Prov. 31:10-31
This is a "remarkable lady"!!! But note:
#1. The praise is not for her achievements but for her character.
In the King James, "virtuous woman" = moral character, moral goodness. Therefore, she does all these things.
Character traits: willing, hardworking, industrious, creative, motivated (a self-starter), sensible, practical, reliable, trustworthy, kind, caring, generous, supportive. She is a wise woman.
Question: What about her appearance??? NOT MENTIONED!!! Not because it's not important, but because it's not of primary importance.
Her character leads to her behavior that leads to her achievements.
Her character leads to her behavior that leads to her beauty!!
#2. Her character is attributed to her faith. (vs. 30)
"fear" = reverence: to revere - to honor/respect! Stand in awe of.... to defer to...... to submit to...
She is who she is because she fears the Lord.
NOTE: Proverbs is the Book of Wisdom. It begins with praise of Wisdom. (seek it, apply it)
Ends here!!! With a Wise woman, a wise wife, a rare prize!!
APPLICATION: The Virtuous Woman Serves as a:
#1. Mirror. Ladies - to examine yourself ( James 1:23-25 )
The point is NOT do as she does but develop this character. - who she is. Be a Godly woman.
A. Based on - fear of God, Word of God
B. Resulting in .... a "remarkable Lady!"
This passage is not meant to crush you but to show you the plans God has for you - to build this kind of character.
#2. Model
A. For........ young ladies - something to look to, measure by, model by.....
The point is not: be a wife, mom, stay-at-home mom, business woman, etc.
The point is: develop Godly Character which leads to becoming a Remarkable Lady!
B. For young men... this equals the character/quality(s) to look for!!!
Good looks will change/fade. Godly character will improve!! (Sanctification is inherent in the Christian walk)
#3. Reminder...... Men......to:
A. Recognize what you have - ie: a wife who possess and displays some of these traits.
B. Praise her for who she is - Vs. 28, what she does - Vs. 30-31 And for improving you!!! (as per vs. 23)
C. Assist her - not just in what she does, but in the process of becoming what God's called her to be.
Question?? Is it possible to be a Virtuous Woman if hubby is a jerk???
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Understanding Worship
John 4:23-24
Last message - focus was worship. My definition of worship = Declaring God's Worth.
Scripture teaches: A. God deserves worship - (He is worthy because of Who He is, what He does, etc.)
B. God expects worship - Mal. 1:6 (a) "Almighty" - particularly of His people, but of all his people. It's the proper thing to do.
C. God seeks worship - He doesn't need it, but gets satisfaction from it when His people worship Him.
Question: Why????
Answer: - for our benefit. If it's for our benefit, it would benefit us to understand it.
So..... brief observations.
I. Worship is far more than verbal declaration.
Additional ways to declare His Worth - attendance, attention, study, obedience, lifestyle- "yes" to righteousness, "no" to sin....
So... According to the Puritans "common daily tasks done well = worship" - Col. 3:23-24
or "to this I'm called"/God has put this in my path....
II. True Worship is both internal and external
On one hand, there is nothing wrong with silent worship (contemplation, adoration)
However, there is something wrong with worship if it is never declared, expressed.
Compare: love that never acts, faith without works
Objection : forced worship = fake worship!!!
Answer: forced worship may be the highest form or worship. - in midst of sorrow, perplexity, problems, etc.
Acts 16:22-25 2 Sam. 12:19-20
We often say, "touch my heart" and I'll worship. He says, "worship Me....and I'll touch your heart".
III. Worship generally includes sacrifice
ie. an offering, a gift to God. 1 Chron. 21:22-24
On one hand worship is for our benefit, therefore we can expect to receive from it. However, if the focus of worship is what we'll receive, then our focus is all wrong. That's not worship.
The focus is to be what we'll give/offer
IV. Worship is always a personal sacrifice.
We may offer corporate, group, public praise. BUT our worship does not satisfy YOUR obligation (debt)
John 4:23-24 - note: A.) "will" B.) "must" - or it's not worship
Last message - focus was worship. My definition of worship = Declaring God's Worth.
Scripture teaches: A. God deserves worship - (He is worthy because of Who He is, what He does, etc.)
