This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Making Plans To Bless The Lord", 3/2/14

MAKING PLANS TO BLESS THE LORD

 

2 Samuel 7:1-16

 

REFLECTIONS OF GOD'S GOODNESS

V:1. " Now it came about when the king (David) lived in his house, and the Lord had given him rest on every side from all his enemies."

A. Every once in a while, it is good to reflect on what God has done for us.

    1. It is the Lord that has given us what we have.

    2. It is the Lord who has protected us from our enemies.

    3. It is the Lord that have protected us from dangers, seen and unseen.

B. It is the Lord that gives us rest.

   1. The Lord gives us rest from our labors.

   2. The Lord gives us rest from our worries.

   3. It is the Lord that gives us rest at night.

       a. It is the Lord that shuts down our minds so we can sleep at night.

       b. It is the Lord that refreshes our minds so we wake up renewed for another day.

       c. It is the Lord that renews our strength while we sleep.

   4. It is good to reflect on the goodness of the Lord.

 

V:2. " That the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar,   

 but the ark of God dwells within tent curtains."

 A. Sometimes it is good to set your mind on what you can do for the Lord.

    1. When you consider all He has done for you, consider how you can be helpful to

         the Lord.

    2. All you have to do is look around and you will see the glory of the Lord in your

        life.

    3. Sometimes you need to consider if you are doing more for your self than

        you are doing for the Lord.

    4. Sometimes you need to ask yourself, are you neglecting the Lord's house?

 B. David looked at the house that the Lord has made available to him.

    1. In David's mind he saw a problem in the way he was treating the Lord's house.

    2. David's consideration disturbed him so much that he sought counsel with

        Nathan, the prophet.

    3. We should be moved to talk about how we are treating the Lord.

 C. You should choose carefully the one who counsels you.

    1. You cannot seek counsel with everybody concerning your desire for the Lord.

    2. Those who have no relationship with the Lord are not qualified to give you advice

         concerning the work of the Lord.

 D. David chose the one who God called to be His messenger to council with.

    1. David chose the prophet of the Lord.

    2. Nathan told David to do what was in his heart for the Lord.

    3. You should expect the one who loves the Lord to encourage you to serve

        the Lord.

       a. You may not get good advice from a non believer.

 

 

DIVINE COUNCELING

 V:3. " Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you."

  A. Nathan told the King what he wanted to hear.

     1. Nathan told the king what he thought the Lord would be pleased with.

     2. Nathan encouraged the king in the Lord.

  B. It is good for believers to fellowship together.

     1. It is good for believers to talk about the Lord together.

     2. It is good for believers to get excited about serving the Lord.

  C. People don't need your opinions, they need a word from the Lord.

     1. Nathan did not seek the Lord before he gave advice to the king.

     2. Nathan spoke on the Lord's behalf without consulting with the Lord.

     3. Nathan forgot that he was just a messenger of the Lord.

     4. You should never tell someone to do what the Lord has not said to do.

 

V:4. " But in the same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying."

 A. When you talk about the Lord, he listens to you.

     1. Those who loves the Lord talk about Him.

     2. Those who loves the Lord seek ways to show their gratitude.

     3. Those who love the Lord makes plans to serve the Lord.

 B. The Lord picks His time to talk to you.

     1. Often times the Lords will talk to you at night when you are at rest.

     2. It is a good time to talk with the Lord when there are no distractions.

 

BE PREPARED TO HEAR A WORD FORM THE LORD

 V:5 "Go and say to My servant David, 'Thus says the Lord, "Are you the one who

   should  build Me a house to dwell in?"

  A. Before you decide to do something for the Lord, you should check with the Lord.

     1. Some things require us to seek God's guidance before we make a decision.

     2. Before you give a child of God some advice about doing something that has not

         been done before, you should pray about it.

     3. Nathan spoke to quick.

         a. He told David what he wanted to hear.

         b. Since Nathan did not talk with God, he did not have a word from God.

         c. Before you give advice, check the Word first.

         d. Nathan gave David the wrong advice because he did not seek God before he

             spoke.

