This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The Work Of Faith", 9/9/2012

THE WORK  OF FAITH

Hebrews 11:1-3.6, Psalms 46:1-3,8-11

 

THE POWER OF FAITH

V:1. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

  A. Definitions:

      1. Faith=pistis= moral conviction of religious truth

      2. Substance= hupostasis= setting under, support

      3. Things hoped for = elpizo= to expect, anticipate

      4. Evidence= elegchos= proof

      5. Our moral convictions are supported by what we expect and the proof of what we

          can't see.  Faith is the foundation of what we expect from God.

 B. Faith stands on the Word of God as the only truth.

 C. Things hope for.

     1. Peace with God.

     2. Pardon of our sins.

     3. The promise blessings of God.

     4. Joy

     5. Present security

     6. Eternal security

     7. Home in heaven

 

V:2. "For by it the elders obtained a good report."

 A. It requires faith to follow God.

     1. Abraham believed God and was counted righteous. Gen 15:6, Rom 4:3

        a. Abraham having never seen God, was tuned to His voice.

        b. God instructed him to move from his home town. He moved without question.

    2. We don't know much about Enoch. But the Word said he walked with God. God

        was so pleased with his faith that he did not allow him to see death. God took

        Enoch into Heaven. Gen 5:24.

 B. When we believe the Word, act on the Word and live by the Word, we gain a good

       report with God.

 

V:3. "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

 A. God created the world out of that which was formless and void.  Gen 1:2

     1. Out of nothing, God created all worth.

     2. We were not here when God created the world.

         a. It's in the Word.

         b. Faith is believing the Word of God.

 B. When we consider the world, we know that man does not have the power or resources

      to create it or maintain it.

   1. There must be a higher power that is in control.

   2. If man was in control, there would be a charge for "air".

   3. As far as we know, air cannot be created or depleted.

   4. There must be a higher power that is in control of this basic substance.

   5. It takes faith to believe in what you can't understand.

 

V:6. " But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

 A. Requirements to please God

    1. You must have faith in Him and all of His Word.

         a. You must love the Lord enough to believe Him.  Deu 6:5

    2. You must come to God.

        a. You must worship Him as the only God.

    3. You must believe that He is.

         a. That He exists

         b. That He is love

         c. That He is all powerful

         d. That He is all knowing.

         c. That He is everywhere all of the time

     4. You must believe that He will reward you.

     5. You must be diligent in seeking Him.

 

GOD IS OUR STRENGTH

Psalms 46: 1-3, 8-11

V:1. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

 A. "God is our refuge"

    1. In God we can put all of our hope.

    2. In God we can trust.

    3. God is always available to us.

 B. God is our strength.

    1. When we are weak, God is strong.  2 Cor 12:9

    2. God gives physical strength.

    3. God gives us emotional strength.

    4. When we are at the end of our rope, God has more rope.

    5. God is more than enough for us.

 C. God is our present help in times of trouble.

    1. God is in control of all trouble.

    2. God knows trouble before it is trouble.  Isa 46:10

    3. God is the solution to trouble.

    4. We must rely on God in the mist of trouble.

    5. There is nothing to hard for God.

 

V:2. "Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea."

 A. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but power, love and sound mind.  2 Tim 1:7

    1. Fear is a lack of trust in the Lord.

    2. Fear shows up in the mist of trouble.

 B. We have the power of God on our side.

     1. God's power is more powerful than any other power.

     2. All power comes from God.  Col 1:10-11

 C. We need a sound mind in the mist of trouble.

     1. We can easily get confused in the mist of trouble.

     2. Doubt shows up in the mist of trouble.

   3. Sound mind comes from the Lord.

       a. We have to keep our focus on the Lord.

       b. We have to keep our hope in the Lord.

       c. The Lord is our shepherd, so He will guide and protect us in

           our trouble.

       d. We may lose some stuff because of our trouble, but God has us

           in His hands.

       e. God has our future in His hand.

 

V:3. "Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof."

