Scroll down for a July 4 sermon idea... Bro. Joe
The text verses for this sermon are 24-28. Verses 14-23 can serve as the introduction. (This is a work in progress on my part. It is from some notes I made on the text. Maybe you can make something out of it, as skimpy as it is. Bro. Joe) I. Vs. 24 - He had a jaded (or negative) view of the master. Ask people what they think of God, of Jesus. Do they see that He loves them, or do they see Him as a harsh taskmaster? II. Vs. 25 - He did not grow in what he was given. The Lord has given us gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to serve Him. Do we hide them or put them to use? III. Vss. 26-28 - He was judged for his lack of faith. God does not look kindly on us if we think that we are too useless to serve Him. This shows a great lack of faith on our part, and God will judge it. IV. Overall, he was a poor steward of what he had been given. In comparision to the five and two talent men, he performed poorly. We are stewards of all that God has given us in time, talents and money. Do we put them to use in God's service? Look at your stewardship: Are you a five, two or one talent person?
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This is a sermon idea that "hit" me this morning as I read in Matthew. It will be skimpy, but maybe you can take it and do something with it. Bro. Joe.
The rich young ruler, rich young man, came to Jesus with a valid and important question. Let's take a look at what this text can teach us. I. Vs. 16 - The young man knew that he needed more than he had. He was rich, financially secure, and lived a good life, but he was dissatisfied and knew that he needed more than he already had. There are a lot of people like him in our world today. They are dissatisfited with: religion politics worldly goods entertainment, etc. He was empty, as are many today. II. Vss. 17-21- To get more, he would have to learn to do with less. He had the commandments down, and probably all of the Jewish traditions, along with being financially secure. But something was missing from his heart. There was a void in his life that the law could not fill. Jesus told him that to be complete, he would have to get rid of what was holding him back from giving his life, his heart, to God by faith in Jesus. Jesus doesn't tell everyone to do this, only those whose riches are choking them and keeping them away from God. The word "perfect" means complete, meaning that at that time his life was incomplete. Is your life complete in Jesus? III. Vs. 22 - He settled for less. We hope that this young man came to his senses, but I have never read anything that told me that he did. It greives our hearts that many today are settling for less and do not really know it because they think that what they own completes them - a lie from Satan. A serious question: Are you settling for less???? Note: My prayer is that you can take this idea, make a sermon out of it and call many in your church to completeness. That's why I am doing this for you without charge. You are free to use all of the materials on this website in your ministry without giving me credit. IF I GIVE IT TO YOU, YOU ARE NOT STEALING IT! Bro. Joe Sermon idea for July 1 or July 8:
Text: John 1:31-36 The greatest thing that the USA has given us is freedom. We must constantly define and redifine what freedom in this free land means to Christians. How can we, as much as is humanly possible, live a life worthy of freedom in this free land? I. We should live responsibly. A. Truly free people are responsible people. Vss. 31-32 1. As Christians we call it discipleship. 2. Bubba Smith, a football star, turned down a lucrative offer from Miller Lite Beer to do a T.V. commercial. Why? It was against his Christian convictions and concerns about drunk drivers. That is an example of Christian responsibility. B. Truly free people realize that they are only free to do things that they do not mind accounting for. 1.We will give account to God. 2. We will give account to other people. 3. We will give account to the law. C. If you would be worthy of freedom, live responsibly. II. We should live resourcefully. A. We need to live our lives within the parameters of godly principles. 1. Principles established in the word of God. 2. Principles established by the Holy Spirit in us. 3. Principles established by Jesus. "What would Jesus do?" B. We need to live our lives using the resources that God has given us to live freely. 1. 1, 2, and 3 in II. A 2. Church: godly people 3. Preaching C. What resources do you live by? What are your guiding principles? III. We can live radiantly. Matthew 5:14-16 A. This will mean that we are free within ourselves. Vss. 32 and 36 B. If we would live radiantly, letting our lights shine, we would remember that freedom within our hearts is real freedom. 1. Knowing that we are right with God. 2. Knowing that we are following Jesus as best we can. 3. Knowing that no one can call us to account for overt sin. 4. Knowing that we are good examples to others. 5. Knowing that we do not have a "root of bitterness" that makes us dislike others. C. Are you living radiantly? We have freedom as Americans citizens. Let us as Christians live worthy of the freedom that our nation gives us, and the freedoms that we enjoy in Christ. This psalm deals with godliness and ungodliness, happiness and unhappiness. Where is true happiness found? According to our text it is found in God/Jesus and in godly living. Let's see what the text tells us.