    

  B. God has a plan for all of us.

      1. God has a job for us to do.

      2. God equips us to do certain jobs.

      3. All things are not in God's plan for you to do.

      4. There are some things God has equipped others to do.

  C. Don't get upset with others because God has decided to use them rather than you.

       1. David wanted to take the Ark of the Covenant out of the tent that God had

           specifically designed for it.

       2. God designed the tent and all of it's articles and ornaments.

       3. God guided the hands that built the tent.

       4. The tent had survived 440 years of travel from place to place.

       5. The tent represented the house of God.

       6. The Ark of The Covenant represented the presence of God

       7. God visited Israel in the Holy of Holiness in the tent.

  D. How can man replace the work of God with his fleshly hands?

      1. Is any design of man equal to God?

      2. How can you replace the history and the success of God with

          something from your imagination? 

      3. How can you replace perfection with imperfection?

          a. Anything God made is perfect.

          b. What man makes without God's design will have imperfections.

 

STUDY TO KNOW GOD'S PLAN     

 V:6. "For I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the sons of Israel from Egypt, even to this day; but I have been moving about in a tent, even in a tabernacle."

A. From time to time, God reminds us that He does not need our help.

   1. God reminded David that during the 400 years of Israel's existence, He did not

       live in a tent.

   2. The tent was the place God visited when He had a message for Israel.

 B. The tent was made to be moved, until Israel became settled in the promised land.

   1. David was the King who consolidated Israel into one nation and brought peace to

       the people.

   2. While the people were at war, there was no need for a permanent place for the

       Ark.

 C. David had the right idea, but his timing was wrong.

    1. David had the right idea, but he failed to consult with God.

    2. Spiritual matters require consultation with the father.

    3. They that worship the Lord must worship Him in spirit and truth.

    4. God designed the tent as a place of worship and sacrifice.

    5. The tent played a significant role in the history of Israel.

 

 V:7. "Wherever I have gone with all the sons of Israel, did I speak a word with one of the tribes of Israel, which I commanded to shepherd My people Israel, saying, 'Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?"

 A. When we decide to do something new for God, we should consider what is important

     to God.

    1. When we decide to do something for God, we must consider whether it serves the

         mission of God.

    2. For 440 years a house of cedar would not serve the purpose of God.

        a. The tent that housed the Ark of the Covenant was designed to be taken apart

            and moved from place to place.

        b. David did not ask God whether His purpose for the tent was fulfilled.

 B. Whatever we decide to do for God should fit into His purpose and mission.  

 

 GOD'S PLANS OUR LIVES

V:8 "Now therefore, thus you shall say to My servant David,"Thus says the Lord of hosts,  

 I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people

 Israel."

 A. Nathan, the prophet was instructed by God to remind David of what He had done

      for him.

   1. David was a shepherd of sheep. God called him to be the shepherd of Israel.

   2. David was made king of God's people.

 B. David was given the opportunity to learn leadership by being a shepherd of sheep.

     1. He learned that sheep could be easily led.

     2. He learned that sheep will get lost without a shepherd.

     3, He learned that sheep could easily be misled.

     4. He learned that sheep are easy prey and need constant protection.

 

 V:9, "I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like the names of the great men who are on the earth. "

 A. All that we have and all that we have become is because of the grace of the Father.

    1. David was a type of Christ.

        a. David was a shepherd. Jesus is our shepherd.

        b. David was a king. Jesus is the King Of Kings.

        c. David was a warrior.  Jesus has already won the battle.

        b. David brought unity to Israel. Jesus brought unity to the body of Christ.

   2. David was part of God's plan of redemption

       a. He was a descendant of Abraham. 

       b. He was in the promise seed of Abraham.

       c. He was included in the covenant that God made with Abraham.

       d. God promised Abraham that his seed would be a blessing to many nations.

       e. He was from the tribe of  Judah . Jesus was from the tribe of Judah 

       f. He was the first of the line of kings from which Jesus came.

 B. God promised that David's name would be great.

      1. He was a man after God's own heart.

      2. He was obedient to the Father.

 

V:10. "I will also appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, that they may live in their own place and not be disturbed again, nor will the wicked afflict them any more as formerly."

