GRACE THROUGH FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
TEXT: Matthew 5:1-2
THEME: Reformation
TITLE: Scriptural Recovery : The Only Cure for Spirtual and Moral Deformation
PROPOSTIONAL STATEMENT: The Goal of Reformation
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Moral Deformation
• Morality must not be based on human standard but must be based on God’s standard (Isaiah 64:6)
• Morality is not what other people say to an individual but what God says about the individual
B. Spiritual Deformation is the Cause of Moral Deformation
• The problem in morality is not about our relationship with others but our relationship with God.
• If the problem in our relationship with God will be settled our problem in our neighbors will be settled also.
o That is the reason why Jesus, Stephen and all true Christians can pray to God “Father forgive them”
o The only way we can love our enemies is because we have the right relationship to God.
C. The History of Moral Deformation of Israel caused by Spiritual Deformation
• Time of Judges
• Time of Divided Kingdom
• Time of During the Exile
• Time of 400 Years of Silence
Emphasis : The Casue of Spiritual Deformation that Leads to Moral Deforamation is Departing from the Scripture
• Joshua lived according to the Word of God
• God sent His message through the prophets for restoration of Israel – This is Reformation
• God use Ezra to study the law for restoration of Israe l(Ezra 7:9-10) – This is Reformation
• Jesus sent by God not only for restoration – This is Reformation
II. BODY
A. The Purpose of Jesus – TO TEACH
• Most probably Jesus popularity arises that time
• The crowd was composed of common people in Galilee as well as different denomination of Judaism
• These groups (Zealots, Pharisees and Saducees) have their own theology in so many ways
B. The Reformed Teaching of Jesus
The way of salvation is by grace The way of salvation is through law
The people of God are those who are spiritually bankrupt The people of God who are spiritually rich
The assessment of the law is from inside to outside The assessment of the law is only outside
Righteousness is from within and manifests outside Righteousness is showmanship
Emphasis: The teachings of Jesus were totally different from the Judaisers
C. The Postmodernism – The Same History of Old and New Testament
• The Philosophy of Postmodernism
o Relativism – truth for you is not truth for me
o Subjectivism – truth depends on me (opinion and experience)
o Perspectivism – your truth and my truth is part of the whole truth
o Pragmatism – it works therefore it is the truth
o Skepticism – there is truth but I do not know how to prove it
o Objectivism – truth will stand from ages to ages no matter what
• History of Postmodernism
o From Premodernism to Modernism to Postmodernism
Note : THERE IS NO TRUTH or ABSOLUTE TRUTH
D. The Goals of Reformation
1) to bring back the AUTHORITY of the SCRIPTURE
• time of Judges Israel did what they they thought is right
• tradition and other philosophies are authoritative during the time of Jesus
• during the reformation – the authority is philosophies and traditions also
• postmodern time – experience is the authority
2) to bring back the ACCURACY of the INTERPRETATION
• God sent His message to the prophet
• Jesus led the people to the right interpretation and understanding of the Scripture
• During the reformation they battled with the accuracy of the Scripture
• Postmodern time – there is an ongoing battle for accuracy of the Scripture against to those who do not believe and to those who manipulate the Scripture
3) to bring back the APPLICATION of the THEOLOGY
• During the time of Joshua, He believed that the right application of theology comes from meditating the Word of God
• During the time of Ezra, he believed that understanding of the law will lead to right application
• Jesus practically applied what the Scripture says.
III. CONCLUSION
Observe Christianity today, their view of truth is their experiences. Most of Christians today including the pastors misinterpret the Scripture and that is the great threat in worshiping God. Wrong interpretation leads to wrong application. Wrong application will lead to dishonoring the God of the Scripture. The Goals of Reformation will achieve its purpose: TO GLORIFY GOD.
Go back to the Scripture. Do what Joshua did. He listened to the instruction. Do what Ezra did. He devoted himself in studying the Scripture. Do what Jesus did. He exalted the authority of the Scripture. He exposed the meaning of the Scripture. He exercised the application of theology.
Every generation the Scripture is being misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misused.
Listen to what Paul said to Timothy 4:3-4
For God’s Glory
04/10/11
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My Life Many Years From Now
GRACE THROUGH FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
TEXT: James 4:13-17
THEME: Humility
TITLE: My Life Many Years From Now
PROPOSTIONAL STATEMENT: 3 Actions of Acknowledging God in our Plan
I. INTRODUCTION
This is for those who has plan in the future
• All of us here have plans in different aspects of our lives
o We plan for our family
o We plan for the future of our children
o We plan for our carreers, dreams
o We plan for our business
o We plan for the things we want to have – lap tops, cell phones, cars, house and lot,
• And there is a saying that I heard most of the time about planning – “If we fail to plan, we plan to fail”
• But the message of the Lord about plan is beyond the action of the plan but about attitude in planning
The text begins with the urgent call of attention – “Now Listen”
• The author tells us how serious is this thing
• There is a problem and if we do not notice the problem, it will lead us in sinning – look verse 17
• Remember that the book of James is all about who is the true disciples through his actions.
• And this text is the context of submission,
• It teaches us humility – how to submit to God’s will
o It begins with “your desires” in chapter 4:1
o Wrong motives for own pleasures in praying in verse 3
o In verse 7 it tells us to submit ourselves to God
o We can see the context in verse 6: God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble
II. BODY
A. Examining the Plan (v. 13)
• The Execution of the Plan
o The Pursuance of the execution of the plan “Today or Tomorrow”
o The Place where to execute the plan “We will go to this or that city”
o The Period when to the execution of the plan end “Spend a year ther”
o The Purpose of the plan “Carry on business and make money”
• The Evaluation of the Plan
o Man thinks that his plan will work
o Man thinks he has all resources to achieve the goal of his plan
o Man thinks that everything: place, period, purspose agree in our plan
o To sum up: He thinks that the certainty of his plan is in his hand and it is all about BOASTING
Now here is the problem in our plan that will lead us in sinning against God that we overlook: BOASTING
1) Strength – People rely in their own strength and God does not please with the strength of the man – Psalms 147:10-11
2) Wisdom – People rely in their own understanding. They thought they are wise – Isaiah 29:14-15
3) Accomplishment – People rely in their own accomplishment – Luke 12:17
B. The Reality of Who We are in God’s Sight (v.14)
• We do not know the future - When we plan as if we know what is ahead in us -
• We are limited
o In knowledge even the knowledge what comes ahead
o In our existence – we are like mist
C. The Recommendation When We Plan (v.15)
• It tells us what we should do when we plan.
