Bible Study Series: 1 Thessalonians 1, "Lifting You Up"

 

   

LIFTING YOU UP

 

 

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

GREET WITH ENCOURAGEMENT

V:1 Paul, Silas and Timothy,

to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

A. Paul was known as Saul before His conversion. The Hebrew name

    Saul means “asked for”. It was the Holy Spirit who said set aside for me

    Saul and Barnabas for the mission to the Gentiles. (Act 13:2)

   Paul’s Roman name  (Paul) means little.

  1. On the second missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas had a fallen out

      over Mark’s commitment  (Act 15:40).  Silas joined Paul in

      the second  journey,  The name Silas means wood or third.

  2. Timothy was converted and baptized by Paul on his first

      missionary journey in Lystra  (Acts 14:6).

      The name Timothy means God honored.

  3. The meaning of the names of these men given to them at birth,

       suggest to me that they were chosen by God before they were

       born for the mission of the Gospel.

   4. Do you believe you were chosen by God to serve Him?

       a. Have you identified your area of service?

       b. How do you see your service benefiting the Church?

       c. Everything starts with how you see your relationship with

           Christ.

B. Notice, God’s instructions are specific to your needs.

    1. Timothy had just returned from Thessalonica with a report

        on the condition of the church members.

    2. Paul’s letter is one of encouragement and instruction. 

C. Why does Paul need to say “in God the Father and the Lord

     Jesus Christ since they are both one?

    1. Let me suggest that Paul was dealing with a young Church

        that knew God the Father from their teaching in the Synagogues.

    2. They had just been introduced to Jesus as the Christ and messiah.

    3. They had to believe Paul and Silas without having seen Jesus.

    4. The leading Jews ran Paul out of city claiming his teachings

       were against their Law and against the Romans government.

   5. It was the person of God  the Father who sent Jesus to us.

      1. It was the person of God the Son who put on human flesh to

           die for our sin.

       2. It was the person of God the Son who sent the Person of God          

           the Holy Spirit to indwell us and be our comforter.

           Thus, one God in three persons.

        3. Until Paul preached Jesus the Thessalonians had no knowledge

            of Jesus the Messiah or the Holy Spirit.

        4. Paul is reminding us of our hope in Jesus.

D. Paul starts the letter off with a greeting, grace and peace.

    1. Grace is God’s favor. The Greek word used is “charis”, God’s

       Divine influence of the heart. This lead to joy and graditude

    2. The Greek word for peace is eirene which means prosperity.

    3. Let’s greet each other with grace and peace

        Joy and prosperity.

 

       Lets do an exercise , There are        people on zoom now

       Pick a name  Say say Grace and Peace to you __________                                                                                                                                                                                      

     

      We need to see  grace and peace as encouraging words.

    

       Prov 12:25

       Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word                         

       maketh it glad.

 

   4. The young church was under constant persecution, yet kept

       their faith in Jesus.

   5. Grace and peace is not the absent of problems.

       God’s grace and peace elevates you above your

       personal situation, and puts you spiritually in Jesus.

    6. Your expectation is Jesus will take care of your problems.

 

PRAY FOR EACH OTHER

V:2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

A. The one thing you can do for other is mention names of believers in your    

     prayers. Prayer activates God’s power

    1. We are going through a time when there is a falling away from

         the church.

    2, This Bible Study group is the strength of the church.

    3. Paul says I always make mention of you.

B. We have to thank God for each other.

    1. We are all in this together.

    2. We cannot let this pandemic and economic down turn

        stop us from serving God.

C. Paul gives us three characteristics for Christian growth and development

    

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Three characteristics of these believers stood out in Paul's mind.

      1st, they had performed an important work produced by (lit., "of") faith   

             in Christ. Verse 9 mentions that they had turned to the true God

              from  idols. Faith in Christ had produced true repentance.

 

      2^nd  they performed labor (‎kopou‎, "toil") prompted by (lit., "of")   

           love for Christ. This consisted in their serving the living and true

             God (v.9) in the midst of persecution (v. 6).

 

         3rd, they had endurance (‎hypomones‎, lit., "a bearing up patiently   

                 under a heavy load"; cf. 2 Thess 1:4) inspired by (lit., "of")   

               hope in    Christ. Specifically they were waiting for God's Son  

                 from  heaven

 

(from Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament Copyright © 1983,

 

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR CALLING

V:4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7

A. We are family loved by God.

    1. No greater love than Jesus.

    2. No greater friend than Jesus.

    3. No greater provider than Jesus

    4. No greater protector than Jesus.

B. You were chosen by Jesus to be here now serving Him.

   

      John 15:16-17

      You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you    

      should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever

       you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 

 

   1. Watch this; the key to you having what you need is serving Jesus.

   2. God gave you the Gospel with POWER

       There is power in the Word Of God

          a. power to change

          b. Power to encourage

          c. Power to uplift

     3. God gave you the Gospel with the Holy Spirit.

         The Holy Spirit is our spiritual conscience.

