Faith Church Sermons (Lafayette, IN)

Numbers 20 Watch Video Download Handout Download Manuscript Listen to MP3 → Click to view the Sermon Outline Luke 24:27 - …beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Philippians 1:6 - For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 3 principles to help us handle our anger well I. We Often Face the Temptation to Use Our Anger in Sinful Ways 1 Corinthians 10:11 - Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. A. In Moses’ case 1. What was happening historically 2. What was happening sociologically v. 2 – …they assembled themselves against Moses and Aaron… v. 3 – …they contended with Moses… v. 3 – …if only we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord… Numbers 16:31-33 - As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split open; and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. 3. What was happening theologically James 1:13 - Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. a. To exercise our faith in God even when it’s hard Numbers 20:12 - But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me…” Psalm 119:66 - Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. b. To glorify His holiness even when our emotions our raging in opposite directions Numbers 20:12 - But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel…” 4. What was happening internally Numbers 20:6 - Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to them… v. 6 – …they fell on their faces… v. 9 – So Moses took the rod from before the Lord, just as He had commanded him… B. For you and me James 1:19-20 - This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. II. God Gives Clear Instructions about How to Handle Our Anger A. For Moses Numbers 20:8 - Take the rod; and you and your brother Aaron assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water. You shall thus bring forth water for them out of the rock and let the congregation and their beasts drink. B. For you and me 1. Understand what anger is Ephesians 4:26-27 - Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. 2. Avoid the two sinful extremes a. Clamming up Ephesians 4:31 - Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. b. Blowing up Numbers 20:10-11 - …and Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly before the rock. And he said to them, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod… C. Illustrated perfectly in the life of Christ Hebrews 4:14-16 - Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. III. Sinful Anger Can Cause You to Miss the Mission Psalm 106:32-33 - They also provoked Him to wrath at the waters of Meribah, so that it went hard with Moses on their account; because they were rebellious against His Spirit, He spoke rashly with his lips. Romans 12:19 - Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Numbers 20:12 - But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Deuteronomy 32:48-52 - The Lord spoke to Moses that very same day, saying, “Go up to this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab opposite Jericho, and look at the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the sons of Israel for a possession. Then die on the mountain where you ascend, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the sons of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel. For you shall see the land at a distance, but you shall not go there, into the land which I am giving the sons of Israel.” 1 Peter 3:15 - …but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence… Outlined Manuscript - This is a Lamborghini Aventador LP 750… - nothing against the mini-van that you drove to church this morning…but I have to tell you – you would look really good in this car… - let’s just close our eyes for a moment and imagine you acquiring one of these this week… - we’ll start with the husbands and fathers who are here because, well, that’s what I am… - so guys, picture yourself texting your wife and saying – honey – how about I swing by and pick you up for lunch at Dog and Suds?... - and that’s kind of unusual for you – but she likes chili dogs – and she kind of likes you…so she agrees… - and then you swoop in to her office in this baby…can you imagine it?...all her co-workers are looking out the windows and admiring her good taste in selecting such a dashing husband… - and your hair is blowing in the wind…like that Flabio guy… - and you probably have colored sunglasses on and a colorful scarf around your neck like they wear in Italy… - and your wife is patting you on the shoulder as you pull into Dog and Suds…yea, my husband drives a Lamborghini…you would look really good in this car… - and then you tool around the countryside for a couple of hours and your wife says – honey, we should probably pick up the kids from school… - and so you buzz over to the school house in your new car… - your kids would think you were the coolest dad ever… - I’m not sure exactly where they would sit…but let’s not sweat the small stuff here… - your kids would love riding in this car… - in fact, if you’re sitting by your dad right now – feel free to over at him right now and say – dad, you should get one of these…I completely affirm what Pastor Viars is saying right now… - so here’s my question dads – what’s stopping you from going out early this week and getting yourself a new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750? - maybe it would be this thought…as the sun is going down so you figure it’s time to head on home and as you turn the corner your wife says – honey, why is there that for sale sign in our front yard? - and who are those new people carrying their things into our house?... - see, the base price for this particular car is $443,800…if