 A. The hurricane flooded parts of Louisiana.

     1. This is the second time in 7 years that this has happen.

     2. Yet, God is still in control.

     3. God is still in the blessing business.

 B. We may have some troubled times ahead of us, but God is in control.

    1. When the forces of nature rages in the form of storms, we see the power of

        God.

    2. God is in control of the storms.

    3. The storms calls attention to the Glory of God.

    4. This same God takes His power and blesses His people.

    5. Trusting God is a prerequisite for believers.

 

THE WORK OF THE LORD

V:8. "Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth."

  A. God is sovereign. He can do what He wants to do.

      1. What takes man years to build, God can destroy in a moment.

      2. God allows storms in our lives to keep us mindful of who He is.

      3. The storms reminds us, that we came here with nothing, and we will leave

           with nothing.

      4. The storms reminds us not to get to attached to our stuff.

  B. The storms reminds us the only thing that is important to God is our souls.

     1. God sent Jesus to die for our souls and not for our stuff.

        a. God may protect our stuff.

        b. If we get too attached with stuff, He can remove it in a second.

 

V:9. "He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire."

 A. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth.

     1. God has the power to end all wars.

     2. God allows man to wage war with His neighbors.

     3. This same God has the power to end all wars and bring peace.

B. Jesus is the prince of peace.

    1. Jesus death on the cross reconciled the world to God. 2 Cor 5:18-19.

    2. Without Jesus in our lives, the war in our souls is out of control. Rom 7:23-25

C. The only true peace is in Jesus. Luke 7:50

    1. Faith in Jesus brings peace to us. John 14:2:10

 

V:10. "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

 A. "Be still, and know that I am God."

    1. The only way to know God is to study and meditate on His Word.

    2. We have to make time for serious study of God's Word.

    3. God speaks to us in His Word.

    4. Coming to Church is great, but the study of God's word is fantastic and

        rewarding!

       a. You may soon forget the Pastor's sermon.

       b. You may soon forget the choir's songs.

       c. The Holy Spirit will not let you forget the Word you have studied. John  14:26

 B. "I will be exalted among the heathens."

     1. Even those who don't know God see the power of God in storms.

     2. With an earthquake from the sea, God destroyed parts of Japan.

     3. With a hurricane, God destroyed parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

     4. Nobody can deny that this power is greater than any power of man. Mat 19:26.

 C. With television and the internet the whole world sees the awesome power of God.

    1. They get a first hand view of the power of God.

    2. The storms of life causes man to seek God.

        a. We come to God for His protection.

        b. We come to God to seek understanding.

        c. We come to God for salvation.

 

GOOD NEWS FROM GOD

V:11. "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."

 A. In the mist of the storms of life, God is with all believers

    1. God will never leave us or forsake us. Heb 13:5

    2. God will carry you through your storms.

 B. Storms destroy homes and cars, yet people survive.

    1. God flooded houses to the roof tops, but the roof top was a place of safety.

    2. God dosen't get confused in the storms. He knows where his people are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bold Christians Heb 10:19-32

BOLD CHRISTIANS

 

Hebrews 10:19-32

 

BEING BOLD

V:19. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus."

 A. Christians ought to be bold.

    1. Bold in the profession of faith.

    2. Bold in their eternal hope.

    3. Bold in their kingdom heritage.

    4. Bold because of the redemptive blood of Jesus.

    5. Bold because they have been made holy before God by the shed blood of Jesus.

 B. Christians can enter into the holiest of God because of the blood of Jesus.

    1. The "holiest" represents the presence of God.

    2. By faith in Jesus we have a place in the presence of God.

 

V:20. " By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh."

 A. We have a new way of getting to the Father.

     1. We have a living way through Jesus Christ.

     2. The old way was by intercession of a priest and the sacrifice of dead animals.

        a. There was a veil in the temple that separated the "holiness" which housed the

         ark of the covenant from the main temple.

        b. Only the High Priest was allowed in the presence of the "holiness".