• The clause “If the LORD’s will”
o The author wanted us to go back to the basic of Christian lives –to the will
o It tells us that an event in our lives will happen if it is the Lord’s will – Sovereignty
o It tells us to submit to God’s will and hope that what might happen in the future is God’s will
o Our dreams, our lives our future, our ambitions are in God’s hand and not in our hands.
o We are just expectator of what will happen tomorrow and not contoller
D. The Failure to Follow the Recommendation When We Plan (v.16)
• We are boastingl – the two actions of the same meaning are repeated because there is emphasis on that (Boast and Brag)
o Remember that James is talking to the Jews who are scattered among the nations (1:1)
o Boasting is sinning – All such boasting (explicitly and implicitly – direct or indirect) they are evil
Practical Application of Boasting in Basic Christian Living
1) When we do not pray
a. Before and after going to bed
b. Before and after eating
c. When we fail to pray on the things we must to pray like what happened i
i. Our society
ii. Our health
iii. Our neighbors’ needs
2) When we do not Study the Word of God
a. It is boasting as if we know His will
b. It is boasting as if we don’t need it
3) When we do not Attend Fellowship of the Believers
a. It is boasting as if we don’t need to have fellowship with God and with other believers
b. It is boasting as if it is not important in our Christian Life
E. Fail to Acknowledge God in Planning is Sin (v.17)
• When we fail to do what we know is good we are sinning
• Now we know that our plans most of it are based on what we have (strength, wisdom, accomplishment) we must change it. Before we acknowledge ourselves but know we must acknowledge God in our plans
F. Application – How do We Acknowledge God in Our Plan -3 Actions How We Acknowledge God in our Plans
1) Always Consult God as Couselor of your plans (v.13)
2) Always Commemorate God as Creator of your plans (v.14)
3) Always Consider God as Controller of your plans (v.15)
III. CONCLUSION
Remember that in everything we do put God first. If we failed to this, we are sinning and we do not want it
We have many plans in our lives. The Lord is urging us to acknowledge Him in our plans because He is the soverign God, all-wise and all-powerful God. Plans in our lives are always in God’s plan. Seek His will that we may plan according to His will. Consider God before, during and after the execution of the plan. He is our Lord and our plans must be in accordance in our Lord’s will. In our plans, we are still His servants.
For God’s Glory
03/27/11
TEXT: James 4:13-17
THEME: Humility
TITLE: My Life Many Years From Now
PROPOSTIONAL STATEMENT: 3 Actions of Acknowledging God in our Plan
I. INTRODUCTION
This is for those who has plan in the future
• All of us here have plans in different aspects of our lives
o We plan for our family
o We plan for the future of our children
o We plan for our carreers, dreams
o We plan for our business
o We plan for the things we want to have – lap tops, cell phones, cars, house and lot,
• And there is a saying that I heard most of the time about planning – “If we fail to plan, we plan to fail”
• But the message of the Lord about plan is beyond the action of the plan but about attitude in planning
The text begins with the urgent call of attention – “Now Listen”
• The author tells us how serious is this thing
• There is a problem and if we do not notice the problem, it will lead us in sinning – look verse 17
• Remember that the book of James is all about who is the true disciples through his actions.
• And this text is the context of submission,
• It teaches us humility – how to submit to God’s will
o It begins with “your desires” in chapter 4:1
o Wrong motives for own pleasures in praying in verse 3
o In verse 7 it tells us to submit ourselves to God
o We can see the context in verse 6: God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble
II. BODY
A. Examining the Plan (v. 13)
• The Execution of the Plan
o The Pursuance of the execution of the plan “Today or Tomorrow”
o The Place where to execute the plan “We will go to this or that city”
o The Period when to the execution of the plan end “Spend a year ther”
o The Purpose of the plan “Carry on business and make money”
• The Evaluation of the Plan
o Man thinks that his plan will work
o Man thinks he has all resources to achieve the goal of his plan
o Man thinks that everything: place, period, purspose agree in our plan
o To sum up: He thinks that the certainty of his plan is in his hand and it is all about BOASTING
Now here is the problem in our plan that will lead us in sinning against God that we overlook: BOASTING
1) Strength – People rely in their own strength and God does not please with the strength of the man – Psalms 147:10-11
2) Wisdom – People rely in their own understanding. They thought they are wise – Isaiah 29:14-15
3) Accomplishment – People rely in their own accomplishment – Luke 12:17
B. The Reality of Who We are in God’s Sight (v.14)
• We do not know the future - When we plan as if we know what is ahead in us -
• We are limited
o In knowledge even the knowledge what comes ahead
o In our existence – we are like mist
C. The Recommendation When We Plan (v.15)
• It tells us what we should do when we plan.
• The clause “If the LORD’s will”
o The author wanted us to go back to the basic of Christian lives –to the will
o It tells us that an event in our lives will happen if it is the Lord’s will – Sovereignty
o It tells us to submit to God’s will and hope that what might happen in the future is God’s will
o Our dreams, our lives our future, our ambitions are in God’s hand and not in our hands.
o We are just expectator of what will happen tomorrow and not contoller
D. The Failure to Follow the Recommendation When We Plan (v.16)
• We are boastingl – the two actions of the same meaning are repeated because there is emphasis on that (Boast and Brag)
o Remember that James is talking to the Jews who are scattered among the nations (1:1)
o Boasting is sinning – All such boasting (explicitly and implicitly – direct or indirect) they are evil
Practical Application of Boasting in Basic Christian Living
1) When we do not pray
a. Before and after going to bed
b. Before and after eating
c. When we fail to pray on the things we must to pray like what happened i
i. Our society
ii. Our health
iii. Our neighbors’ needs
2) When we do not Study the Word of God
a. It is boasting as if we know His will
b. It is boasting as if we don’t need it
3) When we do not Attend Fellowship of the Believers
a. It is boasting as if we don’t need to have fellowship with God and with other believers
b. It is boasting as if it is not important in our Christian Life
E. Fail to Acknowledge God in Planning is Sin (v.17)
• When we fail to do what we know is good we are sinning
• Now we know that our plans most of it are based on what we have (strength, wisdom, accomplishment) we must change it. Before we acknowledge ourselves but know we must acknowledge God in our plans
F. Application – How do We Acknowledge God in Our Plan -3 Actions How We Acknowledge God in our Plans
1) Always Consult God as Couselor of your plans (v.13)
2) Always Commemorate God as Creator of your plans (v.14)
3) Always Consider God as Controller of your plans (v.15)
III. CONCLUSION
Remember that in everything we do put God first. If we failed to this, we are sinning and we do not want it
We have many plans in our lives. The Lord is urging us to acknowledge Him in our plans because He is the soverign God, all-wise and all-powerful God. Plans in our lives are always in God’s plan. Seek His will that we may plan according to His will. Consider God before, during and after the execution of the plan. He is our Lord and our plans must be in accordance in our Lord’s will. In our plans, we are still His servants.
For God’s Glory
03/27/11
Unveiling The True Identity
GRACE THROUGH FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
TEXT: Matthew 5:3-4
THEME: The Citizens of the Kingdom of God – Those Who Mourn Over Their Poor Spiritual Condition Are Blessed
TITLE: Unveiling The True Identity
PROPOSTIONAL STATEMENT: The 3 Divine Activities Wrought by God to the Blessed
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Begin with the Following Questions
• What will be your reaction if the doctor diagnosed you that you have a cancer or an HIV or any deseases that will lead to death?
