Scripture Reading Esther 3:1-11
Standing Firm
We come now this morning to the third chapter of Esther. Last time we left off with Esther finding favor with the King. The King and Esther get married. The older cousin and guardian of Esther, Mordecai, is still cautious though and watching out for her.
One day Mordecai was hanging out at the city gate and overhead a plot to kill the King. The men involved in the plot were a couple of the King’s officers. Mordecai tells Esther about the plot and Esther tells the King.
The King investigates the plot and finds it to be true. He has the men plotting the assignation executed and Mordecai has his name written in the Book of the Chronicles for the King. This is an important part of the story to note for later on.
Because of this assassination plot, the King increases his security and puts a guy by the name of Haman (Hay-man) in charge of the security detail. The people were to bow down and pay honor to Haman because of his position.
But Mordecai would not bow to this man. See Mordecai was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin and Haman was an Agagite, a descendant of King Agag. The Agagites tried to exterminate the Jews about 1,000 years before the time of Mordecai and Haman, but the feud was still in their blood.
So Mordecai would not bow down and show honor to Haman. Some of the guards tried to warn Mordecai and questioned him as to why he would not bow down. Mordecai replied that he was a Jew and would not bow down, implying he was obeying the 2nd commandment, which forbids idol worship.
After talking with Mordecai several times to no avail, the guards finally bring Haman’s attention to the situation. Haman was filled with anger, fury, resentment, and hatred. Haman doesn’t want just Mordecai punished, but he wants to punish and eliminate the entire Jewish population.
As I mentioned before, God’s name is not mentioned throughout this book, but His hand and presence is shown through out it. The same holds true for Satan. This isn’t simply Haman wanting to kill the Jews, it is Satan’s hand at work to exterminate God’s chosen people.
Haman goes to the King and says “there is a certain group of people that refuse to obey your laws. Issue a decree to have them all killed on a certain day and we will gather their possessions into our treasury.”
The King, as usual, doesn’t ask any questions and makes the order to kill all these people, in one day all around the country. Now, the King didn’t know these people were Jews, nor did he know that his wife, Esther, was a Jew.
The decree was sent out to all of his towns and the people went crazy with confusion. They were confused because they could not understand why the King would show such hatred to a certain group of people.
What can we learn from this Scripture this morning.
Well for one thing, it seems as though political leaders rely on their advisors a little too much. It is good to gather the advice of others, but we need to make sure we have all the facts and ask the right questions before we act. We also need to think for ourselves once in a while.
When we do stand up for what we believe in, we truly need to know just what it is exactly that we are standing and believing in.
Mordecai had his beliefs and he stood for what he believed was right. He was willing to pay whatever price was necessary. When you are standing firm for what is right in God’s eyes, He will stand with you and take care of you and see you through the situation.
The world puts pressure on us to compromise our convictions today. The world says, lets sit down and have a dialogue about this topic and we can come to some type of agreement based upon our discussion.
That is what the world is like, it tries to get us to bend our beliefs and start to think more like the world. Is this what Jesus did? No, not at all!
He didn’t sit down with the Pharisees, Sadducees, or Scribes and hash out an agreement. He stood for what is right. He did not compromise.
Sometimes when we are holding true to our belief we will need to make sacrifices. We may have to give up worldly activities, friends, jobs, or even family members.
Let’s say you have a great job working for a Doctor and one day the doctor says he is going to start to perform abortions. As a Christian you are against abortions, so what do you do? Do you compromise your beliefs and help the Doctor or do you walk away from the job?
It is tough to do what is right sometimes and it may mean making difficult life changing decisions. But as we live for God, we should make the choices and decisions that He would want us to make. It won’t be easy.
You may be harassed or even persecuted for your beliefs, but that should be expected. After all, wasn’t Jesus killed by the world? If it hated Him, won’t the world hate us too if we are here representing Him?
One final though here this morning. None of us is perfect. Sometimes we all give in, we waver a little bit or make compromises. This isn’t because we want to, it is because we are weak.
It is easy to crumble apart and fail when we try to do stand for something on our own. We need to rely on Christ, all things are possible to Him who believes. We need to speak the truth, but speak it in love. And stand firm with God.
Think about the life of Peter. When Jesus was arrested all the disciples scattered. Peter denied the Lord three times. After that, Peter stood firm in His beliefs and he lost his life because of it. Tradition tells us that before he was hung on a cross, he watched his wife be executed and he kept telling her “Remember the Lord, remember the Lord.”
Stand firm in your faith and remember the Lord each day.
Closing Prayer
Lord, Help us to be strong. Thank you for giving us that strength. Give us the courage to be loyal and stand up for what is right in your eyes, even though it may cause us embarrassment or persecution in this world.
We do this not for our own ego, but for your honor and glory. AMEN.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Be Prepared
Scripture Reading – Esther 2:8-16
Be Prepared
We begin our study of the book of Esther this morning. The story of Esther is about how the world tried to destroy the Jewish race. But God preserved His people. He kept His covenant with Abraham.
It is interesting to note that God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, but you can see His hand at work throughout the lives of Esther and Mordecai.
Chapter One of Esther gives us a brief background about what is happening. The King of Persia, King Ahasuerus or King Xerxes as he was also known, is giving a party, a banquet for some important people in His kingdom. The princess, attendants, army officers, nobles and so on were all there.