     4. God gave you the Gospel with conviction.

          Hope

          Peace

          Joy

          Confidence in His promises

C. The Word of God is full of real life role models

     1. Men like Paul and Silas, who traveled the country

         preaching the Gospel while being lied on

         And persecuted

         They kept their faith regardless of their circumstances

     2. It took Noah 120 years to build the ark on dry land.

         All the while being laugh at by his neighbors.

     3. Moses stood against Pharaoh’s powerful and well trained army

         with just his staff in his hand.

     4. Joseph kept his faith in God after being sold into slavery by

         his brothers, lied on by Potiphar’s wife, neglected by men he

         helped in prison. Yet he rose to second in command to the

         Pharaoh of  Egypt.

     5. As we mature in the Lord, it is our job to be role models for

        for others to follow.

     6. There is joy in obedience to God’s Word.

 

 

                                                           

LET YOUR LIFE BE A TALE OF GOOD GOSSIP

V:7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

A. You are a role model, good or bad.

    1. Someone is look at what you do and influenced by your actions.

    2. You  may never know who is watching and taking notes.

    3. But know this, some one is always watching.

    4. Information about you spreads much father than you know.

    5. In this age of multimedia, your reputation can be known around

        the world in an instant.

B. The question is, do you want to be a role model for Jesus?

    1. We should let out conversation reflect the hope we have in Jesus.

    

        Phil 4:8-9

        Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,    

        whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if    

        anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.

 

    2. What you think about is what you will talk about.

    3.  The convictions that your thoughts bring you to, is what you will

         act on.

    

         Phil 4:9

         Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in  

          me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

     4. People will gossip. Therefore, give them some good gossip.

     5. Since people will repeat what you said, let them repeat you testimony

         about Jesus.

     6. Since people will report what you did, let them see you serving the

         Lord and giving Him praise.

 

 

IN SUMMARY , BE THE ONE WHO ENCOURAGES

 

GREET ONE ANOTHER WITH ENCOURAGEMENT

 

PRAY DAILY FOR EACH OTHER

 

THANK GOD FOR EACH BELIEVER

 

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR CALLING

 

LET YOUT LIFE BE A TALE OF GOOD GOSSIP

 

 

Rev. M. Mitchell

 

 

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The Kingdom Of God Is In You", 2 Samuel 5:1-10, 8/30.2020

 

   

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS IN YOU

 

2 Sam 5:1-10

 

BE UNITED WITH CHRIST

V:1. All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "We are your own flesh and blood. 2 In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord  said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.'"

3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron before the Lord , and they anointed David king over Israel.

A. David was anointed king of Israel when he was a teenager.

    1. He was placed under the leadership of King Saul by God.

    2. While Saul lived, David did not try to take his position.

    3. It is my belief, that even though David was on the run for

        over 10 years to keep from being killed by Saul, he was

        being trained to be king.

    4. David’s trust in God was his wall of protection.

        The 600 men who followed David, learn to trust him.

    4. He was hunted like an enemy, yet David did not lose faith in

        God.

B. After you have been trained, God will place us in the position

     He called you to in His time.

   1. We have to endure a time of testing.

            

        Gal 6:9

        And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap,

        if we faint not.

 

   2. Your reputation is important.

       a. You never know how your service and dedication will count

            in the mind of those making decisions.

       b. Even though David was anointed by God to be king, the elders

           saw his worth and anointed him also.

 

 

 

 

GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER TO FOLLOW GOD ONLY

V:4. David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.

A. The first thing David did was to consolidated Israel into one nation.

    1. This was the thing that Saul did not do.

    2. A nation divided cannot stand.

    3. As a leader you have to take charge and bring people together.

    4. WE ARE ONE PEOPLE UNDER GOD

B. The division of Israel, began when they refused to give up the

     idol gods they brought out of Egypt.

    1. They refused to honor God, asking for a king to rule over them.

    2. God withdrew His hand and allowed the surrounding enemy to

        to bring constant trouble into the promise land.

    3. When you reject God, you reject the His victory over your life.

    4, David strong in the Lord, drove the enemy out of Israel.

