Tonight begins our 24 hours of prayer. If you signed up to pray during this time, don’t forget to do so during the time you have committed to.
Pursuing Power with a Purpose
Preparing for Revival:
Pursuing Power with a Purpose
Acts 1:8
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Introduction:
Often there is confusion when it comes to Bible teaching regarding the filling of the Holy Spirit. When we study the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, it is important to understand the difference between the indwelling and the filling ministry of the Holy Spirit. We discovered last week that the Holy Spirit began to permanently reside inside the bodies of believers on Resurrection Sunday according to John 20:22.
Tonight we are going to study the filling ministry of the Holy Spirit. We will look at His ministry in the Old Testament, and we will see that His power always came to enable His servants to accomplish a specific task. We will see that the prophet Joel foretold about a time when that specific purpose would be narrowed. We will see that Jesus narrowly defined the purpose of Holy Spirit power this side of Calvary. Finally, we will see the examples of New Testament Holy Spirit filling for a very specific purpose.
I. Holy Spirit Indwelling is something for all believers this side of Calvary.
A. It started on Resurrection Sunday.
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” (John 20:22)
B. Every Believer is the Temple of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 3:16 – Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1 Corinthians 6:19 – What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
2 Corinthians 6:16 – And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Timothy 1:14 – That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
C. If the Spirit does not indwell you, you are not nor were ever saved.
Romans 8:9 – But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
1 John 4:13 – Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
D. Holy Spirit Filling then, is a special outpouring of power from time to time… power with a purpose that is a different ministry than the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit.
II. Holy Spirit Filling: Power with a Purpose Before Calvary
A. Special power to craft beauty for worship
Exodus 28:2-3 – 2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. 3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
Exodus 31:1-5 – And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
B. Special power to wage war
Judges 3:9-10 – 9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 10 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.
Judges 6:33-34 – 33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel. 34 But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.
Judges 11:29,32 – 29 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon. 32 So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands.
C. Special power for leadership
Deuteronomy 34:9 – And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.
D. Special power for preaching
Isaiah 61:1 – The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Ezekiel 11:5 – And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.
Micah 3:8 – But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
Luke 1:15,41 – 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. 41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
III. Holy Spirit Filling: Change in Purpose Prophecied
A. Joel’s prophecy
Joel 2:28-32 – 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
B. Peter’s interpretation
Acts 2:14-21 – 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
C. Jesus’ explanation
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
IV. Holy Spirit Filling: Power With A Purpose Today
A. Great fruit
Acts 2:4,41-42 – 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
B. Great boldness
Acts 4:31 – And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
C. Great power against resistance
Acts 13:6-12 – 6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: 7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Pleading the Promises – Prayer that Gets God’s Attention
Pleading the Promises – Prayer that Gets God’s Attention
Nehemiah 1:1-11
Preached Wednesday September 16, 2015
Introduction:
As we finish our study on the subject of prayer, it is fitting that we look at the kind of prayer that God prefers and responds to. Many religious tradition use liturgical prayers that are memorized and repeated over and over. If you are a Born Again Christian, God is your adopted Father. The veil that separated you from Him has been torn apart. Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to come boldly before the Father with our prayers.
This evening we are going to study two examples of prayer where people used God’s Word and through their passionate pleading, touched the heart of God. Nehemiah was the king’s cup bearer during the times of Jewish captivity. In chapter one of his book, we read how he saw the state of Jerusalem and how he prayed about the sorry condition of God’s people. In Acts chapter 4 we will see that the church at Jerusalem was under persecution, their pastors had just been jailed and beaten. We will see how they prayed and touched the heart of God.