• What will you feel if your doctor told you, “You are in the fourth stage of your cancer”? Despite the fact that you know you are healthy. That you do things necessary for you to maintain good health.
• Will you be happy? Will you celebrate because you know that your days are already numbered?
• Or will you mourn over your hopeless severe condition that will lead to death?
B. Compare This to Spiritual Condition
• How much more if you find your soul infected by deadly sins?
• That if you will not be aware of this you will die – be separated from God – experiencing the suffering in hell forever.
II. BODY
A. The Definition of “Blessed”
• It came from the Greek Word. “MAKARIOS”
• It means a happy condition
• It is happy condition because of Divine favor
B. The Intention of Teaching
• To oppose or to refute the teaching of the Pharisees about those who were blessed
o They believe that those who observe the law of God are the blessed
o They believe that they are the blessed one because they gain righteousness by observing the law
o They believe that the blessed are those who have righteousness that they can offer to God (cf: Luke 18:11-12)
C. The Contradiction of the Jesus and Pharisees’ Teachings about Blessedness
• The Pharasees believe that the Kingdom of God is for those who can show their own righteousness before God
• Because of that they claim that they have the Divine Favor and will be accepted to the Kingdom of Heaven because they are righteous
• But Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is for those who doesn’t have righteousness
• They are spiritually poor – Nothing in man that God can find anything good in them
o Zero Spirituality
o Spiritually bankrupt
o Is there any righteousness or good inside of them?, nothing but sin
o This is the doctrine of TOTAL INABILITY
• Because of this condition –they will mourn over their dead souls
Note : But Jesus said they are blessed, Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven – Mourn over your soul because youwill be
comforted
D. The 3 Divine Favors from God Given to the Blessed
• In the First Reading (Romans 1: 18 – 32) it gives us idea that the those people did not receive Divine Favor (Grace)
• The Lord let them live in their sinfulness
• Three times, Paul mentioned “God gave them over”
o In the sinfuil desires (v.24)
o To shameful lusts (v.26)
o To a depraved mind (v.28)
• But there are certain people who received Divine favor and they are called the Blessed
• Illustration :
o Judas was given over sin contrary to what happened to Peter. He was restored
o One of the thieves was given over sin and the other one was restored
• Take Note : Those who received Divine Favor see themselves poor in spirituality and they mourn over it. But they were the one who were blessed
Those Who Mourn because of the Poor Condition of their Spirit are Blessed because of Divine Favor
1) Their eyes were opened – Regeneration (v.3)
• Look at what the response of the following Bible characters. They acknowledge their spiritual poverty before the presence of the Holy God.
o Peter said to Jesus “Go away from me, Lord I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8)
o The thief on the Crucifixion said “We are punished justly, for getting what our deeds deserve…” (Luke 23:41)
o The tax collectors response “God have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13)
• They see themselves sinner in the presence of the Holy, Just and Righteous God
• They acknowledged their true identity
• The Lord has taken away the blindfold made by Satan in order to see the true identity of one’s self and who God is
• And because of these they understand now the poverty of his spirit that they are not righteous and cannot posses righteousness that will deliver him from the divine punishment of God
• Pharisees were not blessed because they consider themselves righteous on their own
• YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE GOD OPENED YOUR EYES TO THE REALITY OF YOUR BEING AND HIS BEING
2) Their hearts were broken – Repentance (v.4)
• Other people also know that they are sinner but there is no brokenness over their sin
• They do not mourn over their dead souls
• That they offended the God who is infinitely holy, a God who hates sin
• They mourn because they find themselves helpless and hopeless
• They mourn because they cannot remove the sin that made them spiritually dead before God
• They mourn because of the coming of the full measure of justice and wrath of God if sin will not be removed
• YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE GOD BROKE YOUR HEART INTO MILLIONS OF PIECES
3) Their souls were comforted – Revelation (v.4)
• This is the cry of the one who mourn over his hopeless and helpless condition “IS THERE HOPE FOR ME”
• And this is the answer of the GOSPEL “YES THERE’S A HOPE FOR YOU”
• The truth that made you mourn over your dead soul is the same truth that will comfort you
• God will tell you “I provided the Lamb for your sins“
• God will tell you “I provided the Righteous One for your righteousness“
• God will tell you “I provided the Ranson for your punishment“
• God will tell you “I provided you My Son to bear My wrath that supposed to be poured out for you”
• Yes! God provided you a Savior
• YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE GOD HAVE COMFORTED YOUR SOUL BY THE GREATNESS OF THE GOSPEL
III. CONCLUSION
• Most of the time I heard this: “Man has something good in him even the most wicked person ever lived”
• That there is an island of righteousness in him that qualifies him to receive grace
• If we have a such belief like that, we will never see ourselves poor in spirit that will lead us to mourning over our soul and we will never be comforted
• The one will comfort you is your self-righteousness. You will convince yourself that you have enough righteousness
• The Kingdom of God is not to those who said they are righteous but to those who acknowledge the sinfulness of their sin
• If you don’t acknowledge the poor spiritual condition of your soul, what Jesus had done on the cross will never have any value at all for you. REPENT AND BELIEVE AND BE SAVED
For God’s Glory
05/1/11
TEXT: Matthew 5:3-4
THEME: The Citizens of the Kingdom of God – Those Who Mourn Over Their Poor Spiritual Condition Are Blessed
TITLE: Unveiling The True Identity
PROPOSTIONAL STATEMENT: The 3 Divine Activities Wrought by God to the Blessed
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Begin with the Following Questions
• What will be your reaction if the doctor diagnosed you that you have a cancer or an HIV or any deseases that will lead to death?
• What will you feel if your doctor told you, “You are in the fourth stage of your cancer”? Despite the fact that you know you are healthy. That you do things necessary for you to maintain good health.
• Will you be happy? Will you celebrate because you know that your days are already numbered?
• Or will you mourn over your hopeless severe condition that will lead to death?
B. Compare This to Spiritual Condition
• How much more if you find your soul infected by deadly sins?
• That if you will not be aware of this you will die – be separated from God – experiencing the suffering in hell forever.