 

FIGHT THE DEVIL WITH THE ARMOR OF GOD

V:6. The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, "You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off." They thought, "David cannot get in here." 7 Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David.

A. Those who divide the nation must be moved out.

     1. As a leader you will face opposition.

     2. David was taunted by his enemy.

     3. The devil will try to make you believe that you are not good enough.

     4. The Jebusites told David he was not good enough to fight the

          lame and the blind.

B. God placed you in position to be the victor.

     1. The first thing you have to do is get your house in order.

     2. If we fight each other, we will never have what God

         planned for us.

     2. You  cannot tolerate the devil in your house.

     3. Starting with Abraham, the nation of Israel was given a

         defined territory divided among  12 tribes.

     4. Because of  Israel’s disobedience they lost control of what God

          had  given them.

C. As the leader of your house, you have to restore and maintain order.

     1. David moved quickly to take control of the promise land.

     2. He reestablished Jerusalem as the capital city.

     3. There is a Jerusalem in each of us.

     4. God and the devil cannot exist together.

     5. It is up to us to make God the capital city of our hearts.

     6. When you fight the devil with the Word of God,, you

          will win.

      7. The devil will not give up easily, but you will win with

          confidence in God.

 

LET THE LORD INTO YOUR HEART

V:8.  On that day, David said, "Anyone who conquers the Jebusites will have to use the water shaft to reach those 'lame and blind' who are David's enemies." That is why they say, "The 'blind and lame' will not enter the palace."

A. The devil and those he influences are blind and lame.

     1. The trick of the devil is to make you appear to be the blind

         and the lame.

     2. All unrighteousness is your enemy.

     3. Jesus is the living water.

     4. It is the living water that you use to fight the devil

         a. Jaob one of David’s men, entered city through the water shaft which 

             supplied water to the city.

         b. Thus the city was conquered from the inside.

         c. It is under divine influence of the heart that devil in us

             is conquered.

      5. As long as we dwell in the flesh, the lame and the blind

          is with us.

  B. The palace of God, the temple is you.

          

       1 Cor 6:19-20

       Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in     

       you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you

       were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

 

       1. The throne of God is sat in your heart.

       2. The question is, who is on the throne, you or God?

       3. If you are on the throne, you are lame and blind.

 

 

TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN GOD’S TEMPLE

V:9 David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the supporting terraces inward. 10 And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord  God Almighty was with him.

A. God is your fortress.

     1. You have to take up residence with Him.

     2. Do you see yourself as the city of God?

     3. If you see your self as the city of God, you are building a

         wall around you which is the Word of God.

B. The devil cannot not get past the Word that’s in your heart.

     1. Everyday, you must armor yourself with the Word of God.

     2. There is power in the Word.

     3. Every moment of every day you must speak the Word of God.

     4. The more you operate in the Word, the more powerful you will

         be.

    5. It is the study of God’s Word that supports your confidence in Him.

 

THANK GOD FOR HIS GUIDANCE

 

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston Texas

 

For more lessons, follow me on facebook and visit

My blogs; revmmitchell.com and goodnewsrevmitc.blogspot.com

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The Lost Of A Love One", 2 Samuel 1:11-27, 8/24/2020

 

THE LOST OF A LOVE ONE

2 Samuel 1:11-12. 17-27

You cannot fight against God’s divine plan and win. It is my belief

that if Saul had yielded to the voice of the Lord and allowed David

to be the general of his army, he would have saved his life, the lives

of his sons and the lives of many Israelites.  After being told that

the Spirit of the Lord had been taken from him and placed on David,

Saul lost focus of his position as King with his selfish desire to kill

David.

Saul’s pursuit to kill David was a necessary evil, to grow David into 

the position of King and warrior. Through David’s ordeals with

Saul, he gained the respect of the nation of Israel and the fear of

his surrounding enemies. David, with an army of 600 men, was more

successful than Saul’s army of 3000 men.

BY SHOWING RESPECT FOR THE DEAD, WE START THE HEALING PROCESS

2 Sam 1:11-12

V:11 Then David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. 12 They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. 

A. You should never attack the man God has placed in charge.

    1. As long as Saul fought the battles with David, he was 

        successful.

    2. Saul refused to accept David as God’s replacement for him

       and focused on killing David.

    3. As a result of his rage, he and his sons were killed in the battle

        against the Philistines. 

    

B. David loved Jonathan and respected Saul as God’s anointed.

    1. David had the opportunity to kill Saul while he and his men

        slept.   (1 Sam 26:9-11)

    2. David went into Saul’s camp of 3000 men and took his sword while he 

        slept. 

