Let’s read LUKE 6:46-49
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Jesus’ words in verse 46 cut to the core. He’s basically saying to them,
“Why do you call me Lord, but do not obey me?”
He is talking to his followers. What kind of faith and trust is this?
You call me Lord, you call me master, and yet you will not do the things I tell you?
How much this sounds like our world today. People like being called Christians as long as it does not inconvenience them.
To call Jesus Lord means we have made a commitment to Him as master of our lives.
Why would these people call him Lord, but then refuse to obey his teachings?
The things he taught were meant to help them. His true followers applied His teachings to their lives.
The issue in verse 46 of Luke was obedience. Jesus expected it of them, and he expects it of us today!
Remember in JAS 1:22 we read a few weeks ago:
“Do not merely listen to the words, DO WHAT IT SAYS!”
Jesus is basically saying the same thing here.
In verse 47 he offers them an example, a parable of what it is supposed to be like when we hear his words and apply them to our life.
“I will show you what he is like who comes to me and listens to my words and puts them into practice.”
Jesus gives them a visual picture of what a God-exalting life is supposed to look like.
He uses the example of a man building a house.
house
Gr: oikia or oikos
Translated as:
House of God
Christian Church
Dwelling place or Spiritual body
He says that this person “dug down deep” and laid the foundation on rock.
If we are going to have a strong foundation we need to dig down deep. What does that mean?
To dig down deep is to get beyond surface-level Christianity.
Not just church attendance, but service in and to the church
Not just faith, but deeds that reflect our faith
Not just reading the bible, but discovering it’s truths
Not just fellowship, but strong heart-level relationships
Not lip service, but TRUE obedience to Christ as Lord
So we need to dig down deep to make sure our foundation will last.
V:48 “Like a man... who laid the foundation on the rock.”
The word rock used here is from the Greek word PETRA.
Jesus in 1 Cor. 10:4 “and the rock was Christ.”
Peter in Matt.16:18 “you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church
(note: who will build the church? Christ)
Rom. 9:23
“See I lay a stone in Zion, that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And the one who puts his trust in HIM will never be put to shame.
Jesus is the rock upon which God builds his church. He is the ONLY solid foundation upon which we should build.
When things are good, it doesn’t seem so important to build on the rock. We see houses that are like a laid on a slab foundation.
What’s wrong with that? What happens when times
With no foundation in a marriage, we have divorce.
With no foundation in our relationship to Christ, we have backsliding
With no foundation in our church, we lack faith and vision.
With no foundation under a house, we have a mess!
So a solid foundation is crucial in all aspects of life!
V:48b “When a flood came, the torrent struck that house, but could not shake it because it was well built.”
Because the hills in Palestine had little vegetation on them, the winter rains produced violent floods that swept away any building in their path. Those built on the marshy or sandy ground would go quickly, but those built on the rock would remain.
Christ used this metaphor to teach that the only solid foundation for enduring life could be found in his teachings and truth.
In verse 49 he shows us what happens when we claim to know him, but do not have that deep and solid foundation.
But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
In contrast is the person who listens but doesn’t obey.
Two houses. May have looked the same on the outside!
The difference is in the foundation.
Without a solid foundation, when hard times come, when things don’t go right, when we face struggles at home, on the job, at school...
we will not have the strength to endure!
So how do make sure that our foundation is on the rock?
Self examination!!
We need to take an honest look at our faith, our beliefs and our trust in the rock.
We need to apply the teachings of Jesus in our lives. Not enough to say Lord.
What does a church which is built on a solid foundation look like?
Each member would be:
- mature
- spiritually sensitive
- doctrinally sound
- committed to Christ
- bearing fruit
Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure!
1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Closing
If we try to live the Christian life on a foundation other than that of Christ Jesus, we will not remain steadfast and committed to true Christian living. We will fail to bring God the glory.
We need to re evaluate our beliefs and level of obedience to God’s commands so that we are not deceived by the devil. He wants us to think that everything is fine.
Each of us know in our heart of hearts if everything is really fine.
John 8:32 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples
then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
I want to encourage you all to pray for one another and for our church, that during the next several weeks God would reveal any cracks in our foundation so that we can work on getting them strengthened.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Hindrances for Prayers
Matthew 7
Ask, Seek, Knock
7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
#1 The Purpose of Prayer is Fellowship and Relationship.
#2 The Way to Receive from God
#3 The way God’s Kingdom is established in the earth is prayer.
We have found that we are to Pray in the authority of Jesus or in the name of Jesus.
We have also learned to NOT GIVE UP in prayer or be persistence in prayer.
There are Different Kind of Prayers just as there are different kinds of sports, and must be prayed and played under the proper rules.
Looking into the Word of God we have discovered that there may be delays in answered prayer and the reasons for that delay
THERE ARE HINDRANCES TO PRAYER.
I will talk about six of the hindrances.
1. Fainting.
Prayer Answers always takes time. Many FAINT before the ANSWER gets there. Many times our prayer are delayed maybe because Demons have delayed your answer. While we are waiting we get discouraged and give up.
Jesus said DON’T GIVE UP.
Lu. 18 1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
When we pray it reaches though a world of Spirits and the Devil is ready to stop any good thing from getting through.
God Answers immediately when we pray but it may take time for the answer to reach to the seen world.
Daniel prayed for an answer and it took 21 days before he got it.
