merely share it with them; we have to tell them what to do next.
We have to make the offer! [on screen]
We have to ask them this question (or a similar question), “Would you like to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior?”
Then we have to give them the answer. Tell them how they can know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Point them to the Bible.
Romans 10:9 says very clearly, “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.” [on screen]
Then, offer a prayer. Remember a prayer is not a magical incantation. It doesn’t mean that if you say this that it will do something even if you don’t mean it.
Instead, a prayer is an opportunity for someone to talk to God and also to verbalize the commitment that they are making. In other words, they can confess with their mouth that which they believe in their heart.
A simple sample prayer is: “Dear God, I am a sinner and I want to be forgiven. I believe Jesus Christ, Your Son, died for my sins and is alive right now. I turn away from my sin and now confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and receive Him into my life. I ask you, Lord Jesus, to control my life and I thank you for giving me eternal life.”
As we bring this to a close, I want to point out that there’s no “bottom line” this week because this sermon is really straightforward. Remember, bad news, worse news, good news, best news.
However, there are some weekly challenges. Challenge yourself to live out what you learned this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Study the Best News. *[on screen]*
Take some time to study this simple outline. Start with the four types of news and then fill in the gaps with the supporting truths and Scripture.
I got an email from one of you all this week who said they had practiced “The Three Circles.” That’s incredible. Well, let’s practice this as well. You can do it, church!
2. Embrace the Best News. *[on screen]*
Maybe you haven’t personally embraced all the implications of the best news. Maybe you’re not living in the reality that you can be set free from sin by the power of Jesus!
Take some this week and think through the implications of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Live in the reality of the best news in all the world.
3. Share the Best News. *[on screen]*
Take some time this week to share the Best News with someone. It’s really easy to remember: bad news, worse news, good news, best news. You can do it!
Our food pantry has been using the Best News method for a little while now. I heard just this past week that one of our food pantry volunteers was able to share the Best News with someone. Let’s keep it up, church!
We’ve even made it easier for you. We have a card for everyone here today. Take one with you and give it to someone this week and take a few seconds or minutes to tell them about the Best News. You can do it! I believe in you! More importantly, God is with you!
Closing:
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“The Three Circles”
Series: Gospel Tools for Gospel People [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
February 20, 2022
Introductory Comments:
Think about this question for a minute: Why do we use tools?
We use tools to make things easier for us, right? We use a hammer to make it easier to nail in a nail, rather than using our fist. We use a screwdriver to turn a screw into something. We use a lawnmower (or have our kids use lawnmowers) to mow the grass because it’s easier than using a pair of scissors to do so.
These are a pair of wire stripping pliers. They’re great for doing electrical work. Before I had these, I’d use a pocket knife, needle-nosed pliers, and my teeth to prep wire for electrical work. Now, I use these and they work so much better. Tools make things easier. Tools help us do things!
Over the next three weeks, we’re going to discover three “Gospel Tools for Gospel People.” The first tool that we will look at is “The Three Circles.”
Before we go any further, let’s pray together and ask God to teach us as we press into the Gospel and how to share it with others.
(prayer)
Now, some of you are familiar with the Three Circles because I taught on this in December of 2018. However, many of you are were not here then. In fact, raise your hand if you were not attending church here in December 2018.
So, for those who haven’t heard about this tool and for those of us who need to brush up, let’s discuss this Gospel Tool for Gospel People.
The three circles is a tool to help explain the Gospel message to someone and it uses three . . . circles to do that.
So, let’s look at the first circle:
I. God’s Design [on screen]
We have scraps of paper in the pews that you can use to draw this outline on. When you’re out and about, you can use a napkin, a scrap of paper, or whatever.
On your scrap of paper, you can start drawing the three circles by writing the first circle with the words, “God’s Design.” [on screen]
God designed every person on the earth to be in a relationship with Him, to have complete joy, and to have complete peace.
Genesis 1:25 tells us, “So God made the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that crawl on the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” [on screen]
God wanted everything to be perfect and God made everything perfect. He made everything good.
Part of God’s goodness is that He has a design for our lives. In fact, He has a design for every part of our lives!
God talks to us about the things that bring us joy!
God talks to us about what we listen to and watch!
God talks to us about marriage, family, sexuality, and relationships!
God talks to us about the law, government, and authority!
God talks to us about worship, work, and play.
God talks to us about what we eat and what we drink.
God is our Designer and He has a perfect design for our lives!
He knows better than anyone else how our lives should operate.
Part of God’s good design is that we will be in a relationship with Him. He’s our Creator and our God and He wants to have a relationship with us.
People with whom you share the Gospel need to know that it all starts with God and His perfect design.
The thing is, most of us know things are not always perfect for us.
Our lives are sometimes messed up. Bad things happen to us and around us. We cannot look at the world around us and say that it is always good.
If God has a good and perfect design, why do we see that the world is messed up? Why don’t we always feel like we have a good relationship with Him?
This takes us to our second circle:
II. Brokenness [on screen]
Fill out the second point on your notes, and then draw the second circle on your scrap sheet of paper and write “Brokenness” in the circle. [on screen]
Well, what causes this brokenness? Most of you know the answer to that. Draw an arrow that connects the circles and write, “sin.” [on screen]
Sin is what causes brokenness in our lives.
When we share the Gospel, we need to explain what sin is. To sin is to depart from God’s design and go our own way. We do this on purpose. We willingly choose our own way rather than God’s.
When we go our own way rather than God’s, it messes up things for us.
Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.” [on screen]
You see, our own way is not that good. Our design is not as good as God’s design. In fact, our own way leads to brokenness in our lives.
When we go our own way we see brokenness in so many different ways.
We see broken lives, broken relationships, broken finances, broken futures, broken governments, broken homes, you name it. Sin creates all kinds of brokenness.
This is a big problem for humanity because all of us have departed from God’s design. All of us have sinned.
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” [on screen]
All of us have sinned, and none of us are immune from its brokenness. When we share the Gospel with others, they need to know that they are sinners, just like the rest of us once were.
The worst part of our brokenness is that it separates us from God, our Creator. His holiness cannot accept our sinfulness. Because of God’s justice and holiness, we are separated from God and must pay the penalty of our sins. This is the broken situation we are in because of our sin.
Well, you know what we do with our brokenness? We try to fix it.
We try to fix our brokenness ourselves, but it just doesn’t work.
We try to fix brokenness with new relationships, exercise, power, drugs, alcohol, food, pornography, money, fast cars, acceptance, popularity, you name it.
You know what happens when we do that? More brokenness!
On your drawing, you can draw some squiggly lines to indicate that our attempts to fix our brokenness will only lead to further brokenness. [on screen]
We know what it’s like to try and fix something and it only gets worse, don’t we? It’s like trying to fix an auto accident with zip ties and duct tape. It’s really not fixed; in fact, sometimes it looks worse. That’s what happens when we try to fix our sin and brokenness on our own.
We need help, desperately.
Because of our brokenness, we need to realize that we need help fixing things. However, we can’t fix things on our own.
God is the only one who can truly fix our brokenness.
That takes us to the third circle:
III. Gospel [on screen]
Fill in the point on your notes and then draw the third circle on your paper and write “Gospel” in the circle. [on screen]
Remember, the word gospel means “good news.” The good news of the Gospel is that even though our lives are broken, God can put them back together.
The Bible says in John 3:16, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” [on screen]
The Gospel is this: Jesus lived a perfect life and never sinned, He died to pay the punishment for our sin, He rose from the dead, He lives again today, He offers us forgiveness from the punishment of our sin.
(repeat)
You see, God made a way to fix our brokenness.
You might ask, “How can I be fixed by the Gospel? How can I receive the forgiveness of Jesus?”
The Bible says that we must repent and believe.
Draw an arrow from the second circle to the third and write “repent” and “believe” below the second arrow. [on screen]
To repent means to change directions.
When we repent, we start going in a new direction in life. Instead of living our own way, we start to live God’s way. We turn away from our way and we turn back to God’s design for our lives.
To believe means that we trust that what the Bible says about Jesus is true.
When we believe in Jesus, we put our faith in Him, that He really died and rose from the dead, and that He really can change our lives!
The Gospel can change our lives. The Gospel can fix our brokenness.
I love this about the Three Circles tool: look what happens when we turn to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We start to recover and pursue God’s design again.
Draw an arrow pointing back to the first circle and write “recover” and “pursue” below the arrow. [on screen]
Recover means to get something back.
Pursue means to go towards or chase something.
After God changes our lives, we can then start to live according to God’s design for us.
In theological language, we call this sanctification. This is the process of being made holy.
After we’ve been changed by Jesus we can start to become like what created us to be once again. We can chase after God’s design again and get it back!
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 of those that have been changed by Jesus: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” [on screen]
Jesus makes us new and we can start to live the way God created us to live.
This is the Gospel story!
The Three Circles is a tool that makes sharing the Gospel story easier.
The great thing about this tool is that you can do it in two minutes or in thirty minutes. You can write it on your hand, on a napkin, or on a whiteboard. It’s simple and effective.
How many of you think you could figure out how to use this tool?
The reason I’m taking time to teach you this on a Sunday morning is because it’s so vitally important that we share the Gospel.
If we can use a tool to make that easier, then praise God!
Here’s our bottom line this week:
Bottom Line: The Gospel is our only hope to fix our brokenness and restore God’s design. [on screen]
(repeat)
Sin is real, brokenness is real, and the Gospel is real! The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes!
So, be prepared to share the Gospel with a lost and dying world!
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Practice learning the Three Circles. [on screen]
Keep practicing. Start by learning that there are three circles first. Then, learn what is written in the circles. Then, practice remembering the arrows and what goes with them. Then practice saying it over and over.
2. Practice sharing the Three Circles. [on screen]
Take some time this week and practice sharing the Three Circles. Perhaps you have a family member or coworker who will let you share with them. If that doesn’t work, practice sharing with someone at the church, even one of our pastors.
Perhaps you really want to step out in faith and share with someone who you know is not a follower of Jesus.
Take some time this week and challenge yourself to be obedient to the Lord’s call for us to share His love and His Gospel.
Closing:
Remember, tools help us do important tasks. Sharing the Gospel is an important task and Gospel sharing tools can help us. We are Gospel people and we can use Gospel tools to help us.
Listen, church, if you need follow-up help with any of this, or if you have a question, let your pastors know. We want to help you with this.
Some of you even upon hearing this may not know Jesus. Well, now you’ve heard the Gospel story.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“The Solution”
(Romans 3:21-31)
Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
February 13, 2022
Introductory Comments:
Have you ever received bad news but then it is immediately followed by good news? For instance, you may hear that you’re not able to drive your dad’s old car when you get your license, but then you find out that you’re getting a new car! [show picture on screen] Or, perhaps you find out that you didn’t get the job you wanted only to find out that your current employer is giving you a great promotion. [show picture on screen] Or, perhaps, like our church, you have the news that our worship attendance is down from what it was in early 2020, but then you realize that our church is growing in every area and some areas are larger than in early 2020. [show picture on screen]
Well, Paul has spent the last several weeks giving us the bad news. He’s told us that the wrath of God is shown towards all those in humanity who reject God and His ways. It doesn’t matter if you are Jewish or non-Jewish. It doesn’t matter if you are religious or irreligious. If you reject God and His ways, you will be judged. Paul said in Romans 3:10, “There is no one righteous, not even one.”
However, Paul now has some good news for us. I want to start off where we ended last week. Look at the beginning of our passage today. Look at Romans 3:21-22:
21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22 The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction.
If you’ve hung in this long with Romans, congratulations! Now, it’s time to talk about the good news. The good news is that although the law cannot save us, Jesus can!
I’m excited and ready to get into this sermon, but before we do, let’s pray together and God to speak to us.
(prayer)
Last week, one of the weekly challenges was to determine what your solution is. What is your solution to your problem of sin? Well, today’s sermon is entitled, “The Solution” [on screen]
So, let’s look at three aspects of the solution today from our passage. First, let’s look at . . .
I. The “What?” (21-24) [on screen]
So, what is the solution? There is a great problem: our sins lead to the wrath of God being poured out on us. What is the solution?
Well, let’s look at the passage again. Let’s look at Romans 3:21-24:
21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22 The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Ok, so Paul has just spoken in the previous verses about how the law of God is beneficial but it falls short of justifying us before God; it falls short of saving us from our sin and making us ok with God.
In verse 21, Paul says these wonderful and powerful words, “But now.” [on screen]
God has done something new and special through Jesus the Messiah.
But now, God has offered a solution to our sin problem. But now there is good news that is more powerful than the bad news. But now Jesus can do something that the law could not. But now there is hope for all humanity and that hope is Jesus!
So, Jesus accomplished what the law could not, and Paul indicates that this is not a new concept.
Paul says in verse 21 that the Law and the Prophets attested to this.
Of course, the Law and the Prophets represent the bulk of the Old Testament of the Bible. So, Paul is saying that the Scriptures have pointed to the fact that the Messiah was needed to bring us to God and Jesus the Messiah came, and did what we really needed.
Well, what is it that we really need?