 A. The house that David wanted to build was already in God's plan.

     1. What David planned was small in comparison to what was in God's plan.

     2. David considered a plan for the Ark, but God's plan included the whole nation.

 B. What David was planning would be built with wood.

     1. What God planned was built with wood overlaid with the finest gold.

     2. David's plan was small. God's plan was grand.

 C. What David planned was temporary.

     1. What God planned included a physical temple and an eternal temple.

         a. The physical temple was built in Jerusalem and was a temporary structure.

         b. The spiritual temple is the Church, the body of Christ

     2. The nation of Israel was enjoying the land promised to Abraham and his

         descendants.

         1. Their peace in the promised land was dependant on their obedience to God's

              commands.

         2. Israel's troubles in the promise land was a result of their disobedience. 

 

GOD BLESSES THOSE WHO SERVE HIM

V:11. " Even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you."

A. David wanted to build a house for God.

   1. But God had already planned a house for David.

   2. In deed a temple would be built, but a dynasty of kings would follow David.

B. David was enjoying rest from his enemies.

   1. The rest for David's house on earth would be short lived.

       a. The people of Israel would enjoy rest from their enemies under David

           and Solomon.

       b. Because of Israel's continued sins, the temple would be destroyed and

           they would come under captivity.

   2. There would be eternal rest for David and Israel  through Jesus Christ, a

       descendant in the line of David.

 

 V:12 "When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise

  up  your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his

  kingdom."

  A. When you have a desire to do good for the Lord, He returns that desire with a

       a greater good to you.

      1. David wanted to build a house for the Lord.

      2. God planned a house for David

      3. God promised prosperity for David's son.

      4. God promised continuation of the kingdom established under David.

  B. David would not live to see the continuation of the kingdom.

     1. David had the comfort of knowing that his son would succeed him as king.

     2. It brings joy to know that your sons and daughters will be successful as a

         result of your dedication to the Lord.

 

 13 "He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom

  forever."

 A. David's desire to build a house for the Lord was met with a response from the

      Lord that a house would be built, but not by him.

    1. It was normal in that time for kings to build temples to their idol gods.

       a. It was normal for those who worship idol gods to have a temple to

           worship and make sacrifices.

    2. David's desire to build a temple for the Lord was because of his love but

        may also to be in keeping with standards of that time.

 B. God does not operate according to man standards but responds according to

      our love for Him.

 

 V:14. "I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I

  will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men."

 A. Long after our mothers and fathers are gone, we have an eternal Father.

     1. God promised David that He would provide divine guidance for his son.

     2. God promised David that He would discipline his son.

 B. God provides divine guidance for every believer.

     1. God chastises those that He loves.

     2. God does not leave us to our sinful nature.

        a. He said that He would never leave us or forsake us.

        b. God also said that He would never put more on us than we can bear.

 

V:15. " But My loving kindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul,

  whom I removed from before you."

 A. Notice, God chooses who He wants to bless with His continued kindness.

     1. It was never said of King Saul, the king before David, that he was a man after

         God's own heart.

     2. Saul was chosen as the first King of Israel because of their rejection of God's

         rule by His judges.

     3. David was chosen by God to rule Israel.

 B. God promises good to those who love and serve Him.

    1. It is the parents responsibility to bring up their children to know the Lord

        and to serve him.

    2. We pave the way for our children success when we teach them to honor the Lord.

 

THE DAVIDIC COVENANT

 V:16 "Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne

  shall  be established forever."

  A. David started with a simple desire to build a temple for the Lord.

      1. Because of his desire to honor the Lord, he was blessed with an eternal dynasty.

      2. You will never know how much God will do for you.

      3. What you know for sure is God blesses those who are obedient to Him

           and honor him with their lives.

 B. Form David's desire to honor the Lord, came a King through his descendants

     name Jesus Christ who reigns forever.

 

 

This Week"s Sunday School Lesson, "Controlling My Thoughts",2/23/14

 

CONTROLLING MY THOUGHTS

 

James 3:1-12

 

 V:1. "Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment."

A. In order to be a good teacher, you have to know your subject.

     1. In order to teach the Word, you  should know the Word.

     2. In order to know the Word,  you have to study the Word.

     3. Those who desire to be teachers of the Word must make a commitment to

         a constant study of God's Word.

     4. I have learned that I can never get to a point of knowing all the Word.

     5. For me, every time I study the Word, I find that there is much more to learn.

 B. Teachers have a responsibility and obligation to God the Father to stay in constant

      communication with Him.