B. God expects worship - Mal. 1:6 (a) "Almighty" - particularly of His people, but of all his people. It's the proper thing to do.
C. God seeks worship - He doesn't need it, but gets satisfaction from it when His people worship Him.
Question: Why????
Answer: - for our benefit. If it's for our benefit, it would benefit us to understand it.
So..... brief observations.
I. Worship is far more than verbal declaration.
Additional ways to declare His Worth - attendance, attention, study, obedience, lifestyle- "yes" to righteousness, "no" to sin....
So... According to the Puritans "common daily tasks done well = worship" - Col. 3:23-24
or "to this I'm called"/God has put this in my path....
II. True Worship is both internal and external
On one hand, there is nothing wrong with silent worship (contemplation, adoration)
However, there is something wrong with worship if it is never declared, expressed.
Compare: love that never acts, faith without works
Objection : forced worship = fake worship!!!
Answer: forced worship may be the highest form or worship. - in midst of sorrow, perplexity, problems, etc.
Acts 16:22-25 2 Sam. 12:19-20
We often say, "touch my heart" and I'll worship. He says, "worship Me....and I'll touch your heart".
III. Worship generally includes sacrifice
ie. an offering, a gift to God. 1 Chron. 21:22-24
On one hand worship is for our benefit, therefore we can expect to receive from it. However, if the focus of worship is what we'll receive, then our focus is all wrong. That's not worship.
The focus is to be what we'll give/offer
IV. Worship is always a personal sacrifice.
We may offer corporate, group, public praise. BUT our worship does not satisfy YOUR obligation (debt)
John 4:23-24 - note: A.) "will" B.) "must" - or it's not worship
Monday, April 23, 2012
Worship
John 4:1-26
Worship - my definition = declaring His worth.
There are many forms/applications. Praise, adoration, sacrifice, obedience, etc.
Worship is more than singing, giving, attending, paying attention!!
Worship is more than Sunday meeting. It is obedience and lifestyle.
Some observations:
#1. God deserves worship. It is a given among believers. Psalm 150:1-2
A. for Who His IS
B. for What He's Done.
#2. God Expects Worship. Mal. 1:6 (a) "....says the Lord Almighty" This is a reasonable expectation from His people. Matt. 22:21 (b) - King James says "render"
#3. God Seeks Worship John 4:23
Question: Why?? Answer: Not for Himself. Therefore, it must be for us!!!
Benefits of Worship:
1. puts problems into proper perspective - focus on God's greatness, see trials in true size!
2. increases our awareness of blessings - which increases out sense of well-being
3. develops humility - seeing self as really are.
4. Therefore, improves character!
5. Therefore, improves human relationships - indirect consequence: if character is improved, A) easier to live with and B) better spouse, worker, friend, etc.
6. Also, testifies of your faith, and, more importantly,
7. True worship glorifies God. - portrays God properly. Makes Him known!
#4. God seeks TRUE worship. John 4:23-24
2 components: "spiritual" - authentic heart worship - Matt. 15:7-9
"truth"... - As Revealed - John 4:22
So,... pharisees (then) vs. liberals (now) - John 4:24 *
*Must note where this conversation began and ended... Not with the subject of "worship", BUT with Jesus as the Christ.
Because, HE IS the center and the subject of TRUE worship - Rev. 5:8-9, 12-13
Challenge: 1) Examine your worship - private/public, Sunday, Monday....
2) Examine it in light of your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Worship - my definition = declaring His worth.
There are many forms/applications. Praise, adoration, sacrifice, obedience, etc.
Worship is more than singing, giving, attending, paying attention!!
Worship is more than Sunday meeting. It is obedience and lifestyle.
Some observations:
#1. God deserves worship. It is a given among believers. Psalm 150:1-2
A. for Who His IS
B. for What He's Done.
#2. God Expects Worship. Mal. 1:6 (a) "....says the Lord Almighty" This is a reasonable expectation from His people. Matt. 22:21 (b) - King James says "render"
#3. God Seeks Worship John 4:23
Question: Why?? Answer: Not for Himself. Therefore, it must be for us!!!