We need the righteousness of God! Rather than the wrath of God, we need the righteousness of God. In our sin, we were doomed to the wrath of God, but now, through faith in Jesus Christ, we have access to the righteousness of God!
Well, who has this access? Jewish people only? Church people only? No! Paul says in verse 22, “ . . . to all who believe.”
Any and all who believe in Jesus and have faith in Jesus now have access to the righteousness of God! By the way, I did some deep theological research and I found out that the word “all” in this verse means . . . all! All who believe! What a miracle of God! In our sin, all are destined for God’s wrath. In Jesus, all who believe are destined to experience the righteousness of God!
Paul then gives us a summary in verse 23 of what he’s already said in the previous chapters.
He says “all have sinned” and the result is that we don’t measure up to the glory of God: that’s the problem.
However, Paul goes right back to the solution. He says in verse 24 that we are “ . . . justified freely by his grace!”
So, the what of the solution is that there is access to God through Jesus!
Well, how does all this work out? I’m glad that you asked; that takes us to our next point:
II. The “How?” (25-26) [on screen]
Let’s see what Paul says about how this all happens. Look at verses 25 and 26:
25 God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. 26 God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.
First of all, notice that it says that God is the one who presented Jesus.
Some translations say God displayed or set forth Jesus. Here’s the point: God did this!
This was not something that we did on our own. The how of the solution starts with understanding that God is the one who did it.
Then we see this discussion of the mercy seat.
By the way, there are several different words used here to describe what God is doing with Jesus. We see the word propitiation used in some translations, then atoning sacrifice in others, and mercy seat here in the Christian Standard Bible.
One might wonder why the CSB translation chose to use the words mercy seat. Well, this same word that is often translated as propitiation is often used in the Old Testament to refer to the mercy seat that was part of the Ark of the Covenant. The mercy seat was the top portion of the Ark. [show picture on screen]
The mercy seat was important for two reasons in Old Testament worship. First, when the priest would come into the temple to present sacrifices, the Ark of the Covenant was present in the holy place of the temple and God’s presence was said to have rested above the mercy seat. Second, when the priest would make a sacrifice for the sins of the people, he would sprinkle blood on the mercy seat as an atoning sacrifice, or propitiation, for the people of Israel.
Watch this, church: Jesus is the mercy seat. Jesus is the presence of God, Jesus is the atoning blood sacrifice. Jesus is the new and better sacrifice to bring humanity into a loving relationship with God.
The work of Jesus accomplished all that we need to know God, experience the glory of God, and escape the wrath of God.
Paul even goes on to say in verse 25 that God restrained His wrath towards sins that were committed before Jesus came because, in Jesus, those sins also would be forgiven. This is the moment that God had planned from the very beginning. Sin would come into the world and bring the wrath of God, Jesus would come into the world and bring the righteousness of God!
Paul says in verse 26 that God presented Jesus to demonstrate His righteousness. Well, what does all that mean?
How do we see the righteousness of God in the sacrifice of Jesus?
Well, remember God’s righteousness means that He is right, fair, good, and holy. So, let us not think for a moment that God merely overlooked or excused sin. God didn’t just look at us and say, “Well, they’re not that bad.” No! We all deserve God’s wrath!
The reason that God is righteous through sending Jesus is because His wrath is satisfied in the death of Jesus for my sins and for your sins. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Jesus is the propitiation, Jesus is the atoning sacrifice, Jesus is the mercy seat. God didn’t excuse our sins, Jesus paid for our sins!
Because Jesus paid for our sins, God is just and we are justified.
God is still a just judge because He didn’t let sin slide without it being punished. Jesus paid the penalty.
Not only is God shown to be just, but as Paul says in verse 26, the one who has faith in Jesus is also justified. Because Jesus paid the sin penalty, we don’t have to: we are justified before God. When God looks at us and determines the guilt of our sin, He sees the work of Jesus and He says to us, “Not guilty.”
What a beautiful thing the Gospel is!
As 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [on screen]
This is the how of the Gospel message: God sent Jesus to be our mercy seat so that we might experience the righteousness of God.
Finally, let us discover . . .
III. The “Now what?” (27-31) [on screen]
Now that we understand that there is a solution to the sin problem through the sacrifice of Jesus, now what do we do?
Well, let’s see what Paul says. Look at verses 27-31:
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By one of works? No, on the contrary, by a law of faith. 28 For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? Absolutely not! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
First of all, Paul makes it very clear in verse 27 that there is no room for boasting (or bragging) because the solution is totally from God, based on the work of Jesus! We’d be foolish to take any credit for being made right with God; it is totally God’s work! So, here’s the first now what: don’t take any credit for being saved from your sins; it’s all God!
Then, Paul asks the now what about the law.
Paul points out (in case we didn’t catch it when he said it before) that we are not justified by a law of works. Rather it is a law of faith.
Church, our salvation is all about faith in Jesus, not works by us.
Some people in this world are hard-headed; they may not understand what Paul has already said multiple times. So, Paul makes it real clear in verse 28 when he says, “ . . . a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
Paul says “a person.” Well, what person? He’s already made it clear, hasn’t he? He’s said Jew or Gentile, Jew or Greek, all people, all, all, over and over again. There are no exceptions! Any and all who are made right with God are made with right with God only by faith in Jesus Christ.
Make no mistake, as the great Reformers of the 16th century said, the salvation of God is by . . .
sola gratias = grace alone [on screen]
(through)
sola fide = faith alone
solas Christus = in Christ alone
(according to)
sola Scriptura = Scripture alone
(for the)
soli deo gloria = glory of God alone
Paul further clarifies in verses 29-30 that God is not just the God of the Jews.
He was God long before He ever called Abraham out of the land of Ur to make a great nation through Him. He was God long before He promised a blessing upon Isaac and Jacob. He was God long before He delivered His people out of Egypt. He was God long before He anointed David as King. He is the God of all the universe, He is Lord of all, and He is the loving Savior of all those who come to Him through faith in Jesus the Messiah!
Finally, Paul points out in verse 31 that the law is not erased or ignored because of our faith in Jesus. Rather, the law is upheld.
When we turn to Jesus we see that the law of God was correct all along. Remember, the law of God shows us that we need help; we need Jesus!.
Also, through Jesus, we can finally fulfill the law of God the way that God intended us to do so because we now have access to the righteousness of God.
Oh, what a miracle! Oh, how beautiful the Gospel is!
Now what? Don’t take any credit for your relationship with God, have faith in Jesus, and come to God and live in the fulfillment of all that He has for you.
What’s the solution? Let this bottom line summarize it for us:
Bottom Line: The solution to the wrath of God is the righteousness of God, revealed in Jesus. [on screen]
(repeat)
There is a solution and His name is Jesus! As verse 22 says, “The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Seek the righteousness of God.[on screen]
Seek Jesus and His ways. You need Him desperately. I need Him desperately. Come to Jesus, remain in Jesus, never stop chasing after Jesus.
Spend some time this week and seek the righteousness of God through Jesus.
2. Share the righteousness of God.[on screen]
There is only one hope for all of humanity. There is only one solution: Jesus!
Do you know that if you know Jesus, you have the only solution for a lost and dying world? They are currently under the wrath of God but they could experience the righteousness of God. Will you share the solution with them?
Will you share the righteousness of God this week? Challenge yourself to do so.
Closing:
Jesus is the solution. Have you experienced Jesus?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“The Knowledge of the Law”
(Romans 3:1-20)
Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
February 6, 2022
Introductory Comments:
Have you ever received a lot of information about something and after a while you get to the point where you just need to ask some clarifying questions? That’s how I am when my kids try to explain a new board game to me. I listen to them for a little while and then I just start asking questions.
Well, Paul has been sharing with the Roman Christians a lot of different information pertaining to the wrath of God towards Gentiles, the wrath of God towards religious pretenders, and the judgment of God towards Jews who were not truly faithful to the Lord.
Now, it’s almost as if Paul is anticipating questions that the people might be asking him in response to what he’s said. So, he’s addressing these hypothetical questions that may arise from all that he’s said thus far in his letter to the Romans.
Before we get into these questions, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to bless us.
(prayer)
So, Paul asks these questions and then provides some answers for them. Here are the questions that Paul will ask (we’ll look at these in more detail as we progress along):
In verse 1 – What advantage does the Jew have? [on screen]
In verse 3 – Does the unfaithfulness of some Jews compromise the faithfulness of God? [on screen]
In verses 5-7 – Is God unfair to punish us if our unrighteousness points to the greatness of God’s grace? [on screen]
In verse 8 – Should we sin so that God can look good by forgiving us? [on screen]
In verse 9 – Are the Jews better off than the Gentiles? [on screen]
These are some important questions. I’m not going to take each one independently. Instead, I’ve narrowed these down to three questions for us to consider today.First, . . .
I. What’s the point of the law? (1-8) [on screen]
So, Paul has spent some time in the previous passages pointing out that the Jews are not made right with God simply because they have the law of God. The law, given by Moses, in and of itself does not save us from our sin. So, what’s the point?
Well, let’s see what Paul says. Look at verses 1-8:
1 So what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Considerable in every way. First, they were entrusted with the very words of God. 3 What then? If some were unfaithful, will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Absolutely not! Let God be true, even though everyone is a liar, as it is written: That you may be justified in your words and triumph when you judge.
5 But if our unrighteousness highlights God’s righteousness, what are we to say? I am using a human argument: Is God unrighteous to inflict wrath? 6 Absolutely not! Otherwise, how will God judge the world? 7 But if by my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say, just as some people slanderously claim we say, “Let us do what is evil so that good may come”? Their condemnation is deserved!
So, Paul doesn’t say at all that receiving the law is a waste. No! Instead, he says that, “ . . . they were entrusted with the very words of God.”
The law of God is a blessing, not a curse. In and of itself, it does not save us. However, it does point us to the God who can save us. It does point us to our great need for the God who can save us. It does show us more about God, more about God’s ways, and more about ourselves and our need for God’s ways.
So also, I said this last week: growing up in church, having access to biblical teaching, and being surrounded by other Christians can’t save you from your sins. However, all of those things are blessings because they draw us closer and closer to who God is, what He wants for us, and the knowledge of how He can save us from our sins through the work of Jesus!
Paul goes on to point out that just because God’s people are unfaithful doesn’t mean that He is unfaithful. God is always faithful, even when we are unfaithful. When we are liars, God is still truthful. When we are sinners, God is still holy. When we are hateful, God is still loving. Even though the Jews did not follow God’s ways, He was still faithful to His covenant with them. The greatness and faithfulness of God is never compromised even when we are weak and unfaithful.
Next, Paul addresses another idea. Will our sin make God look greater? Will our unrighteousness highlight the righteousness of God?
Paul addresses this on two fronts: first of all, if this is the case, should we sin more? Paul says in verse 8 that those who say such things are worthy of condemnation. Secondly, Paul says that if this is the case (that God’s righteousness is highlighted by our unrighteousness), then is it unfair for God to judge our sin. Paul answers in verse 6, “Absolutely not!”
This would be like a child saying to their parent, “Every time you forgive my disobedience and disrespect, it makes you look like a better parent. Therefore, I think I’ll be more disrespectful and more disobedient so that you can look like a better parent.” Well, that’s ridiculous, isn’t it?
So, the point of the law is not to save us, but to point us to our need to be saved. Circumcision does not save the Jews, but it shows them and reminds them that they are to be God’s faithful covenant people. The law of God is a blessing to us in that it shows us God and God’s ways, as well as our great need for God.
The Jews had a great advantage in that they stood in the front of the waiting line when it came to those who had access to God’s grace. The law showed them where the line was, showed them how to get there, and told them what they would receive once they made it to the head of the line: God’s grace and forgiveness.
So, that’s the first question we’re answering, “What’s the point of the law?”
Second, . . .
II. What’s the state of humanity? (9-18) [on screen]
In case any of Paul’s hearers, or any of us, have made it this far and we think that there is something special about us, or we are somehow more righteous than other people, Paul sets the record straight in this passage.
Look at verses 9-18:
9 What then? Are we any better off? Not at all! For we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin, 10 as it is written:
There is no one righteous, not even one.
11 There is no one who understands;there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away;all alike have become worthless.There is no one who does what is good,not even one.
13 Their throat is an open grave;they deceive with their tongues.Vipers’ venom is under their lips.
14 Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 ruin and wretchedness are in their paths,
17 and the path of peace they have not known.
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Ok, let’s look at these definitive statements from Paul. Let me break it down for you:
Paul says in verse 9,
“ . . . both Jews and Greeks are all under sin” [on screen]
Then, Paul says in verse 10,
“There is no one righteous, not even one.” [on screen]
Then, Paul goes on to use these horrible descriptions of the sin of humanity, including an open grave, viper’s venom, cursing, bitterness, blood, ruin and wretchedness, and no fear of God. I mean this is terrible, isn’t it?
I mean, what are we to make of this, church? What is the state of humanity?
The state of humanity is that we are totally depraved without God! We have no ability to enter into God’s kingdom on our own! When it comes to being good enough to receive forgiveness of our sins, we are totally helpless!