After several days of this party, the King tells his servants to go get his wife, the queen. Dress her up nicely and bring her to the party so he can show off her beauty to everyone there.
The queen refuses the request. The King’s advisors tell him to make an edict and declare that the queen is no longer allowed in the King presence because of her disobedience.
Now they weren’t really concerned about the alleged disrespect the Queen showed the King, they were really more concerned about an uprising in their households, having their wives disobey them. Remember, at this point in time, women were treated like possessions.
So, the King listens to his advisors and the Queen is no longer allowed around Him and his edict informs everyone that the men are to be the masters of their household.
At the beginning of chapter 2 we find the King is now a little lonely without his wife, so he asks his advisors what he should do. The brilliant advisors tell him to round up all the beautiful young women, give them beauty treatments for a year and then see which is best.
Of course, the king likes this idea, so he orders it to be done. During the round up, a young women, named Esther, was taken. Esther is described as a beautiful women, having a perfect face and perfect figure. And this is before the year long beauty treatment.
Esther’s parents were killed during a raid some years ago, so she lived with her older cousin Mordecai who took care of her and treated her as a daughter. Mordecai was very well aware of the hatred for Jews, so he told Esther not to make it know that she was a Jew.
As I mentioned Esther was very pretty physically, but she was also a charming young lady with her personality. She trusted others in her life, but most importantly she trusted God.
Esther finds favor with the chief servant, Hegai, who was overseeing this project of the Kings. Hegai treats Esther nicer than the others, he provides better beauty treatment and personal advice to help Esther.
When Esther’s turn came to meet the King, the King also found favor with her and married her.
What an interesting story so far. It sounds like a nice love story or something, but how is it religious? What does it mean to us today?
Looking at Esther’s life, we see that she lost her parents. She had to rely on someone else to provide for her. She saw God’s hand protecting her through Mordecai. When she was taken from Mordecai, she listen to him and she trusted God with her life.
She was nice to her “captives” so to speak and the head servant found favor with her and helped her out. See God prepares us for our future through our current experiences. We don’t always know why things are happening the way that they are, but we can simply trust in God’s plan.
God especially uses our consciences to work in our lives. He uses it to convict us of our sin. It enables us to rely on him for strength and guidance. We don’t know what is coming next in our life.
We simply need to take it as it comes and trust that God indeed does have a plan for us. He is in control and He knows what He is doing.
Looking back at my life, and I know the world doesn’t revolve around me, but looking back just a few years ago. My wife and I were attending a church, that eventually closed. After that we rearranged our schedules and starting attending the Strongstown church were I had attended before my father entered the ministry.
From Strongstown I attended some lay speaking courses and before long I was filling in for my Dad while he was sick. Next thing I know I am preaching regularly to a couple of churches.
This all started because a Church closed and we went to another church. Had that original church not closed, I am not sure if I would have had the opportunities to do what I do today. Don’t get me wrong it was sad that the church closed, but it worked out according to God’s plan for me.
From what I understand the people who attended the church that closed have gone to another church and are actively involved in it as well.
And that is the point of our scripture this morning. Be prepared. God has a plan for you. Read His Word, look at examples of faithful people, Moses, Abraham, Mary, and so on.
Ask God to open your eyes to His plan for your life. Don’t get discouraged when things don’t appear to be going according to your plan. Instead look at God’s plan. Pray that He will open your eyes to see what He sees and for the wisdom and knowledge and trust to accept the things that have been placed into your life.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you that you play a part, a big part, in each and every one of our lives. We know that you have a plan for us. Help us to be available and prepared for you to use us to accomplish your plan.
Help us to prepare for your plan by studying your word and listening for your call in our lives. We don’t know what is in store for us, but we can trust in you. In Jesus Name we pray and give thanks. AMEN.
Be Prepared
We begin our study of the book of Esther this morning. The story of Esther is about how the world tried to destroy the Jewish race. But God preserved His people. He kept His covenant with Abraham.
It is interesting to note that God’s name is never mentioned in the book of Esther, but you can see His hand at work throughout the lives of Esther and Mordecai.
Chapter One of Esther gives us a brief background about what is happening. The King of Persia, King Ahasuerus or King Xerxes as he was also known, is giving a party, a banquet for some important people in His kingdom. The princess, attendants, army officers, nobles and so on were all there.
After several days of this party, the King tells his servants to go get his wife, the queen. Dress her up nicely and bring her to the party so he can show off her beauty to everyone there.
The queen refuses the request. The King’s advisors tell him to make an edict and declare that the queen is no longer allowed in the King presence because of her disobedience.
Now they weren’t really concerned about the alleged disrespect the Queen showed the King, they were really more concerned about an uprising in their households, having their wives disobey them. Remember, at this point in time, women were treated like possessions.
So, the King listens to his advisors and the Queen is no longer allowed around Him and his edict informs everyone that the men are to be the masters of their household.
At the beginning of chapter 2 we find the King is now a little lonely without his wife, so he asks his advisors what he should do. The brilliant advisors tell him to round up all the beautiful young women, give them beauty treatments for a year and then see which is best.
Of course, the king likes this idea, so he orders it to be done. During the round up, a young women, named Esther, was taken. Esther is described as a beautiful women, having a perfect face and perfect figure. And this is before the year long beauty treatment.