it’s OK with you, I didn’t take the time to price the additional upgrades…although I think you should air conditioning and a year’s worth of Sirius satellite radio at that price point… - so the reason most of us won’t be driving one of these into the parking lot at the church house anytime soon is because of what we’d have to give up in order to buy one…like housing and eating and stuff… - it’s just too expensive… - whatever joy it brings isn’t worth what you have to sacrifice in order to have it… - So we would say that about luxury sports cars…but here’s a strange question… - would we ever say that about the way we use our anger?... - because this morning we’re going to look at a man in the Bible who expressed his anger in an incredibly sinful way…which is a bit surprising because the Bible also simultaneously says this was the meekest man who ever walked the earth other than the Lord Jesus Christ… - yet this man blew up in sinful anger…and what he had to sacrifice as a result was incredibly expensive…. - [do you want one more look at the Lamborghini before I advance the power-point?...because did I mention…you would really look good in this car…] - with that in mind, please open your Bible to Numbers 20…page 116 of the front section of the Bible under the chair in front of you… - while you’re turning there – let me explain where we are in our preaching schedule… - our church’s theme this year is – In Christ Alone – because this is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation… - in all sorts of ways – we’re trying to emphasize the five solas of reformation – that salvation is by grace lone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to the Scriptures alone, to the glory of God alone… - so we started the year by doing a verse by verse exposition of the book of Colossians…because the thee of that book is the preeminence of Christ… - recently we’ve been looking at some of the Messianic Psalms…which are just breathtaking as we’ve considered the ways the Person and work of Christ was prophesied hundreds and hundreds of years before He was born in Bethlehem… - no wonder after His resurrection from the dead, he would meet with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus who were doubting His validity… Luke 24:27 - …beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. - we base our salvation on Christ alone for all sorts of reasons…including the ways He was spoken about prophetically in many places throughout the Scriptures including the messianic Psalms… - today we’re beginning a series that will take us through the months of June and July – called “Handling Problems in a Christ-Centered Way” - see, ultimately living “In Christ Alone” is not just a matter of salvation…but of sanctification… - in other words – it doesn’t just reconcile us to God when we admit our sin and place or faith and trust in Christ…it also sets us on a lifetime of change and growth…that’s why we have passages like… - 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. - Philippians 1:6 - For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. - the goal this summer is to think about some of the key struggles we all face in daily living and ask – how would living “in Christ Alone” impact that?... - and first up today – is the issue of anger… - Handling Anger in a Christ Centered Way - and here’s the point we’re trying to make…it’s possible to use our anger so sinfully that at the moment, it feels as enjoyable as driving a Lamborghini around town…but the message of the Scripture is – such behavior can be incredibly expensive…especially when you think about the aspect of participating in, or accomplishing God’s mission that will have to be forfeited… - with that in mind – let’s read our passage – read Numbers 20:1-13 - we’re talking this morning about Handling Anger in a Christ Centered Way, and in the time we have remaining, let’s look for 3 principles to help us handle our anger well. I. We Often Face the Temptation to Use Our Anger in Sinful Ways. - see, why do we have stories like this in the Bible?... - here’s one reason -- 1 Corinthians 10:11 - Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. - the Lord wants us to look for ourselves in these stories…and Moses was certainly not the last of God’s people to use his anger sinfully… - so let’s first think about it from his perspective… A. In Moses’ case 1. what was happening historically - verse 1 tells us that Moses and Aaron’s sister Miriam had just died…which in many ways is sad because it’s evidence that God’s command that everyone 18 years of age and older other than Joshua and Caleb would have to die in the wilderness because of their unbelief… - so Bible students believe that we’re now in the 40th year of the wanderings…they are just about over… - now you might say – hey, wasn’t there another time when the people complained about not having water and Moses actually struck the rock?...what’s the answer to that?...yes, that happened at the beginning of the wilderness wanderings…we read about that in Exodus chapter 17…now… 2. what was happening sociologically - Moses was facing yet another full-blown rebellion against his leadership… - and its amazing how often that happened during their time in the wilderness… - and are you picturing this in the text?... - v. 2 – they assembled themselves against Moses and Aaron… - v. 3 – they contended with Moses… - they have this entire litany of complaints – - v. 3 – if only we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord… - which probably refers back to chapter 16 – the sad occasion of Korah’s rebellion… - do you remember how that ended?... - Numbers 16:31–33 - As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split