Da 10: 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard and I am come for thy words.13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
GOD HEARD THE DAY HE PRAYED, it just took a while for the answer to show up.
Daniel received the answer the day he prayed. It just was not seen.
We are to “Walk by Faith and not by Sight”. We have been praying for our children, kinfolk and it seems that God is not answering but HE HEARD YOU AND ANSWERED THE DAY YOU PRAYED IT JUST MAY TAKE SOME TIME TO SEE THE ANSWER.
Start thanking God now, DON’T GIVE UP, DON’T GIVE OUT, DON’T GIVE IN.
The biggest hindrance to prayer is people FAINTING.
2. Demon Assault. Not understanding the Warfare
2Co 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us for we are not ignorant of his devices.
We are living a BLESSED, HOLY, Life but the Devil does not want you to have that Abundant Life that Jesus come to give us.
That is why Paul told us about the Armor of God and started by saying
Eph.6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
He went on to say Pray.
James4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We don’t have to see a demon under every bush but neither are we to be unaware that the Devil is a Deceiver and if we are not aware of his devices we will be taken advantage of.
We have the victory over Satan and we have the power to BIND ands LOOSE when prayer is hindered.
3. Unforgiveness.
Mr 11: 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.25 And when ye stand praying forgive if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Harboring UNFORGIVENESS in you heart will hinder your prayers.
Unforgiveness holds you captive.
TURN IT LOOSE, LET IT GO, YOU HAVE DONE DUMB THINGS TOO.
You may not realize that you are holding UNFORGIVENESS in your heart.
That is why we sometimes fast and pray. Answers are slow or maybe NOT coming, that is reason to Fast and Pray.
Fasting brings focus on God and off the circumstances. Fasting disciplines your flesh to FOCUS ON GOD.
That is when He can speak to you and show you where you are with Him.
If you are holding things in your heart you are hurting yourself.
DON’T LET SOMEONE ELSE STOP YOUR PRAYERS FROM BEING ANSWERED.
LET IT GO, STOP IT, TURN IT LOOSE IT IS STOPPING YOUR PRAYERS.
4. Wavering
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
This is where many lose the answer to their prayers.
I pray and 5 minuets later I hear in my head “YOU DON’T DESERVE THAT” and I tend to agree with that voice if I am not careful.
That is why we must keep on praying so that we can stay focused and not wavering about what it is that we are praying.
I can rest assured that God is good, He loves me, He is always with me, He is kind and wants good things for me. That is why I KNOW GOD WANTS THAT FOR ME. I REBUKE MY DUMB HEAD AND STAND UPON THE WORD OF GOD.
That is why we need to SAY in agreement to what I PRAY.
I have to be careful not to KILL MY PRAYER WITH MY MOUTH.
5. Selfish Motives.
James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Here is a scripture that tells us that we desire to have things but we are not willing to get it Gods way.
We may want other people’s jobs, money, relationship with God, or other things.
We do not physically kill people but we do KILL REPUTATIONS.
The scripture tells us that we never think to pray about it.
THERE IS NO MAGIC FORMULA OF PRAYER
When we think to pray our motives are not pure.
God Will Bless You To Be A Blessing.
Our FLESH wants to CONSUME THINGS and makes us feel good.
God wants to Bless you but God wants your motives to be pure.
A good TEST is do you have THINGS OR DOES THINGS HAVE YOU.
Can you give up anything that you have right now that God would ask you to do?
Abraham was asked to give up his promised son and he was willing to do it. That is why Abraham was so blessed in every area of Life.
God can ADJUST YOU.
6. Strife.
1 Peter 3:77 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
FUSSING AND FIGHTING WILL STOP YOUR PRAYERS FROM BEING ANSWERED.
Fussing and fighting with your spouse will hinder your prayers.
Talking discourteous to you spouse will also cause problems with getting prayers answered.
James 3:16 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Where that kind of stuff is there will be confusion and all kind of evil work.
No wonder there are so many Churches that only make prayer a formality.
They are too many people fussing and fighting and finding fault with others and that will cause confusion. Where Confusion is God is not.
Ask, Seek, Knock
7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
#1 The Purpose of Prayer is Fellowship and Relationship.
#2 The Way to Receive from God
#3 The way God’s Kingdom is established in the earth is prayer.
We have found that we are to Pray in the authority of Jesus or in the name of Jesus.
We have also learned to NOT GIVE UP in prayer or be persistence in prayer.
There are Different Kind of Prayers just as there are different kinds of sports, and must be prayed and played under the proper rules.
Looking into the Word of God we have discovered that there may be delays in answered prayer and the reasons for that delay
THERE ARE HINDRANCES TO PRAYER.
I will talk about six of the hindrances.
1. Fainting.
Prayer Answers always takes time. Many FAINT before the ANSWER gets there. Many times our prayer are delayed maybe because Demons have delayed your answer. While we are waiting we get discouraged and give up.
Jesus said DON’T GIVE UP.
Lu. 18 1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
When we pray it reaches though a world of Spirits and the Devil is ready to stop any good thing from getting through.
God Answers immediately when we pray but it may take time for the answer to reach to the seen world.
Daniel prayed for an answer and it took 21 days before he got it.
Da 10: 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard and I am come for thy words.13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
GOD HEARD THE DAY HE PRAYED, it just took a while for the answer to show up.