I. We Need to be Intellectually Affected
Psalm 37:4-5
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
A. ASK about the state of God’s work!
Nehemiah 1:1-2
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
1. Be alert as to how we are perceived in the community
2. Understand that our impact depends upon our perceived health
B. Note AFFLICTION– distress/misery because of the enemy’s victory
Nehemiah 1:3
3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
Acts 4:18-23
18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
C. Note REPROACH
1. Disgrace
2. Because of lack of victory
3. God gets glory when we produce fruit, not when we are barren.
John 15:8
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
D. Note the condition of the ministries of God now – Jerusalem’s walls were burned
II. We Need To Be Emotionally Affected
Nehemiah 1:4
4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
James 4:7-10
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
A. Sit down – in amazement
B. Weep – let it affect you!
C. Mourn – as you would lose a loved one
D. Fast – to distressed to eat!
E. Pray – driven to action
III. We Need To Be Personally Affected – Driven to prayer
A. Acknowledge God’s greatness
Nehemiah 1:5
5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
1. The God of Heaven
2. Creator
Acts 4:24
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
3. Great… in scope and dimension
4. Terrible – One to be feared
5. Covenant Keeper – you are going to hold Him to it!
B. Acknowledge our total dependence upon God
Nehemiah 1:6
6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.
1. Listen to me!
2. Look at this!
3. Pray day and night
Luke 11:6-8 – For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
C. Pray with a penitent heart
Nehemiah 1:7
7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.
1. Repentance follows when you get a clear vision of who God is.
Isaiah 6:5
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
2. Effective prayer comes from the righteous.
James 5:16
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
D. Remind God of His promises – Pray Biblically
Nehemiah 1:8-9
8 Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: 9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
Acts 4:25-28
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
E. Make it personal
Nehemiah 1:10-11
10 Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. 11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.
1. Your church
2. Your soul winning
3. Specific requests that line up with God’s will and work.
Acts 4:29-31
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
We Want to Pray For YOU!!
We are having several special seasons of prayer in preparation for the upcoming Revival with Dr. Miller. Please send your prayer requests for salvation, restoration, healing for yourself or loved ones. Other specific requests are welcomed. Please an e-mail with PRAYER REQUESTS in the subject line to pastor_don@ebcct.org as soon as possible.
Do you feel like you are working hard, but not getting results?
Join us this Sunday August 30 at 11:00 am as we explore the following topic:
Adult Bible Study – Sunday Mornings at 9:45
Come out and share some coffee and conversation with us as we study through current cultural issues as they relate to Scripture.
Listen to the Resurrection Angel
Preached Sunday Morning, December 6, 2009
Matthew 28:1-8
Introduction:
Mary Magdalene had gone through the horrors of watching her beloved Savior writhing in pain upon the cross for six hours until He finally died. The image of His grizzly face was forever etched upon the fabric of her mind. His beard had been ripped out. The priests had beaten him with their fists. The crown of thorns severely marred his forehead. Our Savior’s blood poured down the cross of Calvary. Mary shuddered as she remembered those awful events. She was on her way to the grave site to pay her respects very early that first Easter morning.
All of a sudden she encountered an angel. The stone had been rolled away, and the soldiers no longer stood guard over the entrance to the tomb!
Our passage outlines three basic commands that this angel gave Mary. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey this morning, you will be able to grow closer to God as you, like Mary Magdalene, listen to the words of the Resurrection Angel.
I. Fear not!
Matthew 28:5
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
A. Because you seek Jesus
B. Because He is not in the grave!
1. Like every other philosopher
2. Like every other religious leader!
C. He is risen!
Matthew 28:6
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
1. Just like He said.
Matthew 12:38-41
38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
2. Victory over sin.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
3. Victory over death.
Revelation 1:17-18
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
4. Victory over Satan.
Revelation 12:9-11
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
II. Come and see for yourself!
Matthew 28:6
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
A. See the evidence of His resurrection
1. His clothes were folded.
John 20:5-9
5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
2. There were men in shining garments where Jesus used to be.
Luke 24:1-5
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
B. Why seek the living among the dead?
Luke 24:5
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
1. Dead prophets and philosophers.
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
2. Dead rituals
Romans 10:1-4
Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
3. Dead works.
Hebrews 9:14
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
III. Go quickly!
Matthew 28:7-8
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
A. Proclaim this truth to all!
Mark 16:15
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
B. Go in fear, or a sense of urgency!
2 Corinthians 5:11
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
C. Go with joy!
Psalm 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Arise and Call Her Blessed!