open; and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. - and the principle there by the way is that just because you grump about something – does not mean that the content of your complaint is in any way connected to reality… - “this thirst is so bad that it would have been better if we had been swallowed up in the earth alive”…really doesn’t make a lot of sense…and they should have recognized that and Moses should have recognized it… - but you have to picture what it would be like to try to lead this group of people who were forever complaining about something… - we could also think about all of this from God’s perspective… 3. what was happening theologically - why had God brought this into the life of his servant who was undoubtedly weary at this point in his leadership assignment?... - well, we know why it wasn’t… - James 1:13 - Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. - so if it wasn’t to elicit Moses to sin – then why did God allow him to face this kind of treatment by the people he was called upon to lead?... - we have indications of that in the passage, don’t we?... a. to exercise our faith in God even when it’s hard - Numbers 20:12 - But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me…” - how do we know that Moses didn’t believe God in this situation?...because he didn’t obey Him… - Psalm 119:66 - Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. - the way we handle our anger is an indication of the genuineness of our faith… b. to glorify His holiness even when our emotions our raging in opposite directions - Numbers 20:12 - But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel…” - by time we get to this point in the Bible, we also have the book of Leviticus which emphasizes the holiness of God and His desire to call out a people unto Himself who are zealous of good works (as the NT would later affirm)… - so we should never treat the commands of God in a cavalier fashion even when we’re mad… - The Lord calls upon us to handle our anger in a way that is holy so that His glory can be put on display… - believe God in this trial…honor Him as holy…and respond in a way that the focus can be placed on His glory and power… 4. what was happening internally - the text says that Numbers 20:6 - Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to them; - which was exactly what they should have done – but also raises a rather frightening lesson – it’s not good enough to handle your anger well up to a point… - v. 6 – they fell on their faces… - v. 9 - Numbers 20:9 - So Moses took the rod from before the Lord, just as He had commanded him; - so far so good, right…I handled it well until he pushed me over the edge…no, that person didn’t push you over the edge… - but my kids just keeping pushing my buttons…maybe you shouldn’t have so many buttons… B. For you and me - one of the ways we can glorifying our Lord as individuals and a church family is handling our anger differently than those who don’t know the Lord… - if we’re really serious about living “In Christ Alone”…then that includes having and acting on a biblical theology of anger… - James 1:19–20 - This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. - and I would encourage all of us to evaluate ourselves in this area as we move into the summertime…and also use this as an opportunity to pray for one another… - here’s a random example – our college students who may be back home during the summertime…it’s wonderful that the Lord has placed us in a college town and we prayed long and hard for the provision of Faith West… - well, by God’s grace we’ve seen a number of college students come to Christ and others who have taken real steps of growth…but now they’re back home, in many cases trying to earn money to get back to school – in environments where some might try to ridicule or undermine their faith… - [cf. building pools where we just needed to owner to sell the pool and his staff to secure the building permit…]…cf. the woman who said – “we delayed the process just so we could see if we could make you cuss…” - [if time develop the idea of praying for our missionaries – how the recent trip to Brazil and talking to missionaries about all the challenges they face on the field of government corruption, and churches back home dropping your support for all sorts of reasons…easy to become angry in the midst of all of that]… II. God Gives Clear Instructions about How to Handle Our Anger A. For Moses - the direction could not have been clearer… - Numbers 20:8 - Take the rod; and you and your brother Aaron assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water. You shall thus bring forth water for them out of the rock and let the congregation and their beasts drink. - now had you been Moses, you might have said – I don’t think that makes any sense…I want to do it the way I did nearly 40 years ago…I have a better plan… - do you think there is going to be a suggestion box in heaven? - do you think the Lord is particularly interested in our recommendations about how to improve upon His plan?... - no, what is the Lord interested in?...our faithful obedience… - “I know your emotions are raging right now – but please calmly follow my instructions and I will give you the power to obey…”and in the end I will be glorified and you will have the satisfaction of being used in the accomplishment of my plan…” B. For you and me 1. understand what anger is - the NT uses the words orgn and thumos when speaking of anger - it’s a God-given emotion which produces energy which helps us solve problems biblical and solve them today… - so we would read verses like…Ephesians 4:26–27 - Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. 