I. Vss. 1-2 - The Principles of Godly Living A. Vs. 1 - The direction of a godly person's life: 1. He or she does not "walk in the counsel of the ungodly..." They listen to the voice of God and are not enticed by the voices of the world. 2. He or she does not "stand in the path of sinners..." They do not linger long in the company of people who can lead them astray. They are not self-righteous, but are careful about who influences them. 3. He or she does not "sit in the seat of the scornful..." They are not led astray by people who mock all that is holy and good, and do not join them in their scorn. B. Vs. 2 - The devotion of a godly person's heart. 1. 'His delight is in the law of the Lord..." The fulfillment of his or her life is based on the word of God, not on the world's values, or the almighty popularity polls. 2. "And in His law doth he meditate day and night..." He or she lingers, or reflects, on the word of God and on what is good and righteous. C. Does this describe your life? II. Vs. 3 - The Portrait of a Godly Person A. "He (or she) is like a tree planted by the waters..." They live on a constant supply of nourishment from the Lord; therefore, they are secure in Christ. (Bible, prayer, church fellowship, etc.) B. "That bringeth forth (their) fruit in his season..." Because of a constant source of nourishment from God, their lives are fruitful for God. C. "His (or her) leaf also shall not wither..." 1. They are not like dry trees whose leaves wither in drought. 2. They will prosper for the Lord. III. Vss. 4-6 - The Prospects of the Ungodly Person A. "The ungodly are not so..." The ungodly are not like the godly. Verses 1-3 cannot apply to them. B. "But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away..." 1. Farmers threw the wheat into the air. The good wheat fell into the basket and the wind drove the chaff away. 2. That is how the ungodly are. Their lives are shallow and they have no root; therefore, they are driven by the winds of the world, not by the will of God. C. "Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous..." 1. They will face judgment for ignoring God. 2. They will not be with the sheep but with the goats. Verse 6 is the conclusion of the matter. Godly people are blessed and happy because they are right with God. Ungodly people are not blessed and happy because they are not right with God. This is simple but true. "God is love" is a fact. His is a deep and active love. He has "weather vane love." That means that God is love whichever way the wind blows. Luke 15:1-7 paints a portrait of God's love.
I. Vss. 2b & 4b - God's love is receptive. A. He "receives sinners...." 1. If anyone has a right not to receive sinners, God/Jesus does. 2. We need to remember, however, that God loves us, but that He hates sin. That includes my sins and yours. B. He loves and receives the lost. 1. Those lost in sin and bound for hell. 2. Those lost in this life, groping for more of this world and ignoring God. C. He is receptive to each of us daily. 1. He never sleeps and is available 24/7. 2. Just reach out and receive Him as Savior, or if you are already a Christian, reach out for more of Him. II. Vs. 4b - God's love is personal. ("one") A. Christ deals with individuals, not en-masse. 1. He knows each of us personally - every thought, every deed and every word. 2. He loves us as individuals. "Jesus loves me this I know......" B. Vs. 5 - He carries us on His shoulders. I know that you have heard of, or seen, the picture entitled: "One Footprint in the sand." C. See and feel Him loving you and carrying you today. We need to grasp the full significance of that. III. Vs. 4 - God's love pursues. ("go after") A. He pursues us in spite of our sins and shortcomings. Romans 5:8 illustrates that for us. B. He pursues us in spite of the fact that we do not want to be pursued. Many people are satisfied living in sin and don't want to be bothered. C. See His love pursuing you either to save you or to help you to grow in grace, In all of this, verses 5-7 tell us that when we respond to His love, He rejoices. He does not want any to be lost and when one is found, He rejoices. Our text shows that the devil goes to worship services. In this case it was a synagogue, we would call it "church." From this text we will learn how the devil works and through whom he works.