  B. Consecrated=to renew, dedicate

     1. Christ dedicated a new way to heaven for us through His flesh.

        a. The sacrifice of His life was dedicated to us for our redemption.

        b. Christ death for us is always new because He is the living sacrifice.

        c. The cleansing blood of Jesus continues to cover our sins.

 

OUR HIGH PRIEST     

V:21.  "And having an high priest over the house of God."

   A. Believers have a High Priest in Jesus Christ.

      1. Jesus is the High Priest over our bodies.

      2. Our bodies are the temple of the Lord. Rom 12:1

      3. Jesus is the High Priest over our souls.   Job 33:28

  B. Jesus, our High Priest is seated at the right hand of the Father.

     1. Jesus continues to make intercessions for us.

     2. Jesus is the shepherd of the Church.  John 10:14

     3. Jesus provides, protects and guides.

 

GETTING CLOSE TO JESUS

V:22. " Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

 A. The way to get close to Christ.

     1. Come with a true heart.

         a. Draw near with the purpose of worshipping the Lord.

         b. Draw near with the purpose of serving the Lord.

         c. Draw near with an attitude of love.

         d. Draw near to learn about the Lord.

     2. Draw near to Christ full of assurance of faith.

         a. When we come to Christ, we come only by faith.

         b. Come to Christ assured that we are accepted by Him because of His shed

        

             blood.

   3. Draw near to Christ having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.

        a. Come to Christ confessing our sins.

        b. He is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

        c. Our hearts are constantly being cleansed by the blood of Jesus.

    4. Draw near to Christ having our bodies washed with pure water.

        a. Jesus does the washing.

        b. Jesus renews in us a right spirit.

        c. We can only worship in spirit and truth.

         d. Our consciences are constantly being renewed by the washing that is in the

            

             blood of Jesus.

 

V:23. " Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised."

    A. We must keep our focus on Jesus and not the world.

        1. It is impossible to please God without faith.

        2. We must never doubt the existence of God or our salvation through faith in

           

           Jesus.

    B. We must believe the promises that God has made to us.

       1. We can count on God to keep His promises.

       2. To know His promises to us, we must study His Word.

       3. We must live according to His commands.

     
       4. In the face of adversity, we must stand on God's promises.
 

ATTITUDE OF LOVE

V:24. "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works."

  A. We are to encourage each other in love.

       1. We should encourage each other to follow God's commands.

       2. We should not concentrate on the faults of others but the good in others.

       3. We should promote the good in others.

  B. We should be quick to consider the needs of others.

      1. When we can, we should come to the aid of brothers in need.

V:25. " Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

 A. Public worship is important to our spiritual well being.

     1. The strength of the body of Christ is in the assembling of believers.

     2. Unity in the faith is encouraged in the assembling of believers.

     3. Our constant assembling, foster love and promotes opportunities for good works.

 B. The enemy is busy attempting to tear down the Church.

 

     1. Our assembling together, reinforces the Word of God and our hope in God.

     2. In our assembling, we can encourage each other with our testimonies to the

         goodness of God.

  C. We must encourage each other in the faith because we do not know the day when

       God will call us home.

  D. During trials and tribulations, we need the support and encouragement of others in

       the faith.

       1. During these times it is easy to fall into temptation.

           a. We need the support of brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

THE CONSEQUENCE OF REJECTING CHRIST

V:26. " For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins."

 A. If we reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ after having received full knowledge of it,

      there is no way to heaven.

    1. Judas, having known Christ and witness the glory of God through Him rejected 

       

        Him.

        a. There is no salvation for Judas.

        b. The Gospel will be preached throughout the world, so no one will have an

           

            excuse for not excepting Christ as savior.

        c. The world will not receive Christ and will therefore be condemned.

    2. Sin = hamartano= to miss the mark and not share in the prize.

       a. Those who believe in Jesus as savior, have the mark and will share in the prize.

           The prize is eternal life.

       b. Those who believe in Jesus are sinners by birth but righteous by the new birth

            in Jesus Christ.