II. BODY
A. The Definition of “Blessed”
• It came from the Greek Word. “MAKARIOS”
• It means a happy condition
• It is happy condition because of Divine favor
B. The Intention of Teaching
• To oppose or to refute the teaching of the Pharisees about those who were blessed
o They believe that those who observe the law of God are the blessed
o They believe that they are the blessed one because they gain righteousness by observing the law
o They believe that the blessed are those who have righteousness that they can offer to God (cf: Luke 18:11-12)
C. The Contradiction of the Jesus and Pharisees’ Teachings about Blessedness
• The Pharasees believe that the Kingdom of God is for those who can show their own righteousness before God
• Because of that they claim that they have the Divine Favor and will be accepted to the Kingdom of Heaven because they are righteous
• But Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is for those who doesn’t have righteousness
• They are spiritually poor – Nothing in man that God can find anything good in them
o Zero Spirituality
o Spiritually bankrupt
o Is there any righteousness or good inside of them?, nothing but sin
o This is the doctrine of TOTAL INABILITY
• Because of this condition –they will mourn over their dead souls
Note : But Jesus said they are blessed, Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven – Mourn over your soul because youwill be
comforted
D. The 3 Divine Favors from God Given to the Blessed
• In the First Reading (Romans 1: 18 – 32) it gives us idea that the those people did not receive Divine Favor (Grace)
• The Lord let them live in their sinfulness
• Three times, Paul mentioned “God gave them over”
o In the sinfuil desires (v.24)
o To shameful lusts (v.26)
o To a depraved mind (v.28)
• But there are certain people who received Divine favor and they are called the Blessed
• Illustration :
o Judas was given over sin contrary to what happened to Peter. He was restored
o One of the thieves was given over sin and the other one was restored
• Take Note : Those who received Divine Favor see themselves poor in spirituality and they mourn over it. But they were the one who were blessed
Those Who Mourn because of the Poor Condition of their Spirit are Blessed because of Divine Favor
1) Their eyes were opened – Regeneration (v.3)
• Look at what the response of the following Bible characters. They acknowledge their spiritual poverty before the presence of the Holy God.
o Peter said to Jesus “Go away from me, Lord I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8)
o The thief on the Crucifixion said “We are punished justly, for getting what our deeds deserve…” (Luke 23:41)
o The tax collectors response “God have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13)
• They see themselves sinner in the presence of the Holy, Just and Righteous God
• They acknowledged their true identity
• The Lord has taken away the blindfold made by Satan in order to see the true identity of one’s self and who God is
• And because of these they understand now the poverty of his spirit that they are not righteous and cannot posses righteousness that will deliver him from the divine punishment of God
• Pharisees were not blessed because they consider themselves righteous on their own
• YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE GOD OPENED YOUR EYES TO THE REALITY OF YOUR BEING AND HIS BEING
2) Their hearts were broken – Repentance (v.4)
• Other people also know that they are sinner but there is no brokenness over their sin
• They do not mourn over their dead souls
• That they offended the God who is infinitely holy, a God who hates sin
• They mourn because they find themselves helpless and hopeless
• They mourn because they cannot remove the sin that made them spiritually dead before God
• They mourn because of the coming of the full measure of justice and wrath of God if sin will not be removed
• YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE GOD BROKE YOUR HEART INTO MILLIONS OF PIECES
3) Their souls were comforted – Revelation (v.4)
• This is the cry of the one who mourn over his hopeless and helpless condition “IS THERE HOPE FOR ME”
• And this is the answer of the GOSPEL “YES THERE’S A HOPE FOR YOU”
• The truth that made you mourn over your dead soul is the same truth that will comfort you
• God will tell you “I provided the Lamb for your sins“
• God will tell you “I provided the Righteous One for your righteousness“
• God will tell you “I provided the Ranson for your punishment“
• God will tell you “I provided you My Son to bear My wrath that supposed to be poured out for you”
• Yes! God provided you a Savior
• YOU ARE BLESSED BECAUSE GOD HAVE COMFORTED YOUR SOUL BY THE GREATNESS OF THE GOSPEL
III. CONCLUSION
• Most of the time I heard this: “Man has something good in him even the most wicked person ever lived”
• That there is an island of righteousness in him that qualifies him to receive grace
• If we have a such belief like that, we will never see ourselves poor in spirit that will lead us to mourning over our soul and we will never be comforted
• The one will comfort you is your self-righteousness. You will convince yourself that you have enough righteousness
• The Kingdom of God is not to those who said they are righteous but to those who acknowledge the sinfulness of their sin
• If you don’t acknowledge the poor spiritual condition of your soul, what Jesus had done on the cross will never have any value at all for you. REPENT AND BELIEVE AND BE SAVED
For God’s Glory
05/1/11
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
THE GOOD NEWS IN OBEDIENCE
SYZYGUS IN CHRIST CHURCH
TEXT : Deuteronomy 10:13
THEME : GOD-CENTERED OBEDIENCE
TITLE : THE GOOD NEWS IN OBEDIENCE
TRANSITION : WHAT MAKES OBEDIENCE GOOD NEWS TO CHRISTIANS?
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Review of the past sermon about obedience
1) The Rebel Acts in Obedience
- misplacement of fear, desire, honor, and praise
2) The questions to be asked whether the obedience is rooted in faith
- what is the intention, basis, and character when Christians obey God
B. The Misconceptions about Obedience
1) Obedience is a way to salvation
Catholicism and other non-catholic denominations hold this view about obedience
They make it a ticket or a passes to inherit eternal life
It is some kind of examination to be passed in order to go to heaven
Dangers:
Salvation is man’s initiative and, justification is by human works (process)
Salvation can be earned, and grace is no longer grace
2) Obedience is maintenance of salvation
Pentecostalism and other charismatic movements hold this view about obedience
They need to sustain the salvation they possess through obedience
Dangers:
Salvation can be lost. Man is responsible for keeping his salvation secure
Grace loose its power and faith fades like a mist
3) Obedience is optional in salvation
Most Evangelicals and extreme Calvinists hold this view about obedience
They believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ even to the point of denying the faith and live carnally throughout Christian life.
But they missed the point about grace and faith, not a power to save but a power to change, not a power to sustain salvation but a power to hate sin and love God, not a power to secure salvation but not the assurance of salvation.
Dangers:
It brings great confusion to the Christians
It brings great stigma to unbelievers
Grace became cheap grace, grace that has no power to change lives, has no power to turn from sin and turn to God
In conclusion, these three misconceptions are very hazardous to Christian faith. Those who hold these views do not understand God’s intention about obedience which is to glorify God. To please God. They do not know grace and faith as a whole. And I cannot find anything good about their obedience to God’s law. There is no good news in it.
In the first misconception, they want to attain salvation whose method has no power
In the second misconception, they want to sustain salvation whose method has no power also
In the third misconception, I think the most miserable, because they already gave up because they think it is not important. What is important is that their salvation is secured.
II. Body
God gave us the law, His decrees, His commandments, His precepts not to be ignored, not to be neglected to obey, not to give the lowest appreciation, value and priority but to be obeyed for His glory. There is one more, for our own good. This is the good news for our own good.
