All posts for the month April, 2012

Proverbs 31:10-31

THE WOMAN

Proverbs 31:10-31

INTRODUCTION

Today is Mother’s Day. And as we read this passage a number of mother’s guts are tightening as they think to themselves, “I can’t be this superwoman.” Relax. Take a deep breath. Nowhere in this passage does it say every godly woman must be as perfect as this woman. This woman’s standing is not implied to be within reach of all. It presupposes unusual gifts and material resources. This passage shows the fullest flowering of the home. She is not a dud

There is also another side of the coin. Just because we cannot be perfect like this woman is not an excuse to be nothing.

The book of Proverbs begins by talking about unfaithful wives and prostitutes in its early chapters. It also discusses nagging wives and the negative affect they have on their respective husbands. Then Proverbs ends with this essay on the wife of noble, godly character.

THEME: IN ORDER TO BE ALL WE CAN BE:

I. WE MUST BE A TRUSTED PARTNER        vs. 11-22

     A. Her Unseen Contribution To Her Husband’s Good Name           vs. 23

          1. Husband’s trusted partner vs. 11

          2. The delight of her children and her husband        vs. 28, 29

          3. She has servants to manage        vs. 15c

          4. Sole responsibility in her domain which extends beyond the house to the management of her lands        vs. 16

               a. Deals in the market, where she is a shrewd seller      vs. 11, 18, 24

               b. Shrewd buyer   vs. 13, 14

               c. Money to invest            vs. 16

               d. She treats her advantages not as a means to self-indulgence but as a widening of her responsibilities vs. 26

          5. Tireless worker        vs. 15, 18, 18

          6. Helps the poor       vs. vs. 20

          7. She meets the changing fortunes of life head-on            vs. 21, 25b

               a. Thrifty but not stingy      vs. 22

               b. Owes nothing to chance because of

                    1) Her outlook   vs. 30

                   2) Her influence  vs. 26

          8. Has the solid foundation of the fear and wisdom of the Lord     vs. 30

     B. One Noteworthy Thing About This Woman

          1. Although she is married to an honourable man she runs the house and makes the important decisions of the house

          2. She is the real power behind the throne

NOTE: The great sadness of this culture – women are not taught to manage a household. (That is demeaning.) “Women must not be delegated to the house; women are to compete with men as equals in the marketplace!”

NOTE: The virtuous woman of Proverbs surpasses men in the marketplace from her power base of the home!

     C. Who Can Find A Virtuous Woman     vs. 10

          1. A virtuous woman

               a. Denotes strength, wealth, ability

               b. cf. mighty man of valour

NOTE: Only four men in the Bible are called mighty men of valour

          a. Gideon         Judges 6:2

          b. Jephthah      Judges 11:1

          c. Jereboam     I Kings 11:28

          d. Eliada           II Chronicles 17:17

          2. Seems to indicate that few woman approach the measure of this Biblical model of a woman

          3. As usual with rare things, the price is high: money can’t buy it

          4. There is no standard by which her value can be expressed; she exceeds them all

          5. Virtuous

               a. Ability

               b. Excellence

               c. Noble perfection

               d. Worth

               e. This verse underscores the scarcity or rarity of such women

NOTE: The rarity seems to be because of her power base, her house

     D. She Has The Right Relationship With Her Husband         vs. 11-12

          1. The woman is the compliment of the man

               a. A necessary part of his being

               b. Eve

                    1) Help-meet

                    2) Completer

          2. Trust is an essential ingredient in any marriage

               a. She inspires “full confidence” from her husband

               b. A good money manager

NOTE: When one of the noble Caesars divorced his wife, and was asked the reason for it, he said, that Caesar’s wife ought to be free not only of guilt but of suspicion

          3. He will have no need of spoil

               a. She knows what he needs

               b. She does good for his body and for his soul

               c. She makes sure he has it

          4. Dedicated to her husband

          5. All she says and does is meant to:

               a. Support him

               b. Build him up

               c. Encourage him

               d. Uphold him

NOTE: Life is difficult enough for a man who makes his way in this world without adding to that burden a wife who does not understand or support him or compliments him and his work.

     E. Her Work Is Her Life, Joy And Fulfillment    vs. 13-22

NOTE: To her, work is not requirement or oppression

NOTE: The actual catalog of her daily activities

          1. She works willing with her hands   vs. 13

               a. The detailed account of what fills the hours of her day and the days of her week

               b. Along with verse 21, 22, 34, she spends a good part of her time in buying raw material, spinning, weaving and sewing

               c. The practical virtues that operate day by day in the common affairs of life

          2. Shopping was a daily duty because refrigeration was unavailable      vs. 14

          3. She rises at dawn   vs. 15

              a. Makes breakfast

              b. Gives instructions to her servants

              c. A wealthy and honorable family with riches earned not by corruption but by hard work and shrewd investing

         4. She buys and sells land

              a. She re-invests in a vineyard

              b. Multiplies and compounds her assets

         5. She is no weakling who is backed into her role

              a. Energetic, enthusiastic participant in life

              b. Rust gathers on metal not used

         6. Long into the night she works on profit-making projects vs. 18-19

              a. The meticulous detail of the work

              b. No complaint on the part of the woman

                   1) Enjoys such work

                   2) Not a burden

         7. She is not so busy with her own household that she forgets the needs of others       vs. 20

              a. She is not wealthy because she is selfish or stingy

              b. Because God blesses her generosity

NOTE: The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Proverbs 11:25

          8. She prepares for hard times

               a. Scarlet also means “twice” or “double”

               b. Snow may be rare in Palestine yet even the rarest of emergencies do not throw her

T.S. IN ORDER TO BE ALL WE CAN BE:

          I. WE MUST BE A TRUSTED PARTNER

II. WE MUST HAVE THE RIGHT REPUTATION

     A. Her Skill, Industry And Wise Investments Pay Off vs. 22

          1. She pampers herself

          2. She is not condemned but commended as rewards for her hard work

     B. Her Husband Is Important Because Of Her Contribution  vs. 23

          1. Known at the gates

               a. (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) I Timothy 3:5

               b. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.      I Timothy 5:17

         2. He is a judge

          3. A respected member of the rulers of the city

NOTE: One day some women were bragging about their jewels. When the woman of a leader in Rome was asked about her jewels, she replied that her most prized jewel was her husband.

     C. She Does Anything She Can To Generate Income          vs. 24

     D. She Is A Woman Of Strength Of Character            vs. 25

          1. Rejoice in time to come

               a. Laugh at the days to come

               b. Not that she trusts only in her wealth and investments to meet future problems

          2. A self confidence born of right, godly living

     E. She Speaks Wisdom And Kindness           vs. 26

          1. Not all know how to open their mouth

               a. Some people talk and say nothing

               b. Some lock up their lips in a sullen silence

               c. When some speak it is a pleasure to hear them

          2. Her conversation is always wise and instructive

NOTE: The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Titus 2:3-5

     F. Her Goals         vs. 27

          1. She keeps a sharp eye on how here household is doing

          2. She has no time to be idle because there is always so much to do

T.S. IN ORDER TO BE ALL WE CAN BE:

          I. WE MUST BE A TRUSTED PARTNER          vs. 11-22

         II. WE MUST HAVE THE RIGHT REPUTATION         vs. 23-27

III. WE MUST HAVE THE RIGHT SOURCE OF STRENGTH       vs. 28-31

     A. The Highest Reward In This Life For A Woman     vs. 28

          1. Her children call her blessed

          2. Her husband praises her   vs. 29

               a. Many daughters grow up and are virtuously

               b. You are better than them all

     B. The Reason She Is Praised  vs. 30

          1. This verse is the capstone of this woman’s noble character

               a. She may be charming as well as beautiful

               b. Her real beauty rests in her total commitment to God

               c. True beauty is the beauty of the soul

               d. The greatest praise: her relationship to God

          2. What is not of value in this world   vs. 30

               a. Favour is deceitful

                    1) Lasts a short time

                    2) Used as a deception

               b. Beauty is vain

                   1) Beauty is skin deep

                   2) Beauty fades

NOTE: History is filled with stories of women who tried to live on in their youthful beauty long after that beauty was gone. While other women sought the permanent things of life, these women lived empty, vain lives that served no purpose and had no value.