I. This is nothing new. A. The devil has always entered the sanctuaries of God. 1, He was in the Garden of Eden. 2. He was with the Israelites coming out of Egypt. 3. He was on the mountain with Jesus. 4. He is here now. B. He is trying to do his work: 1. through indifference 2. through skepticism 3. through weariness 4. Etc. C. We just need to be aware of him. II. Vs. 23 - He was there in a person. A. Not as a serpent, but in a man. B. He does his dirty work through people. 1. Think again of Adam and Eve. 2. Think of David and Bathsheba. 3. Think of Judas Iscariot. 4. Think of Simon Peter's denial. 5. Think of human history.............. C. We should be aware of the devil and his demon's work in our lives. 1. He might do it with gross sin, as with David. 2. He might do it through our not taking God's work seriously. 3. He might do it through our not taking spiritual disciplines seriously, such as, Bible reading and prayer. III. Vs. 24 - He was there to stop the work of Christ. A ." Let us alone, what have we to do with thee..." 1.They spoke up after verses 21-22. The devil and his demons always become alarmed when God's word is going forward and people are being saved and drawing closer to God. 2. So, the demons said, "let us alone..." The devil and his demons always want to be left alone to do their dirty work. Don't leave them alone, go after them............. B. "Art thou come to destroy us?" 1. Yes! Hebrews 2:14 2. The devil and his demons fear Jesus most of all, because they know that He can destroy them. C. Too often we let the devil stop the work of Jesus, for example, by arguing about nothing......... In conclusiion, you will notice that the devil and his demons were no match for Jesus. The work of Christ went on in spite of them. People were amazed. When is the last time people were amazed here because of victory in Jesus? We need to heed James 4:7-8 Note: Scroll down for a Father's Day idea.....
According to the account in John 1, these first disciples already knew Jesus. Their response to Jesus' call can teach us about what our own responses should be. I am not referring to a call to preach, but to be a follower of His, whatever your work might be. Look at their response. I. They heard His call. A. It is significant that they heard His call in the midst of daily life - their daily tasks. 1.Not at a religious service. 2. Not in a moment of crisis. 3. Not in a moment of great significance. 4. But in the midst of doing what they did everyday. B. They heard His call to change the course of their lives. 1. Their lives would never be the same again. 2. Jesus wants to change the course of our lives too. C. They heard His call to make financial and social sacrifices. II. They responded immediately. A. We often "drag our feet" when He calls us. 1. To witness to someone. 2. To minister to people in need. 3. To take personal responsibility for prayer and Bible study in our lives. B. We need to develop a sense of immediacy. Why? 1. The time is short. 2. The task is all-important. C. Are you a "foot dragger"? III. They left everything. A. Following Jesus was worth everything to them. 1. Is it the same with you? 2. They were not concerned about the benefits involved. B. Following Jesus does not always call us to follow Him to the extent that we . have to leave everything, but it does call us to follow Him at all costs. C. What is following Jesus worth to you? IV. They followed Jesus. "followed Him" A. They did not follow a religious movement, but a person. We are Jesus people and we are Jesus' people. B. They did not follow a political movement. I don't mean that we should not get involved politically, but to do so is not to always follow Jesus. C. They followed Him into His work. 1. Preaching 2. Teaching 3. Healing. Just because Jesus has not called you to be a minister or a missionary does not mean that He has not called you to follow Him. Will you hear His call and respond immediately? Will you declare yourself as His servant? In 1 Peter 3:8ff, Peter was calling the people to unity. He advised them to be of one mind, be compassionate, love one another, etc. Then in verses 10-12, he quoted from the Psalm that is our text. What I saw in this was that if we are to be united, compassionate, and etc., we must live lives that will lead to those things. Psalm 34:12 asks: "What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?" Verses 13-14 answer the question.