Daniel received the answer the day he prayed. It just was not seen.
We are to “Walk by Faith and not by Sight”. We have been praying for our children, kinfolk and it seems that God is not answering but HE HEARD YOU AND ANSWERED THE DAY YOU PRAYED IT JUST MAY TAKE SOME TIME TO SEE THE ANSWER.
Start thanking God now, DON’T GIVE UP, DON’T GIVE OUT, DON’T GIVE IN.
The biggest hindrance to prayer is people FAINTING.
2. Demon Assault. Not understanding the Warfare
2Co 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us for we are not ignorant of his devices.
We are living a BLESSED, HOLY, Life but the Devil does not want you to have that Abundant Life that Jesus come to give us.
That is why Paul told us about the Armor of God and started by saying
Eph.6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
He went on to say Pray.
James4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We don’t have to see a demon under every bush but neither are we to be unaware that the Devil is a Deceiver and if we are not aware of his devices we will be taken advantage of.
We have the victory over Satan and we have the power to BIND ands LOOSE when prayer is hindered.
3. Unforgiveness.
Mr 11: 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.25 And when ye stand praying forgive if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Harboring UNFORGIVENESS in you heart will hinder your prayers.
Unforgiveness holds you captive.
TURN IT LOOSE, LET IT GO, YOU HAVE DONE DUMB THINGS TOO.
You may not realize that you are holding UNFORGIVENESS in your heart.
That is why we sometimes fast and pray. Answers are slow or maybe NOT coming, that is reason to Fast and Pray.
Fasting brings focus on God and off the circumstances. Fasting disciplines your flesh to FOCUS ON GOD.
That is when He can speak to you and show you where you are with Him.
If you are holding things in your heart you are hurting yourself.
DON’T LET SOMEONE ELSE STOP YOUR PRAYERS FROM BEING ANSWERED.
LET IT GO, STOP IT, TURN IT LOOSE IT IS STOPPING YOUR PRAYERS.
4. Wavering
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
This is where many lose the answer to their prayers.
I pray and 5 minuets later I hear in my head “YOU DON’T DESERVE THAT” and I tend to agree with that voice if I am not careful.
That is why we must keep on praying so that we can stay focused and not wavering about what it is that we are praying.
I can rest assured that God is good, He loves me, He is always with me, He is kind and wants good things for me. That is why I KNOW GOD WANTS THAT FOR ME. I REBUKE MY DUMB HEAD AND STAND UPON THE WORD OF GOD.
That is why we need to SAY in agreement to what I PRAY.
I have to be careful not to KILL MY PRAYER WITH MY MOUTH.
5. Selfish Motives.
James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Here is a scripture that tells us that we desire to have things but we are not willing to get it Gods way.
We may want other people’s jobs, money, relationship with God, or other things.
We do not physically kill people but we do KILL REPUTATIONS.
The scripture tells us that we never think to pray about it.
THERE IS NO MAGIC FORMULA OF PRAYER
When we think to pray our motives are not pure.
God Will Bless You To Be A Blessing.
Our FLESH wants to CONSUME THINGS and makes us feel good.
God wants to Bless you but God wants your motives to be pure.
A good TEST is do you have THINGS OR DOES THINGS HAVE YOU.
Can you give up anything that you have right now that God would ask you to do?
Abraham was asked to give up his promised son and he was willing to do it. That is why Abraham was so blessed in every area of Life.
God can ADJUST YOU.
6. Strife.
1 Peter 3:77 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
FUSSING AND FIGHTING WILL STOP YOUR PRAYERS FROM BEING ANSWERED.
Fussing and fighting with your spouse will hinder your prayers.
Talking discourteous to you spouse will also cause problems with getting prayers answered.
James 3:16 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Where that kind of stuff is there will be confusion and all kind of evil work.
No wonder there are so many Churches that only make prayer a formality.
They are too many people fussing and fighting and finding fault with others and that will cause confusion. Where Confusion is God is not.
Important Scriptures
1. 1 John 3:22-23
[22]And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us]and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him.[23]And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us.
2. 1 John 5:14-15
[14]And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.[15]And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.
3. 1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
5. Colossians 1:12-13
[12]Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.[13][The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
6. Colossians 1:9-10
[9]For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding anddiscernment of spiritual things--[10]That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].
7. Ephesians 1:17-18
[17][For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,[18]By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
8. Ephesians 6:10-18
[10]In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].[11]Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.[12]For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.[13]Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].[14]Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,[15]And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa. 52:7.][16]Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].[17]And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.[18]Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
9. Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
10. Hebrews 4:16
Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
11. Isaiah 26:3
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
12. James 4:7
So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.
13. James 4:8
Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
14. John 15:4-5
[4]Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.[5]I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
15. John 15:7-8
[7]If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.[8]When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.
16. John 16:23-24
[23]And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]. [Exod. 3:14.][24]Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.
17. Mark 11:24
For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].
18. Matthew 12:29
Or how can a person go into a strong man's house and carry off his goods (the entire equipment of his house) without first binding the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
19. Matthew 18:18-20
[18]Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven.[19]Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.[20]For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]
20. Matthew 21:21-22
[21]And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done.[22]And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.
21. Matthew 6:7
And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking. [I Kings 18:25-29.]
22. Matthew 6:9-12
[9]Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.[10]Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.[11]Give us this day our daily bread.[12]And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.
23. Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?