     1. We cannot learn the Word without the help of the Father.

     2. Each of us have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which is our guide and our

         teacher.

 C. Teachers have a responsibility to the brothers and sisters in Christ to diligently

      study  the Word of God before teaching.

     1. For me, I have to spend some time in the Word because my understanding is

        limited by my human capability, but broaden by my teacher, the Holy Spirit as I

        study.

     2. Without study, there will be no guidance of the Holy Spirit in the study of the

         Word.

     3. With little study, there will be little guidance of the Holy Spirit in the Word.

     4. With much study, there will be much guidance of the Holy Spirit in the Word.

 D. God keeps track of my study habits.

     1. God keeps track of how I teach the Word.

     2. Teachers will be judged  harshly if we willfully mislead our brothers and sisters

         in the study of the Word.

     3. The word judgment or condemnation comes from the Greek word "krima" which

         can be translated as a sentence or crime.

         a. The phrase " we will incur" comes from the Greek word "lambano" which can

             be translated "to get hold of" or "take in order to carry away."

         b. God will get hold of teachers for the crime of willfully misleading His people. 

 

 V:2. " For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says,

        he  is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well."

 A. Stumbling is part of living.

     1. You can't grow without some stumbling.

     2. We did not come into this world knowing everything.

     3. We were born with zero knowledge.

     4. Everything we know, we have learned through study and the road of "hard

        knocks".

 B. The word "stumble/ offend" is from the Greek word "ptaio" which can be translated

      to trip, err or sin.

   1. The Word tells us that if any man says he has no sin, he is a liar.

   2. The text tells us that we all sin in many ways.

   3. We are in the flesh and stuff happens to us.

       a. We are in the flesh and we cause stuff to happen.

 C. When it comes to the Word of God we don't have to stumble because we

       have the capability to study the Word.

       1. We have the help of the Holy Spirit to understand the Word.

 D. It is the Word and the conviction of the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability to

      control the body.

     1. The only way we can achieve any measure of perfection is through the obedience

          of the Word. 

     

 V:3. " Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we

        direct  their entire body as well."

 A. There is one small part of the body we have to deal with if we can ever get to the

       point of not stumbling.

     1. To control a big and powerful  horse, all you got to do is control his mouth.

     2. When I was growing up on my grandfather's farm, a horse was a valuable tool.

         a. My grandparents uses them to plow the fields.

         b. The horse was used to pull wagons to haul the crops to the market.

         c. The horse was the means of transportation.

    3. To control the horse, we put bits into his mouth and attached straps (reigns) to the

        bits to control his direction and speed.

     

  B. The mouth is a small part of the horse, but it controlled his whole body.

      1. By pulling the reigns  to the left, the horse would go left.

      2. By pulling the reigns to the right, the horse would go right.

      3. By controlling the reigns attached to the bits in the horses mouth you can get it

         to go, speed up or stop.

 

 

 V:4. " Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires."

 A. The direction of a  big ship is controlled by a small rudder attached to its back and

      bottom.

    1. It is the captain of the  ship that controls the rudder.

    2. A captain has to go through an intense training program to learn how to

        control the ship.

 B. The captain is judged on how he controls the ship.

     1. A ship has powerful engines and a crew that controls every aspect of the ship's

        operation.

     2. It is the operation of the rudder that controls direction and speed of the ship.

     3. A small part of the ship is critical to its movement.

 

 

 

V:5. " So also the tongue is a small part of he body, and yet it boasts of great things. See

  how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!"

 A. Without the Word the tongue is controlled by the flesh.

     1. The Greek word for tongue is "glossa" which can be translated "language."

     2. It is our nature to say what we want when we want and the way we want.

     3. With the tongue, we can build up or tear down another person.

     4. Out of the mouth can come some hurtful and deceitful words if it is not

         controlled.

 B. A small fire left unattended can cause major damage.

     1. A fire out of control can burn down houses and destroy valuable crops, forests

        and result in the lost of lives.

    2. A fire under control can do much good.

       a. With a fire, we can cook our food, warm our houses and our bodies.

       b. With a fire, metal can be melted, purified  and shaped into useful tools and

           building  materials.