Preached Mother’s Day May 12, 2013
Proverbs 31:28
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Introduction:
There is no job on this planet more demanding, more prestigious, more influential, and less appreciated than motherhood! Today we take a few moments and honor this blessed calling!
In our passage this morning, we find an anthem of praise dedicated to all of those virtuous women out there that have served behind the scenes often unnoticed and underappreciated. The writer starts this passage by explaining the incredible value of a virtuous woman. The word for virtue is conformity to the standard of right. – It is moral excellence.
Our passage goes on to list the incredible characteristics of a virtuous woman. As we reflect upon this passage, let us honor our mothers for the virtues we recognize from our passage. There is also a challenge for you ladies to aspire to even greater virtue. Today as we reflect upon our loving mothers, let us together “arise up and call her blessed.”
I. The virtuous woman is trusted by her husband
A. She is good for him
Proverbs 31:11-12
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
1. He does not need to worry about her
2. She would not intentionally hurt him
B. His reputation is boosted by her virtue
Proverbs 31:23
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
II. The virtuous woman provides for her household needs.
A. Clothing
1. Materials
Proverbs 31:13
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
2. Warmth
Proverbs 31:21
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
3. Beauty
Proverbs 31:22
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
B. Food
Proverbs 31:14
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
C. Income
1. At home
Proverbs 31:16
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
2. In the market place
Proverbs 31:24
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
III. The virtuous woman works long hours.
A. She exhibits incredible strength
Proverbs 31:16
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
B. She rises early
Proverbs 31:15
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
C. She retires late
Proverbs 31:18
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
D. She is not idle
Proverbs 31:27
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
IV. The virtuous woman is kind hearted
A. To her household
Proverbs 31:15
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
B. To strangers
Proverbs 31:20
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
C. In her speech
Proverbs 31:26
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
1. Wisdom
2. Kindness- comfort
V. The virtuous woman deserves praise!
A. From her children
Proverbs 31:28
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
B. Publicly
1. Because she fears the Lord
Proverbs 31:29-30
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
2. Because of her works
Proverbs 31:31
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Does This Outfit Match?
Philippians 1:27-30
Preached Wednesday April 17, 2013
Introduction:
We have been studying the theme of Philippians which is “A Christ like Mind that leads to Christian Joy”. Chapter one is all about single mindedness toward the Gospel. Verses 1-11 – speak of the Fellowship of the Gospel. Verses 12-26 – speak of the furtherance of the Gospel. Verses 27-30 speak of the fitness of the Gospel.
There are certain things that we are taught about fashion. Never combine one kind of stripes with another. Do not mix plead with plead or busy with busy. There are many different styles that fit all kinds of personalities, but there are some things that should never be worn together. On the other hand, there are certain combinations that work especially well. When an outfit is particularly flattering one might say, “that becomes you.” By that we mean that your clothes match each other, match you, and make you look really good.
Tonight we are going to talk about a conversation (manner of life) that goes well with the Gospel that you claim to believe and proclaim. There are certain behaviors and attitudes that do not match the gospel. There are others that go really well with the Gospel. As you consider your typical manner of life as coupled with your profession of faith, does your outfit match?
I. Consistency goes well with the Gospel.
A. You should do right even when unsupervised.
Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
B. Your manner of life should not change in order to pacify your audience.
Philippians 2:12
12 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.
C. A Consistent testimony is noticed.
Ephesians 1:15
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
1 Thessalonians 3:6
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
II. Unity of the brethren goes well with the Gospel.
Philippians 1:27
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
A. Stand fast together
1. Do not allow personal differences to divide you.
Philippians 4:1-2
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
2. Have the same love – be others centered.
Philippians 2:1-4
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
B. Be of one mind, united by truth.
Ephesians 4:11-14
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1. Guided by preaching.