2. avoid the two sinful extremes a. clamming up - internalizing anger… - which is why we’re commanded not to let the sun go down on our anger… - because when you do that…your anger will often ferment and turn into bitterness…which is why later in Ephesians 4 we read…Ephesians 4:31 - Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. - driving the Lamborghini of bitterness and gossip and internalized anger may feel really good…but that action of unbelief is terribly expensive because God is not glorified and the opportunity to participate in the accomplishment of His plan is lost… - the passage before us illustrates the other extreme… b. blowing up - Numbers 20:10–11 - and Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly before the rock. And he said to them, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod… - do you hear the self-righteousness in all of that?...calling them rebels at the very moment he is about to colossally rebel?... - and the pride – shall we bring forth water for you…[could develop – always surprised that God allowed the water to come out…]… - he struck the rock twice with his rod – that instrument that so often had represented God’s power and authority…to use it in such a cavalier fashion… - the principle is – when you’re using your anger sinfully – either by clamming up or blowing up – you’re wasting the energy God gave you… - you’re disobeying His commands… - you’re upstaging His glory… - and you’re forfeiting the opportunity to be used by Him… C. Illustrated perfectly in the life of Christ - Jesus avoided both clamming up and blowing up… - so when thieves are robbing people in the temple probably by charging exorbitant exchange rates…Jesus makes a scourge of cords and drives them from the temple… - now, as a caution – Jesus could go right up to the line of sin and never cross it because He was the God-man…you and I might want to stay back from that line quite a ways… - but on the other hand – at His trial, Jesus kept silent when He had every reason in the world to blow up… - which ought to give us great hope…Hebrews 4:14–16 - Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Can I ask you – how are doing in the way you handle your anger?... 1. It starts by having a personal relationship with Christ… - if you’ve just started attending…please don’t respond to this study with – yes, I need to clean up the way I handle my anger and then maybe I can earn my way to God… - the first purpose of a story like this is to help us realize that it’s impossible to handle our anger well because we’re living under the curse of sin… - so it took another rock that had to be smitten – the Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the cross so that our sin could be forgiven…and that we could receive new life in Him…and we could begin changing in each and every area of practical daily life…even the way we handle our anger… 2. Christian friend – do you see yourself anywhere in this text?... - is this an area of life where you’re living “In Christ alone”…or is it really living…in you alone… - and I realize you might say – but driving that Lamborghini is so exhilarating… - I just love internally my anger and letting it ferment into bitterness…and that throwing another pity party with myself as the guest of honor… - or gossiping to my small groups of pals instead of really dealing with the problem biblically and with the right people - friend, how much is that ride costing you?.... - or are you the blower-upper?... - but I love the feeling of giving that person a piece of my mind… - or screaming my kids into submission… - or posting that rant on social media… - blowing up is like a drug I have to take about once a month… - but friend – at what expense?... - what’s that’s doing to your friendships?... - what’s it doing to your testimony?... - what’s it doing to your marriage?... - what’s it doing to your kids?... - what’s it doing to your neighborhood?... - what’s it doing to your co-workers?... - what’s it doing to your health?... - some rides really just aren’t worth the pricetag… III. Sinful Anger Can Cause You to Miss the Mission - it’s interesting to read the Psalmist’s recounting of this event… - Psalm 106:32–33 - They also provoked Him to wrath at the waters of Meribah, so that it went hard with Moses on their account; because they were rebellious against His Spirit, He spoke rashly with his lips. - the “Him” in that passage is not Moses – it’s the Lord… - which is why when you feel like you’re being mistreated – remember that ultimately that’s between the person and the Lord…not the person and you… - and the Lord is more than capable of taking care of that person and that situation in His way and in His time… - Romans 12:19 - Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. - can you imagine how much glory the Lord would have received on this day had Moses just spoken to the rock?...the rock whisperer… - and the people would have been amazed at this fresh and unique display of the power of God…and would have had all sorts of reasons to praise the Lord… - Moses upstaged all of that…and cheapened it… - and did you see what happened? – the Psalmist said – “it went hard with Moses on their account…” – that’s an understatement for sure… - Numbers 20:12 - But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” - please think about what that land meant to the covenant nation of Israel…and all that Moses had endured in order to get the people to the cusp of the promise being fulfilled…and now he won’t be part of the accomplishment of that mission… - whatever joy, or revenge, or thrill, or satisfaction he received from striking that rock…didn’t even begin to compare to what he had to give up… - and even at the end of the book of Deuteronomy…we