Esther’s parents were killed during a raid some years ago, so she lived with her older cousin Mordecai who took care of her and treated her as a daughter. Mordecai was very well aware of the hatred for Jews, so he told Esther not to make it know that she was a Jew.
As I mentioned Esther was very pretty physically, but she was also a charming young lady with her personality. She trusted others in her life, but most importantly she trusted God.
Esther finds favor with the chief servant, Hegai, who was overseeing this project of the Kings. Hegai treats Esther nicer than the others, he provides better beauty treatment and personal advice to help Esther.
When Esther’s turn came to meet the King, the King also found favor with her and married her.
What an interesting story so far. It sounds like a nice love story or something, but how is it religious? What does it mean to us today?
Looking at Esther’s life, we see that she lost her parents. She had to rely on someone else to provide for her. She saw God’s hand protecting her through Mordecai. When she was taken from Mordecai, she listen to him and she trusted God with her life.
She was nice to her “captives” so to speak and the head servant found favor with her and helped her out. See God prepares us for our future through our current experiences. We don’t always know why things are happening the way that they are, but we can simply trust in God’s plan.
God especially uses our consciences to work in our lives. He uses it to convict us of our sin. It enables us to rely on him for strength and guidance. We don’t know what is coming next in our life.
We simply need to take it as it comes and trust that God indeed does have a plan for us. He is in control and He knows what He is doing.
Looking back at my life, and I know the world doesn’t revolve around me, but looking back just a few years ago. My wife and I were attending a church, that eventually closed. After that we rearranged our schedules and starting attending the Strongstown church were I had attended before my father entered the ministry.
From Strongstown I attended some lay speaking courses and before long I was filling in for my Dad while he was sick. Next thing I know I am preaching regularly to a couple of churches.
This all started because a Church closed and we went to another church. Had that original church not closed, I am not sure if I would have had the opportunities to do what I do today. Don’t get me wrong it was sad that the church closed, but it worked out according to God’s plan for me.
From what I understand the people who attended the church that closed have gone to another church and are actively involved in it as well.
And that is the point of our scripture this morning. Be prepared. God has a plan for you. Read His Word, look at examples of faithful people, Moses, Abraham, Mary, and so on.
Ask God to open your eyes to His plan for your life. Don’t get discouraged when things don’t appear to be going according to your plan. Instead look at God’s plan. Pray that He will open your eyes to see what He sees and for the wisdom and knowledge and trust to accept the things that have been placed into your life.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you that you play a part, a big part, in each and every one of our lives. We know that you have a plan for us. Help us to be available and prepared for you to use us to accomplish your plan.
Help us to prepare for your plan by studying your word and listening for your call in our lives. We don’t know what is in store for us, but we can trust in you. In Jesus Name we pray and give thanks. AMEN.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Our Relationship With Strangers
Scripture Reading/Gospel Lesson – Romans 12:14-21
Last week, we looked at how Scripture describes our relationships with other believers. This morning, our Scripture gives us some practical insight into our dealings with strangers. When we reach out and minister to a stranger we don’t know if they are a Christian or not.
First, Paul tells us to bless those who persecute you.
This command goes against our human nature, our worldly feelings. How can this be? How can you bless someone who is attacking you? This makes no sense to us. Yet, this is what Paul, by the Holy Spirit, is urging his readers to do.
And not just Paul, but Christ said the same thing Himself. In Luke chapter 6 He tells us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us pray for those who mistreat us.
He even gives us some practical examples. Turn the other cheek when someone hits you. If someone takes your coat, give them your shirt as well. Give to who ever asks and do not ask for anything back.
We are to treat those who persecute us as our friends. Don’t get me wrong, we are not to be doormats or abused for the sake of being a pacifist. We are indeed to stand up for what is right according to God’s Word.
We should bless those who persecute us. Jesus did. Remember what He did while hanging on the cross? He prayed for those who were killing Him. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Stephen did the same thing in Acts at the end of chapter 7 as he was being stoned. He cried out, Lord, Do not hold this sin against them. Oddly enough, the next verse which is Chapter 8 verse 1 is Saul, Paul approving of Stephen’s execution.
The next time someone is attacking you, don’t attack back. Be nice, love them, bless them, pray for them.
Second, Paul tells us to sympathize and empathize with strangers.
We should try to identify with those we come in contact with and do whatever it is we can do to help them. We should put ourselves in their shoes if you will. Everyone has bad days at time. It is possible for those bad days to turn into better days when someone is there to help.
One of the simplest things we can do is to simply be available when others need us. Sometimes there is nothing we can do or say to help a person, but just being there with them makes all the difference in the world to them.
Of course, we can give them physical help if we are able. And we should always be praying for them.
Our Scripture gives us two specific ways to identify with people in verse 15, “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.”
They sound so simple, yet we find ways to mess them up. Sometimes when we hear of someone’s good news, do we maybe get a little jealous? What if their happiness is at our expense?
For example, if you and another person were applying for the same job and only one person was going to get it. And that person wasn’t you! Would you rejoice with the other person who got “your” job?
But that is what we are called to do. We are to rejoice with those who are rejoicing. No matter what is happening in our life we are to show our joy when things are going well for someone else.
