ZEAL FOR THE LORD--I KINGS 19:9-14

ZEAL FOR THE LORD

I KINGS 19:9-14

Introduction:

Many seem to think that the Lord is asleep in our day. Not so! He is very busy with the next phase of His plan in the redemption of man.

While mankind is lulled into a spiritual sleep by Satan, the Lord is zealous for His people whether Jew or Gentile. The Scripture is not silent, but abounds with the plan of God prophesied generations in the past. God has not lost interest and is not sitting around.

I. THE ZEAL OF THE LORD

A. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this, Isaiah 9:7, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

1. The Messiah is returning, Mark 11:35, “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:”

2. He will sit upon the throne of His father, David, Acts 2:29-30, “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;”

3. He will establish His reign upon the earth,

a. With Judgement, Revelation 14:6-7, “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

b. With Justice, Jeremiah 23:5-6, “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

B. The zeal of the Lord will do this, 2 Kings 19:31, “For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.”

1. A remnant out of Jerusalem, believing Jews, Micah 2:12, “I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.”

2. They will escape from their enemies, Obadiah 17, “But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.”

II. THE ZEAL OF GOD’S PEOPLE

A. The zeal of God’s prophet Elijah, “I have been zealous for the Lord,” 1 Kings 19:14, “And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

B. David’s zeal for the Lord.

1. My zeal consumes me because they forget your Words, Psalm 119:139, “My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.”

2. My zeal for your house has consumed me, Psalm 69:9, “For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.”

3. The zeal of the Lord Jesus Christ for the house of God, John 2:17, “And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.”

III. THE ZEAL OF GOD’S PEOPLE

A. A people zealous for good deeds, Titus 2:14, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

B. A people fervent in spirit, Romans 12:11, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”

1. Apollos was fervent in spirit, Acts 18:25, “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.”

2. Aquila and Priscilla, both zealous for the Lord, educated Apollo more fully, Acts 18:26, “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”

C. A people with zeal that provoked others to serve the Lord in helping their brethren, 2 Corinthians 9:2, “For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.”

1. To prove the sincerity of your love, 2 Corinthians 8:8-9, “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

2. To provoke unto love and to good works, Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

CONCLUSION

The Lord has been zealous to see that we heard the Gospel of Christ and receive His as our Saviour. He continues to do that say thing today. Now how zealous are we? Are we like the Church in Ephesus that lost her first love, that is, the love of SOULS?

WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS--I CHRONICLES 16:29

WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS

1 Chronicles 16:29, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”

Introduction:

We will worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness today. For he says in Habakkuk 1:3a, “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:” God cannot stand sin in His presence. No sinner will go to heaven without holiness.

God has put holiness as the requirement for entrance into His presence. That holiness comes by trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour. Let’s look at God’s holiness for a few minutes.

I. FOR WHO IN THE HEAVEN CAN BE COMPARED UNTO THE LORD?

Psalm 89:6, “For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?”

A. God is greatly to be feared, Psalm 89:7, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.”

B. He is to be held in reverence, Hebrews 12:28-29, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29For our God is a consuming fire.”

II. THY MERCY IS GREAT ABOVE THE HEAVENS

Psalm 108:3, “For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds,”

A. Great is thy mercy toward me, Psalm 86:13, “For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.”

B. Through His mercy the Lord will perfect us, Psalm 138:8, “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”

1. God will not give up on us, Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

2. The Lord will lead us in paths that we have not known, Isaiah 42:16, “And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.”

III. HIS NAME ALONE IS EXALTED

Psalm 148:13, “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.”

A. Be still and know the Lord, Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

B. Jesus is exalted at the Father’s right hand, Acts 2:33, “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.”

C. The Father is to be exalted in our lives, Isaiah 30:18, “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.”

IV. HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, IS THE LORD

Isaiah 6:3, “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”

A. Be ye holy in all manner of conversation, 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

1. That ye would walk worthy of God, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”

2. God hath not called us unto uncleanness, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”

3. Without holiness no man will see God, Hebrews 12:14, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”

B. Set yourselves apart, Leviticus 20:7-8, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. 8And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.”

1. God has chosen us to be holy and blameless before Him, Ephesians 1:4, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”

2. He has chosen us to be conformed to the image of His Son, Romans 8:29, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

3. He has chosen us to be “rooted and grounded in love,” Ephesians 3:17, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,”

4. He has chosen us to be “new creatures,” 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

CONCLUSION

The holiness of God demands that we be a holy people. That is what God said through the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:16, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” We are to strive to live clean lives before the world in order to EXALT our God and Saviour.