read this tender moment…Deuteronomy 32:48–52 - The Lord spoke to Moses that very same day, saying, “Go up to this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab opposite Jericho, and look at the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the sons of Israel for a possession. “Then die on the mountain where you ascend, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the sons of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel. “For you shall see the land at a distance, but you shall not go there, into the land which I am giving the sons of Israel.” - friend – that sinful explosion of anger turned out to be one very expensive ride… - and we would all be very wise to be in the habit of asking – before saying that, before doing that, before thinking that – is it really worth the cost?...do I want to forfeit participation in the accomplishment of the mission for something as fleeting as that?... - now – what’s the other side of that?... - Peter, after discussing all sorts of practical Christian living said -- 1 Peter 3:15 - but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; - sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts – even in the way you handle your anger…and there will be all sorts of ways to participate in the accomplishment of the mission… 1. Serving in outreach ministries this summer… - perhaps your first serving opportunity will be working in VBS – we’ll probably disappoint you in some way…some child will be unruly…some parent will be irresponsible…we’ll mess up a detail…can I encourage you in this way…don’t strike the rock… 2. Summer mission trips - youth group top Albania - Steve and Newton to Haiti and DR 3. Summer time with family 4. NCC groundbreaking and ministry launch

Psalms 118 Watch Video Download Handout Download Manuscript Listen to MP3 → Click to view the Sermon Outline Psalm 118:24 - This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - …in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Exodus 15:1-6 - Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and said, “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; the horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him; my father’s God, and I will extol Him. The Lord is a warrior; The Lord is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; and the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea. The deeps cover them; they went down into the depths like a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power, your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.” Ezra 3:10-11 - Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord according to the directions of King David of Israel. They sang, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. Jeremiah 33:10-11 - Thus says the Lord, “Yet again there will be heard in this place, of which you say, ‘It is a waste, without man and without beast,’ that is, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without beast, the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, ‘Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, For the Lord is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting;’ and of those who bring a thank offering into the house of the Lord. For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were at first,” says the Lord. 4 Reasons to Rejoice in the Lord’s goodness when you are distressed I. The Lord’s covenant love for you never stops (v1-4) Exodus 34:5-6 - The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the Lord. Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth…” II. The Lord is a trustworthy refuge where you can find help (v5-13) Exodus 2:23-24 - Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Hebrews 13:6 - …so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” Matthew 10:28 - Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 1 Samuel 17:45-47 - Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” III. The Lord’s strength provides salvation (v14-21) Exodus 15:2 - The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him; my father’s God, and I will extol Him. IV. The Lord works through suffering to bring about blessing (v22-29) Matthew 21:42 - Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief corner stone; this came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes?’” Acts 4:12 - And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Matthew 21:9 - The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!” John 12:13 - …took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” Zechariah 9:9-10 - Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; and the bow of war will be cut off. And He will speak peace to the nations; and His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. Outlined Manuscript As we continue our series In Christ Alone let me ask you a question about your past week… How many days this past week would you say were characterized by Joy? How many days would you say, that was a day I rejoiced in. How many of you would like to rejoice everyday, no matter the distress you might be in? All of them right…I mean after all consider these verses…  “This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) I think all of us want to have joy in our daily lives, all of us want to be thankful people, but how do we do that when in distress? It is easy to have joy when it is a beautiful day and you have some great activities planned. It is easy to be thankful when you have lots of blessings to count. But what about when you are in distress. The Psalms were the Hymn book of Israel, to help them sing and worship the Lord, and cultivate a right view of God in blessings and in trials. And the nation is Israel was often in trials and distress…be