It doesn’t matter if you are Jewish or non-Jewish. It doesn’t matter if you grew up in a Christian home or you grew up in a life of crime. It doesn’t matter if you are a terrorist or a patriot. It doesn’t matter if your last name starts with A-M or N-Z. It doesn’t matter which side of the tracks you live on. It doesn’t matter if you know the Bible front to back or if you’ve never cracked open a Bible. When it comes to standing before God based on your own merit you are not only up the creek without a paddle, your canoe is upside down, you’re surrounded by alligators, and there’s a deadly waterfall straight ahead!
Remember, the prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah 64:6, “For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment.”[on screen]
Paul is not beating around the bush any longer, he’s giving it to us straight: we are hopeless and helpless on our own and we desperately need God. That is the state of humanity!
Well, what’s the final question? Here it is:
III. What’s the conclusion of the matter? (19-20) [on screen]
Paul is now coming back to the issue of the law. He is speaking now to those who view themselves as God’s people.
Let’s look at verses 19-20:
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are subject to the law, so that every mouth may be shut and the whole world may become subject to God’s judgment. 20 For no one will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.
Paul points out in verse 19 that all those who have the law should realize from observing the law that they don’t measure up. Their mouths should be shut and they shouldn’t for a second boast in their own righteousness.
Then, in verse 20, Paul gets to the heart of this passage. What is the conclusion of the matter? Verse 20 has it: . . . no one will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.
You cannot be justified by the law! Jew or Gentile; no one! You cannot obverse enough religious rules, you cannot be nice enough, you cannot help enough old ladies across the street to be justified before God.
So, here’s the point of the law: to give us the knowledge of sin. The law of God reveals God, it reveals God’s way, and it reveals who we are. When we see the picture of God and His ways, and we see our own ways, it should become obvious to us that we are in sin and we need help.
Pastor Tony Evans is helpful here (he’s the master illustrator). Pastor Tony says, “Think of the law as a mirror that shows you who you really are . . . Mirrors don’t fix anything; they show us what needs fixing. The law was not designed to fix you, but to reveal what needs fixing.”
How many of you like to look in a mirror? [show picture on screen] You don’t have to answer that. Oftentimes, we don’t like what we see in the mirror. There’s something wrong with my mirror. It somehow makes it look like my hair is thinning. Also, there’s something wrong with my sink because something like hair forms in the sink when I comb my hair. There’s something wrong with my pillowcase also . . . but anyways. A mirror doesn’t lie to you; it reveals what is there. So also, the law of God shows you what is there: a sinner in need of a Savior.
The law is good and we need it to point us to Jesus. We need it to be our mirror and our guide to take us to God.
Let this bottom line summarize where we’re going:
Bottom Line: The law of God is wonderful, but it is not our final solution. [on screen]
(repeat)
Well, what is our final solution? I’m glad that you asked.
I don’t want us to lose heart; there is a solution. Paul has set us up perfectly for the next sermon. I’ll give you a sneak peek. Listen to what Paul says in verses 21-22:
But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction. [on screen]
So, the solution is not the law, the solution is Jesus, for all those who believe. Jew or Gentile, law or no law, we are only justified through Jesus.We’ll come back to this in just a minute. For now, focus on these two weekly challenges:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Reflect upon Romans 3:9-18. [on screen]
Go back and read this on your own. How does it make you feel? Do you agree with it? What does it mean for your life?
2. Determine what your solution is. [on screen]
How are you going to fix the sin problem in your life? If you’re still in sin, you know it’s a problem. How are you going to fix it?
What’s your solution?
Closing:
We’ve heard a lot of what Paul said. Let’s hear what Peter has to say. In 1 Peter 3:18, Peter said this:
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God. [on screen]
You need a solution and Jesus is that solution. If you have Jesus, keep coming back to Him. Live in that freedom and finally fulfill the law of God, which you could never do apart from Jesus. If you don’t have Jesus, come to Him today!
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“It’s a Matter of the Heart”
(Romans 2:17-29)
Series: Romans – United in the Gospel[on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
January 30, 2022
Introductory Comments:
When I was a teenager, one of my favorite bands was DC Talk. One of my favorite DC Talk songs was a song called, “What if I Stumble?” At the opening of that song are powerful lyrics, which are actually a quote from author Brennan Manning. The song says, “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world, simply finds unbelievable.”
That quote stuck with me all these years later. Those words are impactful and should stir the Christian’s emotions to consider how his or her lifestyle has an impact on the spread of the Gospel around the world.
In our study of Romans, the apostle Paul has been on a journey talking about the wrath of God shown in the world, to the wrath of God shown towards religious people who are merely religious, to today’s topic of talking about what really matters is what God is doing in our hearts. God wants real change in us because we are Christians, not just a claim by us that we are Christians. This real change starts in the heart.
Today’s sermon is entitled, “It’s a Matter of the Heart”[on screen]
Before we go any further, let’s go to God in prayer and ask Him to speak to us through His Word.
(prayer)
Some may think that Paul’s being kind of tough in these opening chapters. I agree, he is. However, remember it is only in understanding the bad news of our sin that we are able to understand the good news of the Gospel.
Remember when John the Baptizer was preaching in the wilderness. He was laying it on the people.
John called his listeners children of snakes. He said that they were about to be cut down and thrown into the fire.
However, look at what Luke says about John the Baptizer in Luke 3:18. He says, “Then, along with many other exhortations, he proclaimed good news to the people.” [on screen] After John had shared all the bad stuff; after he had shared all about the judgment of God towards sin, then John shared the good news of the coming of Jesus.
So, Paul is continuing to share the seriousness of sin and now he is focusing on those who consider themselves as God’s exclusive chosen people, the Jewish people. After Paul shares all about the seriousness of sin, he will shift to the salvation offered in Jesus.
As Paul speaks to the Jewish people in Rome, he’s going to center on three major issues.
The first issue is this:
I. Misusing the law (17-23) [on screen]
In order to understand this misuse of the law, let’s back up just a bit.
Remember, God decided to choose a people as His own special people, so He chose a man out of the land of Ur, named Abram. Through Abram (who would become Abraham), God would bring a promised son, named Isaac, and he would have a promised son, named Jacob. Jacob would have his name changed to Israel and Israel would have many sons from whom the twelve tribes of Israel came. The people of Israel would go through all kinds of hills and valleys, but since they were God’s chosen people, God continued to bless them. One of the ways that God blessed them was to deliver them from captivity in Egypt and lead them into a land He promised to them, called “The Promised Land.” As the people settled in the Promised Land, God blessed them again by providing something they needed to know God, to know God’s ways, and to know themselves: they needed the law and God gave it to them through a man named Moses.
So, God has chosen His people and given them His law. They are indeed a special people because they have been chosen by God. However, some of them started to think of themselves as being special a little too much. That is what Paul is addressing today as we continue our discussion on the wrath of God shown towards sin.So, let’s pick it up in verse 17 and we’ll read to verse 23.
17 Now if you call yourself a Jew, and rely on the law, and boast in God, 18 and know his will, and approve the things that are superior, being instructed from the law, 19 and if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light to those in darkness, 20 an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and truth in the law— 21 you then, who teach another, don’t you teach yourself? You who preach, “You must not steal”—do you steal? 22 You who say, “You must not commit adultery”—do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
In verses 17, 18, and 19, Paul is setting up the Jews in the church of Rome to help them see if they are really being faithful.
Paul is pointing out that they think that they have something special in the law of God, and indeed they do.
Paul says that they know the will of God, and approve superior things, and they are instructed in the law, and they are guides for the blind, and they are light in the darkness, and they instruct the ignorant, and they can teach the immature, and they have the embodiment of knowledge, and they have truth in the law. They have all of these blessings at their finger trips and all these things are so because God blessed the people with these gifts.
However, Paul is pointing out that some of these people started getting a little too big for their britches, as country folks say.
You see, because they were special and because they had a special gift in the law of God, these particular Jews to whom Paul was writing started to feel that they could do whatever they wanted. They told others not to steal, but they stole. They told others not to commit adultery, but they committed adultery. They told others to stay away from idols, but they stole idols from temples. They boast in the law, but they break the law themselves.
You see these people had started to feel so good about themselves that they forgot what it was like to follow the only One who is truly good. They felt so special because they received the law of God that they forgot that the law they received was a gift from the one who is truly special. They boasted in their special status as law receivers that they forgot that the only one in whom they should boast is the law giver.
How many of us are like that sometimes? How many of us start to look at ourselves and think how great we are because we are the ones who are truly blessed by God?
We have twelve different Bibles at home even though we never really open them to fall in love with the one who gave us the miracle of the Bible.
We have huge church facilities but the activities that take place in them are often more centered on us rather than on God and those He wants us to reach.
We pride ourselves in a particular type of music rather than trying to get our hearts right to worship the one who has given us all types of music to be sung for His praise and glory!
We boast or brag about our buildings, our budgets, our Bible knowledge, and the number of backsides we can put in the seats rather than boasting in the one who took us from blindness to sight, from darkness to light, and from death to life!
Paul said elsewhere, in Galatians 6:14, “But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world.” [on screen]
You see, church: when the people of God take for granted the blessings of God and forsake the mission of God they will soon forget the ways of God and will eventually lose the favor of God.
Paul said to these high and mighty Jewish Christians that they were misusing the law of God. God didn’t give them His law so that they could think they were better than everyone else; He gave them His law so that they could discover for themselves and help everyone else discover a better way of life, a life lived chasing after the ways of God!
Paul’s point here is not that the law IS NOT beneficial. His point is that the law IS beneficial but the people Paul was speaking to were abusing the privilege of having the law.
The first issue is that these people were missing the law of God.
Second, they were . . .
II. Misrepresenting God (24) [on screen]
Just to be clear, the people of God should represent God and we should represent Him well.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’” [on screen]
So, as representatives, or ambassadors, for God, we should represent Him well and others should be drawn to Him by our lives.
However, listen to what Paul says was happening with the Jewish people. Look at verse 24:
24 For, as it is written: The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.
What a tragedy this is, church! The world should be drawn to God by observing the lives of followers of God. However, through these particular people, and through some who claim to follow God today, certain people are actually pushed away from God, turn their back on the ways of God, and actually blaspheme (or speak badly about) God.
This is what the quote I read earlier was talking about.
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world, simply finds unbelievable.”
When the people of God don’t live like the people of God it can lead those who are far from God further way away from God.
So, let us be sure that we are not living a life of hypocrisy. That is, let us not claim to be those who follow God when in reality we are not following the ways of God. Let us not live in such a way that we give a bad name to God and drive others away from God and His ways.
The second issue with these hypocritical Jewish people in Rome was that they misrepresented God.
Finally, they were . . .
III. Misunderstanding Faithfulness (25-29) [on screen]
Now, Paul is going to spend time discussing circumcision. Remember, circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with His people. It was an actual physical sign that each Jewish male had. So, they knew about it! However, they began to take that sign for granted and misunderstand what it meant to be faithful to God.
Take a look at verses 25-29:
25 Circumcision benefits you if you observe the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 So if an uncircumcised man keeps the law’s requirements, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 A man who is physically uncircumcised, but who keeps the law, will judge you who are a lawbreaker in spite of having the letter of the law and circumcision. 28 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh. 29 On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That person’s praise is not from people but from God.
This whole idea that Paul shared with these Jewish people in Rome would have caused some head spinning on the necks of the average Jewish religious expert of Paul’s day.
Some Jewish experts of Paul’s day even thought that circumcision was an automatic entrance into God’s kingdom.Yet, Paul says that circumcision is by no means automatic. In fact, Paul essentially says that some people who are uncircumcised are closer to God than those Jews who are circumcised. I can imagine them thinking, “Are you kidding me, Paul? Are you telling me that an uncircumcised godless Gentile is closer to God than me, a Jew, a member of God’s chosen people?”
Paul says it’s not what’s on the outside that matters. He says in verse 29, “ . . . a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart.” It’s inside that matters. You see, circumcision was a symbol or a seal of someone’s commitment to the Lord, sort of like a wedding ring is a sign that we are married or as baptism is a sign that we have been saved by the work of Jesus. Obviously, you can wear a wedding ring and not be married. You can get dunked in a baptistery and not be a person who has truly been forgiven by Jesus. It’s what’s inside that matters. It’s the change in your life that matters. It’s a matter of the heart!
For the Jew, faithfulness doesn’t mean that someone is circumcised. For a follower of God, true faithfulness is not merely an outside sign. Faithfulness means that the affections of your heart are devoted to the Lord. You treasure, desire, and obey the ways of God. You desire more of God and less of sin.
So also, for the Christian today, God doesn’t want us just to complete some physical act or take on some physical sign. He doesn’t merely want us to attend church, walk down an aisle, get baptized, be confirmed, become a member of a church, or read our Bible. God wants our heart, our faithfulness, and our devotion.
Church, don’t make the mistake of the Jews of Paul’s day. Don’t misunderstand faithfulness. As God said in Hosea 6:6, “I desire faithful love and not sacrifice,the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” [on screen]
Let us be truly changed and truly faithful to God and His ways because we’ve been truly changed by the faithful love of Jesus.