WITH A WHOLE HEART --II CHRONICLES 25:1-2, 14

WITH A WHOLE HEART

II CHRONICLES 25:1-2, 14

Verse 2 says, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart."

Introduction:

Amaziah inherited the throne of Judah at twenty five years of age. He began well, but did not serve the LORD with a whole heart. Let us look at the example that his father left him.

I. He Who Serves God Half-Heartedly.

A. Depending on other people for your strength, ch. 24:2, “And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.”

B. Results of this dependency, ch. 2:15-21.

1. The priest died, v. 15.

2. The king didn’t listen to the people, v. 17.

a. They left the house the house of the Lord God, v. 18.

b. They served idols, v. 18.

3. God sent prophets, v. 19, “but they would not give ear.”

4. God raised up another priest, vs. 20-22.

a. He preached the truth, v. 20.

b. The king ordered him stoned, vs. 21-22.

5. God remembered His servant, vs. 22-25.

II. He Who Serves God With His Whole Heart.

A. Examples of Faithful Men in the Old Testament:

1. Abraham, Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

2. David, Acts 13:22b, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.”

B. Examples of Faithful Men in the New Testament:

1. Jesus, John 4:34, 5:30; 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

2. Paul, the Apostle, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

III. Exhortations

A. Of the Apostle Paul to the young pastor, Timothy: 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

B. Of the Apostle Paul to Titus:

Titus 2:1, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:”

Conclusion

Our example is Jesus Christ!! No one else will do. He is always a good example for those who want to serve the LORD.

He said in Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

UNDERSTANDING OF THE TIMES--II CHRONICLES 12:32

UNDERSTANDING OF THE TIMES

1 Chronicles 12:32, “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.”

Introduction:

The men of Issachar were men who understood the times in which they lived. They realized it was time to make David King over Israel. 1 Chronicles 12:38, “All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.”

I wonder if we in our generation are as wise as those men were in David’s time. It is time we made Jesus King in our lives and exhibit the wisdom and knowledge that the men of David’s day showed.

I. WISE MEN

Esther 1:13, “Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:”

A. Men of wisdom, Isaiah 33:6, “And wisdom and knowledge shall be the STABILITY of thy times, and STRENGTH of salvation: the FEAR of the LORD is his treasure.”

1. Stability [ faithfulness ] in their times, 1 Corinthians 4:17, “For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.”

2. Strength [ riches ] of salvation, Psalm 28:8, “The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.”

3. The fear [ reverence ] of the Lord is his treasure, Job 28:28, “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

a. Their hearts were right, Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

b. Their head was on right, Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

B. Men of Knowledge

1. The beginning of knowledge, Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

2. These are men of understanding, Proverbs 2:10-11, “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; 11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:”

II. MEN WHO HAVE SINGLENESS OF HEART

A. Men of courage, 1 Chronicles 12:33, “Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.”

B. Men in which there was no deceit, John 1:47, “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.”

C. Men of conviction, Psalm 12:1-2, “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.”

1. Well versed in political affairs, Proverbs 24:5, “A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.”

2. Men strengthened by their knowledge of God, Ecclesiastes 7:19, “Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.”

3. Men who knew what was proper to be done, Ephesians 5:17, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

III. MEN DETERMINED TO DO GOD’S WILL

A. These men were soldiers with a purpose, Psalm 144:1-2, “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: 2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.”

B. These were men with one aim, to make David king of Israel, Acts 2:46, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,”

C. They rejoiced at their decision to make David King of Israel, 1 Chronicles 12:40, “Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.”

CONCLUSION

David was made King of Israel and the nation prospered. David was a great king. The Lord said of David in Acts 13:22b, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”

Jesus is the rightful heir to David’s throne. Have we made Jesus our King or is He waiting still to be enthroned in our hearts. Are we men of wisdom and understanding of the times?

TO WHOM BELONGEST THOU?--I SAMUEL 30:13

TO WHOM BELONGEST THOU?

1 Samuel 30:13, “And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days agone I fell sick.”

Introduction:

This is a question that all men will answer before they die. The Lord knows the answer, John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” However, men must decide whom they wish to love and serve. Our nature is to sin and serve Satan, but the Grace of God has offered mankind salvation through faith in Christ.

I. THERE IS NO NEUTRALITY

A. You are either for the Lord or against Him, Luke 9:49-50, “And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.”

B. Chose today who you will serve, Joshua 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

1. No one can serve two masters, Luke 16:13, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

a. He will hate the one and serve the other, Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

b. He will love and obey the other, Romans 6:17-18, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

2. You must choose whom you will serve, 1 Kings 18:21, “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

a. To you was showed the truth, Deuteronomy 4:35, “Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.”

b. The people of Israel responded to the man of God, 1 Kings 18:39, “And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.”