NOTE: Many fruitful branches wave before us in the preceding verses

a. Here we see the tap-root of her fruitful life

b. The Biblical description of the qualifications of what constitutes a real woman, a lady

     C. Give Her The Reward She Has Earned     vs. 31

          1. Let her own works praise her in the gates

          2. Her public testimony

          3. What she does, not what others say about her, makes her the most noble woman of all

NOTE: The beauty of the inner glow of a godly woman cannot be copied by the world

CONCLUSION

IN ORDER TO BE ALL WE CAN BE:

I. WE MUST BE A TRUSTED PARTNER

II. WE MUST HAVE THE RIGHT REPUTATION

III. WE MUST HAVE THE RIGHT SOURCE OF STRENGTH

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by docteachrev on April 27, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Sermon

Posted by docteachrev on April 27, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/proverbs-3110-31/

Isaiah 1:18-20

WHAT GOD WANTS

Isaiah 1:18-20

INTRODUCTION

Ever since we have known the difference between right and wrong in our lives there have been some things that we have done that we knew were wrong. Everyone of us can look back and remember an experience or experiences that made us feel dirty. No amount of bathing or showering could make us really, deep down inside, feel clean as we were before.

Maybe we have longed for those days of innocence before we became dirty with thoughts, attitudes, words, actions and conditions that now seem like they cannot be undone. Maybe sometimes we have day dreamed about the “what – ifs” of our lives. “What if” we had never made that decision in our life? “What if” we had never made that turn or accepted or rejected that something?

There are several kinds of dirtiness. There is the dirtiness that others can know about. They can see we are dirty. They can smell we are dirty. They can feel we are dirty. Then there are the kinds of dirt we can try to hide from others, including our friends, our family, our mate.

Then there is that filthiness that no one knows about but us … and God. He can not be kept out of the facts of our life. He knows. He even knows more than we even know about ourselves. He knows truly how dirty we really are.

There is a beautiful song about Him, “What A Mighty God We Serve.” We can also change the words to “What A Wonderful God We Serve” or, “What A Concerned God We Serve” or, “What A Caring God We Serve.”

The Book of Isaiah is a large book. It is about a large God with a large capacity to forgive, cleanse and restore; to make us clean once again. As Isaiah begins his book he talks about the filthiness of Israel and how God has chosen to allow His people to be once again clean from their sin. But there is a problem. God will not force His people to be clean; they must choose to be clean.

THEME: WHAT DOES GOD WANT FROM US?

I. GOD WANTS US TO REASON WITH HIM vs. 18

     A. Our Approach To God

          1. In verses 1-17 God had been speaking to His people in wrath

               a. Their sin has put them under the judgment of God

               b. But now His love begins to show through

               c. God’s love does not desire our destruction

               d. His love desires our inward and outward salvation

          2. Come now

               a. ‘Come’ is used to show there is a benefit for the one addressed

                    1) Walk with Me

                    2) Follow My line of reasoning

                    3) Let me lead you away from your sins

                    4) It is now time to choose your manner of life

                         a) To live

                         b) To die

               b. This command cannot be evaded

                    1) It must be obeyed

                    2) It is not a meeting of equals

                    3) God is meeting with His sinful people

          3. Now

               a. Softens the ‘come’

               b. A loving invitation

               c. The tender manner in which God invites us the sinner

           4. Reason together

               a. A legal term

               b. Things are not right between us and God

               c. God is now calling us to a formal trial

               d. This term is used in trials to determine guilt and innocence

               e. Let us bring to light the truth of the case

               f. It is time to discover what is correct

               g. Let us each plead our case

               h. Let us come to a decision

               i. God is willing to pardon their horrible sins

           5. Three things are on God’s side

               a. Reason

               b. Justice

              c. Mercy

     B. Our Condition Before God

          1. What we will see is reasonable

               a. For us to obey the command of God

               b. For our sins to be made white

          2. The LORD speaks to us

               a. Not Elohim – God in His power

               b. Jehovah – God in his loving relationship with us

               c. Not merely Isaiah is speaking to us, God is also

          3. Scarlet sins

               a. Crimson

               b. Red

                    1) A color that came from the crushing of an insect to obtain the red die

                    2) This color comes because of a death

               c. Our sins be as scarlet

                    1) We are worthy of death

                    2) Jehovah wants to deal with us according to His free compassion

               d. Red is the clothing of Babylon

NOTE: And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Revelation 17:4-5

                 e. Red represents

                      1) The color of this life

                      2) The unjust shedding of blood

                      3) The color of sin

                      4) The red heat of sin that consumes a person

     C. Potential Before God

          1. White as snow

               a. Has no mixture of the colors of darkness

               b. White represents the pure, absolute triumph of light

          2. He has the power to turn our red sin to the very opposite

               a. Through His mercy our sin becomes the purest white

               b. Our deepest sins can become the purest white

          3. Snow

               a. Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? …          Job 38:22

               b. And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.        Exodus 4:6

NOTE: In this passage snow represents death to this life

               c. If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean  Job 9:30

               d. … wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.   Psalm 51:7

               e. He giveth snow like wool …           Psalm 147:16

NOTE: The ultimate white

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Revelation 19:7-9

T.S. WHAT DOES GOD WANT FROM US?

          I. GOD WANTS US TO REASON WITH HIM   vs. 18

II. GOD WANTS US TO BE WILLING  vs. 19

     A. The Key To Freedom From Our Sin – Willing

          1. Whosoever will

          2. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.     Revelation 22:17

          3. Sin makes people weak

               a. As a nation Israel was weak because of her many sins

               b. As a family sin makes us weak

               c.  As individuals sin makes us paralyzed

     B. The Result Of Our Freedom – Obedient

          1. The Hebrew meaning of ‘obey’ is to listen for the voice

NOTE: An original logo of RCA – A dog listening to an old Victrola record with the caption: Listening to his master’s voice cf. the child of God listening to the voice of God through the Bible.

          2. There is a condition on our part – If

               a. Forgiveness is not offered unconditionally

               b. Only then will God give us the good

     C. We Stand Between Blessing And Cursing

NOTE: Every Bible preaching and teaching church should really be called “The Crossroads”. Every Bible based sermon is a “crossroads” sermon.

          1. Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse           Deuteronomy 11:26

          2. And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.        Deuteronomy 28:2

          3. Blessings and cursings are contrasted over thirty times in the Bible

     D. The Two Things We Must Do Before God

          1. Be willing

               a. Accept

               b. Be content

               c. Consent to

               d. Desire

               e. Rest in

               f. Yield to

           2. Be obedient

               a. Agree

               b. Hear, listen with attention

               c. Understand

               d. Yield to

     E. The Fruit Willingness And Obedience

          1. We will eat the good

               a. Eat

                    1) Devour

                    2) Consume

               b. The good

                    1) Good thing

                    2) Goodness

                    3) Prosperity

          2. The good of the land

               a. The abundant life of the child of God

               b. The best the land can produce

               c. Picture of tranquility and peace

               d. The full and complete enjoyment of life

               e. Obedience produces material blessings

               f. Obedience produces spiritual blessings

T.S. WHAT DOES GOD WANT FROM US?

          I. GOD WANTS US TO REASON WITH HIM

         II. GOD WANTS US TO BE WILLING

III. GOD WANTS US TO NOT REFUSE          vs. 20

     A. The Doctrine Of A Free Will

          1. The persistence in a wicked way

          2. The fruit – the consuming punishment of the LORD

     B. The Doctrine Of Sowing And Reaping

           1. Sow repentance – reap blessings

           2. Sow rebellion – reap judgment

           3. The opposites

                a. Willing and obedient    vs. 19

                b. Refuse and rebel         vs. 20

     C. The Doctrine Of Refusing

           1. They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law Psalm 78:10

           2. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded  Proverbs 1:24

           3. O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? … they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.   Jeremiah 5:3

           4. But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.            Zechariah 7:11

     D. The Doctrine Of Rebelling

           1. Hebrew – marah

                a. Bitter

                b. Contentious

                c. Disobedient

           2. In English ‘rebellion’ is an unsuccessful attempt at revolution

                a. The implication is that rebels usually want to try again

                b. A rebellious nature is one that is constantly ready to renew the battle

     E. The Result Of Refusing And Rebelling – Devoured

          1. Devoured

               a. The same word in vs. 19 for ‘eat’

               b. The contrasting choices

                    1) The full enjoyment of domestic blessings; of settled peaceful rest at home

                    2) The curse of being eaten with the sword

NOTE: Sword

          a. Used in warfare

          b. Used to sever, separate

     F. The Importance Of The Message – From The Mouth of the LORD

          1. It is possible that written messages can be considered impersonal

          2. Spoken messages are personal

          3. Not the mouth of Isaiah

          4. Personally spoken word

          5. A commandment from Him

NOTE: Years ago a traveling salesman went to France and returned with some gifts for his wife. One of them was a matchbox that would glow in the dark. When they turned out the light, it would not glow. “I’ve been cheated!” declared the husband.