Benefits of Worship:
1. puts problems into proper perspective - focus on God's greatness, see trials in true size!
2. increases our awareness of blessings - which increases out sense of well-being
3. develops humility - seeing self as really are.
4. Therefore, improves character!
5. Therefore, improves human relationships - indirect consequence: if character is improved, A) easier to live with and B) better spouse, worker, friend, etc.
6. Also, testifies of your faith, and, more importantly,
7. True worship glorifies God. - portrays God properly. Makes Him known!
#4. God seeks TRUE worship. John 4:23-24
2 components: "spiritual" - authentic heart worship - Matt. 15:7-9
"truth"... - As Revealed - John 4:22
So,... pharisees (then) vs. liberals (now) - John 4:24 *
*Must note where this conversation began and ended... Not with the subject of "worship", BUT with Jesus as the Christ.
Because, HE IS the center and the subject of TRUE worship - Rev. 5:8-9, 12-13
Challenge: 1) Examine your worship - private/public, Sunday, Monday....
2) Examine it in light of your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Our Great Commission
Previous events - Palm Sunday - Lord's Supper and the Cross
Easter Sunday - Resurrection
What's next??? Jesus spent 40 days revealing/teaching .... then the Ascension - visibly before their eyes. Acts 1
Sometime during the post-resurrection visits, Jesus gave the Great Commission. Possibly right before the Ascension. Matt. 28:16-20
Often, the Faith (Christian) life can be summarized in 2 words: "Come" - to Christ, and "Go" - to others.
The problem is that we often neglect the "go". We're still very self-centered.
Too often we're thinking "what can Christ, Christianity, the church, the Faith do for ME??? (for mine???)
Too seldom do we ask, "what can Christ, Christianity, the church, the Faith do through me?? (for others??)
Compare: the greatest commandment from Matt. 22. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
So, Looking at the Great Commission (text from Matthew)
We can simplify and summarize it to: "GO MAKE DISCIPLES"
This is the Great Commission in shortest form. And, it's a message to ALL Christians in all ages.
A look at 4 things from the text:
#1. The Importance of Making Disciples
As seen in: (A) Jesus' statement of authority - "...all authority is given to Me...."
(B) Jesus' singular command - then "GO and make disciples"
Compare with John 21 - "feed my sheep" 2 Tim. 2:2
#2. The Possibility of Making Disciples
As seen in: The Command!!!! doesn't command beyond ability.
Definition: Make followers (of Christ)
Objection: that is beyond my ability!! On one hand, Yes. - John 6:44 On the other hand, it doesn't happen apart from us.
We can't make people into followers, but we can and must present the gospel to them. It's not going to happen accidentally or incidentally.
#3. The Simplicity of Making Disciples
Using Jesus' words: "Go" -- "Baptize" -- "Teach"
Which mean: Intentionality - Evangelism - Instruction
The Process may be more complex but he concept is very simple!!
Question?? Teach what?? (a) "to obey"
(b) "all I've commanded"
We are not free to take away from the commandments written down in the Bible. It's not about what we feel like, but what it SAYS.
Observation: This teaching goes way beyond classroom instruction!!!! It's teaching through lifestyle, modeling, day to day living.
#4. The Promise for Disciple Makers - .. I am "with you" always...
This is often repeated in scripture, usually in conjunction with a call to serve!!
This obviously includes His Presence, but also implies that it includes His assistance. He will help you with the task.
Whether or not you see the results you want to see, doesn't mean that the Lord is not with you.
If Christ is your Lord, to neglect making disciples is to neglect the Lord, as well as neglect family, neighbors, friends, etc. and even self.
The long term consequences of neglecting the command to make disciples are far-reaching. There's no way to know who might not ever respond to Christ if we don't take this commandment seriously.
Easter Sunday - Resurrection
What's next??? Jesus spent 40 days revealing/teaching .... then the Ascension - visibly before their eyes. Acts 1
Sometime during the post-resurrection visits, Jesus gave the Great Commission. Possibly right before the Ascension. Matt. 28:16-20
Often, the Faith (Christian) life can be summarized in 2 words: "Come" - to Christ, and "Go" - to others.