 B. Christ is the only door to eternal life.  Rev 3:20, John 10:9

 

V:27." But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."

 A. No one will escape the judgment of God who rejects the salvation of Jesus Christ.

     1. That fiery indignation will be the lake of fire where all none believers will spend

         eternity.   Rev 20:14.

         a. There will only be one section; smoking only.

         b. "indignation= zelos= heat

 

V:28. " He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses."

   A. God gave the Law to the Israelites to point them toward His righteousness.

        1. Although the Law could not save, faith in the Word of God that was given in the

            Law could save.

        2. Those who despised the Law died without mercy.

   B. Faith in Jesus gives us mercy, grace and freedom from the Law.

   

V:29.  "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"

 A. Those who come to a knowledge of the Lord and witness His Glory and rejected Him,

       will receive a worst punish than those who never knew Him.

     1. We have the witness of the Word, the Prophets and the Holy Spirit that Jesus is

          Lord and Savior.

     2. The glory of God is shown daily through nature confirming the Word of God.

     3. Only those who hate God can reject His son.

 B. Those who reject Jesus condemn themselves to the eternal hell.

 

V:30. " For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people."

 A. God is the final judge of all man kind, the righteous and the unrighteous alike.

      1. Man must give an account to the Lord for all his actions.  Rom 14:12

      2. Only those who accept Christ as their personal Savior will escape the

          punishment due for their sins.

B. It is only by God's grace that any person is saved. John 6:37

    1. The Father chose the ones who are saved.

 

V:31. " It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

  A. It is a good thing to fall into the hands of the living God when you

       have a relationship with Him through His Son.

     1. Those who don't know the Lord ought to fear Him.

         a. The problem is if you don't know the Lord, you don't know to fear

             Him.

 B. Those who know the Lord, study the Lord.

    1. Those who know the Lord, fear Him.

 

 

 

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Good Leaders Follow God, 8/18/2012

GOOD LEADERS FOLLOW JESUS

                                               Jeremiah 23:1-6, 33:14-18

V:1. "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD."

  A. Woe= hoy= judgment is coming.

      1. Pastors and teachers need to be careful to lead God's people according to God's

          Word.

      2. We need to keep in mind that we are God's people and that pastors and teachers

           are God's shepherds.

          a. The pasture belongs to God and the people belong to God.

      3. Likewise, parents must remember that their children belong to God.

         a. Parents must be careful to train their children in the way of the Lord.

         b. Husbands must be careful to lead their families in the way of the Lord.

  B. Any leader who knowingly misleads God's people will be judged.

V:2. "Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD."
 A. When the interest of leaders become selfish, they forget the reason they were selected,

       elected or called.

    1. God selects and calls pastors

    2. Man elects leaders.

    3. God is in control of the whole process.

    4. The purpose of leaders is to govern and direct people fairly and justly.

    5. The purpose of pastors or shepherds is to lead people in the righteousness of God.

 A. Three characteristics of a bad leader.

     1. "They scattered my flock."

         a. They teach those in their charge to worship other gods.

            1) If we teach the pursuit of wealth, position or power, we teach the worship of

                 idols.

           2) There is nothing wrong with gain as long as it is used to glorify the Lord.

         b. Some leaders use their position for personal gain.

         c. They neglect the spiritual growth of the flock.

     2. "Drive God's people away."

        a. Their actions have caused God people to walk in the way of the world.

        b. Instead of tearing down altars to idol gods, they promoted the worship

            of idols.

     3. "Fail to visit God's people."

        a. Knowing that the people had gone astray, they do not remind them of their evil

            ways.

        b. Because their ways were evil,  they paid no attention to God's people. 

 B. Because God's leaders fail to look after His flock, they will be judged accordingly

      and punished.

 V:3. "And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase."

 A. Because of the sins of Israel, God caused a foreign nation to capture them,

      burn down their cites and take them into captivity.