The wife saw some French words on the box and took it to a friend who could read French. It said, “If you want me to shine at night, keep me in the sunshine all day.”

Only when we are willing and obedient in His presence do we have a glow about us.

CONCLUSION

WHAT DOES GOD WANT FROM US?

I. GOD WANTS US TO REASON WITH HIM

II. GOD WANTS US TO BE WILLING        vs. 19

III. GOD WANTS US TO NOT REFUSE

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by docteachrev on April 26, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Old Testament Prophet, Sermon

Posted by docteachrev on April 26, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/isaiah-118-20/

Isaiah 6:1-13

THE VISIONS THE LORD GIVES US

Isaiah 6:1-13

INTRODUCTION

What is our future? Are we headed to a world depression? To chaos and anarchy? To good times or bad times?

The song writer put it best for the child of God, “I don’t know about tomorrow … but I know who holds tomorrow.”

The truth is, the future we face tomorrow we will make today. We can’t blame politicians, or bosses, or family or church. We have the ability at our disposal to make or break our future.

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The word perish that is used here does not mean to die but to loose, to ignore, to reject counsel, to become lawless, like sheep going astray.

If we do not have God’s vision of the past, the present and the future, we will perish. What does it mean here to perish? It means we will lose our direction in life. We will began to ignore God’s message to us as individuals. We will begin to reject the counsel of godly people who have God’s vision. We will become lawless, everyone doing that which is right in their own sight. Therefore, we will perish in our Christian life, it will be no more.

But we don’t have to perish. Like Isaiah we can have a fresh vision from God

THEME: BECAUSE WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD:

I. WE WILL GET A VISION OF THE LORD     6:1-4

     A. Though Others Die     vs. 1a

          1. King Uzziah

               a. Reigned 52 years

               b. “Power of Jehovah”

          2. A sad disappointment

               a. Died a leper for his sin of pride cf. so did Israel

               b. The national glory of Israel died with Uzziah and has never recovered to this day

NOTE: It is significant that shortly after Uzziah’s death Rome was founded, the power that would destroy Jerusalem and scatter the Jews

     B. I Saw Also The Lord  vs. 1b

          1. Isaiah at the end of Israel’s glory; John at the end of the New Testament

          2. The Lord

               a. Adonia; sovereign or absolute Lord

               b. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God           Matthew 5:8

NOTE: Isaiah did not see God because he was more spiritually attuned than others; he saw God because God chose to reveal Himself to him

          3. His train filled the Temple

               a. Train; hem or fringe of His robe

               b. His garment consists of light (Psalm 104: 1-2) and fills the Heavenly Temple, just as the cloud filled the earthly Temple

     C. Isaiah Saw The Heavenly Servants Of God

          1. The seraphim

                a. Only place in the Old Testament they are mentioned

                b. Guardians of God’s holiness

          2. Their function before God  2-3

                a. They fly (with two wings

                b. They cover their face before God

NOTE: Angels do not look upon His face

               c. They cover their feet

NOTE: The part of the body that touches the world

               d. Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory

NOTE: His glory is seen in His ministry to us

          3. Their environment   vs. 4

               a. The Temple vibrates with their testimony cf. our testimony reverberates through out our city

               b. House filled with smoke

                    1) Sacrifices before God

                    2) Prayers of God’s people as incense

                    3) The presence of God

T.S. BECAUSE WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD:

          I. WE WILL GET A VISION OF THE LORD

II. WE WILL GET A VISION OF SELF  6:5-7

     A. Woe Is Me!     vs. 5a

          1. A vision of God gives us a true vision of self

NOTE: The closer we get to God, the clearer we see ourselves

          2. Unclean lips vs. 5b

               a. The seraphim can praise God but Isaiah was filthy

               b. Praise is a privilege only for those whose guilt has been removed

          3. I dwell in the midst  vs. 5c

              a. Not blaming others for his condition

              b. Acknowledging sin is all around him

         4. Mine eyes have seen the Lord of hosts  vs. 5d

             a. To see God was to suffer death Exodus 33:20

             b. His vision of God reduced him to be just like everyone else in his nation

NOTE: Bumper sticker: Christians are not perfect, just forgiven

     B. Our Iniquity And Sin Is Removed    vs. 7

          1. Beginning with our lips

NOTE: The external manifestations of what we really are

          2. Not salvation of our souls but salvation of our life for service

          3. Our iniquity and sin is no longer a hindrance to service

T.S. BECAUSE WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD:

          I. WE WILL GET A VISION OF THE LORD

         II. WE WILL GET A VISION OF SELF

III. WE WILL GET A VISION OF THE NEED   6:8-13

     A. By Responding To The Word Of God                   vs. 8

          1. Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?

               a. Not addressed to the angels

               b. Only those who have been unclean can go

NOTE: Once forgiven and guilt removed we possess a new freedom and insight that make us fit for service

          2. Here am I; send me

               a. He did not look for someone else to go

               b. He immediately responded

     B. Go Tell This People   vs. 9-10

           1. This people

                a. Not, My people

                b. Sin drives people away from God

            2. Heart, ears, eyes

                a. Heart – understanding

                b. Ears – comprehending

                c. Eyes – visualizing

            3. Lest they see, hear, understand, convert, be healed

     C. We Are To Witness Until Destruction Comes Upon Them          vs. 11-12

          1. Destruction in their cities

          2. Destruction in their houses

          3. Destruction in their land (jobs)

          4. Until the Lord removes them from all their possessions            vs. 12

NOTE: Many people will not allow God to work in their lives until all else fails

     D. We are to witness until some come to God            vs. 13

          1. A tenth; a small portion will return to God

          2. They will be purified

NOTE: Teil (oak) tree

Tree in the middle of a field, catches on fire; cut down, stump left; new tree grows out of the stump

CONCLUSION

BECAUSE WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD:

I. WE WILL GET A VISION OF THE LORD

II. WE WILL GET A VISION OF SELF

 

III. WE WILL GET A VISION OF THE NEED


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by docteachrev on April 25, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Old Testament Prophet, Sermon

Posted by docteachrev on April 25, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/isaiah-61-13/

Isaiah 8:19-21

HOW TO FACE CRISIS TODAY

Isaiah 8:19-21

INTRODUCTION

     A. Crises We Face

          1. Governmental intervention

          2. Inflation and depression

          3. Apathy among Christians

4. And the list goes on

NOTE: Noel Smith – Money can affect a lot of theology; in churches, families, individuals

     B. Groups That Do Nothing Have No Problems

          1. They aim at nothing and hit it every time

          2. They have no friction because they have no movement

NOTE: We have friction because we are doing something

     C. Personal – Job Security, Inflation

I. TO WHOM ARE WE TO LISTEN?

     A. The Speakers Of This World            8:19

          1. Familiar spirits

               a. Fallen angels, demons

               b. Astrology, Edgar Cayce, Nostradamus, Aztec calendar

NOTE: Americans spend millions annually on such superstitions

              c. Don’t have regard for them        Leviticus 19:31

          2. Wizards that peep and mutter

              a. They are male witches, magicians

              b. They defile their followers          Leviticus 20:6

NOTE: For Christians, familiar spirits and wizards are elements of spiritual whoredom

     B. Speakers For Christians

NOTE: Should the living look to the dead for pointers on how to live?  Isaiah 8:19

          1. Christian wizards

               a. Constantly crying wolf

NOTE: Russian story of boy who cried wolf

               b. Find nothing but gloom in the future

               c.  Still commies under every third rock

               d. International Jewish conspiracy; Illuminate

NOTE: If they exist they are a tool of Satan

               e. Problems with Islam and terrorism

               f. Prepare for the crash

NOTE: In the sixties a man filled his garage with wheat. Others sold houses, bought trailers and moved out of the city to the country

               g. Our government            Romans 13:1-4

          2. God

               a. Blessed are ye  Matthew 5:11-12; II Timothy 3:12

                    1) Persecution of freedoms; Christians shall suffer persecution

                    2) Persecution of finances

               b. All things work together for good         Romans 8:28

                   1) All victories

                   2) All problems

               c. No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly           Psalm 84:11