24. Philippians 4:19
And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
25. Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. [Matt. 12:37.]
26. Proverbs 4:20-22
[20]My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.[21]Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart.[22]For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
27. Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the Lord are toward the [uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry.
28. Romans 10:12-13
[12][No one] for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek. The same Lord is Lord over all [of us] and He generously bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him [in faith].[13]For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]
29. Romans 10:9-10
[9]Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.[10]For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.
[22]And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us]and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him.[23]And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us.
2. 1 John 5:14-15
[14]And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.[15]And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.
3. 1 John 5:4
For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
5. Colossians 1:12-13
[12]Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God's holy people) in the Light.[13][The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
6. Colossians 1:9-10
[9]For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding anddiscernment of spiritual things--[10]That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].
7. Ephesians 1:17-18
[17][For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,[18]By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
8. Ephesians 6:10-18
[10]In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].[11]Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.[12]For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.[13]Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].[14]Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,[15]And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa. 52:7.][16]Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].[17]And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.[18]Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
9. Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
10. Hebrews 4:16
Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
11. Isaiah 26:3
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
12. James 4:7
So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.
13. James 4:8
Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
14. John 15:4-5
[4]Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.[5]I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
15. John 15:7-8
[7]If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.[8]When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.
16. John 16:23-24
[23]And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]. [Exod. 3:14.][24]Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.
17. Mark 11:24
For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].
18. Matthew 12:29
Or how can a person go into a strong man's house and carry off his goods (the entire equipment of his house) without first binding the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
19. Matthew 18:18-20
[18]Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven.[19]Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.[20]For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]
20. Matthew 21:21-22
[21]And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done.[22]And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.
21. Matthew 6:7
And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking. [I Kings 18:25-29.]
22. Matthew 6:9-12
[9]Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.[10]Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.[11]Give us this day our daily bread.[12]And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.
23. Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?
24. Philippians 4:19
And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
25. Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. [Matt. 12:37.]
26. Proverbs 4:20-22
[20]My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.[21]Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart.[22]For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
27. Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the Lord are toward the [uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry.
28. Romans 10:12-13
[12][No one] for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek. The same Lord is Lord over all [of us] and He generously bestows His riches upon all who call upon Him [in faith].[13]For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]
29. Romans 10:9-10
[9]Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.[10]For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.
Addition, Multiplication, Division & Subtraction
Addition, Multiplication, Division & Subtraction
Does mathematics relate to spiritual things? I’d say it does. In Matthew 28:19 we are told to “go and make disciples.” That is a clear case of Jesus’ command to multiply believers. In Acts 5:14 we hear that “Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men and women, were ‘added’ to them.” I believe that God is in the addition and multiplication side of mathematics but Satan is all about subtraction and division.
Division causes numbers to be reduced. When you divide even the largest number by a relatively small number, the end result is always a smaller number than before. In Mark 3:25, Jesus said that a house divided cannot stand. I hear today of many houses that are divided. Homes are ripped apart by divorce, drugs and abuse daily. The sadness of this reality is that there seems to be no end in sight. Drug abuse, divorce and other sins of division are ever increasing in our society today. What was a happy home is reduced to hopelessness, disparity and judgment.
As believers in Christ, how do we respond? What should be the role of Christian people against Satan’s attacks of division? The answer is clear. First we must be united; united in the hope through our Saviour and eternal future in glory. Too many churches and fine Christian folk are divided these days. We have the various denominations that separate one group of believers from another. If I believe this certain doctrine, then I cannot worship God in that particular church. If I don’t follow a certain belief, I can find myself outside of even my own church. Why? Were there Baptist and Methodist apostles? Were there Assembly of God and Lutheran disciples? Certainly not!
I have a favourite question I like to ask; “When does speculation become doctrine and when does doctrine become speculation?”
This denominational division can be carried one step further within our local congregations. When a church is split over a controversy, Satan has won another battle. The color of carpeting or a decision on how to minister to a social outcast can be a great source of turmoil in a local congregation. Many years of successful ministry in a church can be destroyed by one incident or decision that Satan uses to cause division among God’s believers.
In this world filled with division, I believe that the body of Christ, all believers, should be mindful what we are told in Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) “4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” There is not a church today that can stand against the attacks of division of Satan if we don’t stand together in Christian unity. We are called, as Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” If we can set aside our petty differences and begin to worship God as the early church did, others will come and see.
Satan’s most effective weapon is division; division of God’s elect that causes the church to become reduced. Whether it is denominational divisions or internal church division, Satan knows how to cause the church to become ineffective in a world that desperately needs to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
If we understand Satan’s strategy, then we can expose him of his lies and deceit. I realize that there will probably be denominational churches until Christ calls us home in Glory. What I do hope and pray for is that we can unite together for the common cause of sharing this great and wonderful plan of redemption with those that haven’t heard about it.
Does mathematics relate to spiritual things? I’d say it does. In Matthew 28:19 we are told to “go and make disciples.” That is a clear case of Jesus’ command to multiply believers. In Acts 5:14 we hear that “Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men and women, were ‘added’ to them.” I believe that God is in the addition and multiplication side of mathematics but Satan is all about subtraction and division.
Division causes numbers to be reduced. When you divide even the largest number by a relatively small number, the end result is always a smaller number than before. In Mark 3:25, Jesus said that a house divided cannot stand. I hear today of many houses that are divided. Homes are ripped apart by divorce, drugs and abuse daily. The sadness of this reality is that there seems to be no end in sight. Drug abuse, divorce and other sins of division are ever increasing in our society today. What was a happy home is reduced to hopelessness, disparity and judgment.