I. Vs. 13 - Watch what you say. A. "Keep your tongue from evil..." This covers a multitude of things, including gossip, slander, etc. B. "And your lips from speaking guile." In other words, do not tell lies.......... C. The good life will include being careful how we use our tongues. II. Vs. 14a - Be careful how you behave. A. "Depart from evil..." Paul admonished us to stay away from all appearance of evil. If it's wrong don't do it. B. "And do good..." There are sins of commission, that is, doing wrong, and there are sins of omission, that is, not doing what is right. It is not enough just to stay away evil, we must do good, as Jesus did when He was on this earth. C. We need to remember that the world is watching. III. Vs. 14b - Be a person of peace. A. "Seek peace..." Too many people in the world, and in churches, are seeking thier own way, and will cause a ruckus if they do not get it. If we want the good life, we will stay away from ruckuses. B. "And pursue it..." Don't just seek peace, run after it, long for it and practice it. C. We need to pause from time to time and ask ourselves if we are really seeking and pursuing peace. Why should we seek the good life? Because verse 15 reminds us: "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry." God is watching!!! What better reason do we need? The psalms are really speaking to me this time through the Bible. I had never really noticed Psalm 31:14-16 before, but these verses "grabbed" me this time. In verses 9-13, David wrote of his distresses and the causes of them. Then in verse 14, he tells what he did about his distresses, which should speak to us about what to do about the things that distress us.
I. Vs. 14 - Trust God to be your God. In the Old Testament a personal relationship with God is not as prevalent as in the New Testament, but David refers to a personal relationship with God. In Psalm 23, he also wrote, "The Lord is my shepherd..." We can trust God to be with us personally in all of our daily dealings. II. Vs. 15 - Trust God to take care of you. We can trust God in all of the "times" of our lives - the good and the bad. He never leaves us, and He never forsakes us. Our enemies are not like David's enemies, but they are enemies nevertheless. Put Satan at the top of that list. There are all kinds of things that stand between God and us, which make them our enemies, not the least of which are the internal enemies, like lust, greed, envy, etc. Thank God for Romans 8:28 III. Vs. 16 - We can trust in the unfailing love and mercy of God. The NIV translates the latter part of this verse as "save me in your unfailing love." To ask for God's "face to shine" upon us, is to ask for God's favor. Our lives should bring a smile to God's face. We can always depend on the fact that God loves us. He is not always pleased with us, but He never stops loving us. Whatever your problems are today, trust them into the hands of our trustworthy, loving God. Our times are, indeed, in His hands. I want to share this idea that came to me a couple of days ago when I read Psalm 24. I couldn't come up with a good title, maybe you can do better. Anyway, here is what I thought about preaching when I read Psalm 24.
Psalm 24 answers questions about God and His people. Let me show you what I mean. I. Vss. 1-2 - It tells us what God is: The owner of everything. He owns the world. That means that He owns everything that we think we own. It might come as a surprise to Donald Trump that God owns Trump Tower. II. Vss. 3-6 - It tells us who God's people are. They are the people who have "clean hands and pure hearts." They receive these clean hands and pure hearts by faith in Jesus. They are the people "blessed and vindicated" by the Lord. This is by God's grace because they do not deserve it. III. Vss. 7-8 - It tells us who God is. He is the "Lord strong and mighty." He is "King of Glory." IV. Vss. 9-10 - It tells us what God desires: entrance into our lives. Since we are now the "temples" of God by virtue of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He sought entrance into our lives and He seeks entrance into the lives of people who do not know Him. We are reminded in Vs. 10 that God, who seeks entrance into our lives, is "King of Glory" and "The Lord almighty." Note: Maybe you can take these sketchy notes and make something out of them. As Bro. Andy Hall would say: "Take it and clean it up and use it." Bro. Joe |
All of these materials are free of charge. There is no copyright on them and you are free to use them as you see fit. I am happy to be of assitance to you in your preaching/teaching minstry.
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