II. IN WHOM DO WE REST?       18:21

     A. Every One Will Get Weary (Bestead) And Hungry

          1. The World

               a. Frets and worries

               b. Blames and curses the government

               c. Blames and curses God

          2. The Christian

               a. Realizes this is God’s Will

               b. Blames Satan

              c. Praises God

     B. We Are Going To Get Tired In This Work

          1. Sinful attitudes will tire us out

               a. Covetous because others can afford things we can’t

               b. Mad because things aren’t going our way

NOTE: I John 1:9

          2. Doing things in our own strength will tire us out

               a. Forgetting to die to self

               b. Forgetting to let Christ live through us Galatians 2 :20

     C. We Must Remember To Go To The Right Resting Place

          1. Negative

               a. The lake – The Gulf

               b. The mountains

               c. Not a vacation from God, but with God

NOTE: Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.         Psalm 90:1

          2. Jesus is our rest      Matthew 11:28-30

NOTE: Way to find rest

          a. Take my yoke upon you (means we will have to put down ours)

          b. Learn of me

          c. Ye shall find rest unto your soul (not just body)

NOTE: Jesus said to come apart to rest. If we don’t then we will just come apart.       Vance Havner

III. TO WHOM DO WE LOOK?   8:22

     A. Directions To Look

          1. The World Looks At The World

               a. They see trouble

               b. They see darkness

               c. They see anguish

               d. They will be driven to darkness

NOTE: Driven- denotes weakness – forced, cornered – into that darkness. Men love darkness because their deeds are evil.

          2. The Christian looks to heaven

               a. We then can’t see the world

          b. We then sees light which comes from heaven

     B. The Results Of Looking

          1. The world trusts in:

               a. Big brother

               b. Social Security

               c. Welfare

          2. The Christian Trusts in:

               a. Some trust in chariots, & some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God Psalm 20:7

               b. I will trust in the covering of thy wings  Psalm 61:4

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by docteachrev on April 24, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Old Testament Prophet, Sermon

Posted by docteachrev on April 24, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/isaiah-819-21/

Isaiah 9:1-7

AFTER THE PROBLEMS

Isaiah 9:1-7

INTRODUCTION

Shakespeare penned the words, “Bubble, Bubble, toil and trouble.” We all have experienced toil and trouble, the toil of trouble and the trouble of toil  No season of the year is exempted. Not even Christmas. The only real difference is the depth of intensity of trouble that some people experience.

In Isaiah 7:14 the virgin (Mary) gives birth to Immanuel (Jesus). Since He has come to earth, everything should be great. Right? Wrong. In chapter 8 we have reference to one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history. Like Israel we move through dark periods and must find direction on

After the Light of the World is born, then comes the darkness of sin. In our text in chapter 9 the righteous are delivered from the great darkness of sin. But we are still susceptible to sin.

THEME: WHEN PROBLEMS COME, WHAT FUTURE DO WE HAVE?

I. WE HAVE THE FUTURE OF LIGHT IN EVERY DARK PERIOD OF LIFE       9:1-2

     A. Nevertheless

          1. Refers back to 8:19-22

          2. God will provide the light if a person or nation repents and receives it

     B. The Dimness Shall Not Be Such As Was In Her Vexation

          1. Dimness

               a. Opposite of heat or of light

               b. An Arabic form – to be naked

          2. Her vexation – refers to Egypt

          3. Afterward did more grievously afflict her

               a. Of the nations – Assyria

               b. The scorched earth policy of northern Galilee

NOTE: Before salvation, God lightly afflicts us toward salvation. After salvation, God grievously afflicts us: cf., To whom much is given, much is required

     C. To The Repentant God Gives The Light

          1. The people walked in darkness

               a. Walk – refers to their daily living

               b. Darkness

NOTE: Hebrew – Deep shadow

          a. Poetical for intense darkness

          b. Refers to:

               1) Ignorance

               2) Distress

               3) Misery

               4) Sin

NOTE: This is the area where Jesus grew  up and began His ministry    Matthew 4:12-16 cf. John 2:11

               c. They dwell in the land of the shadow of death

                    1) The wicked saw darkness, cursed God and died

NOTE: Darkness can refer to the scorched earth and to sin

                   2) The shadow of death            cf. Psalm 23:4

          2. The Light

               a. They have seen a great light

NOTE: The power of this darkness

          a. It penetrates the clouds of darkness

          b. Darkness cannot stop it      John 1:5

               b. The light hath shined on them

NOTE: Two types of redemption

          a. Spiritual redemption

          b. Material redemption

T.S. WHEN PROBLEMS COME, WHAT FUTURE DO WE HAVE?

          I. WE HAVE THE FUTURE OF LIGHT IN EVERY DARK PERIOD OF LIFE

II. WE HAVE THE FUTURE OF JOY AFTER EVERY SIN PERIOD OF LIFE     9:3-5

     A. There Is No Joy In Just Many           vs. 5

NOTE: After the Assyrian Captivity they were sparsely settled and depopulated

          a. When Messiah comes, populous and thriving

          b. In Jesus’ time Josephus reported Galilee was dotted with numerous prosperous villages

          1. God multiplied the nation’s population

          2. The size did not increase the joy (because of Roman occupation)

NOTE: JOY

          a. A rare joy

          b. A holy joy

          c. The Hebrew word refers to the joy experienced at meals connected with the sacrifices and tithes

     B. There Is Joy In God’s Presence       vs. 3

NOTE: What makes joy deep is that it sets in after the pain and grief of war have been resolved into victory and peace

          1. Like joy in harvest

          2. Like when men divide the spoil

NOTE: Isaiah now turns the idea of good things that are to be received to the idea of evil things that are to be removed

     C. There Is Joy In God’s Victories        vs. 4

NOTE: As in the day of Midian (Gideon)     Judges 7:2,9

          1. In the broken yoke

               a. Refers to heavy toil

               b. Heavy burden of sin and corruption

               c. The yoke of Christ         Matthew 11:28-30

          2. In the staff of His shoulder

                a. The chafing of the shoulder

                b. God’s staff is a comfort            Psalm 23:4

          3. In the rod of the oppressor

                a. The beast of burden beaten on the shoulder or neck

                b. Scepter of the imperial tyrant

                c. Emblem of tyranny

     D. There Is Joy In Destroying Battle Gear       vs. 5

          1. The sound of battle – confused noise

          2. The sound of peace – burning and fuel for the fire

NOTE: Burning – Hebrew

          a. Not merely kindled and burned out

          b. Rather, entirely burned away; consumed with not a trace left

          3. The material for burning

NOTE:  Samples of things to be consigned to the fires when men clean up after wars are no more

                a. “Confused noise” reference to trampling boots

                b. Garments rolled in blood

NOTE: Blood stained military robes

T.S. WHEN PROBLEMS COME, WHAT FUTURE DO WE HAVE?