    3. David refused to lay hand on Saul because he was the Lord’s

        anointed.

     4. Instead, David allowed the Lord to be the avenger.  (1 Sam 26:10)

     5. Let God do to your enemy as He sees fit.

 

GRIEVING TOGETHER IS COMFORTING    

2 Sam 1:17-27

V:17 David took up this lament concerning Saul and his son Jonathan, 18 and ordered that the men of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar): 

    

(Book of Jasher (Josh 10:12-13), a collection of poems and songs that commemorated great events in the history of Israel.)

19 "Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights.

How the mighty have fallen! 

20 "Tell it not in Gath,

proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon,

lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad,

lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice. 

21 "O mountains of Gilboa,

may you have neither dew nor rain,

nor fields that yield offerings [of grain].

For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,

the shield of Saul — no longer rubbed with oil. 

A. David honored the death of Saul and his sons with a song

     Fit for a King who gave his life in battle for his nation.

   1. David honored the Lord by honoring Saul.

   2. Despite Sauls’ attempt to kill him, David honored Saul

       because he was God anointed king. 

B. There are times when you should be the better man.

   1. Life is not all about you.

   2. When a family member dies, you should put all your

       personal issues aside, and focus on consoling the survivors.

   3. Death is the opportunity for you to be involved in healing

       and bring people together. 

C. The song, learned by the people, honored Saul as a great King

    1. The place of his death was memorialized by not allowing

        any growth in it. 

    2. The song was a celebration for the life of a king, but not broadcasted

        to give the enemy cause for glory. 

PROCLAIM THE GOOD OF LOVE ONES

V:22. From the blood of the slain,

from the flesh of the mighty,

the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,

the sword of Saul did not return unsatisfied. 

23 "Saul and Jonathan — 

in life, they were loved and gracious,

and in death, they were not parted.

They were swifter than eagles,

they were stronger than lions. 

A. In the song, David proclaimed the good in Saul and

     His son.

   1. The song proclaimed the love of Israel for their fallen

       king who died in a battle to save them.

   2. The song proclaimed their bravery in the battle to their

       death. 

B. In song David expressed his love for the father and son 

     who fought together to their death. 

   1. The song expressed the strength and courage it takes 

        to fight in battle.

   2. Their efforts in battle are compared to God's finest

       fighting animals.

       a. The eagles far-sighted attack in flight swoops down

           without warning.

       b. The lion is strong in his ground attack, stalks and

            kills his prey.

     3. It is the love they had for their country that put them on

         the front lines in battle.

WEEPING ENDURES FOR THE NIGHT, BUT JOY IN

THE MORNING

V:24 "O daughters of Israel,

weep for Saul,

who clothed you in scarlet and finery,

who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold. 

25 "How the mighty have fallen in battle!

Jonathan lies slain on your heights. 

26 I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;

you were very dear to me.

Your love for me was wonderful,

more wonderful than that of women. 

27 "How the mighty have fallen!

The weapons of war have perished!" 

A. David gave a tribute to his love of Jonathan.

    1. David and Jonathan had a special bond.

    2. It was Jonathan who first warned David of

        his father's plans to kill him.

     3. Jonathan saw the good in David for Israel.

     4. Jonathan loved David more than the confidence he

         had in his own father.

     5. In secret to his father, Jonathan was David’s spy,

         keeping informed on the plans to attack him.

B. David grieved at the loss of his friend.

    1. According to the text, Jonathan's love for David

 was greater than any of his wives.

     2. It hurts to lose a trusted love one.

     3. You wonder what life will be without them

C. The death of a loved one causes us to reflect on their

     value to us. 

    1. We grieve because something precious is gone. 

    2. The good news is we have a greater love in Jesus.

    3. There is no greater friend in Jesus.

    4. Unlike Jonathan, Jesus has won the battle for us.

    5. Unlike Jonathan, Jesus will never leave us or forsake us.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR BEING MY FRIEND

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston Texas  77041.

    

For More lessons, follow me on facebook and visit my blogs;

Revmmitchell.com  and goodnewsrevmitc,blogspot.com

Bible Study, "What Jesus Sees When He Looks At You" John 19:25-27

 

 

WHAT JESUS SEES WHEN HE LOOKS AT YOU?

 

                                      John 19:25-27

 

    

John 19:25-27

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"  27 and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

 

JESUS SEES YOU AT THE CROSS

   You are coming to the cross  or…   (Being drawn by the Father)

   You are at the foot of the cross  or…  (Accepting Jesus)

   You are carrying the cross              (Serving the Lord)

 

We should always find ourselves at the feet of the Jesus.