 B. God has a way of preserving and protecting His people.

     1. In times of trouble, God may move his people out of the way of destruction to

         be restored in another day.

     2. God chooses who He will save out of trouble.

         a. remnant= sheerith= a surviving portion

         b. Not everybody who gets into trouble will be saved.

     3. God is with us in our trouble.

         a. He brings us out of our trouble to be fruitful.

         b. To the faithful, He promises an increase in their lives.

     4. Though we may stray away, we can't get to far that God can't bring us back.

V:4. "And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD."

 A. For every bad shepherd, God has a Good shepherd waiting in his wings to replace

      the bad shepherd.

    1. God select those He wants to lead His people,

    2. He selects leader who know His Word.

    3. God selects leaders who will follow His Word.

    4. "They have no fear."

        a. God selects leaders who will encourage and comfort His people.

 B. God's people will not be dismayed over the things of the world.

       1. God's people will be given wisdom and insight that exceeds the worlds wisdom.

       2. God's people realizes that He is in control.

 B. "Neither shall they be lacking."

     1. God provides provisions and protection for His people.

     2. God's people will be equipped with all they need to do His will.

V:5. "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth."

 A. This is the prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ given 600 years before His birth.

     1. The "days come" is 600 years.

     2. His genealogy includes King David.

     3. He would be a righteous King.

         a. All the kings before him had sin in their reign.

         b. There will be no sin in the reign of Jesus.

    4. The reign of Christ is prosperous.

        a. Prosperous in establishing the Church.

        b. Prosperous in redeeming man from his sin through the blood of Jesus.

        c. Prosperous in convicting man of his sin.

        d. Prosperous in making peace between man and the Father.

        e. Prosperous in doing away with spiritual death for all believers.

        f. Prosperous in proclaiming the Good News throughout the world.

 B. In the reign of Christ, all men will be judged by their words and deeds.

     1. The non believers will be judged and condemned to the Lake of Fire.

     2. The righteous (believers) will be judged and placed in heaven.

V:6. "In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."

 A. All Israel shall be saved.

     1. Judah includes the mixed races, Jews and Gentiles.

         a. Jesus genealogy includes people with all background.

         b.  In the genealogy of Jesus is murders, prostitutes, liars; people of all walks of

              life.

         c. Israel represents the purity that is in Christ Jesus extended to all mankind.

 B. All men are made savable through Jesus Christ.

      1. Every man in Jesus is a new creation.

      2. Every man in Jesus is under His protection.

      3. Every man in Jesus has His provisions.

 C. Jesus is the Lord Our Righteous.

     1. Every man is made righteous through His blood.

     2. Every man in Jesus can stand before the Father in the righteousness of Jesus.

     3. Jesus is our Lord.

        a. Jesus is our righteousness before the Father.

 

V. 33:14. "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah."

 A. God keeps His promises.

     1. God's promises are not conditional on our goodness.

     2. God is not on our time.

         a. His plans for the ages includes our distress and our happiness.

     3. God has some good that is promised for those who are faithful to Him.

         a. We first must trust God to be true to His promises.

         b. Second, we must be patient to wait on God's timing.

         c. Third, we must continue to let God guide our decisions.

         d. Fourth, we must walk in His foot steps.

 B. God promises are to His people and not to the world.

     1. Throughout the Bible, God recorded His promises to the faithful.

     2. God promises will be kept, but they are for the benefit of His people which

         is His Church.

V:15. "In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land."

 A. Jesus was born into the line of David as God planned.

     1. Jesus established His Church upon faith for those who believe in Him as their

         savior.

 B. Jesus death on the cross gave us the right to eternal life.

     1. After His resurrection, all power over heaven and earth was given to him.

     2. Jesus is in control of the world.

 C. Jesus gave us His wisdom to know right from wrong.

     1. He gave us His spirit to treat others with justice and righteousness.

 V:16. "In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness."

 A. We have the assurance that our salvation is secure.

      1.We are in "those days".

          a. The Church has been established.

          b. God's plan of redemption is complete in Jesus Christ.

          c. All mankind have the opportunity to be saved.