The problem is that we often neglect the "go". We're still very self-centered.
Too often we're thinking "what can Christ, Christianity, the church, the Faith do for ME??? (for mine???)
Too seldom do we ask, "what can Christ, Christianity, the church, the Faith do through me?? (for others??)
Compare: the greatest commandment from Matt. 22. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
So, Looking at the Great Commission (text from Matthew)
We can simplify and summarize it to: "GO MAKE DISCIPLES"
This is the Great Commission in shortest form. And, it's a message to ALL Christians in all ages.
A look at 4 things from the text:
#1. The Importance of Making Disciples
As seen in: (A) Jesus' statement of authority - "...all authority is given to Me...."
(B) Jesus' singular command - then "GO and make disciples"
Compare with John 21 - "feed my sheep" 2 Tim. 2:2
#2. The Possibility of Making Disciples
As seen in: The Command!!!! doesn't command beyond ability.
Definition: Make followers (of Christ)
Objection: that is beyond my ability!! On one hand, Yes. - John 6:44 On the other hand, it doesn't happen apart from us.
We can't make people into followers, but we can and must present the gospel to them. It's not going to happen accidentally or incidentally.
#3. The Simplicity of Making Disciples
Using Jesus' words: "Go" -- "Baptize" -- "Teach"
Which mean: Intentionality - Evangelism - Instruction
The Process may be more complex but he concept is very simple!!
Question?? Teach what?? (a) "to obey"
(b) "all I've commanded"
We are not free to take away from the commandments written down in the Bible. It's not about what we feel like, but what it SAYS.
Observation: This teaching goes way beyond classroom instruction!!!! It's teaching through lifestyle, modeling, day to day living.
#4. The Promise for Disciple Makers - .. I am "with you" always...
This is often repeated in scripture, usually in conjunction with a call to serve!!
This obviously includes His Presence, but also implies that it includes His assistance. He will help you with the task.
Whether or not you see the results you want to see, doesn't mean that the Lord is not with you.
If Christ is your Lord, to neglect making disciples is to neglect the Lord, as well as neglect family, neighbors, friends, etc. and even self.
The long term consequences of neglecting the command to make disciples are far-reaching. There's no way to know who might not ever respond to Christ if we don't take this commandment seriously.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Easter Sunday
Luke 24:13-21 (a) - Question: false hopes? Misplaced faith?
Answer: when the HOPE is in Christ, (a) you may not get what you wanted, but (b) you will get God's best!!
Easter is not the FIRST time Jesus showed His power over death. John 11:17-44
The Easter message for us is: Death has no power when Jesus is LORD!!!
Christians believe (then and now) that Jesus is: (1) Risen
(2) Victorious
(3) Present!!!
Even in darkest hour, deepest need, He is with you!!! So Paul writes in Rom. 8:31-32, 35-39
You are here today to recognize, worship, and hopefully, rededicate and recommit to Him.
Answer: when the HOPE is in Christ, (a) you may not get what you wanted, but (b) you will get God's best!!
Easter is not the FIRST time Jesus showed His power over death. John 11:17-44
The Easter message for us is: Death has no power when Jesus is LORD!!!
Christians believe (then and now) that Jesus is: (1) Risen
(2) Victorious
(3) Present!!!
Even in darkest hour, deepest need, He is with you!!! So Paul writes in Rom. 8:31-32, 35-39
You are here today to recognize, worship, and hopefully, rededicate and recommit to Him.
Friday, April 6, 2012
The Lord's Supper
1 Cor. 11:23-29
I. What We Do - break the bread personally. He died for each one personally. We eat together as the body of Christ.
II. Why We Do It
A. In Obedience - 1 Cor. 11:24-25 - the Lord told us to do it. There is no instruction as to how often to do it.
B. In Remembrance - 1 Cor. 11:24-25 - Compare the Passover observance. 1 Cor. 5:7 b - "for Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed."
C. In Declaration - 1 Cor. 11:25-26 - saying (1) I believe in His substitutionary sacrifice, and (2) I accept His substitutionary sacrifice.
III. Who Should Partake - Obviously, Christians - but more than just bearing the title "Christian". Seriously committed Christians - it's not to be taken lightly or flippantly.