Concluding Thoughts:
Let this bottom line summarize what God is saying to us through the words of Paul to the church in Rome:
Bottom Line: True faithfulness is inward faithfulness. [on screen]
(repeat)
Being a God-follower is not an outward matter, it is an inward matter.
However, watch this: inward faithfulness will lead to outward faithfulness! Outward change may not lead to inward change, but inward change will definitely lead to outward change. You can take that truth to the bank!
So, don’t misuse the law of God, don’t misrepresent God, and don’t misunderstand faithfulness.
Let God change you from the inside and then live faithfully, from the inside-out.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Identify what makes you one of God’s people. [on screen]
The Jewish people of Paul’s day considered themselves God’s true people. Well, perhaps some of them were.
Do you consider yourself one of God’s people? What factor determines whether or not you belong to God? Is it because you’re a member of this church? Is it because you read your Bible every day? Or, is it something else?
Take some time this week and think about that question.
2. Identify marks of faithfulness in your life. [on screen]
Those who Paul was talking about claimed to be faithful, but Paul said they lacked the evidence to back it up.
Have you been changed inwardly? If so, how is it showing outwardly?
Inward faithfulness will lead to outward faithfulness.
Closing:
If you’ve not been changed on the inside, there’s only one who can do it. God can absolutely change you, from the inside-out.
So, do you need to be changed by the power of God? If so, come to Him today.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“God’s Impartial Judgment”
(Romans 2:1-16)
Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
January 23, 2022
Introductory Comments:
Some of you may remember the biblical story of David sinning by taking Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, into his bed. Not only that, David had Uriah killed to try and cover his sin. This is how Nathan, the prophet, responded to David. Listen to 2 Samuel 12:1-9:
1 So the Lord sent Nathan to David. When he arrived, he said to him:
There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very large flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised her, and she grew up with him and with his children. From his meager food she would eat, from his cup she would drink, and in his arms she would sleep. She was like a daughter to him. 4 Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man could not bring himself to take one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.
5 David was infuriated with the man and said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 Because he has done this thing and shown no pity, he must pay four lambs for that lamb.”
7 Nathan replied to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I rescued you from Saul. 8 I gave your master’s house to you and your master’s wives into your arms, and I gave you the house of Israel and Judah, and if that was not enough, I would have given you even more. 9 Why then have you despised the Lord’s command by doing what I consider evil? You struck down Uriah the Hethite with the sword and took his wife as your own wife—you murdered him with the Ammonite’s sword.
You see, sometimes we easily see the sins of others, but we don’t notice our own sin. In fact, if we hear of someone doing exactly what we did, as David did, we are quick to see the act as a sin because we didn’t do it.
However, God is the holy, righteous, perfect Judge. He sees all and knows all. He sees the sin of all and judges the sin of all. Today’s sermon is entitled, “God’s Impartial Judgment” [on screen]
No matter who we are, where we are from, how religious we think we are, God sees our sin.
Last week, we learned that God will show His wrath towards sin and sinners. He does not excuse sin, He judges sin.
This week, Paul is going to continue that message but he is going to change the focus a bit.
Before we go any further, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us.
(prayer)
As I was studying this week’s passage, one Bible teacher pointed out something that I thought was very helpful. In last week’s passage, Paul is pointing to the sin of godless people throughout the span of time. People had rejected God and turned towards sin. In last week’s passage, Paul used the words “they” and “them.” However, today, Paul will use the word “you.” Pay attention to how Paul shifts the focus in today’s passage.
So, let’s see three aspects of God’s impartial judgment in today’s passage.
First, . . .
I. Religious people will be judged. (1-5) [on screen]
When we speak of religious people, we mean people who seem to follow God but may not actually follow God. In fact, these people often think they are quite godly and others may think they are quite godly. However, Paul is saying that religiosity doesn’t necessarily help you when it comes to standing before the impartial, holy, righteous God of the universe.
Let’s look at what Paul says about this. Look at verses 1-5:
1 Therefore, every one of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is based on the truth. 3 Do you think—anyone of you who judges those who do such things yet do the same—that you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5 Because of your hardened and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed.
Paul gets right to the point, doesn’t he?
You see, in chapter 1 when Paul describes the sin of the world, he is primarily talking about the Gentile people of the world; those who are not Jewish.
Now, Paul shifts his focus to the “super Christians” in Rome. These are people who were already God’s people because they were Jewish, then they accepted God’s Messiah, Jesus Christ. These are the people who had the law of God. They go all the way back to Abraham, Moses, David, and more. They probably feel that they have the religious pedigree that makes them God’s special people.
You might say that these are the ones who know all the books of the Bible, even the minor prophets at the back of the Old Testament. They grew up in the church nursery. They went to VBS. They tithe and they even go to small groups.
Yet, Paul says, “ . . . every one of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself.”
Paul says at the end of verse 1 that these people, “ . . . do the same things.”
The super religious people of the church of Rome may have been quick to judge the non-religious when they sin, but Paul says that they (the religious people) were sinning as well.
Oh, by the way, verses 2-3 point out that God judges these sins, no matter who commits them. It doesn’t matter if you are Jewish or non-Jewish. If you’re from Rome or you’re from Bartow. If you’re a sinner, you’re a sinner and there is judgment reserved for sin.
In verse 4, Paul points out that the religious people had taken advantage of God’s grace and kindness shown to them.
He asks in verse 4, “do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
What Paul is pointing out here is that we shouldn’t take advantage of God’s kindness shown towards us by continuing to sin (Paul will address this more in Romans 6).
If you’ve ever been a supervisor, teacher, or coach, you know that at times you may show grace to those you lead and then find out later that those you lead are taking advantage of your kindness. Doesn’t that anger you? It makes me want to line everybody up and start running laps!
Well, this kind of behavior angers God as well! Paul says in verse 5 that when we act this way, we are “storing up wrath for [ourselves] on the day of wrath.”
Church, we need to understand this now, before the day of God’s wrath. It doesn’t matter if you’re religious, an American, from a good family, or a faithful Baptist; God still has wrath stored up for those who do not experience the forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
First point: religious people will be judged.Second, . . .
II. All people will be repaid. (6-11) [on screen]
In this passage we start to see that Paul is showing that when it comes to our standing before God, the lines that separate Jew and Gentile are starting to be erased. We are all guilty before God because of our sin and we are all saved by faith in God through Jesus the Messiah. We’re not going to see all that Paul has to say about this today, but we will begin our journey.
Look at verses 6-11:
6 He will repay each one according to his works: 7 eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but wrath and anger to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness. 9 There will be affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no favoritism with God.
Did you catch this idea of the lines being erased? There will be judgment for those who do evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. And, there will be reward for all do good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.
Then, in case we were slow to pick up on what Paul is saying, he says explicitly in verse 11, “For there is no favoritism with God.”Listen, church: all people will be repaid based on where they stand with God! Did they reject God’s ways or did they embrace God’s ways?
Everyone on earth must stand before God and give account for how they’ve handled God’s revelation of Himself and His ways to all of humanity.
Now, we may be tempted to think this passage means that our standing with God is based solely on our good works. In fact, if you read only this passage, that’s definitely what it sounds like. However, this is not the case.
If you just finish reading the book of Romans you will see that salvation is based on the grace of God and our faith in the work of Jesus to pay the penalty of our sins.
When Paul speaks of good works, he’s speaking of the good works that result in our lives when we are truly changed by the grace of God through the work of Jesus. This is the same message of Jesus, James, Peter, and John as well. True faith leads to truly faithful living. True change leads to a truly changed life. This is what Paul is speaking about.
So, all people will be repaid based on what they’ve done with God and His ways.
Finally, . . .
III. Faithful people will be justified. (12-16) [on screen] Paul continues this discussion that he started earlier of how Jews and Gentiles are both judged and are totally held accountable for how they lived before God.Look at verses 12-16:
12 For all who sin without the law will also perish without the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified. 14 So, when Gentiles, who do not by nature have the law, do what the law demands, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts either accuse or even excuse them 16 on the day when God judges what people have kept secret, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.
What Paul is basically saying in verse 12 is that whether you have the law of God (as the Jewish people did) or not, you are still held guilty of your sin. Remember, as Paul said in chapter 1, the ways of God are written in Creation itself. So, all of us stand accountable to God and His ways.
In fact, Paul says that some Gentiles have fulfilled what the law of God said even though they didn’t have the law of God. You see, because God’s ways are written in Creation itself, they sought to please God and live the ways of God as best they could. Paul says in verse 15, “ . . . the work of the law is written on their hearts.”
You see, it’s not just knowing God’s ways that matters, it’s loving and living God’s ways that matters.
That’s why Paul says in verse 13, “For the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified.”
Doesn’t verse 13 sound like it’s straight out of the book of James? James and Paul are not in conflict with one another as some have said, they are complementary to one another. Only those who actually live out God’s ways are those who have true faith and have truly been changed by Jesus.
Finally, in verse 16, Paul again points to God’s judgment of sin, even those sins that we keep secret from everyone else.
God is the great impartial sin: all people, even religious people, will be judged; all will be repaid; and faithful people will be justified.
Concluding Thoughts:
So, church, let us not think that if we are religious enough that we will be ok before God. God is not looking for those who are arrogant because they think they are holy; He is looking for those who are anointed by the Holy Spirit of God! God’s not looking for more religious people; He’s looking for more faithful people. God is not looking for more rule followers; He’s looking for more Jesus followers!
So, let this bottom line summarize what Paul is telling us in this passage:
Bottom Line: Religious arrogance is not the way to escape God’s judgment. [on screen]
(repeat)
To be honest, religious arrogance won’t help you at all. In fact, it will only hurt you.
As 1 Peter 5:5 says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So, humble yourself before God. Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought.
Come to God in repentance and in faith, for grace and forgiveness.
Challenge yourself to live out this passage this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Examine your life for religious arrogance. [on screen]
Do you think that you have a better standing with God because you go to church every week, or some weeks. Do you think because your name is on a church roll that your name is also written in heaven?
Paul makes it clear in this passage, and he will do so more as we continue on, that our religious showing-off doesn’t do anything to help us receive the favor of God.
So, take some this week to examine your life for religious arrogance.
2. Examine your life for unrepentant sin. [on screen]
Oftentimes, it’s very easy to see sin in other people’s lives, but it’s hard to see it in our own life.
Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 7:3-5, “Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a beam of wood in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.” [on screen]
So, take some time this week to examine your life for unrepentant sin. What do you need to confess to the Lord? Let us be open, let us be humble, and let us be willing to come before God in repentance.
Closing:
Folks, we all need God. Whether we came to God from a lifestyle of obvious outward sin or whether we are those who have the secret and respectable sins in our lives. God is not impressed with those of us who are religiously high and mighty! God has no free pass for those who fancy themselves as super-Christians. So, may we all come before God.
Let us not presume that God is impressed with our false religion. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’” [on screen]
So, bring your sin to God. Come to Him to be made new and clean. God hates sin, but He offers love to sinners and He can take away the sin of sinners!
In 1 Peter 2:24, we learn how Jesus takes away the sin of sinners. Peter says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” [on screen]
Come to Jesus and be healed! Experience the forgiveness of Jesus! Die to sin and live for righteousness.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“God’s Wrath and Humanity’s Guilt”
(Romans 1:18-32)
Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
January 16, 2022
Introductory Comments:
Do you remember the good old days? Have you ever noticed the good old days aren’t the same days for everyone? You see, sometimes we remember the good old days from when we were younger and we think that things are really bad now but they used to be good. We think, “I can remember when we didn’t have people storming the capital of the United States, we didn’t have to discuss the birth gender of an athlete, and we weren’t in the middle of a global pandemic.” Well, most of you can probably remember that because that was just about two years ago. However, sometimes we look back on history and we think that bad things didn’t always happen in our “good old days.” We forget about a president that was impeached because of the Watergate scandal. We forget that two other presidents were assassinated. We forget about the Great Depression. We forget about rampant racism in our country. We forget about the atrocity of slavery in our country. We forget about the immorality of the Wild West. We forget about how young girls who were found to be pregnant out of wedlock were shipped off to live somewhere else. We can go back further and recall even more atrocities.
You see, church, since sin came into the world, we have always been plagued by evil and wickedness.
In today’s passage, Paul is going to speak about the reality of sin in the world and the reality of God’s wrath towards sin.
Before we go any further, let’s pray together.
(prayer)
Remember, last week, Paul introduced himself and the power of the Gospel. Remember, the Gospel has dynamite power! Now, Paul is going to spend some time discussing the state that we were in as sinners before we experienced the Gospel. Paul is going to give us a picture of what life is like without Jesus.
So, let’s see what God is teaching us through His Word.
First, from this passage, let’s see . . .
I. God revealed (18-20) [on screen]
Look with me if you will at verses 18-20:
18 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, 19 since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made.
What Paul is saying here is that the reality of God and the reality of God’s wrath against sin has been revealed to humanity through God’s creation.
Now, before we get too far, we need to talk about what God’s wrath is.