Sometimes others aren’t rejoicing, instead, they are weeping. We too are commanded to weep with them. Compassion is a necessary characteristic of a Christian. We must be prepared to feel the pain that others are feeling.
Third, in our dealings with strangers, we must be impartial. We are to treat everyone the same, no matter their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or whatever. We are to treat them the same.
This leads into the fourth way in which we deal with strangers: avoiding elitism. Paul instructs us to guard against any temptation to put ourselves above others. We are no better than anyone else.
We are to associate with the rich and the poor, the weak and the strong, the influential people and the needy people of this world. There is no place for elitism in the family of God.
Unfortunately, this attitude does prevail in some churches. When elitism exists among Christians the entire integrity of the ministry suffers. We are to help all people, not just those that can help us out later on.
Last, when dealing with strangers, we need to avoid conceit. We cannot be so conceited in ourselves that we trust only in our own wisdom. We must remember where we get our wisdom from.
We do these things not for our own ego. We do them to faithfully serve God. We live our lives with integrity and submit to His will for our lives. Our confidence is not in our abilities, rather our confidence should be in Him.
Of course, throughout our lives we will come into contact with people who hate us, they are our personal enemies.
As I mentioned blessing those you persecute you is challenging, so Paul concludes with a few more tips about dealing with those personal enemies in your life.
First, we do not return evil for evil. We are not to retaliate by revenge. We do not take the law into our own hands.
Instead we are to respect what is right. We should respond to evil with good. When we act graciously to our enemies then all will see the testimony of Jesus in our life.
Paul tells us to live at peace with everyone as far as possible. Remember it takes two to make peace. We are to desire peace and act appropriately. This means we do not hold a grudge or inward bitterness toward them. We must forgive our enemies to pursue peace with them.
We must overcome evil with good. We should rely on God’s power to gets us through any situation that we are in. If we are focused on God and serving Him, then we won’t need to worry about being overwhelmed by the evil of this world.
As we obey God we can actually see a transformation not only in our life, but also in the lives of those around us as well. Try it and see for yourself.
Closing Prayer
Lord we thank you again for our time in your Word this morning. We thank You for giving us the opportunity to come here and worship you.
There are so many strangers out there in this world and we don’t know which ones are your faithful servants, so help us to treat them all with love, respect, and kindness. Not because we want to look good, but because we want to serve You.
AMEN
Last week, we looked at how Scripture describes our relationships with other believers. This morning, our Scripture gives us some practical insight into our dealings with strangers. When we reach out and minister to a stranger we don’t know if they are a Christian or not.
First, Paul tells us to bless those who persecute you.
This command goes against our human nature, our worldly feelings. How can this be? How can you bless someone who is attacking you? This makes no sense to us. Yet, this is what Paul, by the Holy Spirit, is urging his readers to do.
And not just Paul, but Christ said the same thing Himself. In Luke chapter 6 He tells us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us pray for those who mistreat us.
He even gives us some practical examples. Turn the other cheek when someone hits you. If someone takes your coat, give them your shirt as well. Give to who ever asks and do not ask for anything back.
We are to treat those who persecute us as our friends. Don’t get me wrong, we are not to be doormats or abused for the sake of being a pacifist. We are indeed to stand up for what is right according to God’s Word.
We should bless those who persecute us. Jesus did. Remember what He did while hanging on the cross? He prayed for those who were killing Him. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Stephen did the same thing in Acts at the end of chapter 7 as he was being stoned. He cried out, Lord, Do not hold this sin against them. Oddly enough, the next verse which is Chapter 8 verse 1 is Saul, Paul approving of Stephen’s execution.
The next time someone is attacking you, don’t attack back. Be nice, love them, bless them, pray for them.
Second, Paul tells us to sympathize and empathize with strangers.
We should try to identify with those we come in contact with and do whatever it is we can do to help them. We should put ourselves in their shoes if you will. Everyone has bad days at time. It is possible for those bad days to turn into better days when someone is there to help.
One of the simplest things we can do is to simply be available when others need us. Sometimes there is nothing we can do or say to help a person, but just being there with them makes all the difference in the world to them.
Of course, we can give them physical help if we are able. And we should always be praying for them.
Our Scripture gives us two specific ways to identify with people in verse 15, “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.”
They sound so simple, yet we find ways to mess them up. Sometimes when we hear of someone’s good news, do we maybe get a little jealous? What if their happiness is at our expense?
For example, if you and another person were applying for the same job and only one person was going to get it. And that person wasn’t you! Would you rejoice with the other person who got “your” job?
But that is what we are called to do. We are to rejoice with those who are rejoicing. No matter what is happening in our life we are to show our joy when things are going well for someone else.
Sometimes others aren’t rejoicing, instead, they are weeping. We too are commanded to weep with them. Compassion is a necessary characteristic of a Christian. We must be prepared to feel the pain that others are feeling.
Third, in our dealings with strangers, we must be impartial. We are to treat everyone the same, no matter their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or whatever. We are to treat them the same.
This leads into the fourth way in which we deal with strangers: avoiding elitism. Paul instructs us to guard against any temptation to put ourselves above others. We are no better than anyone else.
We are to associate with the rich and the poor, the weak and the strong, the influential people and the needy people of this world. There is no place for elitism in the family of God.