 

We are lowly and broken, looking up to Jesus.

    

      John 12:32

      But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."

 

 

JESUS SEES YOU IN A NEW FAMILY, THE BODY OF CHRIST

LIFE CHANGES AT THE CROSS

     Jesus put Mary in a new family

     How does Jesus see family?

    

     Matt 12:49-50

    "Here are my mother and my brothers.  For whoever does the will of   

     my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

 

    We were all chosen to be brothers and sisters of Christ.

    

         Eph 1:4-6

         For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and    

         blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his

         sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will

         to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the

         One he loves.

 

In Some theological circles, Mary remained a virgin. Scripture

Support more children.

         Matt 13:55-56

         "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't

          his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren't all his sisters

          with us?

 

JUSUS SEES LOVE WHEN HE LOOKS AT YOU  

A. Jesus hanging on the cross, saw the needs of His Mother.

    1. Through His eyes, He saw her grief.

    2. Through His eyes, He saw her love for Him.

    3. Through His eyes, He saw her need of support.

   

         John 19:27

         When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved                          

          standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your

          son,"   and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on,

          this disciple took her into his home.

 

 

B The disciple Jesus referred to is most likely John,

     although God does not tell us.

         

       John 21:7

       Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!"

 

     1. Accepting Christ love is the beginning of your breakthrough.

         John 13:34-35

        "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,

         so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you

         are my disciples, if you love one another."

 

WHEN JESUS SEES YOU HE SEPARATES YOU FROM THE WORLD

A. Mary was separated from Her sons and daughters, because their    

     ignorance of Jesus.

    1. They lived with Jesus, heard about His teaching, and may have

        witnessed His miracles.

    2. Yet, according to scripture, there is no mention of them becoming

         followers of Jesus before His crucifixion .

    3. Except for James, none are mentioned as being converted  to

        the Christian faith after Jesus’ resurrection.

B. God separated you and I from the world not to judge, but to be a light

     to the world.

 

       1. The reasons why Jesus didn’t chose his half

           brothers and sisters to take care of his mother was their unbelief.

           The Apostle Mark, records the evidence.

            

           Mark 3:20-21

           Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he

            and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard

            about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out

            of his mind."

 

        2. This suggests to me, that Jesus brothers and sisters did not see Him

             as the Son of God or the Messiah.

             

        3. Most likely, Mary kept the identity of Jesus as the

            Son of God to herself.

        4. For 33 years Mary lived with secret, seeing her son being

            accepted by some and rejected by other.

    

    C.  Peter arrived at the  conclusion of who Jesus was through the

          Holy Spirit.

 

           Matt 16:16-18

           Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living

          God."

          Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not    

          revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

 

We were made different from the world

          

        2 Cor 5:17-18

       Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone,   

        the new has come!

 

GOD SEES THE URGENCY OF YOUR SITUATION

  A.  Jesus hanging on the cross, acted immediately to take care

        of His mother

     1. He placed her in the hands of His trusted friend.

     2. John took Mary into his home.

     3. This suggest to me that Jesus did not trust His brothers

         to take care of Mary.

 

GOD SEES YOUR WILLINESS TO SERVE

A. Those who come near to Jesus are honored to serve Him.

     Jesus gave John the honorable position of taking care of

     His mother.

 

   1. There is great rewards in taking care of our parents

    

           Eph 6:1-3

           HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first

           commandment with a promise), 3 SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL

           WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE     

            EARTH.

 

WHEN JESUS SEES YOU HE SEES YOUR OBEDENCE

         John immediately took Mary to live with him

 

 

WHEN JESUS SEES YOU HE SEES YOUR SUBMISSION

        Mary summitted herself to the will of Jesus

 

WHEN JESUS SEES YOU, HE EXTENDS HIS GRACE AND MERCY

   John was favored with the honor of taking care of Mary.

   Mary was favored to have a male to provide for her

   Mary was favored with salvation

 

We are favor each day with the grace and mercy of Jesus.

 

IN  SUMMARY

 

WHEN JESUS LOOKS AT YOU HE SEE….

 

   YOU AT  THE CROSS

 

    FAMILY

 

     LOVE

 

    A CHOSEN VESSEL

 

    YOUR SITUATION

 

     YOUR SERVICE

 

      HIS GRACE

 

   JESUS SEES THE BEST IN YOU

 

 

Rev. M. Mitchell