I would define God’s wrath simply this way:
God’s wrath = God’s extreme and just judgment of sin. [on screen]
The ESV Study Bible simply defines God’s wrath as, “His personal anger against sin.”
It is extreme in that it is terrible to experience. It is just in that it is what sinners deserve for their sin.
Obviously, wrath towards sin is not very well received by most people. Some people think that this is unnecessary and unfair. However, when it comes down to it, most people probably don’t actually feel this way.
Popular Bible teacher, Jen Wilkin, pointed out that if someone hurt someone we love, we probably wouldn’t mind that person receiving a little wrath. So, when we determine someone has done something wrong, we’re ok with them receiving God’s wrath. Jen Wilkin explains: we don’t mind God judging sin, we just don’t want Him judging our sin.
We must also understand this, church: God is not just showing wrath towards people; He is showing wrath towards sinful people. In other words, God is not just being mean, He’s giving us what we deserve because of our sin.
So, Paul says that God pours out his wrath on, “ . . . all godlessness and unrighteousness.”
However, Paul goes on to describe how humanity responds to God and His ways. Paul says, “by their unrighteousness [they] suppress the truth.”
You see, Paul says in verses 19 and 20 that God is purposefully showing Himself to humanity.
What Paul is saying is that we see in Creation itself that there is a God and He has a plan for our lives.
Consider a beach sunset. Consider holding a newborn baby. Consider the beauty of two people who have loved each other for over sixty years. Consider the fact that stars are held in the sky and they don’t all just plummet towards the earth. Creation screams that there is a God and He is wonderful!
King David said in Psalm 19:1-2, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.” [on screen]
Verse 20 says that God is showing us, “his eternal power and divine nature.”
However, because humanity is plagued by sin, we’re not hearing God and His ways, we’re not seeing God and His ways, we’re not receiving God and His ways. Instead, we have suppressed the truth.
I read one pastor who described this as trying to hold a beachball under the water. God is speaking to us and showing Himself to us through Creation but through our sin, we are continuing to push God and His ways down out of view, like a kid trying to hold a beachball under the water.
Here’s the result: because God is showing Himself to us, Paul says in 20, “As a result, people are without excuse.”
Church, God is revealing Himself to all of us; to the entire world. However, we are pushing back God and His ways.
That leads to our next point:
II. God rejected (20-25) [on screen]
Let’s pick it up at the tail-end of verse 20 and go through verse 25:
As a result, people are without excuse. 21 For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.
24 Therefore God delivered them over in the desires of their hearts to sexual impurity, so that their bodies were degraded among themselves. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen.
You see, church, people suppressed God and His ways so much that they forgot about God and His ways. However, they still needed something to devote their love and attention towards so they created idols to worship and put up in the place of God.
Here, Paul is speaking about literal idols or statues that people worshiped. However, an idol can be anything that we devote ourselves to rather than devoting ourselves to God.
You see, all of us are created to know, love, and worship God. However, we have exchanged the object of our devotion. Instead of being devoted to God, we are devoted to others things; things that are not worthy of our worship!
Listen to what Paul says happens to sinners when they do this (look at verse 21): “their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened.”
Verses 21 and 22 say that without a proper knowledge of God and His ways our thinking is worthless, our hearts are darkened, and rather than being wise, we are fools.
In fact, the Greek word that is translated as “fools” is the same root word from which we get the English word, moron.[on screen]
Church, when we exchange God’s ways for sinful ways we are “morons!”
Verse 24 points out this sad reality: when we reject God and His ways, God allows us to follow down that path and we become less and less in-tune to Him and His ways.
Paul says that God delivers us over, or gives us over, to our sin.
How tragic! God wants to love us, know us, and guide us, but we reject Him and we continue down a path of sinfulness and foolishness and lose touch with our Creator.
Verse 25 says, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served what has been created instead of the Creator.”
Paul lets us know that through the sin that plagued the world and through each of our sinful hearts, God was rejected.
Finally, we see . . .
III. Sin unleashed (26-32) [on screen]
Have you ever had a stubborn child who insisted on doing something a certain way and you tried and tell them not to do it that way because it may lead to a mess or to them getting hurt? Sometimes they insist on doing what they want to do so much that you decide, “You know what, maybe they need to see how bad this will turn out.” (Sometimes we pastors do that with certain church members as well . . . none of you, of course).
Well, Paul says again that if we constantly reject God, God gives us totally over to our sin; sin is unleashed!
Look at verses 26 and 27:
26 For this reason God delivered them over to disgraceful passions. Their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 The men in the same way also left natural relations with women and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Men committed shameless acts with men and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty of their error.
Paul starts off by describing the deplorable state of sexuality among the Roman people.
One might wonder why Paul focuses on this particular sin so much. Well, because Paul is pointing out how unnatural this particular sin is. God created sexuality and has a particular plan for it inside a marriage relationship of a man and a woman. However, sinful humanity has rejected God’s design for our own designs and ideas. We have exchanged the natural for the unnatural.
Is this not a reality today also? There is so much confusion among humanity! We not only have homosexuality, we have adultery, pornography, pansexuality, bisexuality, and more. Little boys and girls are even having a hard time figuring out if they are boys or girls. Listen, I’m not trying to shame these people. I’m trying to point out what Paul is pointing out: the deeper we get into sin, the deeper we get into foolishness and confusion.
Listen, if anyone in this room is trying to figure these things out, if you want clarity: go to God! If you want confusion, go away from God!
Some of you might think, “Tell ‘em, pastor! Those sinners are terrible!” Well, slow your roll! Paul goes on. Look at verses 28-32:
28 And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a corrupt mind so that they do what is not right. 29 They are filled with all unrighteousness, evil, greed, and wickedness. They are full of envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, arrogant, proud, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 senseless, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful. 32 Although they know God’s just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die—they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them.
That first list of sins may not have applied to some of you, well how about now? Paul even lists “simple” sins such as gossip and disobedience to parents as part of the foolishness and wickedness of humanity that is brought about because of our devotion to sin, rather than our devotion to God. You and I ought not to think for a second that our sin is any less foolish and any less wicked than the sin of those around us! Paul will talk about that more later.
Paul says in verse 32, “Although they know God’s just sentence—that those who practice such things deserve to die—they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them.” What a tragedy! This is the result of sin, and God’s wrath is reserved for sin and sinners.
Humanity has become so enthralled in their own sin for thousands of years that we have lost sight of God and His ways and we can’t even tell that He is reaching out to us anymore.
Concluding Thoughts:
In this passage, we see God revealed, God rejected, and sin unleashed.
That brings us to our bottom line for this sermon:
Bottom Line: Rejection of the ways of God means a reception of the wrath of God. [on screen]
(repeat)
If we reject the ways of God, we will receive the wrath of God.
Well, what is our hope? If we are steeped in sin and lostness, what hope is there for us?
Paul lists some terrible sins, and they are terrible. However, listen to what Paul says elsewhere about God’s grace.
Immediately after describing the sinful state of humanity in Ephesians 2, Paul says this in verses 4-8, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift.”[on screen]
Also, when Jesus was crucified, He drank the cup of God’s wrath for us, so that we could be spared.
Listen to what Jesus says in Luke 22:42, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” [on screen]
The cup of which Jesus speaks represented the wrath of God poured out towards sin. Jesus drank the cup so that we wouldn’t have to.
There is power in the Gospel in the midst of the wrath of God.
Challenge yourself to live out this passage in the following ways this week:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Ask yourself why God’s wrath is necessary. [on screen]
Think about why it is necessary. Ask yourself what it would do to God’s holiness, justice, and righteousness if He simply overlooked sin and evil.
2. Reveal the grace of God to someone. [on screen]
Before it is all over, we will either receive God’s grace or God’s wrath. You have an opportunity to show God’s grace to others, so take the Gospel to them.
3. Make a conscious choice to choose God over sin. [on screen]
Church, we must hate sin. We must pursue God and His ways.
Jen Wilkin (whom I mentioned earlier), said this also (and I’m paraphrasing), “There are two ways to escape our feeling of guilt towards our sin: repentance of our sin or repetition of our sin.”
You see, if we continue to sin and reject God, eventually we’ll no longer be able to recognize that we are even living in sin. Do not wait too long. Choose God over sin.
Closing:
Paul said three times in this passage that God delivered sinners over to their sin. However, that’s not the end of the story. In the Gospel, in the power of Jesus, God will not deliver us to our sin, He will deliver us from our sin.
Instead of us absorbing the wrath of God, we can benefit from when Jesus absorbed the wrath of God for us on the cross.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“Paul: Set Apart for the Gospel”
(Romans 1:1-17)
Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
January 9, 2022
Introductory Comments:
Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.” [on screen]
So, we know that all Scripture is good, beneficial, and inspired by God. Yet, there’s something special about the book of Romans.
The book of Romans is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It is rich in theological truth and explanation and it is supremely committed to lifting up the supernatural power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Tony Evans said, “The book of Romans is the clearest and most beautiful explanation of the gospel ever written.” [on screen]
In his commentary on the book of Romans, R. Kent Hughes said, “No reasonable person would dispute that the book of Romans is one of the most powerful and influential books ever written.” [on screen]
The book of Romans has also had an impact on monumental figures throughout Church history.
St. Augustine, one of the great church fathers, after reading Romans 13 became convicted of his sin and gave his life to Jesus.
Martin Luther moved from being a Catholic monk to becoming the leader of the Protestant Reformation after reading and understanding Romans 1:17.
John Bunyan was so inspired by studying the book of Romans that he wrote the great classic book, Pilgrim’s Progress.
So, Romans is powerful and influential and I pray that you too will experience the power of the book of Romans and be influenced by God’s Holy Spirit as we study it.
Before we go any further, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us.
(prayer)
Today, as we get into this letter, we will first introduce ourselves to the book and to the major theme of the book.
First of all, it’s important to point out that the book of Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the followers of Jesus who were in the city of Rome. This letter was probably written in 57 or 58 AD.
The letter was probably delivered by a woman named Phoebe, whom Paul would later commend to the Church in Rome.
In this first section (chapter 1, verses 1-17), we’re going to learn about Paul’s commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The title of this first sermon is, “Paul: Set Apart for the Gospel” [on screen]
The overarching purpose of Paul’s writing the letter was to explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ to both Jewish Christians and non-Jewish Christians who were living in Rome.In fact, the major theme of this book is the Gospel, hence the name of this whole sermon series, “United in the Gospel.”
So, let’s look at the entire passage now and then we’ll talk about it some as we continue. Look at Romans 1:1-17:
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures— 3 concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead. 5 Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles, 6 including you who are also called by Jesus Christ.
7 To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world. 9 God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in telling the good news about his Son—that I constantly mention you, 10 always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I want very much to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, 12 that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
13 Now I don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as I have had among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.
So, let’s talk about this a bit. By the way, you’ll see that I have some sermon points and we’ll get to those in just a moment, but I want to make a few comments before we get there.
First of all, notice two descriptors that Paul gives for himself.
First, in verse 1, Paul refers to himself as a servant. “Servant/Slave” means a person owned by another. [on screen] Paul considers himself as someone who belongs to Jesus; he is a slave of Jesus.
Remember, earlier in his life, Paul was one who persecuted Christians. One of his goals in life was to see Christians killed. However, on his way to Damascus, Jesus met him on the road and changed his life! You can read about that on your own in Acts 9. So, Paul has been totally changed by Jesus and he owes everything to Jesus.
As those who are committed to Jesus and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must also take the form of a servant. We belong to Jesus and we must serve Him and His ways!
The way of the Christian is the way of service.
Even Jesus said of Himself in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [on screen]
Second, Paul refers to himself in verse 1 as an apostle. An “apostle” is one sent with delegated authority. [on screen] Paul has been given authority by God to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost world.
Now, just to be clear, church, this was a unique role for a unique time. Paul and the other apostles were given a special task for a special time to share the Gospel and establish the first churches.
These men, including Paul, were people who had personal eye-witness interaction with Jesus and were sent directly by Jesus.
In a sense, we are all sent today. I like to say we are “apostles” with a lowercase “a.” Paul and the twelve disciples of Jesus were “Apostles” with an uppercase “A.” Paul was sent with authority to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Paul was one of THE apostles.
So, Paul, a servant and an apostle, is writing this letter to the followers of Jesus in Rome. He wants to see them soon, but he wants to write to them first about the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.So, let’s journey through this passage a little bit more and draw out three points for us to learn:
First, . . .
I. The source of the Gospel is Jesus. [on screen]
The emphasis on Jesus in this passage is abundant.
First of all, Paul points out in verses 2 and 3 that God promised beforehand that this Gospel would come. The prophets spoke (look in verse 3), “concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” In other words, the Gospel is not new to Paul. God had been promising that this would happen for thousands of years!
Paul says Jesus was a descendant of David and appointed to be the powerful Son of God by the resurrection of the dead. Jesus is both human and God, He fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Him, and God worked powerfully and miraculously through His work on the cross.
Of Jesus, Paul says in verse 5, “Through him we have received grace . . .”
Paul says in verse 6, “ . . . you who are also called by Jesus Christ.”