   C. A tongue under the control of the Holy Spirit is the tool God uses to spread the

       Gospel of Jesus Christ and to teach His commands.

      1. Man is nothing but a vessel God uses to do His will.

      2. The man God uses has to be trained in the Word of God and controlled by the

          Spirit. 

 

 V:6. " And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell."

A. Christians must realize that we are still in the flesh and under the influence

     of the devices of the world.

   1. We are wrapped up in human emotions and desires that tend to control our

       thoughts  and actions.

   2. It is normal for us to act like the environment that we live in.

   3. Our hearts are filled with anger, hurts, frustrations and desires of the flesh.

   4. We are subject to an outburst at anytime.

   5. We find it hard  to maintain our Christian lifestyle when we are bombarded with

       worldly influences at every turn.

 B. We do not carry a Bible in our back pocket to pull out like a driver's license to

      identify who we are before we speak or interact with other human beings.

    1. Normally we go with the flow and occasionally look in the mirror and see Christ. 

    2. It is the occasions when the mirror is hidden and the Bible is back on the shelf

        collecting dust when the devil arrives and we explode.

    3. Even in our best Christian behavior, the Devil is knocking at the door seeking to

       get in.

       a. The Apostle Paul said it best, even when I want to do good, evil is present.

 C. Hell is a party waiting for us to arrive.

    1. We don't have to go far to get to the party, because it is outside  the door.

    2. When you speak out of anger, you are at the party.

    3. When you can't find the heart to forgive, you are at the party.

    4. When you let your emotions control your actions, you are at the party.

    5. When you look for ways to get even with a person for a wrong done, you are in

      the party.         

 

V:7. " For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race."

 A. God made all the animals for man and for his use.

    1. Animals were put under the control of man.

    2. Man has the capability to control all the creatures God made.

 B. With all the knowledge and training we have, we often fail to control ourselves.

    1. There are so many things that can beset us, when the mind is not kept in check.

    2. The tongue is not the problem, but the mind that controls the tongue.

        a. Out of the heart flows the issues of life.

        b. It is in the heart where the issues that trouble us are formulated.   

 

V:8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison."

  A. When the mind is corrupt, the tongue will repeat what is formulated there.

      1. In Philippians chapter four, God give us the solution to our tongue problem.

         a. Verse 8 states, " Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,

             whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good

             repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on

             these  things."

         b. When the mind is "full of these things", restless, evil and deadly poison is

              far from us.

         c. When the mind is "full of these things", the tongue will reflect good and

             not evil.

  B. We have been trained by the world to see the bad and speak the bad.

       1. Our normal reaction is to tear down another person with our mouths so

           we want look so bad.

       2. The taming of the tongue is impossible for man, but possible with God.

           a. All things work together for those who love the Lord and are called according

               to his purposes.

       3. Sometimes it's hard to see that all things good and bad works for our good.

       4. We miss the opportunity to receive God's good, when all we see is bad.

       5. We miss the opportunity to do good, when the tongue is cocked and ready

           to speak evil.

       6. When we are always on the defense, we can never get to the offense.

            a. When we are always defending ourselves, we can never be tolerant

                with others and ready to see the good in them.

 

V:9. " With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God."

 A. When we are in a good mood, we bless God and sing His praises.

     1. It does not take much in the sanctuary to praise God when the crowd is praising

         God.

     2. It does not take much effort on our part to praise God when everything is going

         our way.

 B. When it gets hectic, we can easy lose sight of who we are and whose we are.

    1. We normally blend in to fit in  until we run into someone or something, we

         don't want to blend in with.

      a. One moment, we are full of praise and the next moment we are ready to curse.

 2. Most of us are walking around with a trash can.

     a. We took up our religious faith in Jesus and viewed the commands of God.

     b. We put hate in the trash can.

     c. We put bad language in the trash can.

     d. We put all our anger and frustrations in the trash can.

     e. We put all our hurts in the trash can.

 3. The problem is the trash can has not been emptied.

    a. We keep an eye on the trash while trying to walk with Jesus.

    b.  It is still in the trash can, because we have not dealt with it, we have just
         suppressed it.