IV. Special note of ... 1 Cor. 11:27 Compare Luke 18:10-14 a - ".... before God." (There two unworthy people in this passage. 1 with unworthy approach/manner.)
1 Cor. 11:27-28
I. What We Do - break the bread personally. He died for each one personally. We eat together as the body of Christ.
II. Why We Do It
A. In Obedience - 1 Cor. 11:24-25 - the Lord told us to do it. There is no instruction as to how often to do it.
B. In Remembrance - 1 Cor. 11:24-25 - Compare the Passover observance. 1 Cor. 5:7 b - "for Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed."
C. In Declaration - 1 Cor. 11:25-26 - saying (1) I believe in His substitutionary sacrifice, and (2) I accept His substitutionary sacrifice.
III. Who Should Partake - Obviously, Christians - but more than just bearing the title "Christian". Seriously committed Christians - it's not to be taken lightly or flippantly.
IV. Special note of ... 1 Cor. 11:27 Compare Luke 18:10-14 a - ".... before God." (There two unworthy people in this passage. 1 with unworthy approach/manner.)
1 Cor. 11:27-28
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Life Everlasting (A.C. #9)
Hope = joyous expectation - not idle sentiment.
I. Eternal life is more than endless existence.
Dan. 12:2 Matt. 25:46 - duration. Same word = eternal sin/fire/judgment 2 Thess. 1:9
Therefore: we have evangelism responsibility.
Everlasting life - everlasting death. Cannot build a doctrine of no hell/judgment out of the scriptures.
II. Eternal life begins here and now. - it will be consummated/completed/fully realized in heaven.
John 5:24 1 John 3:2 - If don't have it here and now, won't have it in heaven either. Eternal life happens when you cross over and can only happen in this life. No second chance after death.
III. Eternal life is a gift from God. It's a gift we have to receive. Rom. 6:23 John 10:27-28
Salvation/security is not found in heaven but in Christ!!
IV. Eternal life is obtained (secured) by knowing God in a relationship, submission. John 17:1-3 (contrast Matt. 7, James 2 - demons) Way more than intellectual assent. Salvation = head, heart, and hands.
Summary verse: 1 John 5:11-12
So, Heaven is A. included in the package
B. defined by: 1) what's there (God/Christ/glory/etc.) and Rest - Rev. 14:13 - "no tears"
2) what's not there!! Rev. 21:3-5
NOTE: "I believe in Everlasting Life" - is not the end of the creed.
The end is: "Amen" - when God says it, means "it is and shall be so"
- when man says it, means "so let it be"
Closing: Rev. 1:18 - - - Rev. 22:17
Rev. 22:21
I. Eternal life is more than endless existence.
Dan. 12:2 Matt. 25:46 - duration. Same word = eternal sin/fire/judgment 2 Thess. 1:9
Therefore: we have evangelism responsibility.
Everlasting life - everlasting death. Cannot build a doctrine of no hell/judgment out of the scriptures.
II. Eternal life begins here and now. - it will be consummated/completed/fully realized in heaven.
John 5:24 1 John 3:2 - If don't have it here and now, won't have it in heaven either. Eternal life happens when you cross over and can only happen in this life. No second chance after death.
III. Eternal life is a gift from God. It's a gift we have to receive. Rom. 6:23 John 10:27-28
Salvation/security is not found in heaven but in Christ!!
IV. Eternal life is obtained (secured) by knowing God in a relationship, submission. John 17:1-3 (contrast Matt. 7, James 2 - demons) Way more than intellectual assent. Salvation = head, heart, and hands.
Summary verse: 1 John 5:11-12
So, Heaven is A. included in the package
B. defined by: 1) what's there (God/Christ/glory/etc.) and Rest - Rev. 14:13 - "no tears"
2) what's not there!! Rev. 21:3-5
NOTE: "I believe in Everlasting Life" - is not the end of the creed.
The end is: "Amen" - when God says it, means "it is and shall be so"
- when man says it, means "so let it be"
Closing: Rev. 1:18 - - - Rev. 22:17
Rev. 22:21
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