A. The Three Benefits That Makes Obedience, Good News
1) Privilege
- to please God (Hebrew 11:6)
- to display the glory of God (Matthew 5:16)
- to acknowledge God as Lord (Romans 6:16)
- to love God (John 14:23)
- to enjoy the beauty of God (Psalms 1:2)
- to share in His suffering (Romans 8:17)
2) Assurance
- Identification (John 14:23, 10:27, 1John 5:1)
- Solid Foundation (2 Timothy 2:19)
- Affirmation (1John 3:24)
3) Promise
- He gave everything we need in order to obey Him (Ezekiel 36:24-27)
- His law is not too hard to follow (Deuteronomy 30:11, Matthew 7:28-30, 1John 5:3)
- His blessings (Deuteronomy 11:1, 8, 22)
III. CONCLUSION
Obedience is not from our strength. It is part of God’s grace produce by God given faith for His glory. It is not a way to salvation, nor maintenance of our salvation it is God’s power through faith given to us, therefore it is not optional but an inevitable will of God in our lives. It is for our own good because God loves us. Obedience is our privilege, our assurance and a promise.
God bless you!
For God’s Glory
09/27/09
TEXT : Deuteronomy 10:13
THEME : GOD-CENTERED OBEDIENCE
TITLE : THE GOOD NEWS IN OBEDIENCE
TRANSITION : WHAT MAKES OBEDIENCE GOOD NEWS TO CHRISTIANS?
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Review of the past sermon about obedience
1) The Rebel Acts in Obedience
- misplacement of fear, desire, honor, and praise
2) The questions to be asked whether the obedience is rooted in faith
- what is the intention, basis, and character when Christians obey God
B. The Misconceptions about Obedience
1) Obedience is a way to salvation
Catholicism and other non-catholic denominations hold this view about obedience
They make it a ticket or a passes to inherit eternal life
It is some kind of examination to be passed in order to go to heaven
Dangers:
Salvation is man’s initiative and, justification is by human works (process)
Salvation can be earned, and grace is no longer grace
2) Obedience is maintenance of salvation
Pentecostalism and other charismatic movements hold this view about obedience
They need to sustain the salvation they possess through obedience
Dangers:
Salvation can be lost. Man is responsible for keeping his salvation secure
Grace loose its power and faith fades like a mist
3) Obedience is optional in salvation
Most Evangelicals and extreme Calvinists hold this view about obedience
They believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ even to the point of denying the faith and live carnally throughout Christian life.
But they missed the point about grace and faith, not a power to save but a power to change, not a power to sustain salvation but a power to hate sin and love God, not a power to secure salvation but not the assurance of salvation.
Dangers:
It brings great confusion to the Christians
It brings great stigma to unbelievers
Grace became cheap grace, grace that has no power to change lives, has no power to turn from sin and turn to God
In conclusion, these three misconceptions are very hazardous to Christian faith. Those who hold these views do not understand God’s intention about obedience which is to glorify God. To please God. They do not know grace and faith as a whole. And I cannot find anything good about their obedience to God’s law. There is no good news in it.
In the first misconception, they want to attain salvation whose method has no power
In the second misconception, they want to sustain salvation whose method has no power also
In the third misconception, I think the most miserable, because they already gave up because they think it is not important. What is important is that their salvation is secured.
II. Body
God gave us the law, His decrees, His commandments, His precepts not to be ignored, not to be neglected to obey, not to give the lowest appreciation, value and priority but to be obeyed for His glory. There is one more, for our own good. This is the good news for our own good.
A. The Three Benefits That Makes Obedience, Good News
1) Privilege
- to please God (Hebrew 11:6)
- to display the glory of God (Matthew 5:16)
- to acknowledge God as Lord (Romans 6:16)
- to love God (John 14:23)
- to enjoy the beauty of God (Psalms 1:2)
- to share in His suffering (Romans 8:17)
2) Assurance
- Identification (John 14:23, 10:27, 1John 5:1)
- Solid Foundation (2 Timothy 2:19)
- Affirmation (1John 3:24)
3) Promise
- He gave everything we need in order to obey Him (Ezekiel 36:24-27)
- His law is not too hard to follow (Deuteronomy 30:11, Matthew 7:28-30, 1John 5:3)
- His blessings (Deuteronomy 11:1, 8, 22)
III. CONCLUSION
Obedience is not from our strength. It is part of God’s grace produce by God given faith for His glory. It is not a way to salvation, nor maintenance of our salvation it is God’s power through faith given to us, therefore it is not optional but an inevitable will of God in our lives. It is for our own good because God loves us. Obedience is our privilege, our assurance and a promise.
God bless you!
For God’s Glory
09/27/09
THE ROOT OF OBEDIENCE
SYZYGUS IN CHRIST CHURCH
TEXT : Romans 9:30-32
THEME : GOD-CENTERED OBEDIENCE
TITLE : THE ROOT OF OBEDIENCE
TRANSITION : HOW DO WE KNOW IF OUR OBEDIENCE IS ROOTED
IN FAITH?
I. INTRODUCTION
A. The Questions to be Answered Regarding our Obedience
1) Do I obey God?
2) Do I really obey God?
3) Do I please God in my obedience?
4) How do I know I please God?
B. Biblical Examples That They Think They Obeyed God
1) Cain
2) Saul
3) Pharisees, Saduceess and Scribes
4) Those who call Lord, Lord in Matthew 7
C. Areas Where Obedience is Applied
1) Worship
2) Service
3) Daily Activities – Decision,
D. The Three Verses
1) Hebrews 11:6
2) Romans 14:23
3) Isaiah 64:6
II. BODY
A. The Text : Two Roots of Obedience Righteousness
1) Israel - They obey to be saved by God
a) How did they pursue righteousness to be justified before God?
*by obeying the Law- They obey the law to pursue righteousness to be
justified before God. Galatians 5:4 objects that notion and it is unbiblical.
b) Where did their obedience rooted? Is it by Faith by Jesus Christ?
*If it is by faith in Jesus no need to pursue righteousness because only Jesus can
provide righteousness on our behalf before God.
c) So where did it rooted?
*The answer is by their own way. IT IS BY WORK?
Obedience rooted in work made them righteous and been justified before God
a) Their obedience is futile
b) Their obedience is hypocrite
2) Gentiles – They are saved by God to Obey
a) Do they pursue righteousness to be justified before God? NO!
b) How did they obtain righteousness and been justified before God?
- By Faith in Jesus Christ
c) Do we need to obey God? YES
d) What is our obedience for?
- It is not for justification
- It is not for righteousness
- It is not for salvation
It is a way of God to display His glory, the glory of His name (Ezekiel 36:22)
This glory will shine to those whom He loved before the world began (Ephesians 1:4)
That is the reason why God made you light and salt of the earth for His glory to shine
-It is for you to know that you are true disciple, branch, son of God, faithful servant
In is the manifestation that you are saved by God.
The obedience of Gentiles is rooted in faith that justifies and saved.
2) How do we know that our obedience is rooted in faith?
There is no other way to evaluate if our obedience is rooted in faith or not except asking ourselves about our obedience.