II. WE BELONG UNDER THE BANNER OF PRINCE EMMANUEL

A. The Lord is God, Psalm 100:3, “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

B. Jesus is Lord, Acts 10:36, “The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)”

1. God has given Him power, John 17:2, “As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.”

a. He has ALL Power, Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

b. God the Father has seated at His right hand, Ephesians 1:20, “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,”

2. He has the power to save from sin, Matthew 9:6-8, “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.”

a. Mercy belongs to God, Daniel 9:9, “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;”

b. Grace is found in Him, Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

c. His banner of love is over us, Song of Solomon 2:4, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.”

III. OR WE BELONG UNDER THE BANNER OF PRINCE SATAN

A. Satan is the prince of this world, John 12:31, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”

1. He is “the prince of the power of the air,” Ephesians 2:2, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:”

2. He is “the god of this world,” 2 Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

a. His followers have been blinded, John 12:40, “He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.”

b. Their hearts have been hardened that they might not see, Ezekiel 12:2, “Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.”

THE SCARS OF SIN--JUDGES 16:18-21

THE SCARS OF SIN

JUDGES 16:18-21
Key verse: Judges 16:21, “But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.”

Introduction:

Everyone has heard the story of Samson and Delilah and it’s tragic end. The sad end of mighty Samson, who once had been so greatly energized and utilized by the Lord, is also an allegory and a grave warning to every Christian. "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: And sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:14-15).

I. SIN BLINDS THE INDIVIDUAL

A. Satan knows our individual weaknesses and tempts us accordingly, James 1:13-14, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.”

B. As believers we are commanded to grow in Christ.

1. Desire the milk of God’s Word, 1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

2. Go on to strong meat, Hebrews 5:12-14, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe, 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

C. As believers we are to add things to our faith, 2 Peter 1:5-7, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”

1. Virtue (moral excellence), 2 Peter 1:3, 5a, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;”

2. Knowledge, 2 Peter 3:18, ”But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

3. Temperance (curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled), Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

4. Patience, James 5:7, “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.”

5. Godliness, 1 Timothy 4:8, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”

6. Kindness, Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

7. Love, Ephesians 4:15, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

D. He that lacks these things is blind, 2 Peter 1:9, “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

II. SIN BINDS THE INDIVIDUAL

A. Unconfessed sin quickly enslaves its practitioners, Romans 6:12-13, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

B. You become servants of corruption, 2 Peter 2:19, “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”

III. SIN GRINDS IN THE LIFE OF THE INDIVIDUAL

A. A sinful life soon becomes a “grind”, tedious and tasteless, 2 Peter 2:22, “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”

B. Samson did return to God again before his death, but he was still blind, and bound, and grinding.

1. God forgives sin, 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

2. The effects of sin are not easily removed.

a. Israel wandered in the wildness 40 years and died because of their sin, Numbers 14:33, “And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.”

b. David’s sin with Bathsheba almost destroyed his family, Job 21:19, “God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it.”

C. How much better it is NOT to yield to sin, 1 Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”

CONCLUSION

Sin leaves terrible scars in our lives. Satan uses past sin in the life of a believer to bring discouragement and sorrow. Thank the Lord that God has already forgotten our confessed sin. It is under the blood of Jesus Christ. It is as far as the east is from the west from us in God’s sight.

But we still remember it, don’t we. Yet many continue to add scar upon scar to their rebellious life refusing to repent and confess their sin. They are great examples for their children and others who see their lives.

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH--NEHEMIAH 8:1-12

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH.

NEHEMIAH 8:1-12
Key verse: v. 10, “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Introduction:

A remnant of Israel had returned to Jerusalem to find the walls damaged and torn down in some places. Nehemiah was the governor and Ezra was the priest. Nehemiah’s responsibility to the Lord was to rebuild the wall of the city and to bring Israel back to the Lord.

Consider with me how the Lord worked among them. He can do the same among us today.