Church, Jesus is foundational to the Gospel; the source of the Gospel is Jesus. The reason there were Christians in Rome, both Jews and Gentiles, was because of Jesus! The reason Paul was no longer a persecutor of Christians was because of Jesus! The reason we are gathered here today in this church instead of living out our sin in full force is because of Jesus!
The reason any of us can be saved by our sins is because Jesus came to earth as a human, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the punishment of our sins, rose from the dead and conquered death, and sits at the right hand of God the Father today; it’s all because of Jesus!
As the Apostle Peter said in Acts 4:11-12, “This Jesus is the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” [on screen]
First, the source of the Gospel is Jesus. Second, . . .
II. The spread of the Gospel is preaching. [on screen]
Look at verse 8. Paul says, “ . . . the news of your faith is being reported in all the world.”
People were talking about the way that Jesus was working in the lives of the Romans. The Gospel was being shared. The message of Jesus was being shared.
When I say that the Gospel is spread through preaching, I don’t just mean a guy standing behind a pulpit on Sunday mornings. Preaching is the proclamation of the Word of God. Preaching is telling people the message of Jesus!
People have to hear the Gospel! By the way, Paul will talk about this again in Romans chapter 10 (perhaps we’ll be there in a few months . . . or years).
Look also at what Paul says in verses 14 and 15:
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
Paul said Greeks and Barbarians, meaning those who were part of the Greco-Roman world and those who weren’t.
Paul said wise and foolish, meaning those who were sophisticated and educated and those who were not.
Listen, church: the Gospel is for everyone, which is why it must be preached to everyone! Every man, every woman, every child. Every poor person and every rich person! Every democrat, every republican, every independent, every patriot, every anarchist, every terrorist, every Jew, every Gentile, every Baptist, every Catholic, every Mormon, every Muslim, every Hindu, every Buddhist, every Atheist, and especially every Presbyterian (I’m just messing with them, I love my Presby friends; if you see Pastor Tanner at ARP church, tell him that I love him). Every tribe, every tongue, every nation needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Therefore we must proclaim it, we must preach it!
This was the very reason that Paul was set apart: to preach the Gospel! So also, Jesus has commissioned us to develop disciples all over the world, which begins by proclaiming the Gospel.
Our love for God and our experience of receiving the grace of God compels us to proclaim the Gospel message. The great historic missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, who gave years of his life to the Chinese people was approached with the suggestion that the reason he served in missions so long was because he must really love the Chinese people. To this, he shook his head and answered, “No, not because I loved the Chinese, but because I loved God.”
So, church, let your love for God drive you to spread the Gospel message.
Finally, . . .
III. The salvation of the Gospel is powerful. [on screen]
Oh, I’m so excited about the last two verses in this passage. Look again at verses 16 and 17:
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.
Church, there is power in the Gospel! The actual power of God is seen in the Gospel message. How incredible is that? Lives are changed by the Gospel! Churches are changed by the Gospel! Communities are changed by Gospel! Civilizations are changed by the Gospel!
In Paul’s day, it was cool to be a Christian. Christians were mocked and looked down upon. However, Paul said, “I am not ashamed!” Why? Because the Gospel is powerful!
These last two verses represent the entire heart of the book of Romans.
The Greek word used here to describe the power of the Gospel is dunamis. Do you know what word in our English language we get from that word? Dynamite! dunamis → dynamite [on screen] Boom! There is power in the Gospel!
There is so much power found in the Gospel that those of us who put our faith in Jesus Christ are changed and we move from a life of sin to a life of righteousness. We can live that life of righteousness by placing our faith in God, not only for our salvation but for our daily living. Paul says, “ . . . the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.” Faith for salvation and faith for living in Christ.
Paul says elsewhere, in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [on screen] There is salvation in the Gospel of Jesus Christ! There is righteousness in the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
There is power in the Gospel, church! Dynamite power!
Concluding Thoughts:
For Paul, everything came down to the Gospel! It changed his life and he believed that it could change other lives as well.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: Paul believed in the life-changing power of the Gospel of Jesus. [on screen]
(repeat)
Do you believe that, church? Do you believe that the Gospel can change lives?
“ . . . it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”
This first sermon from Romans introduces us to the book of Romans and to the central theme of the book: the Gospel.
Challenge yourself this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Ask yourself what the Gospel means to you. [on screen]
The Gospel of Jesus Christ meant everything to Paul. What does it mean to you?
Take some time this week and ask yourself that question.
2. Ask yourself how the Gospel has changed you. [on screen]
Have you been changed? Have you experienced dynamite change?
Are you a servant of Jesus Christ? Are you living as one who is sent to preach the Gospel to all the world?
Take some time this week and ask yourself how the Gospel has changed you.
Closing:
Paul was radically changed by Jesus. If you’ve been changed, live in the dynamite power of God. If you’ve not been changed, come experience the power of God today!
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“Simeon – The One Who Celebrated Jesus”
Series: The Characters of Christmas [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
January 2, 2022
Introductory Comments:
Here we are at the end of our Christmas series called, “The Characters of Christmas.” We are a few days past Christmas but we took a one week break last week. Today, we’re going to pick it back up and conclude with the story of a less famous character of Christmas.
We will pick up our study, once again, in Luke 2.
Before we go any further, let’s pray together.
(prayer)
Have you ever had to wait a long time for something? Perhaps you have to wait for a long time for a new movie to be released. I was always excited about the next Lord of the Rings movie. Perhaps you’re like Pastor Dirck and Pastor Richard and you’re waiting for the 45th Marvel movie to be released. Maybe you were waiting on getting your driver’s license, becoming an adult, getting married, retiring, or starting church services back in person.
Oftentimes, when you wait on something for a long time, when you finally receive that something or do that something, it leads to celebration! That was the case with the character we are studying today.
Today, we are learning about “Simeon: The One Who Celebrated Jesus.”[on screen]
So as we look at Simeon, let’s first look at . . .
I. The Life of Simeon. [on screen]
There’s not a lot that we know about Simeon, but we do know that he was in Jerusalem around the time that Jesus was a child; perhaps he lived in Jerusalem full-time.
From what we can gather, we know that he was a faithful man who looked forward to the consolation of Israel.
When we read “consolation” it means the comfort of Israel or the care-taking of Israel. Simeon was looking forward to God taking care of and comforting the people of Israel.
The people believed that God’s comfort and blessing to His people would come beautifully and powerfully through the coming of Messiah.
So, as with other faithful Israelites, Simeon believed that Messiah would come and he looked forward to that moment.
We also know that Simeon was a devout man and a righteous man.
Look at Luke 2:25 – There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation . . .
So, Simeon was not perfect, but he was a good man who was devoted to God, and he was a faithful Jewish man who looked forward to the day that God would rescue and bless Israel.
Well, that’s a little bit about who Simeon was. Now, let’s learn about . . .
II. The Legacy of Simeon. [on screen]
In order to learn more about Simeon’s legacy, let’s look at the passage as a whole.
Look at Luke 2:25-35:
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
29 Now, Master,you can dismiss your servant in peace,as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared itin the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentilesand glory to your people Israel.
33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
As we speak about the legacy of Simeon, I want to start by pointing out how much the Spirit of God was at work in the life of Simeon.
Verse 25 says of Simeon, “ . . . the Holy Spirit was on him.”
Verse 26 says, “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit . . .”
Verse 27 says, “Guided by the Spirit . . .”
Simeon was a man who was in touch with the Spirit of God and the Spirit of God was in touch with him. What a legacy! Don’t you want to be known as a person who is described as being in tune with the Holy Spirit of God?
Notice also in verses 34 and 35 that Simeon is able to prophesy concerning Jesus (we’ll talk about that more in a moment). This prophecy that Simeon delivered was only possible because the Holy Spirit of God was on Simeon.
Next, concerning the legacy of Simeon, we must stand in awe of the fact that he was able to see the Messiah before his death.
Verse 26 says, “It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.”
Then, miraculously the Holy Spirit guided Simeon to the temple on the same day that Mary and Joseph were there to dedicate the child Jesus.
Now, we don’t know exactly how this next part happened, but verse 28 says, “Simeon took him up in his arms.” Obviously, the Spirit of God had to be involved in this part as well because if a man came and took my child up in his arms, there would probably be a tussle of sorts. However, God was all over this situation!
As a result of this miracle of holding the Messiah in his arms, Simeon sang this beautiful song of praise (look at verses 29-30):
29 Now, Master,you can dismiss your servant in peace,as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
Now, this is not the end of Simeon’s legacy. We also have these prophecies concerning Jesus that Simeon delivers.
First, we see the prophecy that the Messiah will bring salvation.
In verse 30, Simeon says, “For my eyes have seen your salvation.”
This is how God will bring consolation to Israel; this is how God will comfort His people. He will bring salvation!
We also see the scope of the salvation that Messiah brings in verses 31 and 32. Simeon says that this salvation is for “all peoples” and “revelation to the Gentiles.”
So, this salvation that the Messiah will bring is not just for the Jewish people. Simeon is prophesying that this salvation is for all peoples!
Second, Simeon prophesies the future of Jesus the Messiah.
Simeon says in the second part of verse 34 and in verse 35, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Simeon prophesies that some people accept the Messiah and some will not. Some will rise and some fall.
Further, Jesus will be opposed, so much so that a sword will pierce Mary’s soul. Indeed, Mary would be present when her son Jesus, now just a child, would later be crucified as a man on a cross. She would witness this moment and it would pierce her soul.
So, Simeon’s legacy centered around the fact that he was led by God’s Spirit, he was able to witness Jesus the Messiah, and he delivered stunningly accurate and important prophecies about Jesus the Messiah.
Next, let us learn . . .
III. The Lessons of Simeon. [on screen]
Lesson #1 – The Holy Spirit must guide us to Jesus.[on screen]
Simeon just so happened to be at the temple that day; Mary and Joseph just so happened to go to dedicate Jesus that day; and Simeon just so happened to come in contact with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Is that what happened? No! The Holy Spirit was at work and He was involved in all of this!
We need the Spirit of God to guide us to Jesus also. None of us come to Jesus on our own. God draws us to Jesus by the power of His Spirit!
The Spirit can work through a variety of ways to lead people to Jesus.
He worked in Simeon by leading Simeon to the temple.
I’ve heard from some new Christians in our church how God worked in their lives by speaking to them in dreams, or through a worship service, or even through written words on a piece of paper.
I don’t know how the Holy Spirit does everything that he does, but if He leads us to Jesus, then praise God!
God was at work in Simeon’s life and we should pray that His Spirit is at work in our lives and the lives of others as well.
Lesson #2 – Jesus is the comfort we need.[on screen]
Simeon looked forward to Israel’s consolation. God did console, or comfort, His people Israel through the coming of Jesus the Messiah.
So also, God brings comfort to all of those who turn to Jesus.
God can comfort those who are hurting from the troubles of this world. God can feed those who are hungry for true blessings. God can warm those who are suffering from the coldness that surrounds us. God can provide what we need most. God can bring clarity when we are confused. God can find us when we are lost. God can save us when we are doomed.
God can perfectly comfort us through Jesus!
Lesson #3 – The Messiah is for all peoples.[on screen]
Remember, the angel prophesied this to the shepherds and now Simeon prophesies this after he held the baby Jesus.
Jesus is not just a Jewish Messiah, He is the Messiah for the world! Jesus is the Messiah for all peoples! Every tribe, every tongue, every nation needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God means to save people from everywhere on this earth!
Lesson #4 – We must celebrate the coming of Jesus. [on screen]
Simeon was so excited by the coming of Jesus that he said in verse 29, “Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace.” He’s saying, “Now I can die in peace.” Meeting Jesus was so special to Simeon that nothing else mattered after that; he was ready to die.
Is Jesus that special to you? Do you celebrate the coming of Jesus like that?
As Simeon looked forward to Jesus’ first coming, we must celebrate his coming and look forward to his return.
That takes us nicely to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: Simeon lookedforward to the coming of Jesus. May we celebrate the coming of Jesus and lookforward to His secondcoming. [on screen]
(repeat)
I want to be like Simeon: I want to be someone who celebrates Jesus. What about you? Do you want to be known as someone who celebrates Jesus?
As we are just past Christmas, let us remember to always celebrate His coming into the world; and as we celebrate a new year, let us remember that Jesus will come again and make all things new, forever!
Let’s celebrate Jesus!
Challenge yourself this week to live out what we’ve learned in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Rate your celebration of Jesus. [on screen]
How are you doing when it comes to celebrating Jesus in your life? Do you sing in celebration of Jesus? Do you talk to others about the great work of Jesus? Do you make worshiping with your brothers and sisters in Christ a priority so that you can celebrate together?
2. Thank God that Jesus came. [on screen]
Take some this week and thank God for the work He’s done in your life because He sent Jesus. Thank God for the work He’s done in the life of your family and friends. Thank God for the work He’s done in the life of our church.
Thank God that Jesus came!
3. Express your excitement about Jesus’ second coming. [on screen]
Take some time this week and actually express excitement about Jesus coming again someday.
Listen to what Paul says about this in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 – “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” [on screen]
Let us encourage one another and be excited about the return of Jesus!