3 QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED IF OUR OBEDIENCE IS ROOTED IN FAITH OR NOT
1) What is the intention of my obedience? (Ezekiel 36:22-27) The Glory of God
- to display the glory of God’s name or to display the pride of my name
- to get something from it for my selfish ambition or to fully give to Him all the glory He deserve
God commanded us to obey for His glory alone.
2) What is the basis of my obedience? (Joshua 1:8-9) The Truth
- based on my biased opinion my personal opinion
- based on human philosophy
God commanded us to pray and to meditate the Word so that we may obey Him according to His Word alone
3) What is the character of my obedience? (Luke 9:23) The Self-Denial
- denies the condition when we obey
- consider the cost when we obey
God commanded us to obey even without the gift of salvation because He deserved to be obeyed. All creations obeyed Him for His will alone.
III. CONCLUSION
Obedience is not yours. It is not of your own work but it is from faith that God had given you. He sprinkled you with water, He gave you the Spirit, He gave you the heart of flesh in order to obey Him properly. God enables every Christian not only to come to Jesus but to hear the voice of Jesus. It is faith that works in you that leads you to obedience. Faith cleanses your intention when you obey for His glory. Faith leads you to what the Bible is telling you to do as the basis of your obedience. And you will obey God what ever it takes, what ever it costs and what ever your condition is.
For God’s Glory
08/23/09
TEXT : Romans 9:30-32
THEME : GOD-CENTERED OBEDIENCE
TITLE : THE ROOT OF OBEDIENCE
TRANSITION : HOW DO WE KNOW IF OUR OBEDIENCE IS ROOTED
IN FAITH?
I. INTRODUCTION
A. The Questions to be Answered Regarding our Obedience
1) Do I obey God?
2) Do I really obey God?
3) Do I please God in my obedience?
4) How do I know I please God?
B. Biblical Examples That They Think They Obeyed God
1) Cain
2) Saul
3) Pharisees, Saduceess and Scribes
4) Those who call Lord, Lord in Matthew 7
C. Areas Where Obedience is Applied
1) Worship
2) Service
3) Daily Activities – Decision,
D. The Three Verses
1) Hebrews 11:6
2) Romans 14:23
3) Isaiah 64:6
II. BODY
A. The Text : Two Roots of Obedience Righteousness
1) Israel - They obey to be saved by God
a) How did they pursue righteousness to be justified before God?
*by obeying the Law- They obey the law to pursue righteousness to be
justified before God. Galatians 5:4 objects that notion and it is unbiblical.
b) Where did their obedience rooted? Is it by Faith by Jesus Christ?
*If it is by faith in Jesus no need to pursue righteousness because only Jesus can
provide righteousness on our behalf before God.
c) So where did it rooted?
*The answer is by their own way. IT IS BY WORK?
Obedience rooted in work made them righteous and been justified before God
a) Their obedience is futile
b) Their obedience is hypocrite
2) Gentiles – They are saved by God to Obey
a) Do they pursue righteousness to be justified before God? NO!
b) How did they obtain righteousness and been justified before God?
- By Faith in Jesus Christ
c) Do we need to obey God? YES
d) What is our obedience for?
- It is not for justification
- It is not for righteousness
- It is not for salvation
It is a way of God to display His glory, the glory of His name (Ezekiel 36:22)
This glory will shine to those whom He loved before the world began (Ephesians 1:4)
That is the reason why God made you light and salt of the earth for His glory to shine
-It is for you to know that you are true disciple, branch, son of God, faithful servant
In is the manifestation that you are saved by God.
The obedience of Gentiles is rooted in faith that justifies and saved.
2) How do we know that our obedience is rooted in faith?
There is no other way to evaluate if our obedience is rooted in faith or not except asking ourselves about our obedience.
3 QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED IF OUR OBEDIENCE IS ROOTED IN FAITH OR NOT
1) What is the intention of my obedience? (Ezekiel 36:22-27) The Glory of God
- to display the glory of God’s name or to display the pride of my name
- to get something from it for my selfish ambition or to fully give to Him all the glory He deserve
God commanded us to obey for His glory alone.
2) What is the basis of my obedience? (Joshua 1:8-9) The Truth
- based on my biased opinion my personal opinion
- based on human philosophy
God commanded us to pray and to meditate the Word so that we may obey Him according to His Word alone
3) What is the character of my obedience? (Luke 9:23) The Self-Denial
- denies the condition when we obey
- consider the cost when we obey
God commanded us to obey even without the gift of salvation because He deserved to be obeyed. All creations obeyed Him for His will alone.
III. CONCLUSION
Obedience is not yours. It is not of your own work but it is from faith that God had given you. He sprinkled you with water, He gave you the Spirit, He gave you the heart of flesh in order to obey Him properly. God enables every Christian not only to come to Jesus but to hear the voice of Jesus. It is faith that works in you that leads you to obedience. Faith cleanses your intention when you obey for His glory. Faith leads you to what the Bible is telling you to do as the basis of your obedience. And you will obey God what ever it takes, what ever it costs and what ever your condition is.
For God’s Glory
08/23/09
THE REBELLION IN OBEDIENCE
SYZYGUS IN CHRIST CHURCH
TEXT : 1 Samuel 15:10-26
THEME : GOD-CENTERED OBEDIENCE
TITLE : THE REBELLION IN OBEDIENCE
PROPOSTION: THE 4 REBEL ACTS IN OBEDIENCE
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Christianity
1) Do we consider ourselves Christians?
2) We are not sure whether we are Christians or not because all the things that God tells us to do, we do not do. We do not do to:
Pray, study the Word, share the Gospel, serve others and so on and so on..
3) If I we define Christian life in one word, it is OBEDIENCE
B. Obedience
It tells us who we are
1) True Disciples (John 8:31)
2) Faithful Servants (Matthew 25:21)
3) Children of God (1John 3:10)
4) Slaves of Righteousness (Romans 6:16)
5) Blessed (Psalms 1:1-2; 29:18)
6) Justified (James 2:24)
7) True Branch (Romans 15:10)
Jesus said if you love me you obey me (John 14:23)
Obedience is not something we added as a process for our salvation but rather the progress from salvation.
II. BODY
Obedience must be a God-Centered Obedience
Rebellion
Let us take the negative example of Saul’s obedience which is not a God-Centered Obedience
Emphasis:
Obedience is better than Sacrifice
Partial Obedience is Disobedience
Obedience must be God-centered obedience
If the obedience is not God-centered it is disobedience
God Hates the Disobedience of Man
THE 4 REBEL ACTS IN OBEDIENCE
1) MISPLACEMENT OF FEAR (v.24)
Biblical : Rahab, Paul, Three Hebrew Children, Mary and Joseph
Fear man rather than fear God
Fear the undesirable consequence rather than sinning against God
Fear the displeasure of people rather than displeasure of God
Practical: Sharing the Gospel (mockery of men)
Peer Pressure
Biblical : Rahab, Paul, Three Hebrew Children, Mary and Joseph
(Isaiah 51:12-13)
Beware in your obedience. Fear God in obeying Him
2) MISPLACEMENT OF DESIRE (v.19) v.14-15
Biblical: Achan, Demas, Jude, Balaam, Lot’s wife, Samson, David, Solomon
Desire of worldly things rather than heavenly things
Desire the pleasure of the world rather than pleasure being with God.