Unfortunately, this attitude does prevail in some churches. When elitism exists among Christians the entire integrity of the ministry suffers. We are to help all people, not just those that can help us out later on.
Last, when dealing with strangers, we need to avoid conceit. We cannot be so conceited in ourselves that we trust only in our own wisdom. We must remember where we get our wisdom from.
We do these things not for our own ego. We do them to faithfully serve God. We live our lives with integrity and submit to His will for our lives. Our confidence is not in our abilities, rather our confidence should be in Him.
Of course, throughout our lives we will come into contact with people who hate us, they are our personal enemies.
As I mentioned blessing those you persecute you is challenging, so Paul concludes with a few more tips about dealing with those personal enemies in your life.
First, we do not return evil for evil. We are not to retaliate by revenge. We do not take the law into our own hands.
Instead we are to respect what is right. We should respond to evil with good. When we act graciously to our enemies then all will see the testimony of Jesus in our life.
Paul tells us to live at peace with everyone as far as possible. Remember it takes two to make peace. We are to desire peace and act appropriately. This means we do not hold a grudge or inward bitterness toward them. We must forgive our enemies to pursue peace with them.
We must overcome evil with good. We should rely on God’s power to gets us through any situation that we are in. If we are focused on God and serving Him, then we won’t need to worry about being overwhelmed by the evil of this world.
As we obey God we can actually see a transformation not only in our life, but also in the lives of those around us as well. Try it and see for yourself.
Closing Prayer
Lord we thank you again for our time in your Word this morning. We thank You for giving us the opportunity to come here and worship you.
There are so many strangers out there in this world and we don’t know which ones are your faithful servants, so help us to treat them all with love, respect, and kindness. Not because we want to look good, but because we want to serve You.
AMEN
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Our Relationship With Other Believers
Scripture Reading/Gospel Lesson – Romans 12:10-13
Our Scripture this morning gives us some practical insight into our dealings with other Christians. This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives us the main theme of our behavior toward other Christians.
First, displaying Brotherly Love
Brotherly Love is the key indicator by which the church proves to the world that it is genuine and belongs to Christ. John 13:35 says, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This type of love is not just a mandatory rule, rather it is an inescapable part of being a Christian. “Whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him” (1 John 5:1). The most basic demonstration of brotherly love is when we love and care for a fellow Christian more than we care for ourselves.
This takes time to develop, but eventually to the spiritually mature Christian it will be a natural response. This is not just a sentimental affection toward another person. This is a deep down concern for their overall physical, mental, and especially spiritual well being.
A Christian loves fellow Christians.
Second, a Christian should give honor to one another.
Humility is a crucial aspect of brotherly love. This is not a fake praise of someone. It simply means to show genuine thankfulness and respect for other members of God’s family.
Empty compliments only show a person’s selfishness and lack of integrity. God wants us to be considerate of our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. We should be quick to acknowledge their accomplishments with genuine honor.
Christians honor God by honoring each other.
Third, Christians do not lag behind in diligence
We need to make the most of whatever time the Lord has given us on earth. Many opportunities for Christian service only come our way once, and we must take advantage of them.
There is no room for laziness in God’s kingdom. Not only does it waste our time and opportunities to serve the Lord, but it also allows evil the chance to encroach in your life.
Think about it, kids usually get into trouble when they have nothing to do right? Anybody here ever serve in the military? I’ll bet your commanding officer always gave you a bunch of stupid, pointless things to do, right? He did this so you didn’t get into trouble.
There is a common expression today of Carpe diem, meaning seize the day. That is the way Jesus lived His life and that too is the way we should live our lives for Christ. Seize the opportunity to serve Christ each and every day.
Christians are not lazy, especially when it comes to doing the work God has given us to do.
Fourth, Christians are fervent in spirit
This simply means we need to maintain our commitment to the Lord’s work. We should be diligent in our efforts for God. We need to do the right things and do the things we do right. That is efficiency and effectiveness.
Christians do what God wants them to do and they do it with passion.
Fifth, Christians serving the Lord
Serving the Lord calls us to examine our priorities. This should be the focus of our lives. The things we do must be consistent with Scripture. Not only that, but they should bring honor to God.
We are to serve God with a sense of priority and integrity. We don’t have to rely on our own strength, rather we can draw on the power of God to do what He wants us to do.
Christians serve the Lord throughout their lives.
Sixth, Christians rejoice in hope
The Christian life will by no means be easy. We will still experience temptations from worldly desires and we will be persecuted and ridiculed for our beliefs. Without hope we would never be able to triumph over them.
The scriptural concept of hope is one in which we can have full confidence. Hope is not based on wishful thinking rather it is an integral part of our salvation. It is certain. God gives us hope each day, the hope of knowing that He is there caring for us and watching over us.
Christians rejoice in the hope that God provides for them.
Seventh, Christian persevere during times of tribulation
The hope we have in God allows us to persevere through whatever situation we may be in.
Eighth, Christians are devoted to prayer
One of the main reasons God allows “bad” things to happen to us is to build our trust in Him rather than relying on ourselves. Our reliance upon Him is built through prayer. Prayer needs to be a part of our daily life. Thanking God for what He has done, what He is currently doing, and what He will do.