Closing:
Simeon waited his entire life to be able to see Jesus the Messiah. Listen, Jesus spent His entire life living in faithfulness, obedience, and holiness; and then He entirely poured His life out on the cross to pay the entire penalty for your sin. Then, Jesus rose from the dead and made it possible for you to be made entirely new. So, don’t waste your entire life chasing after the things of this world or your own desires. Rather, give yourself entirely to Jesus and be made entirely new.
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“The Shepherds – Early Witnesses of King Jesus”
Series: The Characters of Christmas [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
December 19, 2021
Introductory Comments:
If you go to Palestine today (Israel and its surrounding areas) you can still see shepherds there. From all accounts that we have, they do their job very similar to how shepherds would have done their job in the days of Jesus. Here’s a picture of a modern-day Bedouin shepherd. [show picture on screen] Shepherds probably didn’t wear hoodies in the days of Jesus, but they probably did operate much the same way as they do today.
Today, as we continue our series entitled, “The Characters of Christmas,” we’ll be learning about “The Shepherds – Early Witnesses of King Jesus” [on screen]
Before we get into our sermon, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us.
(prayer)
Shepherds are not rare in the Bible. In fact, shepherds are a major theme in the Bible.
Many of the great heroes of the Bible were shepherds. Abraham was a shepherd, Isaac was a shepherd, Jacob was a shepherd. One of my favorite prophets, Amos was a shepherd.
David was a shepherd before he was King David. Of course, many of us remember these words of David in Psalm 23:1-5, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.” [on screen]
The theme of shepherd is strong in the Bible and it’s not by accident that these shepherds are part of the incredible story of the birth of the Savior of the world.
So, let’s look at the shepherds now. First, let’s look at . . .
I. The Life of the Shepherds. [on screen]
Shepherds spent a lot of time with sheep (that’s obvious right?). As a result, they spent a lot of time in the field and a lot of time with animals. There were usually men, and they were usually rough, stinky men.
Their job was not necessarily the most desired job. In fact, many times shepherds were looked down upon by others and weren’t necessarily trusted by others.
You see, most shepherds didn’t own the sheep; they simply looked after them. So, because they were with the sheep so often, they could often steal sheep, particularly young ones, and sell them for selfish gain without the owner ever knowing.
In fact, it’s believed that people who were good upstanding members of society wouldn’t buy milk, wool, or young sheep or goats directly from shepherds because there was a chance that it could be stolen property.
Shepherds would often do their jobs alongside other shepherds who were tending flocks nearby (as we’ll see in the accounts of the birth of Jesus). Of course, sometimes they were by themselves instead.
It was also very likely that the shepherds in the days of Jesus tended flocks that contained lambs that would be sacrificed at the temple in Jerusalem.
These sheep and goats were very vulnerable to danger, particularly at night, so the shepherds spent a long time with them during the day and night and really throughout the whole year. So, these shepherds weren’t really integrated much into the society at large.
From what we know, these shepherds were stinky, untrustworthy, yet tough loners who were sort of a group of their own.
That’s a little about the life of a shepherd.
Well, now let’s talk about . . .
II. The Legacy of the Shepherds. [on screen]
As we begin this section, let’s look at the entirety of what Luke says about the shepherds in Luke 2:8-20:
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,and peace on earth to people he favors!
15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.
First of all, we see another appearance of an angel (there are a lot of angels in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus).
These shepherds are just minding their own business when all of a sudden, BOOM, there’s an angel.
This angel was accompanied by the glory of the Lord and, rightly so, the shepherds were terrified.
We know that angels have a brilliant appearance. Remember when the angel was seen at Jesus’ tomb after Jesus rose from the dead? Matthew 28:1-4 says, “After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.” [on screen]
This was only one angel! Can you imagine what many angels would be like when the multitude showed up?
You know how it is when you’re in a dark room and someone turns the light on quickly. Magnify that times a billion. These guys were in the dark and then all of a sudden, they weren’t.
So, the angel had to calm them down. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’ve got some good news for you!”
What was the good news for the shepherds? Look at verse 11, “Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
The Jewish people had been looking for their Messiah; they needed a Savior! Now, He was here!
This was indeed good news and this good news absolutely changed the world forever!
This good news was not just for the shepherds; the angel said in verse 10 that this good news was for “all the people.”
Then, the shepherds are given instructions on how to find this baby. Not in a fancy palace, but in a manger.
In case the one angel was not amazing enough, a great multitude of angels joined in praising God there in front of the shepherds.
You talk about incredible! Can you imagine?
The multitude said that there would be “peace on earth.” Not just peace for the shepherds, not just peace for Israel, but peace on the earth. This was something big and the shepherds were glad to be a part of it.
So, then the shepherds set off to see this baby. They wanted to see for themselves what the angel had told them about.
When the shepherds said “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem,” they would have perhaps remembered this prophecy (uttered long before the birth of Jesus) from Micah 5:2, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times.” [on screen]
Of course, the shepherds found Jesus exactly as the angel described to them and these men were changed forever.
These men were so changed by their experience that they couldn’t help but glorify God and tell others what they had experienced.
So, this is the legacy of the shepherds. These ordinary men got to experience something extraordinary. They didn’t do anything to earn that experience (they were just out in the field minding their business). However, God decided to bless them and lead them to Jesus, the Savior of the world.
Finally, let us learn . . .
III. The Lessons of the Shepherds. [on screen]
What are some lessons that we can learn from what God did through these shepherds?
Lesson #1 – The good news of Jesus is good news that’s available for all. [on screen]
As I mentioned earlier, these shepherds were not the who’s who of Jewish society. They were not the richest, they were not the most religious, they probably smelled funny, yet the angel came to them and proclaimed peace and joy through the coming of Jesus the Messiah!Further, the angel said Jesus came for all the earth! Jesus was not just a Jewish Savior, He is a human Savior!
So, church, we must remember that the good news is for all. It’s for you, it’s for me, it’s for your neighbor, it’s for our communities, and it’s for the world.
Lesson #2 – Jesus is the Messiah we truly need. [on screen]
True peace is only found in Jesus.
We may try to find peace in so many different places. We may think if everyone would just get along, there would be peace. We may think that if we have the right political leaders or a strong military, there would be peace. We may think if we practice climate control, there will be peace. We may think if the world had enough money, there would be peace.
During the time of Jesus, the Roman Empire taught this idea of peace called the Pax Romana. Pax Romana is Latin for “Roman Peace.” However, Israel was under Roman control and I guarantee you that this was not a time of peace for Israel. Israel knew that they needed true peace. People today know that we need true peace. Listen, folks: Jesus brings true peace! The kind of peace that gives you joy, contentment, and fulfillment, even in the midst of chaos!
The Jewish people expected a Messiah who would conquer bad guys and conquer disease and sickness. Well, Jesus came first and foremost to conquer sin! That is our greatest need! Jesus is the Messiah we truly need.
The shepherds took care of lambs their whole careers; now the Lamb of God would be their shepherd; He would lovingly care for them and He would lovingly care for all those who come to Him.
Lesson #3 – We should go and tell about Jesus. [on screen]
Look again at Luke 2:17-18, “After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
The shepherds were changed by their experience and they went back proclaiming the message about Jesus.
Let me ask you something: have you been changed by Jesus? If so, have you told anyone about how you’ve been changed?
When the angels said that they brought good news to the shepherds, the Greek word they used is the same word from which we get the word “evangelize.” Evangelism is to tell someone the good news of Jesus. These angels told the shepherds the good news that Jesus was born, the shepherds told others the good news, and followers of Jesus today are still telling people the good news of Jesus.
Let us learn this lesson from the shepherds: each of us should go and tell about Jesus.
Lesson #4 – An experience with Jesus will compel us to glorify God. [on screen]
Look again at Luke 2:20, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard.”
To glorify God means to give him the praise, admiration, and credit that He is due. It means to tell how great He is!
If you’ve been changed by Jesus you will glorify Him in your life! People will see evidence of Him and hear about Him in your life.
Have you had an experience with Jesus? If so, are you glorifying God in your life?
Concluding Thoughts:
I can’t imagine how special it must have been to be one of those shepherds. They were early witnesses of King Jesus. You know what, though? We’re witnesses of Jesus as well.
That takes us to our bottom line:
Bottom Line: The shepherds were witnesses of the birth of Jesus. We are witnesses of the reign of Jesus. [on screen]
(repeat)
At that time, they could say, “Glory to the newborn King.” Now, we can sing, “Glory to the reigning King!”
In describing Jesus at His second coming, Revelation 19:16 says, “And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”
Jesus reigns as King and He will reign forevermore! What a privilege these shepherds had to be early worshipers of the King. What a privilege we have today to be worshipers of the King.
Challenge yourself to live out this passage this week in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Rate your commitment to being a witness of Jesus. [on screen]
The shepherds reported what they had experienced to others. Well, are you reporting what you have experienced to others?
Have you told others what you have seen and experienced? Have you told others how Jesus has changed your life? Are you being a witness for Jesus?Take some time this week to rate your commitment to being a witness of Jesus.
2. Thank God for the opportunity to witness the greatness of Jesus. [on screen]
Take some time this week to thank God for how Jesus has greatly changed your life and how He is greatly working in His Church.
This time now is the time where Jesus reigns as Head of the Church. Aren’t you glad to be a part of it? Aren’t you glad Jesus came? Aren’t you glad for all that He is doing through His Church?
Closing:
As we conclude, let us reflect upon these final truths:
In verse 10, where the angel says that he is bringing great joy, the Greek word used to communicate what kind of joy we’re talking about is megas. If you can’t tell, that’s the same word from which we get the word mega meaning something really big. So, in other words, here’s the kind of joy Jesus brings: MEGA JOY! [on screen]
Have you experienced mega joy? If not, come experience Jesus! Come experience mega joy!
Speaking of shepherds, Jesus is the shepherd that we truly need. Listen to what Jesus Himself said in John 10:11, 14-15, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep . . . I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.” [on screen]
Remember again, what the multitude of angels said in verse 14, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!”
How do we earn the favor of God? How do we experience true peace? It’s not through ourselves and our efforts, it’s only through the work of Jesus. God showed His favor to the earth by sending Jesus! This was a beautiful and wonderful display of His favor, shown to us.
We only experience the favor of God by experiencing the love of the Great Shepherd!
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“Herod – An Earthly King Trying to Stop the Heavenly King”
Series: The Characters of Christmas [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
December 12, 2021
Introductory Comments:
One of the most famous Christmas stories is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The main character is Ebenezer Scrooge. My favorite depiction of Scrooge is the Disney one. [on screen]Here’s another depiction of Scrooge. [on screen] Scrooge was a man who was all about himself. As the story goes, Scrooge would come to see his future and realize that no one really loved him because he loved nobody but himself and his money. In fact, he would see his own funeral in the future and realize that nobody was there except other businessmen who came because they thought there was a free lunch. If by chance you’ve never heard the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, read the book or watch the movie.
There was another man who was associated with Christmas time, who, unlike Ebenezer Scrooge, actually lived on this earth. His name was Herod. Today’s character in our series “The Characters of Christmas” is “Herod – An Earthly King Trying to Stop the Heavenly King.” [on screen]
Before we go any further, let me correct something from last week. Something minor, but important. I said last week that Joseph’s father was Heli. That’s not correct. Heli was Mary’s father, so he was Joseph’s father-in-law. The irony is, I explained this in the week that I taught on Mary. Both genealogies of Jesus lead to Joseph at the end, because the husband was the head of the household. So, Mary’s father was Heli and Joseph’s father was Jacob.
Ok, week one we spoke about Mary, week two we spoke about Joseph, and now we’re speaking about Herod. Before we go any further, let’s pray together.
(prayer)
So, what can we learn about Herod? Let’s look at this popular, yet troubled, character.
First, we’ll look at . . .
I. Herod’s Life [on screen]
Herod did not just stumble into power. He was the son of a member of the Hasmonean dynasty, which was the ruling party of Palestine before it was under Roman control.
However, Herod did have to fight for his position, and fight he did.
After some struggle, he finally won power and earned the support of Rome.
Herod’s quest for power, and his many achievements helped earn him the name “Herod the Great.”
Even though he was under the power of the Romans, Herod ruled as “King of the Jews” from 37 BC to 4 BC.
To be sure, even though he was referred to as “King of the Jews,” he was not a faithful Jew.
In fact, Herod was not even fully from the Jewish line. Herod was actually an Idumean, or Edomite, meaning that he was a descendent of Esau, not of Jacob (the Jewish people were descended from Jacob).
During his reign, Herod’s main goal was to protect his own power, which meant squashing his enemies and keeping Rome happy (because they helped maintain his power).
As many kings did, Herod was a man who liked to have ladies around him. In fact, Herod had ten wives!Herod eventually died in 4 BC. We actually read about his death in the sermon last week.
We learned this fact in the story of Joseph. Let’s look again at Matthew 2:19, “After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.” [on screen]
After Herod died, his power would be divided among three of his sons: Archelaus, Herod Antipas, and Philip.
Well, that’s a little about Herod’s life. Now, let’s talk about . . .