 B. God Church is under the protection of Jesus.

     1. God provides all the Church needs to survive.

     2. All provisions are made available to believers.

     3. All who call on the name of Jesus will be saved.

V:17. "For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel."

 A. The reign of Jesus as King is permanent.

 B. The House of Israel represents all believers; Jews and non Jews.

     1. There is but one God, one Lord, one Spirit and one Savior.

        a. They are all in Jesus Christ.

 C. The ruler of our life is Jesus, not man.

     1. Man is under the authority of Jesus.

V:18. "Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually."

 A. Jesus' death on the cross fulfilled all the requirements of the Law.

    1. Jesus is the final sacrifice.

 B. After the death of Jesus, the veil in the temple separating the Holy of Holiness was

    was torn into by the power of God.

    1. We no longer need a priest or preacher to intercede for us before the Father.

    2. The High Priest is Jesus.

        a. We can go to  our High Priest in prayer 24/7.

        b. Jesus is our High Priest and the mediator between us and God.

    3. Our faith in Jesus makes the throne of God available to us at any time.

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Jesus, Our Salvation", 8/12/2012

JESUS, OUR SALVATION

Isaiah 9:2-7

The Northern Kingdom of Israel had been over run and corrupted by the Phoenicians and the Arabians. They had become crude and uneducated  (Acts 2:7) and were prone to violence (John 18:11). It was well known that Galilee was a bad area in which nothing good was expected (John 7:52). Out of this bad area came Jesus Christ      (Mat 21:11), our Lord and Savior. God can bring good out of any bad situation. It was God's divine planfor Jesus to appear like us; weak and powerless so that He could gain salvation for the whole world with His death on the cross.

THE ACTIONS OF GOD

V.2. "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."

 A. In our darkest hour, God is light.

    1. In trouble times, God is peace.

    2. In sadness, God is Joy.

    3. In sickness, God is health.

    4. In death, God is life.

    5. In doom and gloom, God is hope.

B. In all that we do, we can count on God to be present.

    1. God is always aware of our circumstances.

    2. In all our ways, acknowledge the Lord and He will direct our paths.

C. The light of God shines because of His great love for us.

    1. The region of Galilee had been overrun and corrupted by a foreign nation.

    2. Some thought that there was nothing good in Galilee. John 7:52

    3. God can bring good out of the worst situation.

    4. Jesus our Lord and Savior home town was Galilee.

V:3. "Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil."

 A. It is God that gives the increase in our lives.

     1. It is God that gives us families and true friends.

     2. The Body of Christ increases as we testify to the goodness of the Lord.

     2. God is the cause of our joy.

 B. When God is in your life, trouble has no reign in your heart.

     1.When it rains, sometimes it pours.  God is in control of the rain.

     2. When one person is against you, others may join in, but they are no match for God.

 C. Trouble is an opportunity for God to get the Glory.

     1. We can count it all joy when we put our trust in the Lord.

     2. Joy increases, when Christ reigns in your life.

V:4. "For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian."

 A. We were born in sin, therefore slaves to the flesh.

     1. The Israelites were under attack by foreign governments because of their sins

          against God.

         a. After a time of punishment, God restored them to freedom.

         b. The Lord chastises those that He loves.

     2. It was Christ who relieved us from the burden of sin with His death on the cross.

        a. Sin burdens the mind with guilt and oppresses the spirit.

        b. Jesus freed us from the penalty and the guilt of sin.

        c. Jesus set us free to serve and worship the Lord.

 B. Under the weight of sin we labor for no real and lasting benefit.

     1. Under grace, our labor stores treasures in heaven.

 C.  The Lord give us hope by reminding us of how He delivered His people in the past.

     1. God instructed Gideon to use 300 men to bring down an enemy with an army of

         thousands. Judges 7:7

     2. God is all powerful and uses the weak to bring down the strong.

     3. Christ is our Gideon.

     4. Your enemies are no match for God.

         a. God is more than the whole world against you.