As believers in Christ, how do we respond? What should be the role of Christian people against Satan’s attacks of division? The answer is clear. First we must be united; united in the hope through our Saviour and eternal future in glory. Too many churches and fine Christian folk are divided these days. We have the various denominations that separate one group of believers from another. If I believe this certain doctrine, then I cannot worship God in that particular church. If I don’t follow a certain belief, I can find myself outside of even my own church. Why? Were there Baptist and Methodist apostles? Were there Assembly of God and Lutheran disciples? Certainly not!
I have a favourite question I like to ask; “When does speculation become doctrine and when does doctrine become speculation?”
This denominational division can be carried one step further within our local congregations. When a church is split over a controversy, Satan has won another battle. The color of carpeting or a decision on how to minister to a social outcast can be a great source of turmoil in a local congregation. Many years of successful ministry in a church can be destroyed by one incident or decision that Satan uses to cause division among God’s believers.
In this world filled with division, I believe that the body of Christ, all believers, should be mindful what we are told in Ephesians 4:4-6 (NKJV) “4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” There is not a church today that can stand against the attacks of division of Satan if we don’t stand together in Christian unity. We are called, as Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” If we can set aside our petty differences and begin to worship God as the early church did, others will come and see.
Satan’s most effective weapon is division; division of God’s elect that causes the church to become reduced. Whether it is denominational divisions or internal church division, Satan knows how to cause the church to become ineffective in a world that desperately needs to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
If we understand Satan’s strategy, then we can expose him of his lies and deceit. I realize that there will probably be denominational churches until Christ calls us home in Glory. What I do hope and pray for is that we can unite together for the common cause of sharing this great and wonderful plan of redemption with those that haven’t heard about it.
Pleasing God
Pleasing God
WHAT PLEASES GOD?
What does God delight in? And how do WE delight Him?
Turn to Romans 7.
There are two Scripture passages that will make up our theme and I encourage you to put them to memory:
1) 2 Corinthians 5:9 -- "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."
----"whether at home or absent" means our focus is not to be so much on the end times, but THIS time, not thinking only of the day when we’ll finally see the Lord face to face, but THIS day, as we pursue His pleasure through our surrender to the Holy Spirit within us; not to be wondering about who the Anti-Christ is, but living lives that are clearly pro-Christ, pleasing to Him.
2) Ephesians 5:8-10 -- "...walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."
----"children of light" means we have a mission: to bring light to a dark world. Or, as our church motto states it, "We live to bring living water to the desert."
----"learn what is pleasing to the Lord" means our focus is to become aware of what pleases God, then to choose to commit ourselves to pleasing Him.
As the year goes on we’ll look at the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 and learn from the heroes listed there in how they pleased God.
But our starting point today is to look at...
FOUR INGREDIENTS INVOLVED IN PLEASING GOD:
1) KNOWING THE FATHER’S HEART
--Ephesians 5:8-10 -- "walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."
--Jeremiah 9:24 -- “But let him who boasts boast of this, that he undrstands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the Lord.
2) FOLLOWING JESUS’ EXAMPLE.
John 8:29 -- "He Who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him."
The best snapshot of what it will look like when we’re pleasing the Father is observing what Jesus did.
3) DELIBERATELY DECIDING TO PLEASE GOD.
<>Once we know what pleases the Father, then we have a choice to make: what will we do now?
--a) We can choose to live our lives simply as we please...seeking our own fulfillment, our own pleasure, without regard to others, without regard to our relationship with Christ.
----That would be choosing to live a life ruled by, guided by, making decisions based on our flesh, what feels good at the moment.
----But it’s a choice that guarantees we will not be pleasing God.
------*Rom.8:8 -- "but those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
<>We can choose to live our lives simply to please others, with the hope that they will like us more and/or treat us better, or honor us in some way.
--*Gal.1:10-14 --"Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?...am I striving to please men? If I were trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ."
----This is a choice that is tempting, and yet if we truly are choosing to please God, then many times it will put us in direct opposition to what is "politically correct" so far as the world views our actions.
----To truly choose to please God means we’ll make some choices that are very unpopular in political arenas or even among some other "believers."
----Note: The idea of being man-pleasers, being politically correct or holding only socially acceptable view is not new.
----Likewise, the temptation for preachers to refrain from preaching that which is unpopular or controversial or unpleasant but Biblically accurate and what God wants preached/proclaimed by bold messengers is also not new.
----Paul said it this way, in 1 Thessalonians 2:4: "but just as God, Who examines our hearts."
OR we can choose to live our lives with a single ambition: a life that is pleasing to God.
Our key verse: 2 Corinthians 5:9 -- "...we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."
This, of course, is the right choice...but it won’t be easy. It is the most difficult choice of the three.
It’s comforting to me to know that the Apostle Paul, arguably the greatest Christian who ever lived, wrestled with making the choice that would please God.
(Read Romans 7:15-25 here)
No, the choice won’t be easy, and sometimes we’ll not even know for sure what it is we should do, but again we can follow an example and heed the instruction of one who’s already been there. This time it’s James, Jesus’ earthly brother:
James 1:4-5 -- "And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
The choice might be hard, but, in the end, as a by-product of choosing to please the Father and following throughon a day to day, moment by moment basis, in living a life that pleases Him down here, He will, in turn, be able to say about us: "This is My beloved son, my beloved daughter, in whom I am well-pleased."