Ninth, Christians contribute to the needs of other believers
As we look around and think about our lives we believe we own stuff. We own cars, houses, and other things. They are ours. In reality, God owns it all and He lets us use it. We are to be good stewards of the things He has given to us.
One of the most important ways that we can be a good steward of the things God has given to us is to use them for His glory and honor. We do this by giving to those follow Christians in need.
Lastly, Christian practice hospitality
Paul finishes his list of our duties to fellow believers by saying that we have a responsibility of practicing hospitality toward others, especially Christians. We are to pursue the love of others.
We are to care for them, not just during emergency situations or times of obvious need, rather we are to simply look for things we can do anytime.
Hospitality is a Biblical standard. Our homes and lives should be open to help those in need. All believers should be known by their love and hospitality.
When we are hospitable to others we may never fully realize the ramifications of our kindness. We don’t do this just to feel good about ourselves, we do it because it is the right thing to do and God wants us to do it. We do it for Him.
Jesus tells us that when we are hospitable and ministering to others we are doing the same to Him. Likewise, if we turn our backs on others, then we are turning our backs to Him as well.
If you get a change later on this afternoon or this week, read back through our scripture this morning and think and pray about ways in which you can improve your life as a Christian.
Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank you for our time in your Word this morning. Help us to be better Christians so that others may truly see Christ in us. AMEN
Our Scripture this morning gives us some practical insight into our dealings with other Christians. This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives us the main theme of our behavior toward other Christians.
First, displaying Brotherly Love
Brotherly Love is the key indicator by which the church proves to the world that it is genuine and belongs to Christ. John 13:35 says, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This type of love is not just a mandatory rule, rather it is an inescapable part of being a Christian. “Whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him” (1 John 5:1). The most basic demonstration of brotherly love is when we love and care for a fellow Christian more than we care for ourselves.
This takes time to develop, but eventually to the spiritually mature Christian it will be a natural response. This is not just a sentimental affection toward another person. This is a deep down concern for their overall physical, mental, and especially spiritual well being.
A Christian loves fellow Christians.
Second, a Christian should give honor to one another.
Humility is a crucial aspect of brotherly love. This is not a fake praise of someone. It simply means to show genuine thankfulness and respect for other members of God’s family.
Empty compliments only show a person’s selfishness and lack of integrity. God wants us to be considerate of our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. We should be quick to acknowledge their accomplishments with genuine honor.
Christians honor God by honoring each other.
Third, Christians do not lag behind in diligence
We need to make the most of whatever time the Lord has given us on earth. Many opportunities for Christian service only come our way once, and we must take advantage of them.
There is no room for laziness in God’s kingdom. Not only does it waste our time and opportunities to serve the Lord, but it also allows evil the chance to encroach in your life.
Think about it, kids usually get into trouble when they have nothing to do right? Anybody here ever serve in the military? I’ll bet your commanding officer always gave you a bunch of stupid, pointless things to do, right? He did this so you didn’t get into trouble.
There is a common expression today of Carpe diem, meaning seize the day. That is the way Jesus lived His life and that too is the way we should live our lives for Christ. Seize the opportunity to serve Christ each and every day.
Christians are not lazy, especially when it comes to doing the work God has given us to do.
Fourth, Christians are fervent in spirit
This simply means we need to maintain our commitment to the Lord’s work. We should be diligent in our efforts for God. We need to do the right things and do the things we do right. That is efficiency and effectiveness.
Christians do what God wants them to do and they do it with passion.
Fifth, Christians serving the Lord
Serving the Lord calls us to examine our priorities. This should be the focus of our lives. The things we do must be consistent with Scripture. Not only that, but they should bring honor to God.
We are to serve God with a sense of priority and integrity. We don’t have to rely on our own strength, rather we can draw on the power of God to do what He wants us to do.
Christians serve the Lord throughout their lives.
Sixth, Christians rejoice in hope
The Christian life will by no means be easy. We will still experience temptations from worldly desires and we will be persecuted and ridiculed for our beliefs. Without hope we would never be able to triumph over them.
The scriptural concept of hope is one in which we can have full confidence. Hope is not based on wishful thinking rather it is an integral part of our salvation. It is certain. God gives us hope each day, the hope of knowing that He is there caring for us and watching over us.
Christians rejoice in the hope that God provides for them.
Seventh, Christian persevere during times of tribulation
The hope we have in God allows us to persevere through whatever situation we may be in.
Eighth, Christians are devoted to prayer
One of the main reasons God allows “bad” things to happen to us is to build our trust in Him rather than relying on ourselves. Our reliance upon Him is built through prayer. Prayer needs to be a part of our daily life. Thanking God for what He has done, what He is currently doing, and what He will do.
Ninth, Christians contribute to the needs of other believers
As we look around and think about our lives we believe we own stuff. We own cars, houses, and other things. They are ours. In reality, God owns it all and He lets us use it. We are to be good stewards of the things He has given to us.
One of the most important ways that we can be a good steward of the things God has given to us is to use them for His glory and honor. We do this by giving to those follow Christians in need.
Lastly, Christian practice hospitality
Paul finishes his list of our duties to fellow believers by saying that we have a responsibility of practicing hospitality toward others, especially Christians. We are to pursue the love of others.
We are to care for them, not just during emergency situations or times of obvious need, rather we are to simply look for things we can do anytime.