Desire sin rather than glory of God
Practical: We desire O.T rather than the ministry
We desire to attend party than Bible study
We desire to upgrade our mobile phone rather than our Bible
Biblical: Achan, Demas, Jude, Balaam, Lot’s wife, Samson, David, Solomon
(Galatians 5:17)
Beware in your obedience. Desire God rather than spoiled things of the world
3) MISPLACEMENT OF HONOR (v.12) v.17
Biblical: Pharisees, Saducees, Diotrephes, Nebuchadnezzar
We seek our own honor in our obedience rather than the glory of God
We obey so that others will honor us in some sense.
We build our own monument.
Practical: Leaders are prone in seeking honor, prestige, and fame
Members of the ministry suffer from seeking self honor
We honor ourselves rather than God
(Isaiah 48:11)
Beware of your obedience. Honor God. Honor and glory belongs to Him
4) MISPLACEMENT OF TRUST (v.22-23)
Biblical: Rich Fool, Parable of the Talents We trust others rather than God
We trust ourselves rather than God
We trust things rather than God
We are right God is wrong
Our method is better than God’s word
Practical: In our obedience we are the master not God.
Service – own way rather than God’s way
Life – our philosophy rather than God’s precepts
(Proverbs 11:28)
Beware of your obedience, Trust God not ourselves, others, philosophies
III. CONCLUSION
God is not the beneficiary of our obedience but the other way around.
Think for a while, examine the obedience that you offered to God
Is it a God-centered obedience? Or there is any rebellion in your obedience
For God’s Glory
07/26/09
TEXT : 1 Samuel 15:10-26
THEME : GOD-CENTERED OBEDIENCE
TITLE : THE REBELLION IN OBEDIENCE
PROPOSTION: THE 4 REBEL ACTS IN OBEDIENCE
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Christianity
1) Do we consider ourselves Christians?
2) We are not sure whether we are Christians or not because all the things that God tells us to do, we do not do. We do not do to:
Pray, study the Word, share the Gospel, serve others and so on and so on..
3) If I we define Christian life in one word, it is OBEDIENCE
B. Obedience
It tells us who we are
1) True Disciples (John 8:31)
2) Faithful Servants (Matthew 25:21)
3) Children of God (1John 3:10)
4) Slaves of Righteousness (Romans 6:16)
5) Blessed (Psalms 1:1-2; 29:18)
6) Justified (James 2:24)
7) True Branch (Romans 15:10)
Jesus said if you love me you obey me (John 14:23)
Obedience is not something we added as a process for our salvation but rather the progress from salvation.
II. BODY
Obedience must be a God-Centered Obedience
Rebellion
Let us take the negative example of Saul’s obedience which is not a God-Centered Obedience
Emphasis:
Obedience is better than Sacrifice
Partial Obedience is Disobedience
Obedience must be God-centered obedience
If the obedience is not God-centered it is disobedience
God Hates the Disobedience of Man
THE 4 REBEL ACTS IN OBEDIENCE
1) MISPLACEMENT OF FEAR (v.24)
Biblical : Rahab, Paul, Three Hebrew Children, Mary and Joseph
Fear man rather than fear God
Fear the undesirable consequence rather than sinning against God
Fear the displeasure of people rather than displeasure of God
Practical: Sharing the Gospel (mockery of men)
Peer Pressure
Biblical : Rahab, Paul, Three Hebrew Children, Mary and Joseph
(Isaiah 51:12-13)
Beware in your obedience. Fear God in obeying Him
2) MISPLACEMENT OF DESIRE (v.19) v.14-15
Biblical: Achan, Demas, Jude, Balaam, Lot’s wife, Samson, David, Solomon
Desire of worldly things rather than heavenly things
Desire the pleasure of the world rather than pleasure being with God.
Desire sin rather than glory of God
Practical: We desire O.T rather than the ministry
We desire to attend party than Bible study
We desire to upgrade our mobile phone rather than our Bible
Biblical: Achan, Demas, Jude, Balaam, Lot’s wife, Samson, David, Solomon
(Galatians 5:17)
Beware in your obedience. Desire God rather than spoiled things of the world
3) MISPLACEMENT OF HONOR (v.12) v.17
Biblical: Pharisees, Saducees, Diotrephes, Nebuchadnezzar
We seek our own honor in our obedience rather than the glory of God
We obey so that others will honor us in some sense.
We build our own monument.
Practical: Leaders are prone in seeking honor, prestige, and fame
Members of the ministry suffer from seeking self honor
We honor ourselves rather than God
(Isaiah 48:11)
Beware of your obedience. Honor God. Honor and glory belongs to Him
4) MISPLACEMENT OF TRUST (v.22-23)
Biblical: Rich Fool, Parable of the Talents We trust others rather than God
We trust ourselves rather than God
We trust things rather than God
We are right God is wrong
Our method is better than God’s word
Practical: In our obedience we are the master not God.
Service – own way rather than God’s way
Life – our philosophy rather than God’s precepts
(Proverbs 11:28)
Beware of your obedience, Trust God not ourselves, others, philosophies
III. CONCLUSION
God is not the beneficiary of our obedience but the other way around.
Think for a while, examine the obedience that you offered to God
Is it a God-centered obedience? Or there is any rebellion in your obedience
For God’s Glory
07/26/09
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Calling of the King’s Disciple
GRACE THROUGH FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
TEXT: Matthew 4:18-22
THEME: Calling of the King’s Disciple
TITLE: Called or Not?
PROPOSTIONAL STATEMENT: How Do We Know If God Called Us?
I. INTRODUCTION
In 2 Peter 3:10 – God told us to be more eager to make our calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fall and will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Many times we asked ourselves, did God call me? And that is a very important question.
The way we answer this question is we are going to enumerate what we are good things we are doing as a Christian:
• I attend Sunday Worship Service
• I am part of a ministry
• I pray and attend Christian fellowships
But all these cannot affirm that we are genuinely called.
II. BODY
A. The Background
This begins Jesus His ministry. He held His ministry not to the religious place (Jerusalem) but to the Land of sinners (Galilee of the Gentiles). He called people who were no education. They are lowest among the low.
1) The Calling of the First Disciples
• The First Meeting with Jesus (John 1:35-42)
o John the Baptizer was still free
o The place of meeting was held in Jordan River – Judea
• The Second Meeting with Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22 ; Mark 1:14 -20)
o John the Baptizer was in prison
o The place of meeting was held in the Sea of Galilee – Galilee
B. The Three Concerns to Be Considered in Our Calling
Before that we must know first our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ :
• Disciple – learner, follower – we should follow what we learn all about Jesus Christ
• Servant – one who serve – serving Him according to His own good pleasure
• Slave – one who does not have any demand : knowing that God bought you with a great price from the marketplace of sin.