 4. Anything suppressed can come to the surface when something or somebody triggers
     it.

    a. What's in the trash can comes out and religion is set aside.

    b. Before we know it, love has turn to hate, calmness has turn to disruption,

        peace has turn to frustration and kind words have turned to curses.

 5. The solution is to empty the trash can.

  

V:10. " From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way."

 A. The only way to deal with the inconsistencies in our religion is to turn our lives

      over to Jesus.

     1. We can't deal with life by ourselves.

     2.  We have a friend in Jesus.

     3. Our problem is we don't call on Him until we are in trouble.

 B. The moment we start taking stuff out of the trash can, is the moment when we 
      should  call on Jesus.

    1. We were once addicted to the sins of the world.

    2. What we need is another addiction. It takes time to get addicted to Jesus.

 

V:11. " Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?"

 A. The past is the past, but it has not been forgotten.

     1. The mind has a way of bringing up the past in the most unexpected time.

     2. People want let you forget your past.

     3. That is why sometimes we are fresh and sometimes we are bitter.

 B. The apostle Paul said, "This one thing I do, is put past behind me and move toward

      the high calling of Jesus Christ."

     1. That is easily said, but hard to do.

     2. The truth is, I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.

        a. In order to let Christ strengthen me,  it takes constant work and commitment.

  C. We have to deal with the trash in our lives.

     1. Jesus has cleaned up the trash that we are holding on to.

     2. We should not be ashamed of our past, but count it all joy in Jesus Christ.

 

 V:12. " Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water  produce fresh." 

  A. We were predestined before the foundation of the world to be in Jesus Christ.

     1. Christ knew about our trash before He called us out of the world.

     2. The trash in our lives is our testimony to what Jesus has done to clean us up.

     3. We are saved by His grace though faith.

 B. Every time our minds or others bring up the trash, we need to say with a smile.

      look at what Jesus has done to clean up my trash.

    1. James says count it all joy when we face trials and tribulations.

    2. It is by the trials and tribulations that we are perfected in Jesus Christ.

 C. Once we deal with the trash, the fig tree will produce figs and the olive vine will

      produce olives and fresh living water will flow from us.  

 

 

 

 

This Week's Sunday School, "Faith And Works", 2/16/2014

FAITH AND WORKS

 

James 2:14-26

 

V:14. " What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?"

 A. Apostle James speaks to us, the Church about our walk with Jesus.

     1. There ought to be some tangible evidence that we are following Jesus.

     2. We certainly can talk about our faith in Jesus.

         a. When someone from the outside look at our life,  can they see Christ in

              us?

         b. When someone from the outside looks at us, do they see the world or do they

             see something different from the world?

 B. We know a tree by the fruit it produces.

     1. Is it an orange tree, if it never produces any oranges?

     2. Is it an apple tree, if it never produces any apples?

     3. Do we have faith, if we never produce any works?

     4. Do we have faith, if we can't find time to do the good works of Christ?  Col 1:10

     5. Christ started a good work in us.  Phil 1:6.

     6. We have been equipped for good works. 2 Tim 3:16-17.

 C. We are saved by grace through faith.

     1. It is grace that gave us the faith to believe in Jesus Christ.

     2. We did not come to faith in Jesus Christ on our own, it was by God's grace.

     3. To each is given a measure of faith.   Rom 12:3

     4. The Apostle is questioning whether our faith is alive.

 

 V:15. " If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food."

 A. A living faith produces works.

     1. A living faith recognizes the responsibility to be a good steward of what God has

         given him.

     2. A living faith expresses its gratefulness through compassion for others.

     3. A living faith is not just words, but actions.  

 B. Notice God presents us with a situation that ought to convict our hearts to action.

     1. We have been blessed with what we need.

     2. The question is, do we have the heart to share what we have with someone in

         need?

     3. If we had not been blessed by God, we would be in need.

  C. Notice this is a brother or a sister who does not have clothes or food for the day.

     1. This brother or sister is destitute and we have been equipped to help.

     2. The question is, do we feel a need to be our brothers keeper?

 

V:16. " And one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?"

 A. Notice, God does not tell us how this brother or sister got in this condition.

     1. God does not tell us their life story.

          a. They could have been born poor.

          b. They could have had much, but lost all they had.

          c. They could be out of their minds and not capable of taking care of themselves.