          I. WE HAVE THE FUTURE OF LIGHT IN EVERY DARK PERIOD OF LIFE

         II. WE HAVE THE FUTURE OF JOY AFTER EVERY SIN PERIOD OF LIFE

III. WE HAVE THE FUTURE OF HIS LEADERSHIP IN EVERY RIGHTEOUS PERIOD OF LIFE    9:6-7

NOTE: The ground of triumph – deliverance

          a. The ground of deliverance – annihilation of the enemy

          b. The ground of all joys – freedom, all peace in the new great King

     A. The Light (vs. 2), The Joy (vs. 3) And The Burning Of Weapons (vs. 5) Will Be Because Of One To Be Born     vs. 6

NOTE: “For”

          1. He will in some significant way appear on the scene as a child

NOTE: Not a man

               a. He will be “born”

               b. He will be “given”

NOTE: There will be great rejoicing among God’s people because:

          a. The burden of sin is broken           vs. 4

          b. The weapons of war burned         vs. 5

          c. The child is born      vs. 6

     B. The Government Shall Be Upon His Shoulder      vs. 6

          1. It rests on Him

          2. It depends on Him

          3. “Upon His shoulder” may refer to the golden chain that hangs around the neck and on the shoulder as a symbol of governmental authority

     C. His Name Shall Be Called    vs. 6

NOTE: “Name” is singular, not plural

NOTE: Characteristics that describe the Son – He actually is the kind of person the name says He is

          1. Wonderful Counsellor

               a. Wonderful – literally, He is a wonder

               b. Counsellor

                    1) The greatest work ever attempted will be done by Him

                    2) Without being counseled, He counsels those who are without counsel

          2. The Mighty God

               a. The God of strength

               b. Shows the Deity of Christ

          3. The Everlasting Father

               a. Not referring to God, the Father

               b. Refers to the loving paternal concern He has to those committed to His charge   Psalm 103:13

          4. The Prince of Peace

NOTE: Literally – The Peace – Prince

                a. He removes all peace disturbing powers

                b. His methods of ruling are peaceful

                c. The goal and fruit of His Kingdom is peace

     D. There Shall Be No End          vs. 7

          1. To the increase of His government

               a. Always increasing the kingdoms by peaceful, spiritual weapons

               b. Light vs. darkness (god of this world) John 1

          2. To peace

               a. Peace and government are mentioned together

               b. Most governments find their increase through war

     E. The Establishment Of His Kingdom On The Throne Of David

          1. To order it and establish it

NOTE: To order – set it up

          2. Even for ever

               a. With judgment – refers to the official pronouncements that He makes in connection with His work

               b. With justice

                    1) Righteousness

                    2) That quality that governs all that He personally does

NOTE: Tyrants and dictators secure their thrones through oppression and tyranny

     F. The Zeal Of The Lord Of Hosts Will Perform This

         1. Zeal – jealously

         2. The Lord with burning zeal (jealously) for this whole undertaking stands continually behind His Chosen One

CONCLUSION

WHEN PROBLEMS COME, WHAT FUTURE DO WE HAVE?

I. WE HAVE THE FUTURE OF LIGHT IN EVERY DARK PERIOD OF LIFE

II. WE HAVE THE FUTURE OF JOY AFTER EVERY SIN PERIOD OF LIFE

III. WE HAVE THE FUTURE OF HIS LEADERSHIP IN EVERY RIGHTEOUS PERIOD OF LIFE

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by docteachrev on April 16, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Old Testament Prophet, Sermon

Posted by docteachrev on April 16, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/isaiah-91-7/

Isaiah 11:1-9

THE CHRIST-LIKE LIFE

Isaiah 11:1-9

INTRODUCTION

We all want to live successful lives. When life is over and this body is lowered into the grave we want others to remember us as faithful Christians in our respective callings in life.

If we’re in the medical profession it is only natural that we want to work with the best people in that field. Those in the legal profession would often like to represent rich and famous people. Engineers want to design next year’s sleekest sports car. Business owners want to compete with the big guys.

The Bible is full of successful lives. It is filled with the lives of those excelled. But it records one life that towers above all other lives. It is the life of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There has never been and there will never be a life like His. There have been great doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs. Among those in the Lord’s work there have been great prophets, preachers, men and women of God. But now we are talking about the One Whose Name is above all names. He is an expert in everything. Anyone who could even begin to understand the greatness of the life He lived would want to be Christ-like.

THEME: WHAT MAKES US CHRIST-LIKE?

I. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE IN HIS ORIGIN            Isaiah 11:1

NOTE: The word for “rod” is “twig”; the word for “stem” is “stump”

     A. One Who Shares Christ’s Origin Is Of A Common Origin            Luke 3:38

          1. Descendant of Adam; Like us He had limitations

          2. The achievements of his family appear insignificant

               a. Joseph was a carpenter

               b. At best, Christ was born into a middle class family

NOTE: Heaven’s social ladder is not earth’s social ladder

NOTE: There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.               Proverbs 13:7

     B. One Who Shares Christ’s Common Origin Must Not Use It As An Excuse For A Common Life

          1. God can make a nobody into a somebody

NOTE: Gideon

          2. It is necessary for human glorying to be brought low for God to take over     II Corinthians 12:10

T.S. WHAT MAKES US CHRIST-LIKE?

          I. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE IN HIS ORIGIN

II. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE OF HIS POWER         Isaiah 11:2

NOTE: Six Tools Given By The Holy Spirit

          1. Wisdom:      The ability to put to use insight from knowledge

          2. Understanding:      The ability to choose the best course in solving a problem

          3. Counsel:      The ability to develop a plan of approach in dealing with a hard situation

          4. Might:          Heroic action; Executing a plan successfully

          5. Knowledge:            The knowledge of God

          6. Fear of the Lord:    Reverence and humility before God

     A. One Who Is A Partaker Of Christ’s Power Has Received The Holy Spirit         Isaiah 11:2

          1. The Holy Spirit’s power is only obtained from God

NOTE: cf. The world’s sources of power

          2. The Holy Spirit’s power is not given apart from salvation

     B. One Who Is A Partaker Of Christ’s Power Must Be Filled With The Holy Spirit            Acts 2:4 cf. 4:31

NOTE: This is not a once for all act cf. gas tank

          1. There is a difference in “having the Spirit” and “being filled with the Spirit”

NOTE: We can have the Spirit (salvation), yet produce no spiritual fruit because of sin

          2. In order to be filled with the Spirit we must :

               a. Yield to the Spirit of God

          b. Grieve not the Spirit

NOTE: And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.         Ephesians 4:30

T.S. WHAT MAKES US CHRIST-LIKE?

          I. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE IN HIS ORIGIN

         II. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE OF HIS POWER

III. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE ARE AROUND OTHERS Isaiah 1:3

NOTE: Our character shows by what we would do when no one else is around; our Christianity shows when we are around others

     A. One Who Had Christ’s Character Fears God         Isaiah 11:3

          1. It is a fear that comes from knowing Who God is

NOTE: Knowing God is:

          a. All-knowing

          b. All-powerful

          c. Everywhere present

          d. Eternal

          2. It is a fear that governs our life       Proverbs 16:6

NOTE: By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.           Proverbs 16:6

     B. One Who Has Christ’s Character Is Faithful In Service To God    Isaiah 11:5

          1. We serve according to the will of God

NOTE: Saul; And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?       I Samuel 15:17

          2. Righteousness is an inseparable quality in His serve

NOTE:     Today’s rulers do righteous, at best, most of the time

T.S. WHAT MAKES US CHRIST-LIKE?

          I. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE IN HIS ORIGIN

         II. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE OF HIS POWER

        III. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE ARE AROUND OTHERS

IV. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE IN HIS MINISTRY    Isaiah 11:6-9

     A. One Who Is A Partaker Of Christ’s Ministry Spreads The Word Of God           Matthew 4:4

          1. We must have a vision for distributing the Word of God

          2. We will not be satisfied until the whole earth is full of the knowledge of the Lord

          a. We have a responsibility

          b. We must reach more people than we have

     B. One Who Is A Partaker Of Christ’s Ministry Will Produce Spiritual Fruit

NOTE: And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.   James 3:18

          1. Our ministry, His ministry, will bring peace

               a. Not peace on earth

               b. Peace with God

NOTE: For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

Colossians 1:19-21

          2. We all will be able to see the fruit of ministry

               a. The fruit of Christ’s ministry

               b. The fruit of this church’s ministry

               c. The fruit of each one of us

CONCLUSION

WHAT MAKES US CHRIST-LIKE?

I. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE IN HIS ORIGIN

II. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE OF HIS POWER

III. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE ARE AROUND OTHERS

IV. WE ARE CHRIST-LIKE WHEN WE PARTAKE IN HIS MINISTRY

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by docteachrev on April 13, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Old Testament Prophet, Sermon

Posted by docteachrev on April 13, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/isaiah-111-9/

Isaiah 12:1-6

WHEN WE HAVE GOD’S COMFORT

Isaiah 12:1-6

INTRODUCTION

None of us likes pain and discomfort. Yet Paul said this whole creation of which we are a part “groaneth and travaileth in pain” (Romans 8:22). We live in a world filled with all sort of pains: physical, emotional, spiritual, social, etc. John tells us that there is coming a time for the Child of God that there will be no more pain (Revelation 21: 4),

But in the meantime,

To each his sufferings, all are men.

Condemn’d alike to groan;

The tender for another’s pain

Th’ unfeeling for his own.