Hospitality is a Biblical standard. Our homes and lives should be open to help those in need. All believers should be known by their love and hospitality.
When we are hospitable to others we may never fully realize the ramifications of our kindness. We don’t do this just to feel good about ourselves, we do it because it is the right thing to do and God wants us to do it. We do it for Him.
Jesus tells us that when we are hospitable and ministering to others we are doing the same to Him. Likewise, if we turn our backs on others, then we are turning our backs to Him as well.
If you get a change later on this afternoon or this week, read back through our scripture this morning and think and pray about ways in which you can improve your life as a Christian.
Closing Prayer
Lord, we thank you for our time in your Word this morning. Help us to be better Christians so that others may truly see Christ in us. AMEN
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Making Disciples of All Nations
Scripture Reading: (click link to download audio) Matthew 28:16-20
Making Disciples of All Nations
This central message of Scripture pertains to the central mission of the people of God, a mission that many Christians do not understand nor are they willing to fulfill. It seems obvious that some Christians think little about their mission in this world, except in regard to their own personal needs.
They attend services and meetings when it is convenient, take what they feel like taking, and have little concern for anything else. They are involved in the church only to the extent that it serves their own desires.
It escapes both their understanding and their concern that the Lord has given His church a supreme mission and that He calls every believer to be an instrument in fulfilling that mission.
If the average church member were surveyed concerning the primary purpose of the church, it is likely that many diverse answers would be given. But I think we would see a theme or a general pattern.
What about you? What do you think the primary mission of the Church is.
A large number would rank fellowship first, the opportunity to associate and interact with fellow Christians who share similar beliefs and values. They highly value the fact that the church provides activities and programs for the whole family and is a place where relationships are nurtured and shared and where inspiration is provided through good preaching and beautiful music.
Some Christians would consider sound biblical teaching to be the church’s principal function, explaining Scripture and strengthening believers in knowledge of and obedience to God’s revealed truth.
That emphasis would include helping believers discover and minister their spiritual gifts in various forms of leadership and service. Like fellowship, that too is a basic function of the church.
Some members would consider praise of God to be the supreme purpose of the church. They emphasize the church as a praising community that exalts the Lord in adoration and reverence. It is true, praise is clearly a central purpose of God’s people, just as it has always been and will always be a central activity of heaven, where both saints and angels will eternally sing praises to God.
All of those emphases are thoroughly biblical and should characterize every church. But neither separately nor together do they represent the central purpose and mission of the church in the world.
The supreme purpose and motive of every individual believer and every body of believers is to glorify God. We are to praise, honor, and glorify God in every aspect of our life.
The mission that flows out of our loving fellowship, our spiritual growth, and our praise is that of being God’s faithful and obedient instruments in His plan to redeem the world. That plan began in eternity past, before the foundation of the world.
The supreme way in which God chose to receive glory was through the redemption of sinful people, and it is through participation in that redemptive plan that believers themselves most glorify God. Through Christ, God was “reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Cor. 5:19).
It has never been God’s will for any person “to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). He “desires all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4).
God’s heart has always longed to bring sinful, rebellious men back to Himself, to give them new, righteous, and eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. He so greatly “loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Paul rejoiced that God’s “grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God” (2 Cor 4:15). The apostle told the Corinthian believers and all Christians: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31). Every time an unbeliever is saved by God’s grace, God is glorified.
The great mission of the church is to love, learn, and live as to call men and women to Jesus Christ. As sinners we are forgiven and are transformed from death to life and from darkness to light, God is glorified through that gracious miracle. The glory of God is manifest in His loving provision to redeem lost men. He Himself paid the ultimate price to fulfill His glory.
Therefore, the believe who desires to glorify God, who wants to honor God’s supreme will and purpose, must share God’s love for the lost world and share in His mission to redeem the lost to Himself.
Christ came into the world that He loved and sought to win sinners to Himself for the Father’s glory. As Christ’s representatives, we are likewise sent into the world that He loves to bring the lost to Him and thereby bring glory and honor to God. Our mission is the same mission as that of the Father and of the Son.
While on earth, Jesus glorified the Father by accomplishing His mission of providing eternal life to those who trust in Him, by reconciling lost men to the God they had forsaken. Jesus’ supreme purpose on earth was “to seek and the save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
That is therefore also the supreme mission of Christ’s church. The work of the church is an extension of the work of Christ. “As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:18).
There is only one reason the Lord allows His church to remain on earth: to seek and to save the lost, just as Christ’s only reason for coming to earth was to seek and to save the lost. Therefore, a believer who is not committed to winning the lost for Jesus Christ should reexamine his relationship to the Lord.
Fellowship, teaching, and praise are not the mission of the church but are rather the preparation of the church to fulfill its mission of winning the lost.
Christian fellowship, biblical preaching and teaching, and times of praise to God are good and godly, and in many ways carry their own rewards and blessings. But reaching the lost for Christ is much more difficult and demanding, and the results are often slow in coming and the rewards are sometimes long delayed.
The gospel is frequently resented by those to whom we witness, and sometimes faithful witnessing is ridiculed even by fellow believers. Yet above all others, that ministry can only be accomplished while we are on earth. We will have no opportunity in heaven to call the lost to the Savior.