     2. How this brother or sister got into this condition of need is not the issue.

         a. The issue is, what is the condition of your heart?

         b. The issue is, are you living by your faith?

         c. The issue is, are you dead in your faith because you have  been save by grace?

         d. The issue is, "I got mine and you got to figure out how to get yours."

 B.  Because we know the word and we been taught the word, we know how to

       pray.

     1. Prayer is easy. It does not take much of our time.

     2. We give them this prayer, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,"

     3. We got the scripture to back us up, "The prayers of the righteous avails much".

     3. Their need is now, but we tell them to wait on God.

     4. The "Church Of God which is us, is standing in front of them.

 C. The Church Of God, which is us, has access to all the riches of God, but sends the

      brother or sister away with a prayer.

     1. The text tells us this was not a scam, it was a need and we knew it was a need.

     2. The text tells us this was a brother or a sister, not a stranger off the street.

     3. The text tells us that there is such a lack of compassion in us that we will not help

         even though we have the means to help.

     4. The brother or sister came to the place of helps, but we sent them away empty

         handed.

         a. What we are saying is that the God in us is not big enough to be God for them.

         b. We got the help,  the capability, and the resources, but we tell God

              it is not proper or it is not convenient for us to help. 

  D. We say we got faith, but we don't act in faith when God presents us with the

       opportunity to exercise our faith.

      1. What the Apostle is asking, what good is the Word if we don't put the power

           behind it?

      2.  What good are we to God, if we do not  follow his will for us?

 

 V:17. " Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."

  A. An active living faith produces works.

      1. An active faith has the discernment of God to know a need when it is presented.

      2. An active faith acts out of love and compassion.

      3. An active faith causes us to make a sacrifice for others.

      4. An active living faith does not hesitate to be helpful.

  B. It is not faith if I have to know for sure that something will turn out the way I want

      it.

      1. It is not faith if I have an opportunity to do good but neglect the good.

      2. It is not faith for me to tell God to find somebody else to do His will.

      3. We got faith, but it is dead and useless if it is not put into action.

 

V:18" But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

 A. Christian living requires us to do something for God.

     1. Christian living requires us to be at work for God and not sit on the sidelines

         watching others work.

     2. We got the light, but if we don't let it shine, no one can benefit from it.

     3. We got faith, but others are place in our lives to benefit from our faith.

 B. God blesses us so others can be blessed.

    1. God called us out of the world, so the world can see Him in us.

    2. We were called because we have worth.

    3. We were called because God has a job for us.

    4. We were called so we could store up treasures in heaven.

    5. We were dead in our sins, but made alive in Christ Jesus.

        a. We can't live like the dead, but must live like the living.

        b. Those living in Christ produce much fruit through their works.

    6. If we allow Christ to work in our lives, many will be saved.
 

 V:19. " You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and  

  shudder."

  A. Everyone believes in something.

      1. Demons believe in Jesus

      2. Demons hate Jesus and His works, and have no desire to change.

      3. Demons know the power of Jesus, and are afraid of Jesus, but they will not

         change.

  B. Believers should reverence the Lord by following his commands.

     1. It is our duty and obligation to show our gratefulness by actively involving

         ourselves in the works of the Lord.

     2. If we have faith in the Word that belief in Jesus saves, we should have faith in

         the Word that our works are important to God.

      

 V:20. " But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?"

 A. We have to exercise faith for it to do us or anyone any good.

     1. It is the same as having a car and never using the car.

     2. Unless you get in the car, it can't take you anywhere.

 B. At some point in our spiritual maturity, we must recognize that faith cannot grow

     unless it is active.

      1. Unless we trust  God,  we  want  know what  trust is.

      2. The work that God has for us to do cannot be accomplished by our strength

           and knowledge alone.

      3. If we can see our way through, it is not faith.

  C. To do work for the Lord requires commitment and dedication.

     1. One of the reason we have trouble doing the work of the Lord, is we can't fit him

         in our schedule.

     2. We generally call on God in faith when we have a need we can't satisfy.

     3. It is our faith that stirs us to do things for God that we can't see how it can be

         accomplished.

     4. The just live by faith and not by sight.

 

 V:21. " Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?"