I. AND ALL THE PEOPLE GATHERED THEMSELVES TOGETHER, v. 1.

A. Israel had been in exile in Babylon for 70 years.

1. Israel had not followed the Lord for over 400 years.

2. God always gets His way even if he had to bring you and me into captivity to open our spiritual eyes.

B. Now Israel stood in Jerusalem once again.

1. Now they have an opportunity to serve God in a way that was pleasing to Him.

2. The Lord does not play second fiddle to anyone or anything else in your life.

II. AND EZRA THE PRIEST BROUGHT THE LAW BEFORE THE CONGREGATION, v. 1.

A. Everyone was present that could hear with understanding.

1. No one was absent or involved in other activities.

2. This was a meeting that each one considered vital to their well being as is all services in the Lord’s church today.

B. A pulpit of wood was made for the purpose of addressing the people, v. 2.

C. Ezra, the priest, opened the book in the sight [Heb. “eyes”] of the people, v. 5.

1. The priest was above the people so that he could be seen and heard.

2. When he opened the book of the Law “all the people stood up,” v. 5.

III. EZRA BLESSED THE LORD, THE GREAT GOD, v. 6.

A. The people responded by saying, “Amen, Amen.”

B. They bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD.

1. The people were humbled in the presence of the God of Heaven.

2. Their worship was from the heart.

IV. SO THEY READ IN THE BOOK IN THE LAW OF GOD, v. 8.

A. Ezra read the Law DISTINCTLY.

B. He gave the sense, that is, he gave the interpretation of the Law of God.

C. He caused them to understand the reading.

1. They explained in detail, v. 9a, “And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people,”

2. These were the men that God had called into special service for Him and they had been educated in the Word of God.

V. THIS DAY IS HOLY UNTO THE LORD YOUR GOD, vs. 9-10.

A. “Mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.”

B. This day is holy unto our Lord, v. 10.

1. “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet.”

2. “Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

VI. SO THE LIVITES STILLED ALL THE PEOPLE, vs. 11-12.

A. Hold your peace, for the day is holy, v. 11.

1. God help those who leave the Lord out of their lives today.

2. God help those who steal God’s time in their lives to play baseball or go fishing or whatever.

3. God’s day is a “holy day.”

B. God’s day is a DAY OF FELLOWSHIP with the Lord and His people.

1. For those who honor their Lord it is a day of “great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.”

2. For those who do not honor the Lord on His day, the Lord says about their idols, “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;” Exodus 20:5.

CONCLUSION

It behooves us to learn a lesson from the nation of Israel. They were a disobedient people and they paid the price for generations. Their children were not taught the Word of God as they were told to and the result was a nation of unbelievers that went to Hell.

THE BOOK, THE WORD OF GOD--NEHEMIAH 8:1-8

THE BOOK, THE WORD OF GOD

NEHEMIAH 8:1-8

Introduction:

Nehemiah wrote of their worship service, “And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.” (Nehemiah 9:3).

Without the Word of God there is no knowledge of God among the people of this world. The importance of the Bible continues to be paramount in society. Unfortunately many no longer consider it relevant to their lives and have little or no knowledge of it. However, that does not relieve man of his responsibility to “seek the Lord.” Consider the following thoughts.

I. THE BIBLE IS AN INFALLIBLE BOOK

A. God’s Word is Pure, Proverbs 30:5, “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”

1. God’s Word is Right Rejoicing the Heart, Psalm 19:8, “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

2. The Word of God is holy, just and good, Romans 7:12, “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.”

3. The wisdom of God’s Word is full of mercy and good fruits, James 3:17, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

B. The Word of God is Perfect, Psalm 18:30, “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

1. It is a tried stone and a sure foundation, Isaiah 28:16, “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”

2. It is the foundation that the Apostle Paul laid, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

II. THE BOOK OF GOD NEEDS TO BE EATEN

A. Jeremiah found and ate the Word of God, Jeremiah 15:16, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

1. The Word of God is sweet, Ezekiel 3:1-3, “Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. 2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it ; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.”

2. For those called by His name it is the joy and rejoicing of the heart, Jeremiah 15:16, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

3. Sometimes, however, the Word of God is a bitter dose of medicine, Revelation 10:9, “And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it , and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.”

B. It is rebellion not to partake of the Word of God, Ezekiel 2:8-10, “But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee. 9 And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; 10 And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.”

III. THE WORD OF GOD IS THE BASIS OF JUDGMENT

A. The books of judgment, Daniel 7:10, “A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”

1. The book of the covenant, Exodus 24:7, “And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.”

2. The Book of the Upright, Joshua 10:13-14, “And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.”

3. The book of life, Revelation 20:12, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”

a. The Book of rejoicing, Luke 10:20, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”

b. The Book of Citizenship, Philippians 3:20, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:” [we live or conduct ourselves as citizens of heaven].

c. The Book of Terror for those whose names are NOT written there, Revelation 20:15, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

CONCLUSION

The Book of God, the Word of God, the Bible is still the most important book in this world. It is still the basis on which man will be judged and the only guide to reach heaven. The old Negro spiritual says, “Ev’rybody talkin’ ‘bout Heav’n ain’t goin’ there.”