4) FOLLOWING THROUGH & DOING THAT WHICH BRINGS PLEASURE TO GOD.
There are some SPECIFIC CHOICES, some SPECIFIC ACTIONS, ATTITUDES that are PLEASING TO GOD.
God is pleased when our life gives evidence of these things:
a) If we desire to please God, we will humble ourselves and yield to Him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 -- "and (if) My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Philippians 2:13 -- "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."
Romans 12:1 -- "...to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable (pleasing) to God, which is your spiritual (rational) service of worship."
----Humbling ourselves before God is a conscious, rational, intentional choice. It is deliberate, and by it we demonstrate our devotion, we worship and please Him.
----Simply put, pleasing God begins in recognizing that He is God and we are not...He is the Potter and we are merely the clay...He is the Shepherd and we are His sheep...He is Lord, and we are His subjects.
----It is the first commandment that teaches us we are to exalt Him, not ourselves, and the beginning point of pleasing Him.
--b) If we desire to please God, we will praise Him.
----*Psalm 69:30 -- "I will praise the name of God with a song, I will magnify Him with thanksgiving...This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs."
----God delights in our sacrifices of praise. He delights in, dwells within the praises of His people.
c) If we desire to please God, we will obey Him.
1 Sam.15:22 -- "Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, to heed than the fat of rams."
1 Jn.3:22 -- "and whatever we ask we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight."
d) If we desire to please God, we will trust Him.
Heb.11:6 -- "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."
Rom.8:7 -- "those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
James 1:6-8 -- "...for the one who doubts is like the surt of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
"Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
e) If we desire to please God, we will proclaim Him.
1 Cor.1:21 -- "It pleased God through the folly of what we preached to save those who believed."
We are to declare His majesty, declare how great is our God...so all will how great, how great He is.
----But we’re also to proclaim His truths, even if those truths might not be popular or not readily received by others.
f) If we desire to please God, we’ll respect and minister to others.
Col.3:20 -- "Children, be obedient to your parents...for this is well-pleasing to the Lord."
Matthew 25:40 -- "...Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least them, you did it to Me."
WHAT PLEASES GOD?
What does God delight in? And how do WE delight Him?
Turn to Romans 7.
There are two Scripture passages that will make up our theme and I encourage you to put them to memory:
1) 2 Corinthians 5:9 -- "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."
----"whether at home or absent" means our focus is not to be so much on the end times, but THIS time, not thinking only of the day when we’ll finally see the Lord face to face, but THIS day, as we pursue His pleasure through our surrender to the Holy Spirit within us; not to be wondering about who the Anti-Christ is, but living lives that are clearly pro-Christ, pleasing to Him.
2) Ephesians 5:8-10 -- "...walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."
----"children of light" means we have a mission: to bring light to a dark world. Or, as our church motto states it, "We live to bring living water to the desert."
----"learn what is pleasing to the Lord" means our focus is to become aware of what pleases God, then to choose to commit ourselves to pleasing Him.
As the year goes on we’ll look at the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 and learn from the heroes listed there in how they pleased God.
But our starting point today is to look at...
FOUR INGREDIENTS INVOLVED IN PLEASING GOD:
1) KNOWING THE FATHER’S HEART
--Ephesians 5:8-10 -- "walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord."
--Jeremiah 9:24 -- “But let him who boasts boast of this, that he undrstands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the Lord.
2) FOLLOWING JESUS’ EXAMPLE.
John 8:29 -- "He Who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him."
The best snapshot of what it will look like when we’re pleasing the Father is observing what Jesus did.
3) DELIBERATELY DECIDING TO PLEASE GOD.
<>Once we know what pleases the Father, then we have a choice to make: what will we do now?
--a) We can choose to live our lives simply as we please...seeking our own fulfillment, our own pleasure, without regard to others, without regard to our relationship with Christ.
----That would be choosing to live a life ruled by, guided by, making decisions based on our flesh, what feels good at the moment.
----But it’s a choice that guarantees we will not be pleasing God.
------*Rom.8:8 -- "but those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
<>We can choose to live our lives simply to please others, with the hope that they will like us more and/or treat us better, or honor us in some way.
--*Gal.1:10-14 --"Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?...am I striving to please men? If I were trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ."
----This is a choice that is tempting, and yet if we truly are choosing to please God, then many times it will put us in direct opposition to what is "politically correct" so far as the world views our actions.
----To truly choose to please God means we’ll make some choices that are very unpopular in political arenas or even among some other "believers."
----Note: The idea of being man-pleasers, being politically correct or holding only socially acceptable view is not new.
----Likewise, the temptation for preachers to refrain from preaching that which is unpopular or controversial or unpleasant but Biblically accurate and what God wants preached/proclaimed by bold messengers is also not new.
----Paul said it this way, in 1 Thessalonians 2:4: "but just as God, Who examines our hearts."
OR we can choose to live our lives with a single ambition: a life that is pleasing to God.
Our key verse: 2 Corinthians 5:9 -- "...we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."
This, of course, is the right choice...but it won’t be easy. It is the most difficult choice of the three.
It’s comforting to me to know that the Apostle Paul, arguably the greatest Christian who ever lived, wrestled with making the choice that would please God.