it by their own doing and the Lord disciplining them to return to Him, or another nation attacking them and the Lord needing to deliver them. Psalm 118 would have been a Psalm they used over and over, particularly to recall the Nation of Israel’s deliverance from foreign enemies…especially from Egypt, particularly as they celebrate Passover, this would have been one of the last songs they would sing to commemorate God’s rescue from Slavery from Egypt and defeat of the Strength of Pharaoh. Psalm 118 draws from Exodus Song of Moses. Exodus 15:1-6 – right hand “Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and said, “I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. “The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him. “The Lord is a warrior; The Lord is His name. “Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; And the choicest of his officers are drowned in the Red Sea. “The deeps cover them; They went down into the depths like a stone. “Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power, Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.” (Exodus 15:1–6) They would have sang this song every Passover, and as they were in Babylonian or Assyrian Captivity their distress and need for deliverance would be ever before them and as they celebrate Passover in captivity they would sing of the goodness of the Lord. As Ezra and Nehemiah prepared the people to return to Israel from captivity, they would have sang this song as they celebrate Passover. They also sang elements of this Psalm when they laid the foundation of the temple after Ezra led them from captivity. Ezra 3:10-11 “Now when the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord according to the directions of King David of Israel. They sang, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His lovingkindness is upon Israel forever.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” (Ezra 3:10–11) Jeremiah records that singing will one day return to desolate Jerusalem       Jeremiah 33:10–11 ““Thus says the Lord, ‘Yet again there will be heard in this place, of which you say, “It is a waste, without man and without beast,” that is, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without beast, the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, “Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, For the Lord is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting”; and of those who bring a thank offering into the house of the Lord. For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were at first,’ says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 33:10–11) Psalm 118 was Martin Luther’s favorite Psalm (500 year ann of Prot. Ref) : Luther said, “This is my own beloved psalm. Although the entire Psalter and all of Holy Scripture are dear to me as my only comfort and source of life, I fell in love with this psalm especially. Therefore I call it my own. When emperors and kings, the wise and the learned, and even saints could not aid me, this psalm proved a friend and helped me out of many great troubles. As a result, it is dearer to me than all the wealth, honor, and power of the pope, the Turk, and the emperor. I would be most unwilling to trade this psalm for all of it.” So How about us…How can we rejoice in the Lord when we are distressed and it seems like no one can help us…well if Israel can rejoice in the national deliverance that God provided over and over again…surely we can rejoice in the eternal deliverance Christ provided once for all. As we continue our series of seeing Christ in the Psalms …lets walk through this Psalm and consider how it helps God’s people cultivate a heart of thankfulness and rejoicing that ultimately can only be found in Christ alone. Please open your bibles to Psalm 118. This is on page 444 in the back section of the bible under the seat in front of you. I am going to walk through the text a section at a time as we look at…. 4 Reasons to Rejoice in the Lord’s goodness when you are distressed Let’s look at the first point 1.    The Lord’s covenant love for you never stops (v1-4) God is love, that is a familiar phrase. We also say things like We love Pizza. There is a difference between the love God has for His people, and the Love we have for deep dish or meat lovers. God’s love is also different than the love we have for our friends and family until they wrong us. God’s love is based on a covenant, a bond, a committed love. A loyal love, a faithful love that comes from His good character, not from how much the recipients of His love deserve it. The word translated loving kindness is also translated steadfast love in some translations…but the original word is Hebrew is ‘Chesed’ and it was the word used to define God’s relationship with the people He rescued by His mighty right hand and made a covenant with. God made a covenant with His people Israel through Moses on Mount Sinai, and the core of that covenant was the goodness of God…His covenant love. Ex 34:5-6 – lovingkindness “The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the Lord. Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;” (Exodus 34:5–6) After this covenant He instructed His people how to sacrifice, how to recognize this covenant that Lord has made with them by offering animal sacrifices, particularly each year on Passover. He calls Israel,  the house of Aaron, everyone who fears the Lord to give thanks for God’s covenantal love. It is repeated 4 times each time reaffirming the goodness of God. Now we will get to this more in a bit, but the point is God faithful to His covenant, to love His people on the basis of the the covenant. That convenent was focused on the blood of animals. How much more assurance of God’s covenantal love for us do we have, since we are under the new covenant of Christ’s blood. His love is everlasting. His love for you never stops. That means God’s love is not on a barter system. And if you don’t have the goods, His love for you stops. His love for you is based on a covenant, sealed in Christ’ blood. That is why we give thanks to the Lord, for His is good and His loving kindness is everlasting. If that is all there were, that would be plenty of reason to sing, but there are more reasons to rejoice in the goodness of God even when we are in distress… 2.    