We are to make ourselves available to God for Him to use to carry out the mission of the Church. This will involve submitting and obeying Him, so that His power may be displayed for His Glory.
Let us all make that our mission for this year. To bring people to Christ, so that God may be glorified through us.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for using us to carry our your will. We thank you for providing us with the strength and opportunities to minister to others. Help us to do that so you may be honored and glorified when sinners are drawn to you and repent of their lifestyle. AMEN.
Making Disciples of All Nations
This central message of Scripture pertains to the central mission of the people of God, a mission that many Christians do not understand nor are they willing to fulfill. It seems obvious that some Christians think little about their mission in this world, except in regard to their own personal needs.
They attend services and meetings when it is convenient, take what they feel like taking, and have little concern for anything else. They are involved in the church only to the extent that it serves their own desires.
It escapes both their understanding and their concern that the Lord has given His church a supreme mission and that He calls every believer to be an instrument in fulfilling that mission.
If the average church member were surveyed concerning the primary purpose of the church, it is likely that many diverse answers would be given. But I think we would see a theme or a general pattern.
What about you? What do you think the primary mission of the Church is.
A large number would rank fellowship first, the opportunity to associate and interact with fellow Christians who share similar beliefs and values. They highly value the fact that the church provides activities and programs for the whole family and is a place where relationships are nurtured and shared and where inspiration is provided through good preaching and beautiful music.
Some Christians would consider sound biblical teaching to be the church’s principal function, explaining Scripture and strengthening believers in knowledge of and obedience to God’s revealed truth.
That emphasis would include helping believers discover and minister their spiritual gifts in various forms of leadership and service. Like fellowship, that too is a basic function of the church.
Some members would consider praise of God to be the supreme purpose of the church. They emphasize the church as a praising community that exalts the Lord in adoration and reverence. It is true, praise is clearly a central purpose of God’s people, just as it has always been and will always be a central activity of heaven, where both saints and angels will eternally sing praises to God.
All of those emphases are thoroughly biblical and should characterize every church. But neither separately nor together do they represent the central purpose and mission of the church in the world.
The supreme purpose and motive of every individual believer and every body of believers is to glorify God. We are to praise, honor, and glorify God in every aspect of our life.
The mission that flows out of our loving fellowship, our spiritual growth, and our praise is that of being God’s faithful and obedient instruments in His plan to redeem the world. That plan began in eternity past, before the foundation of the world.
The supreme way in which God chose to receive glory was through the redemption of sinful people, and it is through participation in that redemptive plan that believers themselves most glorify God. Through Christ, God was “reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Cor. 5:19).
It has never been God’s will for any person “to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). He “desires all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4).
God’s heart has always longed to bring sinful, rebellious men back to Himself, to give them new, righteous, and eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. He so greatly “loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Paul rejoiced that God’s “grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God” (2 Cor 4:15). The apostle told the Corinthian believers and all Christians: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31). Every time an unbeliever is saved by God’s grace, God is glorified.
The great mission of the church is to love, learn, and live as to call men and women to Jesus Christ. As sinners we are forgiven and are transformed from death to life and from darkness to light, God is glorified through that gracious miracle. The glory of God is manifest in His loving provision to redeem lost men. He Himself paid the ultimate price to fulfill His glory.
Therefore, the believe who desires to glorify God, who wants to honor God’s supreme will and purpose, must share God’s love for the lost world and share in His mission to redeem the lost to Himself.
Christ came into the world that He loved and sought to win sinners to Himself for the Father’s glory. As Christ’s representatives, we are likewise sent into the world that He loves to bring the lost to Him and thereby bring glory and honor to God. Our mission is the same mission as that of the Father and of the Son.
While on earth, Jesus glorified the Father by accomplishing His mission of providing eternal life to those who trust in Him, by reconciling lost men to the God they had forsaken. Jesus’ supreme purpose on earth was “to seek and the save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
That is therefore also the supreme mission of Christ’s church. The work of the church is an extension of the work of Christ. “As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:18).
There is only one reason the Lord allows His church to remain on earth: to seek and to save the lost, just as Christ’s only reason for coming to earth was to seek and to save the lost. Therefore, a believer who is not committed to winning the lost for Jesus Christ should reexamine his relationship to the Lord.
Fellowship, teaching, and praise are not the mission of the church but are rather the preparation of the church to fulfill its mission of winning the lost.
Christian fellowship, biblical preaching and teaching, and times of praise to God are good and godly, and in many ways carry their own rewards and blessings. But reaching the lost for Christ is much more difficult and demanding, and the results are often slow in coming and the rewards are sometimes long delayed.
The gospel is frequently resented by those to whom we witness, and sometimes faithful witnessing is ridiculed even by fellow believers. Yet above all others, that ministry can only be accomplished while we are on earth. We will have no opportunity in heaven to call the lost to the Savior.
We are to make ourselves available to God for Him to use to carry out the mission of the Church. This will involve submitting and obeying Him, so that His power may be displayed for His Glory.
Let us all make that our mission for this year. To bring people to Christ, so that God may be glorified through us.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for using us to carry our your will. We thank you for providing us with the strength and opportunities to minister to others. Help us to do that so you may be honored and glorified when sinners are drawn to you and repent of their lifestyle. AMEN.
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