1) The Person Behind our Calling - Christ – “Come Follow Me”
• We must have the knowledge of Him. If we are called by Him we must know Him first
o Apostle Paul before he respond to the calling the Lord Jesus introduce Himself
o The thief on the cross knew Jesus Christ
o The first disciples had been the Lord Jesus first (John 1)
Principle : Knowing Christ is not one event – it is a lifetime commitment to know Him (2Peter 3:17-18)
• One of the reasons why we doubt about our calling and we do not response to it is because we do not know Him well
• The only way to know God is through study of His word- He reveals Himself in every pages of the Scripture.
Challenge : Do you know Him who called you? Who is Christ to you? Do you desire to know Him who called you If not you are
not yet been called.
2) The Purpose Behind our Calling – Commission – “I will make you fishers of men”
• The purpose why God called us to carry out His divine plan
• And the only way to carry out His divine plan is the responsibility to advance the Kingdom through spreading the Gospel
• Some say that is for those who are called alone are for ministry – No! Every believer is a witness and has a responsibility as a witness –to proclaim what he knows about Jesus
• Evangilism is summarized in Matthew 28:19-20
Two Reasons why God called us to evangelize
• Concern for the Glory of God
• Concern for the lost souls
Principle : The God head has a passion for evangelism – God has a heart concerning to the lost people and even all
the People of God.
• God the Father – God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… (John 3:16)
• God the Son - For the Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)
• God the Holy Spirit – When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt .. .(John 16:8)
• God had sent prophets during Old Testament for evangelism (Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel .. )
• God had sent His apostles during New Testament for evangelism (Peter, John, Paul … )
• Even other people : Acts 8: 4
Challenge : God called you to be fishers of men – Ask yourself : Do I know the purpose of my calling? Do I have a passion for evangelism? Am I concerned with the glory of God and the lost like God and His people whom He called.
3) The Price Behind our Calling – Cost – “At once they left their nets ; Immediately they left the boat…”
• Following Jesus will cost you
o Comfort zone (Luke 9:58) “Foxes have holes and birds of the air has nest but the Son of Man….”
o Family (Luke 14:26) “if anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children...”
o Life (Luke 9:23) “….he must deny himself, carry the cross daily and follow Me”
Principle : Following Jesus Footsteps Will Cost Us but it is not burdensome
• Following Jesus will cost you that is why you are entering and walking in a narrow door and way
Challenge : What cost you in following Christ?
III. Conclusion
Jesus said “I tell you the truth, no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parentsor children for the sake of the Kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and in the age to come, eternal life” Luke 18:29-30
For God’s Glory
02/13/11
TEXT: Matthew 4:18-22
THEME: Calling of the King’s Disciple
TITLE: Called or Not?
PROPOSTIONAL STATEMENT: How Do We Know If God Called Us?
I. INTRODUCTION
In 2 Peter 3:10 – God told us to be more eager to make our calling and election sure. For if you do these things you will never fall and will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Many times we asked ourselves, did God call me? And that is a very important question.
The way we answer this question is we are going to enumerate what we are good things we are doing as a Christian:
• I attend Sunday Worship Service
• I am part of a ministry
• I pray and attend Christian fellowships
But all these cannot affirm that we are genuinely called.
II. BODY
A. The Background
This begins Jesus His ministry. He held His ministry not to the religious place (Jerusalem) but to the Land of sinners (Galilee of the Gentiles). He called people who were no education. They are lowest among the low.
1) The Calling of the First Disciples
• The First Meeting with Jesus (John 1:35-42)
o John the Baptizer was still free
o The place of meeting was held in Jordan River – Judea
• The Second Meeting with Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22 ; Mark 1:14 -20)
o John the Baptizer was in prison
o The place of meeting was held in the Sea of Galilee – Galilee
B. The Three Concerns to Be Considered in Our Calling
Before that we must know first our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ :
• Disciple – learner, follower – we should follow what we learn all about Jesus Christ
• Servant – one who serve – serving Him according to His own good pleasure
• Slave – one who does not have any demand : knowing that God bought you with a great price from the marketplace of sin.
1) The Person Behind our Calling - Christ – “Come Follow Me”
• We must have the knowledge of Him. If we are called by Him we must know Him first
o Apostle Paul before he respond to the calling the Lord Jesus introduce Himself
o The thief on the cross knew Jesus Christ
o The first disciples had been the Lord Jesus first (John 1)
Principle : Knowing Christ is not one event – it is a lifetime commitment to know Him (2Peter 3:17-18)
• One of the reasons why we doubt about our calling and we do not response to it is because we do not know Him well
• The only way to know God is through study of His word- He reveals Himself in every pages of the Scripture.
Challenge : Do you know Him who called you? Who is Christ to you? Do you desire to know Him who called you If not you are
not yet been called.
2) The Purpose Behind our Calling – Commission – “I will make you fishers of men”
• The purpose why God called us to carry out His divine plan
• And the only way to carry out His divine plan is the responsibility to advance the Kingdom through spreading the Gospel
• Some say that is for those who are called alone are for ministry – No! Every believer is a witness and has a responsibility as a witness –to proclaim what he knows about Jesus
• Evangilism is summarized in Matthew 28:19-20
Two Reasons why God called us to evangelize
• Concern for the Glory of God
• Concern for the lost souls
Principle : The God head has a passion for evangelism – God has a heart concerning to the lost people and even all
the People of God.
• God the Father – God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… (John 3:16)
• God the Son - For the Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10)
• God the Holy Spirit – When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt .. .(John 16:8)
• God had sent prophets during Old Testament for evangelism (Elijah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel .. )
• God had sent His apostles during New Testament for evangelism (Peter, John, Paul … )
• Even other people : Acts 8: 4
Challenge : God called you to be fishers of men – Ask yourself : Do I know the purpose of my calling? Do I have a passion for evangelism? Am I concerned with the glory of God and the lost like God and His people whom He called.
3) The Price Behind our Calling – Cost – “At once they left their nets ; Immediately they left the boat…”
• Following Jesus will cost you
o Comfort zone (Luke 9:58) “Foxes have holes and birds of the air has nest but the Son of Man….”
o Family (Luke 14:26) “if anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children...”
o Life (Luke 9:23) “….he must deny himself, carry the cross daily and follow Me”
Principle : Following Jesus Footsteps Will Cost Us but it is not burdensome
• Following Jesus will cost you that is why you are entering and walking in a narrow door and way
Challenge : What cost you in following Christ?
III. Conclusion
Jesus said “I tell you the truth, no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parentsor children for the sake of the Kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and in the age to come, eternal life” Luke 18:29-30
For God’s Glory
02/13/11
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)