II. Herod’s Legacy [on screen]
In terms of an earthly legacy, the greatest part of Herod’s legacy was his construction of magnificent buildings and structures.
Among other places, Herod constructed the port city of Caesarea Maritima, the fortress of Masada, fortifications around Jerusalem, a magnificent palace, and he brought an extreme makeover to the temple in Jerusalem.
Caesarea Maritima was a port city and was one of Herod’s greatest accomplishments. It’s pictured here. [on screen]
Also, Herod built a huge fortress in the desert, which is located at Masada. [on screen]
Perhaps the most famous of Herod’s building projects, and most relevant to God’s people was Herod’s Temple. Here’s what it would have looked like at the time of Jesus. [on screen]
By bringing making the temple so grand, Herod was able to win some brownie points with the Jewish people. As a matter of fact, the temple was even more magnificent during the time of Herod than it was during the time of King Solomon.
Herod also had a dark legacy. He was a man who was always surrounded by death.
Herod was very paranoid all the time and feared political rivals, particularly those who had Jewish blood.
Herod killed his own brother-in-law (the high priest at the time), he killed 46 members of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling court), he killed his mother-in-law, he had his wife murdered, he killed some of his own sons, and more.
In fact, Herod was so ruthless to some of his own family, that legend has it that Caesar Augustus reportedly said, “It is better to be Herod’s dog than one of his children.”
Of course, when it comes to Christmas, you probably remember the evil act that Herod tried to commit against baby Jesus. Herod sought to have Jesus put to death by deceiving the Magi. Matthew 2:8 says, He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship him.” [on screen]
Because the Magi did not lead Herod to Jesus, Herod committed one of his most awful crimes, by killing all the young Jewish boys near Bethlehem. Matthew 2:16-18 says, Then Herod, when he realized that he had been outwitted by the wise men, flew into a rage. He gave orders to massacre all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, in keeping with the time he had learned from the wise men. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be consoled, because they are no more. [on screen]
So, Herod’s legacy would center around Herod. He would try to get power for himself, he would build great structures to show how great he was, and he would try to stop anyone who stood in his way.
Of course, that which he is most famous for, is opposing the true King of Israel. Herod would create a legacy of opposing Jesus and his ways, and that legacy would continue through Herod’s sons.
Well, let’s now shift to see what we can learn from Herod’s life. Let’s look at . . .
III. Herod’s Lesson [on screen]
What are the lessons that we can learn from looking at the life of Herod? We have three; you can jot these down somewhere on your note taking sheet.
Lesson #1 – Building your own kingdom will ultimately fail. [on screen]
You can build the greatest empires, the largest buildings, collect the most money, but ultimately those things will fail.
Don’t forget that Jesus said this in Matthew 6:19-21, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” [on screen]
Since Herod’s time, people have built much greater structures than what Herod ever built. Herod eventually died. Where Herod’s Temple stood, now stands a mosque.
Listen, church: don’t build a kingdom for yourself. That kingdom will ultimately come crashing down. Invest in the things of God and His ways. Those investments will never fail.
Lesson #2 – The lust for selfish gain will destroy you and those around you. [on screen]
Herod was so consumed with himself and gaining more for himself that it literally drove him to turn against those he loved and those who loved him. He killed his own sons because he was afraid that they might take away from his kingship. That’s crazy! Yet, the lust for selfish gain will drive you to that level of craziness!
Remember, the apostle Paul said this in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” [on screen]
Herod committed all kinds of evil because he was all about himself and gaining more for himself.
Learn the lesson from Herod. The lust for selfish gain will destroy you and those around you.
Lesson #3 – Jesus is greater than you and He is worthy of your worship. [on screen]
That’s pretty straightforward, right? Jesus is greater. Don’t try to make yourself king of all things: Jesus is king! Don’t try to gain more power: Jesus deserves all the power! Don’t try to make more people serve you: serve Jesus!
Remember these words, concerning Jesus, the Lamb of God, which will be uttered in heaven. Revelation 5:11-13 says, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. They said with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!’ I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say, ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!’” [on screen]
Church, if Christmas teaches us anything, we should learn that life is not about us making ourselves great. Let us proclaim how great Jesus is!
Let this bottom line draw us in to what we can learn from the life of Herod.
Bottom Line: Herod was all about himself; we should be all about Jesus. [on screen]
(repeat)
No matter how hard Herod tried, he could not destroy Jesus and he could not destroy the mission of Jesus.
Jesus would come as King, He would defeat evil, and He would establish Himself as the true King. Herod is long gone; Herod’s family is long gone; the Roman Empire is long gone; but Jesus is still on His throne as King!
Christmas is about the coming of the true King! When you remember Herod, remember that Jesus is the better King!
Challenge yourself to live out this lesson in the following ways:
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Rate your submission to the King. [on screen]
How are you doing when it comes to submitting to King Jesus?Do you submit to His authority? Do you praise Him as King? Do you serve Him as King?Take some time this week and reflect upon your submission to King Jesus.
2. Thank God for the kingship of Jesus. [on screen]
Aren’t you glad Jesus is King and not Herod? Aren’t you glad Jesus is King and not yourself? I know that I am. I’m glad that you’re not king and I’m glad that I’m not king.
Take some time this week and thank God for the kingship of Jesus.
Closing:
Herod learned the hard way that it wasn’t about him. Have you learned that life is not all about you?
It’s all about Jesus! Are you living that way? Are you submitted to Jesus?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.
“Joseph – The Earthly Father of the Heavenly Son”
Series: The Characters of Christmas [on screen]
Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD
First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida
December 5, 2021
Introductory Comments:
Imagine for a moment that you are engaged to be married. You’ve been waiting for a long time to get married and to start your own family. Imagine that marriage is a huge part of your society and it’s one of the ways that you feel you can fulfill your purpose as a follower of God. Then, imagine that the person you’re engaged to says that they are having a child and the child is not yours. How do you think that will affect things going forward?
Well, this is exactly what Joseph faced when he was betrothed to Mary and found out that she was pregnant with a baby who was not his baby. This baby would be named, “Jesus.”
Today, we’re continuing our series called “The Characters of Christmas.” Today’s message is “Joseph – The Earthly Father of the Heavenly Son.” [on screen] We’re going to learn about the life of Joseph, how God used him, and what we can learn from the story of Joseph.
Before we go any further, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us.
(prayer)
As with Mary, today we’re going to look at who Joseph was, how the Lord used him, and what we can learn from his life.
First, let’s look at . . .
I. Joseph’s Life [on screen]
Joseph was a Jewish man who was the son of a man named Heli.
Luke 3:23 says, “As he began his ministry, Jesus was about thirty years old and was thought to be the son of Joseph, son of Heli.” [on screen]
We know that Joseph was a carpenter by trade. Matthew 13:55 says, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?” [on screen]
Also, Matthew 1:19 tells us that Joseph was a righteous man.
Now, let me just say, if people don’t know a lot about you, it’s good when one of the things they know about you is that you are righteous. Joseph was righteous.
What makes Joseph most famous, of course, is that he was engaged, or betrothed, to Mary. We’ll read about that in a moment.
Matthew 2:22-23 tells us that Joseph and his family settled in Nazareth.
Nazareth was not really a cosmopolitan location. In fact, remember that Nathanael the apostle, when he first heard about Jesus said in John 1:46, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” [on screen]
How do you like that? Nazareth wasn’t exactly the best town around.
Joseph was not famous, not wealthy, and not spectacular, but he would be used by God.
As we read about the adult years of Jesus, we don’t hear any mention of Joseph, which implies that Joseph may not have lived into Jesus’ adult years.
In fact, the last time we hear about Joseph being involved in the life of Jesus is when Jesus went missing in the temple when he was twelve years old. You can read about this in Luke 2:48 if you would like to do so.
So, that’s most of what we know from the life of Joseph. We don’t know a lot but we do know those things.
Now, let’s discuss what we know of . . .
II. Joseph’s Legacy [on screen]
Most of what we know about Joseph is found in the book of Matthew. So, let’s look at Matthew chapters 1 and 2. Follow along as I read.
Let’s start in Matthew 1:18-25 – 18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.
20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 See, the virgin will become pregnantand give birth to a son,and they will name him Immanuel,
which is translated “God is with us.”
24 When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus.
Now, let’s look at Matthew 2:13-15 – 13 After they were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Get up! Take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to kill him.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and escaped to Egypt. 15 He stayed there until Herod’s death, so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I called my Son.
Finally, let’s look at Matthew 2:19-23 – 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, because those who intended to kill the child are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother, and entered the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned in a dream, he withdrew to the region of Galilee. 23 Then he went and settled in a town called Nazareth to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
So, that’s Joseph’s part in the Christmas story. God used an ordinary, righteous man to receive and care for Jesus the Messiah.
Also, did you notice how much God communicated to Joseph through dreams? God didn’t speak to Mary in a dream, but he chose to speak to Joseph through dreams.
Matthew 1:20 says, “But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream . . .” [on screen]
Matthew 2:13 says, “After they were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream . . .” [on screen]
Matthew 2:19 says, “After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.” [on screen]
There was something special about the way God communicated to Joseph. By the way, I think it’s helpful for us to notice that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to God working through people. God can do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, however He wants! He chose to communicate to Joseph through dreams.
Consider this about Joseph’s legacy as well: one of the main goals of a Jewish man is to have a firstborn son in order to carry on his family line.
However, Jesus did not represent Joseph’s line. Even if he had, Jesus died without having any children of His own. So, Jesus did not fulfill that goal for Joseph.
Yet, Joseph willingly sacrificed the chance for his wife’s first son to be his son, who would carry on the family name.
However, Jesus was a Son who would carry on a line. He would not merely represent the family of Joseph, He would represent all the families of the earth and He would represent God. He would bring God and humanity together in reconciliation. All of this was made possible, in part, because of the faithfulness of Joseph.
Of course, as we learned last week, Mary and Joseph would go on to have at least four other sons to carry on the family name, but Joseph didn’t know that at the time of Jesus’ birth. Yet, he was faithful.
We also find out that Joseph was from the line of David; he was a son of David.
Luke 2:4 says, “Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David.” [on screen]
In fact, notice what the angel calls Joseph in Matthew 1:20. The angel says, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” [on screen]
Joseph was a son of David. However, the son born to Mary, Joseph’s betrothed, would be the true Son of David.
Here’s another part of Joseph’s legacy: Joseph was faithful to Mary and to the Lord.
Matthew 1:19 says that Joseph didn’t want to disgrace Mary publicly, even though that would not have been unusual in those days. In fact, we know from the Bible, that women who committed adultery could actually be stoned to death; yet Joseph didn’t want this disgrace to come to Mary, even though he thought that she had disgraced him. Joseph was abundantly faithful to Mary.
Further, this was not something that Joseph sought out. Yet, the Lord called him to this task. As God used other great men in the Bible to lead and guide His people, God used Joseph to lead and protect Mary and Jesus. This was the task to which God called Joseph, and Joseph was faithful.
So, we learn the legacy of Joseph: faithfulness.
Finally, let’s learn . . .
III. Joseph’s Lesson [on screen]
What lessons can Joseph teach us?
Lesson #1 – When God spoke, Joseph acted.[on screen]
Once he knew what God was telling him to do, Joseph did it.
Lesson #2 – Joseph was faithful despite the consequences. [on screen]
Joseph could have faced harm from Herod because he was protecting Jesus. Still, Joseph was faithful.
Joseph could have faced shame in his community for being with a woman who was pregnant outside of marriage. Still, Joseph was faithful.
Joseph could have faced the reality of not having his family name carried on because Mary’s son was not his. Still, Joseph was faithful.
No matter the consequences, Joseph was a person of faithfulness. May we also be faithful.
Lesson #3 – Joseph had a significant part to play in the work of God and so do you. [on screen]
Joseph was a husband to Mary, a protector of Mary and Jesus, a teacher to Jesus, and more.
Listen: God is calling you to serve Him in some way. Some ways are common to us all and some ways are specific to you. However, God is calling you to play a part in His work. Will you answer the call?
Let’s sum it up with this bottom line:
Bottom Line: May we be faithful as Joseph was faithful. [on screen]
(repeat)
When God speaks, may we faithfully act.
May we be faithful despite the consequences.
May we play our part in what God is doing.
May we be faithful.
Weekly Challenge: [on screen]
1. Rate your faithfulness. [on screen]
How are you doing when it comes to being faithful to the Lord?
As with Mary, are you willing? As with Joseph, are you faithful?
2. Thank God for all that He accomplished through Joseph. [on screen]
Let us be grateful for how God used this humble, faithful, righteous man.
Spend some this week thanking God for Joseph.
Closing:
If you’ve been changed by Jesus, live a life of faithfulness to Him and His ways.
If you’ve not been changed by Jesus, God has faithfullyshown His love to you through Jesus. Will you be changed by Him?
(Gospel presentation)
(closing prayer)
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: The text contained in this sermon is solely owned by its author. The reproduction, or distribution of this message, or any portion of it, should include the author’s name. The author intends to provide free resources in order to inspire believers and to assist preachers and teachers in Kingdom work.