Thomas Gray

To paraphrase what some one has said, God does not take us out of the storms of pain; He goes with us through the pain.

Isaiah knew what it was to go through storms and pain in his life. The nation was in trouble because of rampant sin. Isaiah was trying to stand for God and that was causing discomfort and pain in his life. What he was going through, every person who desires to stand with God goes through.

A song from the 60’s says, I Never Promised You A Rose Garden. That applies to the Christian life. It seems for every fragrant rose of our life there are thirty thorns accompanying it.

In spite of the pain of his life, Isaiah was willing to endure because He knew God would win in the end. Then, It Will Be Worth It Al I When We See Jesus.

He had reason to rejoice when there was no comfort because of Who God was to him.  And the same applies to us today. No matter the pain or discomfort in our life we should be brimming over because of our thankfulness for God going through the pain with us.

If a parent can hurt for a hurting child, we can only begin to imagine how God hurts for and with us.

THEME: WHEN WE HAVE GOD’SCOMFORT:

I. WE WILL PRAISE HIM 12:1

     A. In That Day

          1. The day when we realize victory through Him in spite of our pains

          2. When God’s anger is turned away from us

               a. He forgives us of our sins

               b. He gives blessings to compensate for our pain

          3. When things are right between us and God

     B. I Will Praise Thee

          1. Israel sang when God delivered them out of Egypt

NOTE: The Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation         Exodus 15:2

          2. A church should praise God because He has delivered us out of our Egypt

NOTE: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ           Romans 15:6

          3. We praise God because He is worthy of praise

     C. Thine Anger Is Turned Away

          1. God’s anger was turned from us to Christ on the cross

          2. Our comfort is because of what Jesus did on the cross

     D. Thou Comfortedst Me

          1. He comforts the afflicted    Isaiah 61:1

          2. The Comforter has come  John 16:7

T.S. WHEN WE HAVE GOD’S COMFORT:

          I. WE WILL PRAISE HIM   12:1

II. WE WILL TRUST HIM  12:2-3

     A. Because God Is Our Salvation         vs. 2

          1. God chose life and salvation for us

          2. In salvation we are delivered from the pollution of our sins

     B. I will trust and not be afraid

          1. Each new experience with God calls for a proper reaction

               a. Trust

               b. Faith

               c. No Fear

          2. Each experience that God allows into our lives is an outworking of our salvation

NOTE: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.    Philippians 2:12

     B. I Will Trust

          1. Confidence in

          2. Feel safe

          3. The rug won’t be pulled out from under us

          4. A constant expectation, not a constant anxiety

          5. We can truly relax when we know Who is in control

NOTE: Young person learning to drive

     C. Not Be Afraid

          1. Startled

          2. To be timid

          3. The aftermath of trembling

     D. For the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength, my song, my salvation        vs. 2

NOTE: Things some try to get their strength from:

          a. Drink

          b. Drugs

          c. “Religion”

          d. Psychology

          1. Everyone Must have strength to live

          2. When we are saved, God puts a new song in our heart

          3. He becomes our salvation

     D. Because He Gives Us Water Out Of The Wells Of Salvation     vs. 3

          1. In the burning desert of Sinai, Israel murmured for water; Moses smote the rock; here is grace

          2. If Sinai is a desert, how much more dreary is the desert of life!

               a. There are wells in every desert

               b. These wells are salvation to the weary traveler

NOTE: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst … a well of water springing up into everlasting life      John 4:14

          3. As the water in the wilderness is provided by the goodness of God, so the water in the well is of salvation is a gift of His goodness

                a. We are so used to faucets we take the water for granted cf.  God’s salvation and blessings

                b. How refreshing and reviving water is to the thirsty

T.S. WHEN WE HAVE GOD’S COMFORT:

          I. WE WILL PRAISE HIM   12:1

         II. WE WILL TRUST HIM     12:2-3

Ill. WE WILL TESTIFY OF HIM   12:4-6

     A. In That Day Shall Ye Say      vs. 4

          1. The result of drawing water

          2. Four verbs in this verse

              a. Praise

              b. Call

              c. Declare

             d. Mention

NOTE: The witnessing of the child of God

          3. When a travelers learn where the well is, he/she wants to tell other weary travelers

     B. What We Are To Say           vs. 4

          1. Praise the lord

               a. Because God’s favors have been rich, He deserves rich praise

               b. We thank someone in proportion to the value of the gift

          2. Call upon His name

               a. The salvation of Israel was the beginning of the salvation of the Gentiles

               b. Our salvation is the beginning of the salvation of others around us

          3. Declare His doings among the people

          4. Make mention that His name is exalted

     C. God Has Done Excellent Things      vs. 5-6

          1. We should sing

          2. We should tell all the earth Matthew 28:19

          3. We should cry out and shout His testimony

          4. Because He is great and He is in the midst of us

CONCLUSION

WHEN WE HAVE GOD’S COMFORT:

I. WE WILL PRAISE HIM

II. WE WILL TRUST HIM

Ill. WE WILL TESTIFY OF HIM

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by docteachrev on April 12, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Old Testament Prophet, Sermon

Posted by docteachrev on April 12, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/isaiah-121-6/

Isaiah 42:1-4

GOD’S MERCY

Isaiah 42:1-4

INTRODUCTION

We live in a generation that possibly endures more pressure than any other generation in American history. Some live daily under unimaginable pressures both in their homes and on their jobs.

Probably a good part of the pressure that we endure is because of a low threshold of caring that people don’t have for others. New York City is an example of this. NYC is noted for its bluntness. They don’t say “good by” or “have a good day” when they hang up. When they are through with their conversation, they hang up!

And this modern ‘devil – may – care” attitude is prevalent even among many young people today.

A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.            Isaiah 42:3

THEME: WHEN CHRIST WORKS THROUGH US:

I. HE WILL NOT DESTROY US

NOTE:  A bruised reed shall he not break     Isaiah 42:3

     A. The Hebrew Children Would Often Go Down By The Riverside To Play

          1. There was where the reeds grew

               a. One of the things these reeds were useful for was that they made good flutes

               b. The children would cut them down, hollow them out and make flutes out of them

          2. The riverbank would be full of these reeds, and many of them were less than perfect

              a. If they came across one that was cracked or bruised, they would break it in half and toss it away

              b. After all, they needed reeds of a certain quality in order to make a flute that would play well

             c. Cracked or bruised reeds were worthless

     B. Bruised Reeds Can Easily Be Seen As Symbols Of People

          1. The word “bruised” is used by him and other writers to refer to oppression

          2. It is also used to refer to discouragement in someone’s life

          3. We have all been bruised reeds from time to time

          4. We all have experienced times when we were oppressed and discouraged, bruised and almost broken

     C. Why Won’t He Break The Bruised Reeds?

          1. The children would break them

               a. Toss them away

               b. There were thousands more along the river

          2. One broken one wasn’t important

               a. Besides they weren’t good for anything anyway

               b. In any case there were plenty more available

     D. Why Wouldn’t Christ Do The Same Thing With “Bruised Reed” People?

T.S. WHEN CHRIST WORKS THROUGH US:

          I. HE WILL NOT DESTROY US

II. HE WILL NOT COOL OFF OUR ZEAL

NOTE:  The smoking flax shall He not quench Isaiah 42:3

     A. The Hebrew Homes Didn’t Have Electric Lights

          1. They had to light their homes with oil lamps

          2. As long as the wick would stay moist with the oil, it would burn

          3. When the oil would burn out, the wick would smolder and burn and give off smoke

          4. The thing to do was to extinguish it and toss it away

          5. There was plenty of flax where the first wick came from

     B. He Will Not Extinguish Such A Dimly Burning Wick

          1. These wicks can be compared to people

          2. They represent people who are exhausted, or “burnt-out” in their lives

          3. We have all “burnt dimly” from time to time, and have met others who do the same

T.S. WHEN CHRIST WORKS THROUGH US:

          I. HE WILL NOT DESTROY US

         II. HE WILL NOT COOL OFF OUR ZEAL

III. HE WILL BRING FORTH JUDGMENT UNTO TRUTH

     A. God Says That He Will Not Break The Bruised Reed Or Extinguish The Dimly Burning Wick

          1. He puts this in negative terminology because that is precisely what we would not expect Him to do

          2. This passage is talking about these illustrations in terms of people

               a. These people are classified by society

                    1) The down-trodden

                    2) The failures

                    3) The outcasts

                    4) The problem people

                b. They are the embarrassing people who don’t have their lives together

                c. They are the people who do not live up to other’s expectations

                d. They are the kind of people we feel threatened by and don’t want to be around

                e. Some are quick to dispense with these people, but Jesus is not

     B. The Bruised Testimony: The Woman Found In Adultery  John 8:3-11

          1. She was a bruised reed, a dimly burning wick

          2. When Jesus encountered her, she was about to be stoned by the men who were quick to judge

          3. They wanted to kill this bruised reed and get it out of the way

          4. But Jesus didn’t; He restored it

          5. Jesus, while not condoning her sin, restored her while challenging those who would kill her to look at their own lives

NOTE: A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Matthew 12:20-21

NOTE: Matthew himself was, in a sense, a bruised reed. (Only time Isaiah 40:3 is quoted in the New Testament)

     C. The Bruised Ministry; A Sabbath Day Miracle       Matthew 12:8-13

           1. The controversy was whether Jesus was going to heal the man on the Sabbath

           2. People didn’t care about his need, only about whether Jesus would break their law

          3. If He healed on the Sabbath, it would constitute work, which was not allowed

          4. He healed the man anyway

          5. Judgmental religion would let the man suffer in the name of God; Jesus would not

NOTE: Unfortunately, some hypocritical people with the Pharisee spirit, like to have a few bruised reeds around, because they can point to them and say, “I’m better than they are.”

          6. Rules and regulation religion would break the bruised reed and condemn it for not being whole

          7. Jesus would heal the bruised reed and restore its usefulness.

     D. When We Are Those Bruised Reeds, We Need To Understand That God Hasn’t Given Up On Us

          1. He is the reed-repairer and the flax-restorer

          2. He is the One who can take a bruised reed and work with it until it plays beautiful music

          3. He can take that smoldering, smelly wick that is disturbing to others and make it burn brightly again

          4. It is in our very weakest places that He makes us the strongest

CONCLUSION

WHEN CHRIST WORKS THROUGH US:

I. HE WILL NOT DESTROY US

II. HE WILL NOT COOL OFF OUR ZEAL

III. HE WILL BRING FORTH JUDGMENT UNTO TRUTH

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by docteachrev on April 11, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Old Testament Prophet, Sermon

Posted by docteachrev on April 11, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/isaiah-421-4/

Isaiah 54:6-10

WHEN NO ONE WANTS US

Isaiah 54:6-10

INTRODUCTION

Max Lacado, in his book, Just Like Jesus, talks about using every moment of every day talking with God. Christians throw up their hands and say, “No way! I have to work too hard and think harder.” But Lacado has an answer. By the time our life is over, we will have spent six months at stoplights, eight months opening junk mail, a year and a half looking for lost stuff and five years standing in various lines. Instead of “whistle while you work,” why can we not commune with God at this times. Just because our car is in neutral, it does not mean our brain has to be in neutral. Just because the brain of everyone else in line is in neutral, it does not mean our brain has to be in neutral. We can let our kitchen become a cathedral or the classroom a chapel.

There are things in life that we do and time passes so fast (like hearing the pastor’s sermon). Then there are other things that seem to take forever. These are legion.

Waiting for our wife to shop in just one more store

Sitting in the dentist’s chair

Sitting behind the slowest care at the drive up window at the bank

Being late for work or an appointment waiting for the light to change

Everyone could stand and give their ‘favorite’

But when our brain and our heart are in shape to pray then prayer can come more naturally. At the mall, in the dentist’s chair, waiting at the drive up at the bank, waiting for the light to change.

Why should we be so concerned with prayer? Because our mate cares so much about us, we should communicate with him or her. Because of the interest between a parent and a child there should also be communication. Generally, the length of the communication is dependent upon the interest the two have in one another. No one has more interest in us than God. Therefore here is where the greatest communication of our life should take place. Just a few moments ago we listed how long we spend our life doing required things. Someday when we stand before God how much time will have been out of our life talking to Him?

But someone here today may feel abandoned. By family, by friends and even by God.

THEME: WHEN CAN WE REALLY KNOW THAT GOD CARES FOR US?

I. WHEN NO ONE ELSE WANTS US, GOD WANTS US    vs. 6-7

     A. When We Are Forsaken       vs. 6a

           1. The Lord has called us

               a. It is possible to be displeased with someone

               b. But it is possible to displeased without hatred towards that person

          2. The great contrasts of God’s anger

               a. Momentary anger

NOTE: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.       Psalms 30:5

          b. Eternal anger

               1) For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Exodus 17:16

               2) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night …            Revelation 14:11

     B. When We Are Grieved         vs. 6b

          1. Because of the destructive influence of our sin

NOTE: Our faith and our friendships are not shattered by one big act, but by many small neglects         J. Gustav White

          2. When we are forsaken because of our sin

               a. Sin breaks fellowship

               b. Sin breaks bonds

               c. Sin breaks continuity

               d. Sin breaks reputations

               e. Sin breaks ministries

               f. Sin breaks hearts

          3. When sin does its work in us we suddenly realize what we have lost

              a. Adam and Eve lost the Garden of Eden

              b. Samson lost his eyes

              c. Saul lost his kingdom

              d. David lost his peace

              e. Judas lost his soul

              f. Demas lost his ministry

          4. Grieved in spirit

              a. Grieving is the result of losing someone or something that we love

               b. The greatest grieving is the result of losing something spiritual

     C. When We Are Refused        vs. 6c

          1. No one likes rejection

               a. Rejection slips

               b. Failing grades

               c. Divorce papers

               d. Rejected by God

NOTE: The untended garden will soon be overrun with weeds; the heart that fails to cultivate truth and root out error will shortly be a theological wilderness      A. W. Tozer

T.S. WHEN CAN WE REALLY KNOW THAT GOD CARES FOR US?

          I. WHEN NO ONE ELSE WANTS US, GOD WANTS US      vs. 6

II. WHEN GOD HAS TO JUDGE US, IT WILL NOT BE PERMANENT   vs. 7-9

     A. When We Have To Be Forsaken    vs. 7

          1. It is only temporary

               a. For a small moment in light of eternity

               b. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory  II Corinthians 4:17

          2. What we experience is the mirror opposite to the wicked

               a. That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment           Job 20:5

               b. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14

          3. Then great mercy comes to the child of God

               a.  Everlasting mercy

               b. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.         Hebrews 10:17

     B. Because Of His Everlasting Mercy     vs. 8

          1. A little wrath

NOTE: “Wrath” is found almost 200 times in the Bible

               a. His fierce wrath   Exodus 32:12

               b. The wrath of the Lord    Numbers 11:33

               c. His great wrath   II Kings 23:26

               d. The day of wrath            Proverbs 11:4

               e. The wrath to come         I Thessalonians 1:10

               f. The wrath of the Lamb   Revelation 6:16

              g. The wrath of God           Revelation 15:7

              h. The wrath of Almighty God       Revelation 19:15

          2. Only for a moment

NOTE: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.       Psalm 30:5

          3. Beyond the spanking will be the everlasting kindness

          4. Personal mercy

               a. Singular

               b. Thee, you

          5. He still is our Redeemer

               a. For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth     Job 19:25

               b. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

NOTE: Song, I Will Sing Of My Redeemer

     C. God’s Promise Is To Us As Sure As His Promise To Noah        vs. 9

NOTE: The ground of this everlasting kindness

          1. The waters satisfied the wrath of God

          2. The promise was that this judgment will never happen again

          3. He will never bring up our past sins to judge us again

T.S. WHEN CAN WE REALLY KNOW THAT GOD CARES FOR US?