V:5. "For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire."

 A. The Lord will do battle for those He loves.

     "Confused noise"

    1. The soldiers of this time wore war shoes which covered their feet and legs.

        a. They were covered with iron hooks and nails.

        b. This armor made a lot of noise when they marched. (confused noise)

    2. "Garments rolled in blood".

        a. The garments the soldiers wore were dipped in human blood.

    3. God gives the picture of the army of the enemy as well equipped and capable of  

        mass destruction.  

        a. Today, war has the noise of gun fire.

        b. There is bloodshed and lost of life in war.

        c. Property is destroyed by fire.

    4. Nothing is to hard for God. Gen 18:14

        a. God will take charge of your  battles and the enemy will not succeed.  Mal 4:1

        b. God can cause the enemy to hear His voice and confused them in battle.

        c. The enemy can easily be destroyed by God and their armor burned in a fire. 

            Psalms 46:9-10

 B. Jesus is our great deliverer. Zac 9:9-10

    1. Jesus fights our battles.

THE CHARACTER OF GOD

V:6. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

 A. The prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ.

     1."A child is born; a son is given to us"

        a. Jesus the Son of God, took on human flesh and became the son of man.

        b. The Son of God took off His glory, stepped down from  heaven and humble

            Himself before man.

        c. He did this not for Himself, but for us.

        d. He is the gift of God to us. Acts 4:12

 B. "And the government shall be upon his shoulder."

    1. All power over heaven and earth was given to Him.

    2. He was sent by the Father to die for our sins.

    3. He was crucified, but on the third day He arose.

    4. He ascended back to heaven and was given control of the universe.

 C. "He is called Wonderful. "

     1. Wonderful=pele= a miracle

     2. The Spirit of God revealed Himself to us in the form of a man.

     3. He performed miracles to get our attention and to show us His glory.

 D. " He is called Counselor."

     1. The whole Bible is His counsel.

        a. He recorded and preserved His Word throughout time for a guide to us.

        b. His life on earth is a role model for us to follow.  

        c. He revealed the righteousness of the Father with His life on earth.

 E. "He is called the Mighty God".

      1. He is omnipotent; "all powerful."

      2. He is omnipresence; "everywhere all the time."

      3. He is omniscience: " has all knowledge."

      4. He created the heavens and the earth. Job 38:4-5

F. He is "The Everlasting Father".

     1. He is Alpha and Omega. Rev 1:8

         a. He has no beginning and no ending. Rev 22:13

         b. Everything exist in Him.

         c. Everything has their beginning in Him. Gen 1:1

G. He is the "Prince of Peace."

    1. He was sent by the Father to reconcile the world to the Father. Col 1:20

    2. Jesus death on the cross made peace between man and God. Eph 2:16

    3. Jesus gives the believer peace. John 14:27

V:7. "Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

 A. "Of the increase of his government and Peace there shall be no end."

      1. The world's population shall continue under the control and authority of the Prince

           of Peace.

      2. The Son of God, the Prince of peace shall never cease to extend and promote peace.

      3. He shall never cease to extend peace to all believers.  

 B. " Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom."

     1. Jesus was born into a line of Kings by the power of the Holy Spirit.

         a. He does not have the blood of kings, but the blood of righteousness.

         b. He was born into a line of kings. He existed before any man was created.

         c. David reigned over the people of Israel.

         d. Christ reigned over all people.

         e. David reigned over all Jews.

         f. Christ reigns over Jews and Gentiles alike.

 C. "To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even

        for ever."

      1. David reign was temporary. Christ reign is forever.2

      2. Christ is the foundation for the government of justice and righteousness.

      3. The government of Christ is firm. It will never change.

 D. " The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

     1. Zeal=qinah= God's intense desire to accomplish His purpose.

     2. Because of the zeal of the Lord, the work of the Lord is sure.

         a. The spread of the Gospel is sure.

         b. Salvation is sure.