(Read Romans 7:15-25 here)
No, the choice won’t be easy, and sometimes we’ll not even know for sure what it is we should do, but again we can follow an example and heed the instruction of one who’s already been there. This time it’s James, Jesus’ earthly brother:
James 1:4-5 -- "And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
The choice might be hard, but, in the end, as a by-product of choosing to please the Father and following throughon a day to day, moment by moment basis, in living a life that pleases Him down here, He will, in turn, be able to say about us: "This is My beloved son, my beloved daughter, in whom I am well-pleased."
4) FOLLOWING THROUGH & DOING THAT WHICH BRINGS PLEASURE TO GOD.
There are some SPECIFIC CHOICES, some SPECIFIC ACTIONS, ATTITUDES that are PLEASING TO GOD.
God is pleased when our life gives evidence of these things:
a) If we desire to please God, we will humble ourselves and yield to Him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 -- "and (if) My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Philippians 2:13 -- "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure."
Romans 12:1 -- "...to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable (pleasing) to God, which is your spiritual (rational) service of worship."
----Humbling ourselves before God is a conscious, rational, intentional choice. It is deliberate, and by it we demonstrate our devotion, we worship and please Him.
----Simply put, pleasing God begins in recognizing that He is God and we are not...He is the Potter and we are merely the clay...He is the Shepherd and we are His sheep...He is Lord, and we are His subjects.
----It is the first commandment that teaches us we are to exalt Him, not ourselves, and the beginning point of pleasing Him.
--b) If we desire to please God, we will praise Him.
----*Psalm 69:30 -- "I will praise the name of God with a song, I will magnify Him with thanksgiving...This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs."
----God delights in our sacrifices of praise. He delights in, dwells within the praises of His people.
c) If we desire to please God, we will obey Him.
1 Sam.15:22 -- "Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, to heed than the fat of rams."
1 Jn.3:22 -- "and whatever we ask we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight."
d) If we desire to please God, we will trust Him.
Heb.11:6 -- "Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."
Rom.8:7 -- "those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
James 1:6-8 -- "...for the one who doubts is like the surt of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
"Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
e) If we desire to please God, we will proclaim Him.
1 Cor.1:21 -- "It pleased God through the folly of what we preached to save those who believed."
We are to declare His majesty, declare how great is our God...so all will how great, how great He is.
----But we’re also to proclaim His truths, even if those truths might not be popular or not readily received by others.
f) If we desire to please God, we’ll respect and minister to others.
Col.3:20 -- "Children, be obedient to your parents...for this is well-pleasing to the Lord."
Matthew 25:40 -- "...Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least them, you did it to Me."
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Love is the Foundation for Christian Life - Do you have that Christ's Love ???
Love is the Foundation for Christian Life – Do you Have that Christ"s Love
AN OVERFLOW OF LOVE–does our love produce a life marked by obedience?
+ 2 John 1:6 Love means following His commandments, and His underlying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love. This is the first think you heard and nothing has changed. (THE MESSAGE)
Love is key. A heart that fully loves Christ produce a life that is marked by obedience to His word. How can you recognize loving obedience to Christ and His word?
1. Love obeys Christ’s commands WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
Those who love Christ will obey His commands simply because it is Christ’s word spoken to them. Whether it is the spoken commandment of Christ in scripture, His teachings, the Old or New Testament scriptures inspired by His Spirit, or the still small voice of His spirit speaking to the heart those who love Him will obey Him. Period.
+ Psalm 40:8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. (NIV)
+ Luke 11:28 [Jesus said], “Blessed . . . are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (NIV)
I just want to obey Christ and serve Him only. If my obedience is because of convenience or my personal belief, then I am serving my self and not Christ. If my obedience is the result of those in authority over my and my desire to please them, then I serve man and not Christ. Only as I wholeheartedly respond to Christ with a willing heart of devotion do I serve Christ and Him alone.
2. Love obeys Christ’s commands WITHOUT QUESTION.
Because I love Christ I will do whatever Has asks whenever He asks me to do it. I am not free to pick and choose what or when I want to obey. It’s like we tell our kids, “delayed obedience is disobedience.”
The scriptures tell us that God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are different from ours (Isaiah 55:8). We may not always understand the path Christ wants us to walk; we may think we know a better way. If only God would consider what we think would be best, or direct us at a different time.
Love for Christ keeps us walking in obedience to the direction He tells us to go. Love makes His way our way even when we don’t understand it. We obey Christ without question.
3. Love obeys Christ’s commands CHEERFULLY.
Love never obeys begrudgingly or with remorse. Love obeys willingly. Loves desire is to please the one it loves through glad and joyful obedience.
+ Psalm 119:97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
+ Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
4. Love obeys Christ’s commands CONSISTENTLY.
Love never fails. Because I love Christ I will always continue to love Him, therefore, I will continually obey Him.
+ Psalm 119:44 I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.
How is it possible to faithfully obey Christ at all times? Yes, our love for Christ produces or overflows with obedience, but it doesn’t end there.
+ Deuteronomy 30:14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
Our heart has been transformed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It’s the Holy Spirit that enables us to have a consistent love for Jesus that never fails.
AN OVERFLOW OF LOVE–does our love produce a life marked by obedience?