The Lord is a trustworthy refuge where you can find help (v5-13) If you can’t swim, it is great to have a lifeguard. If you get stuck in a ditch, anyone with a truck is your best friend, if you are in the middle of a terrorist attack like in the UK recently, all you want to get to is a safe place. Where should God’s people find help, find refuge…in their God… the one who rescued them. This is something all Israel would sing, so when they individually say I called upon the Lord, it was really a corporate focus that when the nation was in trouble they would call upon the name of the Lord. We praise the Lord and thank him for his blessings, but we also must call upon the Lord in our distress. That is what Israel did when the new king of Egypt enslaved them. Ex 2:23-24 “Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Exodus 2:23–24) The Psalm remembers that the Lord answered their cry, and set them in a large place. The point here is when you are enslaved, the walls close in on you, you are confined, you are not allowed to leave. Whereas the Lord brings them out of Egypt and provides them land, seed and blessing…so they had a large place in comparison to slavery in Egypt.       The Psalmist says the lord is for me, I will not fear, what can man do to me. The Author of Hebrews says the same thing in Heb 13:6 “so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”” (Hebrews 13:6) You have to understand this is sung as they remember and are often faced with the nation being destroyed. There were real fears. But those fears are put into perspective when we sing that the lord is for us, he is our help, he is our refuge. Even if man were to kill me, the Lord is for me…and he has the power over life and death, and he can restore my life. ““Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) The Lord is able to take those who are in distress and looked down upon and exult them so that they look down upon those who seek to destroy them. But the key here is what you trust in. You see these song are not just to pass the time or make us feel good…it is to reinforce where are trust needs to be. It is better to trust the Lord than man…even if that man is a prince with an army, a treasury, chariots, snipers, Blackhawk helicopters, B2 bombers and tanks. There was a constant temptation for Israel to be like the nations around them and to find security in making treaties with nations around them. In this case all the nations surround me and are not allies. If you read in Ps 117 it says that all the nations are to join Israel in exulting the Lord, but in fact in Psalm 118 they surround Israel to destroy. But in the name of the Lord they will be cut off. The psalmist repeats that 3x…there is some repetition in songs to highlight important parts that need to be emphasized. “In the name of the Lord” is emphasized. They are going to be victorious, not because of how strong they are, but based on who is on their side. This reminds me of David. 1 Sam 17:45-47 “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. “This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.”” (1 Samuel 17:45–47) Now there is no doubt that David was well practiced with a sling, but the point is his trust is in the Lord, he is fighting in the name of the Lord, the battle is the Lord’s and God will give goliath into His hand so that all will know that there is a God in Israel. So the victory is ultimately the Lord’s and David is courageous, but his courage comes from his trust in the Lord. The Psalm says, Even though enemies may surround them like bees…they will burn up like a bush in the desert. (Bushes in the desert don’t burn very long). Except the burning bush …that’s different… The point is…When ones trust is in the Lord, a swarm of opposition is nothing more than kindling. That does not mean it will not be difficult, the text says, “you pushed me violently…you smashed me to the ground, but the Lord helped me.” This song does not mean there will be no distress for those who bear the name of the Lord, quite the opposite, but it does mean there is a refuge and help. As a pastor, I need to ask you…Where is your help? Where do you turn to when life gets difficult? Is it to the Lord, or is it something else… like entertainment as an escape, facebook to post your distress so people’s comments will comfort you, maybe it is worry… thinking you can in your strength figure out a solution, or maybe some sort of substance to try to ease the feeling of being overwhelmed. I think sometimes we don’t want to cry out to the lord for help and to be our refuge…because we don’t want to need a refuge…we often want ease and comfort and no opposition. But it is really important for God’s people to expect distress and be ready to cry out to the Lord. The Psalmist wants God’s people to understand that God is a better refuge than anything else. Rejoice, for the Lord is ready to answer you as you call out to Him. He will not keep all distress from you, but he will help you through it so that people around you will know the name of the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for His is good and His loving kindness is everlasting. We are to rejoice over God’s loyal love, and that he is for us, he will help us, and he is a refuge we can trust in …that is because of His great strength and His great salvation. The third reason to rejoice is… 3.    