          I. WHEN NO ONE ELSE WANTS US, GOD WANTS US      vs. 6

         II. WHEN GOD HAS TO JUDGE US, IT WILL NOT BE PERMANENT      vs. 7-9

III. WHEN EVERYTHING FALLS APART, GOD WILL NO FALL OUT WITH US          vs. 10

     A. The Mountains And Hills Are Less Stable Than God’s Promises            vs. 10a

          1. He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.  Job 28:9

          2.          God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Psalm 46:1-3

     B. God’s Kindness Is More Secure Than This Earth   vs. 10b

          1. One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.       Ecclesiastes 1:4

          2. For his merciful kindness is great toward us …    Psalms 117:2

          3. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.            Ephesians 2:7

     C. We Never Will Be Without His Peace        vs. 10c

         1. We can lose our peace but not His peace

         2. We can waste our life on the wrong priorities

         3. We can harm others when we go astray

NOTE: A lighthouse keeper worked on a rocky stretch of coastline and received oil once a month to keep his light burning. The lighthouse was close to a village. One evening a woman came begging for some oil to keep her family warm. Another night a father needed just a little oil for his lamp. Then another needed oil to lubricate a wheel. All the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to help everyone. Toward the end of the month, he ran out of oil and his lighthouse went dark. Several ships crashed on the coastline with lose of life and goods. His superior rebuked him saying, “You were given the oil for one reason, to keep the light burning.”

     D. His Seal Of Forgiveness Is His Mercy

NOTE: The Good Housekeeping Seal Of Approval

CONCLUSION

WHEN CAN WE REALLY KNOW THAT GOD CARES FOR US?

I. WHEN NO ONE ELSE WANTS US, GOD WANTS US

II. WHEN GOD HAS TO JUDGE US, IT WILL NOT BE PERMANENT

III. WHEN EVERYTHING FALLS APART, GOD WILL NO FALL OUT WITH US


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by docteachrev on April 9, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Old Testament Prophet, Sermon

Posted by docteachrev on April 9, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/isaiah-546-10/

Introduction To Daniel

INTRODUCTORY NOTES TO DANIEL

I. THE MAN

     A. Daniel Stands Out As One Of The Greatest Men Of Old Testament History

          1. That he was a real man in history is proven by:

               a. Ezekiel 14:14

               b. Ezekiel 28:3

               c. Matthew 24:15

               d. Hebrews 11:33

          2. He was a teenager in the year 605 BC

               a. When Nebuchadnezzar came to Jerusalem

               b. When Nebuchadnezzar began his conquest of Judah

     B. There Were Several “Deportations” Of The Jews To Babylon

          1. Daniel was in the first group because he was of the princely line

          2. It was the practice of Babylon to:

              a. Deport the “cream of the crop”

              b. Train them for service in their own palaces

     C. The Length Of Daniel’s Life And Ministry

          1. He lived through the reigns of four rulers

               a. Nebuchadnezzar

               b. Belshazzar

               c. Darius

               d. Cyrus

         2.  He lived through three different kingdoms

               a. Babylon,

               b. Media

               c. Persia

         3. He lived and ministered in Babylon

               a. For over 60 years

               b. Daniel was still active in 539 BC when the kingdom was taken by Cyrus

     D. His Name Means “God Is My Judge”

          1. The blessing of God was upon him

          2. He was promoted greatly because of his character and wisdom

          3. He held several important positions

          4. Nebuchadnezzar named him:

               a. Chief of the wise men

               b. A ruler of the land           2:48

NOTE:  A position similar to a modern Prime Minister

     E. Nebuchadnezzar’s Grandson, Belshazzar, Called Daniel Out Of Retirement

          1. Daniel explained the handwriting on the wall

          2. Daniel was made third ruler in the land      5:29

          3. Darius named him leader over the whole realm  6:1-3

NOTE: Daniel was God’s faithful witness in a wicked and idolatrous kingdom for at least 75 years

 

II. THE BOOK

     A. Daniel Is To The Old Testament What Revelation Is To The New Testament

NOTE: We cannot understand one without the other

     B. Prophetically Daniel Deals With “The Times Of The Gentiles”      Luke 21:24

          1. The period of time that began in 606 BC with the captivity

          2. It will end when Christ returns to earth

               a. To judge the Gentile nations

               b. To establish His kingdom

     C. In The Visions And Dreams In Daniel We See Gentile History

          1. The arrival of Babylon

          2. The conquests of the Medes

          3. The conquests of the Persians

          4.  The conquests of the Greeks

          5.  The conquests of the Romans

          6. The rule of Anti-Christ

          7. The return of Jesus Christ

     D. This Book Documents That “There Is A God In Heaven” (21:28) And “The Most High Ruleth In The Kingdom Of Men” (4:25)

          1. Daniel makes it clear that God Almighty is sovereign in the affairs of this world

NOTE: “History is HIS-story”

          2. God can take rulers off their thrones

               a. God can defeat the strongest nations

               b. God can turn them over to their enemies

     E. The Book Is Divided Into Two Parts

          1. The Personal History of Daniel,    1-6

          2. The Prophetical Ministry Through             Daniel 7-12

NOTE:  In 1:1-2:3, the writing is in Hebrew; but from 2:4-7:28, it is in the Chaldean language. The Hebrew sections deal primarily with the Jews, so their language is used.

III. THE ORDER OF HISTORY

     A. The Book Of Daniel Is Not Arranged In Chronological Order

          1. In the first half, Daniel interprets the dreams of others

          2. In the last half, he is given visions of his own concerning the future of his people

     B. The Historical Order Of The Book

          1. Captivity     (605-604 BC)           Chapter 1

          2. Dream of the Image           (602 BC)       Chapter 2

          3. Nebuchadnezzar’s image  Chapter 3

          4. Nebuchadnezzar’s tree dream      Chapter 4      (571 BC)

          5. The Vision of the 4 Beasts            (556 BC)       Chapter 7

          6. Ram and He-Goat Vision  (554 BC)       Chapter 8

          7. Belshazzar’s Feast – Babylon falls(539 BC)      Chapter 5

          8. Vision of 70 Weeks           (538 BC)       Chapter 9

          9. The Lions Den        Chapter 6

        10. Closing Visions      Chapters 10-12

NOTE: Daniel was in his 80’s when cast into the lions’ den

THEME: THE MOST HIGH RULETH IN THE KINGDOM THROUGH:

I. THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DANIEL     1-6

     A. Maintaining His Godly Walk  Chapter 1

     B. Interpreting The “Image Dream”       Chapter 2

     C. The Golden Image (Daniel Not Present Here)

     D. Interpreting The “Tree Dream”

     E. Interpreting The Handwriting On The Wall

     F. Maintaining His Godly Devotion In The Lions’ Den

T.S. THE MOST HIGH RULETH IN THE KINGDOM THROUGH:

          I. THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DANIEL

II. THE PROPHETICAL MINISTRY OF DANIEL      7-12

     A. His Vision        The Four Beasts       Chapter 7

     B. His Vision Of The Ram And He-Goat         Chapter 8

     C. His Prayer Of Confession: The 79 Weeks Chapter 9

     D. His Final Vision Of The Future           Chapters 10-12

 

T.S. THE MOST HIGH RULETH IN THE KINGDOM THROUGH:

          I. THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DANIEL

         II. THE PROPHETICAL MINISTRY OF DANIEL         7-12

 

III. THE KINGDOMS IN DANIEL

     A. Six Different Kingdoms Are Identified In The Book Of Daniel

          1. Babylon (606-539 BC)

               a. The head of gold           2:32,38

               b. The lion with eagle wings          7:4

          2. Media-Persia (539-330 BC)

               a. Arms and chest of silver           2:32,39

               b. Bear with three ribs       7:5

          3. Greece (330-about 150 BC)

               a. Thigh of brass    2:32,39

               b. Leopard with 4 heads   7:6

          4. Rome (150 BC to about 500 AD)

               a. Legs of iron, 2:33

               b. Dreadful beast   7:7

          5. Anti-Christ

               a. Ten toes iron and clay   2:33,41

               b. Little horn            7:8

     6. Christ

          a. Stone that smites   2:34,44-45

          b. Ancient of Days      7:9-14

     B. The Roman Empire Has Never Been Replaced By Another World Empire

          1. It actually continues until the rise of Anti-Christ in the latter days

          2. This last world dictator will establish a United States of Europe (the ten toes) after the pattern of the old Roman Empire

NOTE: In chapter two we have man’s view of the nations – valuable metals, while in chapter seven we have God’s view – dangerous beasts

CONCLUSION

THE MOST HIGH RULETH IN THE KINGDOM THROUGH:

I. THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DANIEL

II. THE PROPHETICAL MINISTRY OF DANIEL

 

III. THE KINGDOMS IN DANIEL

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by docteachrev on April 6, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Bible Study, Old Testament Prophet

Posted by docteachrev on April 6, 2012

https://minorprophetssermons.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/introduction-to-daniel-2/

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