+ 2 John 1:6 Love means following His commandments, and His underlying commandment is that you conduct your lives in love. This is the first think you heard and nothing has changed. (THE MESSAGE)
Love is key. A heart that fully loves Christ produce a life that is marked by obedience to His word. How can you recognize loving obedience to Christ and His word?
1. Love obeys Christ’s commands WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
Those who love Christ will obey His commands simply because it is Christ’s word spoken to them. Whether it is the spoken commandment of Christ in scripture, His teachings, the Old or New Testament scriptures inspired by His Spirit, or the still small voice of His spirit speaking to the heart those who love Him will obey Him. Period.
+ Psalm 40:8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. (NIV)
+ Luke 11:28 [Jesus said], “Blessed . . . are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (NIV)
I just want to obey Christ and serve Him only. If my obedience is because of convenience or my personal belief, then I am serving my self and not Christ. If my obedience is the result of those in authority over my and my desire to please them, then I serve man and not Christ. Only as I wholeheartedly respond to Christ with a willing heart of devotion do I serve Christ and Him alone.
2. Love obeys Christ’s commands WITHOUT QUESTION.
Because I love Christ I will do whatever Has asks whenever He asks me to do it. I am not free to pick and choose what or when I want to obey. It’s like we tell our kids, “delayed obedience is disobedience.”
The scriptures tell us that God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are different from ours (Isaiah 55:8). We may not always understand the path Christ wants us to walk; we may think we know a better way. If only God would consider what we think would be best, or direct us at a different time.
Love for Christ keeps us walking in obedience to the direction He tells us to go. Love makes His way our way even when we don’t understand it. We obey Christ without question.
3. Love obeys Christ’s commands CHEERFULLY.
Love never obeys begrudgingly or with remorse. Love obeys willingly. Loves desire is to please the one it loves through glad and joyful obedience.
+ Psalm 119:97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
+ Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
4. Love obeys Christ’s commands CONSISTENTLY.
Love never fails. Because I love Christ I will always continue to love Him, therefore, I will continually obey Him.
+ Psalm 119:44 I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.
How is it possible to faithfully obey Christ at all times? Yes, our love for Christ produces or overflows with obedience, but it doesn’t end there.
+ Deuteronomy 30:14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
Our heart has been transformed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It’s the Holy Spirit that enables us to have a consistent love for Jesus that never fails.
Meditation Kit - Use it Often
Meditation Aid
As you meditate on any passage of Scripture Ask Question for Yourself
Is there:
a sin I should keep away from?
a promise I can call my own?
a command for me to obey?
a blessing I can enjoy?
a failure from which I can learn?
a victory for me to win?
a new thought about God, the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Satan, man?
a truth in this passage that has greatly affected me?
Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. {#2Pe 3:18}
•
‘Grow in grace’—not in one grace only, but in all grace.
Grow in that root grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have done.
Let faith increase in fullness, constancy, simplicity
Grow also in love. Ask that your love may become extended,
More intense, more practical, influencing every thought, word, and deed.
Grow likewise in humility. Seek to lie very low, and know more of your own nothingness.
As you grow downward in humility, seek also to grow upward—having nearer approaches to God in prayer and more intimate fellowship with Jesus.
May God the Holy Spirit enable you to ‘grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.’
He who grows not in the knowledge of Jesus, refuses to be blessed.
To know him is ‘life eternal,’ and to advance in the knowledge of him is to increase in happiness.
He who does not long to know more of Christ knows nothing of him yet.
Whoever hath sipped this wine will thirst for more, for although Christ doth satisfy, yet it is such a satisfaction, that the appetite is not cloyed, but whetted.
If you know the love of Jesus—as the hart panteth for the water brooks,
So will you pant after deeper draughts of his love.
If you do not desire to know him better, then you love him not, for love always cries,
‘Nearer, nearer.’ Absence from Christ is hell; but the presence of Jesus is heaven.
Rest not then content without an increasing
As you meditate on any passage of Scripture Ask Question for Yourself
Is there:
a sin I should keep away from?
a promise I can call my own?
a command for me to obey?
a blessing I can enjoy?
a failure from which I can learn?
a victory for me to win?
a new thought about God, the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Satan, man?
a truth in this passage that has greatly affected me?
Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. {#2Pe 3:18}
•
‘Grow in grace’—not in one grace only, but in all grace.
Grow in that root grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have done.
Let faith increase in fullness, constancy, simplicity
Grow also in love. Ask that your love may become extended,
More intense, more practical, influencing every thought, word, and deed.
Grow likewise in humility. Seek to lie very low, and know more of your own nothingness.
As you grow downward in humility, seek also to grow upward—having nearer approaches to God in prayer and more intimate fellowship with Jesus.
May God the Holy Spirit enable you to ‘grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.’
He who grows not in the knowledge of Jesus, refuses to be blessed.
To know him is ‘life eternal,’ and to advance in the knowledge of him is to increase in happiness.
He who does not long to know more of Christ knows nothing of him yet.
Whoever hath sipped this wine will thirst for more, for although Christ doth satisfy, yet it is such a satisfaction, that the appetite is not cloyed, but whetted.
If you know the love of Jesus—as the hart panteth for the water brooks,
So will you pant after deeper draughts of his love.
If you do not desire to know him better, then you love him not, for love always cries,
‘Nearer, nearer.’ Absence from Christ is hell; but the presence of Jesus is heaven.
Rest not then content without an increasing
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