2. Unified by one source of truth.
3. Anchored to unchanging truth.
C. Strive together for the faith.
Jude 3
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
III. Boldness goes well with the Gospel.
Philippians 1:28-30
28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
A. Realize what is in store for those who oppose the truth.
Isaiah 51:7–8 (AV)
7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. 8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
Isaiah 51:12 (AV)
12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
B. Do not stop preaching!
Acts 5:40-42
40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
C. Pray for more boldness.
Ephesians 6:18–19 (AV)
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Conclusion:
Hypocrisy clashes with the Gospel you are wearing. Make sure you adorn the beauty of consistency. Strife is a hideous clash for a Christian in any season. Chose rather to wear those things founded in the sweet unity of the brethren. Fear is out, boldness is in. Follow this advice and your living outfit will always match.
The Fellowship of Intercession
Philippians 1:9-11
Preached Wednesday March 20, 2013
Introduction:
Selfishness and the “Poochie Lip” often attack us as we slog through this sin cursed world. Our study through this Epistle written by Paul while he was in a roman prison helps us to readjust our thinking.
? Joy is mentioned 4 times
? Rejoice mentioned 8 times
? Glad mentioned 3 times
The key to finding this joy is found by having a Christ-like mindset.
Chapter 1 – The Single Mind
Chapter 2 – The Submissive Mind
Chapter 3 – The Spiritual Mind
Chapter 4 – The Secure Mind
Chapter 1 tells us that we should have a single mind focused on the Gospel. If we are preoccupied with both the blessings of and the spreading of the Gospel, it would make sense that inner joy would be a natural result of that kind of mindset. The first thirteen verses of this chapter center around the “Fellowship of the Gospel”. The term fellowship means a joint participation in a common interest and activity. So to fellowship with believers should be more than just having food… it is action shared to reach a common goal. The beginning of this chapter shows us that as we are single minded toward the gospel, we should be sharing together in common interest and activity of the gospel. We first discovered that both the servants, those involved in vocational ministry, and the saints, have the same fellowship. They are united to help each other serve God and spread the Gospel through the local assembly. The path to Christian joy is found through a single mind focused on the Gospel. The best way to accomplish that is to have joint participation, fellowship, shared action around the common activity of the gospel within the local church. There are three facets of this single minded fellowship of the Gospel that we have been examining are these:
• The fellowship of Praise – Philippians 1:3-6
• The fellowship of Grace – Philippians 1:7-7, 12-13
• The fellowship of Prayer – Philippians 1:9-11
Tonight we will discover that Christian joy can be experienced as we share a single mind focused on the fellowship of intercessory prayer.
I. Pray that love may abound.
Philippians 1:9 (AV)
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
A. The Love that God produced.
1 John 4:16 (AV)
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
B. More and more = running over like a cup that can no longer contain
C. Love based on experiential knowledge of Jesus. Something that can only grow through spending time getting the experience Jesus.
Romans 5:5 (AV)
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
D. In Judgment = sensitive moral perception – insight
Ephesians 5:17 (AV)
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
E. All of this will enable you to love others more.
II. Pray that believers will approve excellent things.
Philippians 1:10 (AV)
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
A. Approve = discern what is best = from the Greek – testing
Romans 12:2 (AV)
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
B. Excellent = spiritual concepts and actions which involve delicate and keen distinctions.
III. Pray that believers would reflect praise back to God with their lives.
Philippians 1:10–11 (AV)
… that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
A. Sincere = distinct, unmixed, pure – nothing distracting or polluting your commitment to Jesus.
B. No Offence = not cut against/ not stumbled upon.
Romans 16:17 (AV)
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
C. Endurance – Paul prays for this kind of stability and commitment to last till the day of Christ.
D. Filled with the fruits of righteousness
Colossians 1:5–6 (AV)
5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
Galatians 5:22–23 (AV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
1. This fruit came through Jesus
2. This fruit will praise Him.
Matthew 5:16 (AV)
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.