 A. Sometimes God works in ways that are strange to us.

     1. At 75, God promised Abraham that his seed would bless many nations.

     2. God waited 25 years to fulfill this promise.

         a. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.

         b. Isaac was in his teens when God commanded Abraham to offer him as a

             sacrifice.  Gen 22:2

     3. God's command to Abraham was a test of his faith.

 B. God tested Abraham to see if he loved Him more than his son.

     1. Abraham did not hesitate to do as God commanded.

     2. Being a father, I am sure that God's command was a cause for concern.

 

V:22. " You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected."

 A. Abraham trusted God to do what was best for him and his wife.

     1. I am sure he knew the sorrow of being childless.

     2. Yet he did not let his personal preferences rule out God's command.

     3. Perhaps he considered that God gave him Isaac and he could give him another

         son.

 B. Abraham was obedient to God because he had faith that God could make

     everything  work in his favor.

   1. He trusted God with his son.

      a. Can you imagine the look in your son's eyes as you swing a knife to kill him?

   2. He trusted God with his marriage.

      a. Can you imagine having to tell your wife you killed her son as a sacrifice to
         God?

   3. He trusted God with his mind.

      a. Can you imagine living with yourself after killing your son?

      b. This was one time when it looked like God was asking too much.

   4. The more we trust God's directions for our lives the more our faith grows.

 

 V:23. " And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED  

  GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was

  called the friend of God."

 A. God rewards the faithful.

     1. It takes courage to follow God.

     2. Because Abraham loved God more than his son, he was counted as righteous.

 B.  Because Abraham was obedient to God's commands, he was called a friend of
      God.

    1. You cannot have a better friend than God.

    2. Nobody can do you like Jesus.

    3. Nobody can take care of you like Jesus.

    4. Nobody knows you like Jesus.

 

V: 24. " You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone."

 A. A living faith is accompanied with works.

      1. Abraham was considered righteous because he acted upon the Word of God.

      2. Hearing the Word, he believed the Word.

 B. Believing the Word of God is action.

     1. Jesus died for our sins.

        a. Believing that He died for our sins is the work of Christ in us.

     2.  No one can come to Jesus unless he is drawn by the Father.  John 6:44

        a. The drawing is an action by the Father on us.

     3. The evidence of our faith will be good works at some point in our walk

         with Christ.

 

V:25. " In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?"

 A. Rahab received the Word from the men of Israel who came to spy on her city,

     Jericho would be destroyed.

      1. She believed that the men of Israel worshipped the true and living God.

      2. She hid the spies in her roof when the men of Jericho came looking to

          kill them.

      3. She made a deal with Lord that her family would not be harmed when He

         destroyed the city.   Joshua 2:11- 16...

     4. Rahab let the spies escape through a window of her house which was located

         in the wall of the city.

 B. It was Rahab's faith in the Word of God which caused her to act to save her life.

     1. It was God who sent the spies of Israel to Rehab's house drawing her into a

        belief of the Word.

     2. Once she heard the Word, she had faith in the Word which saved her life.

     3. Rahab showed mercy and the mercy was shown to her.

        a. Rahab's faith in the Word caused her to show mercy to the spies which was the

            works which saved her and her family.

C. We heard the Word about the Salvation offered through the blood Jesus shed

      on the cross.

    1. Whoever believes this Word is saved.  John 3:16

    2. Belief in the Word of God is the work of God who saves.

 

 V:26. " For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is   

  dead."

  A. The Spirit of God enters those who are called out of the world by God upon their

       confession of faith in the death and resurrection of the Son of God.  2 Th 2:13

      1. God does the drawing of us to himself,  putting a measure of faith in us to  

          believe  in His Son.  Rom 12:3

      2. It is God's love for us that gives us the opportunity to do works of faith.

      3. Faith and works go together.

         a. Faith will produce good works.

      4. It was Jesus who began a good work in us.  Phil 1:6

 B. The giving of the Holy Spirit to those who believe is a selective work of God.

      1. We were called and given the Spirit which made us alive in Jesus Christ.

          1 Pet 1:2

      2. The world is not given the Holy Spirit.  1 John 4:6

 

THANK GOD FOR HIS SPIRIT THAT PRODUCED A WORK OF FAITH IN US.

 

M. Mitchell   2/12/2014