The Lord’s strength provides salvation (v14-21) This section opens and closes with “The Lord has become my salvation”. Salvation is the word used to describe rescue and deliverance from enslavement and distress. What we have been saying is that the Lord is faithful to His covenant, and he will help his people, and not only is he willing, but He is able to help. It is great to have a big brother, if some kids want to beat you up, but you can go get your big brother, that is a great resource to have….unless your big brother is shorter than you. I am glad you love me bro and you will fight with me, but I think we should run.  ““The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him.” (Exodus 15:2) As a pastor I want to ask you, what do you boast in, what is your strength? What do you want people to recognize you for…is it your relationship with the Lord…The Lord is my strength and my song. I will tell of the works of the Lord. The song emphases God’s mighty right Hand…This is military terminology, but there is more going on than just physical rescue or salvation from physical oppression. We start to see how this song reminds God’s people of the past deliverance, but also positions them to consider future deliverance. There is joyful shouting in the tents of the righteous. So there is a focus on Righteousness, not just defeating the surrounding nations, but about God’s people being characterized by righteousness, not simply safety. Notice the in v17 the psalmist says I will not die but live, and tell of the works of the lord. This is saying I trust the Lord with my very life…even if nations surround me. And even if the Lord is disciplining me, and I have not died…I will tell of the works of the Lord. Notice the contrast in vs 19 – open to me the gates of righteousness. I have not died, I am not separated from the Lord who is my refuge, my salvation…rather I trust the strength of the Lord who can open for me the gates of righteousness.. This is the gate of the Lord, he is the one who provides righteousness and can open a way for me to be with Him. The psalmist highlights how the nation cried out to God and he answered them in their physical slavery, but his salvation is not just being delivered from something terrible, but entering into something wonderful… to enter into His gate, to be with him in the tent of the righteous, to experience ultimate salvation and eternal life rather than eternal death. How is he going to do that…well he is going to do it in a marvelous way. In a way where His people are in awe and rejoice in How good God is, even in suffering. Our 4th reasons to rejoice is… 4.    The Lord works through suffering to bring about blessing (v22-29) The stone that the builder rejected has become the chief corner stone. A cornerstone would be a large rock, cut from a rock quarry that is so straight, and so strong that the whole building can be built around it. Now the builders, the ones who should know what a good cornerstone should look like, are to reject it, but in fact because the lord is the one doing this, that rock that is rejected will actually become the chief cornerstone, the reason for God’s people to rejoice and marvel at the goodness of our God. Don’t miss what is marvelous…it is not just that the cornerstone is good…but that it was rejected and became the chief cornerstone. That is what is marvelous. That is the Lord’s doing. You and I would not plan it out this way. OK, let’s develop a plan that everyone rejects, and that will then be shown to be the best plan. We would not do that, but we can marvel at it and rejoice in it. God in His strength and power can take someone that everyone rejects to be the person that supports everything. God can use suffering to bring about blessing. That is exactly what He did in Christ. Jesus said “Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, This became the chief corner stone; This came about from the Lord, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?” (Matthew 21:42, NASB95) The context of Jesus quoting Psalm 118 in Matthew 21:42 is a parable of a vineyard. And the vineyard owner plants a vineyard and hires some vine growers to take care of it. He then sends some servants for the harvest and the people he has hired beats and kills some of his savants. Then the owner sends his son, and they kill him thinking they will get the vineyard for themselves since the heir is dead. Jesus quotes psalm 118 to foreshadow that he will be rejected, beaten and killed…but the amazing thing is this is part of the Lord’s plan to bring salvation so that those who trust in Him would be able to enter His gates. Vs 24 says This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Can you imagine singing that with Jesus after celebrating the Passover in the upper room, and right before the soldiers came to take him away to be killed. Let us rejoice in the Lord, he is good…even if the day the Lord has made involves suffering that will bring about eternal blessing. One of my prayers is that the goodness of God will become extremely robust to you…and that God’s goodness is not just tied to a day everything goes well…but that you would affirm God’s goodness in suffering because you trust His plan of salvation. Have you trusted God’s plan of salvation yet? The Psalmst says, I shall give thanks to you for you have answered me, and YOU have become my salvation. Have you said that. Have you admitted your need for the Lord in His strength to save you. Is Jesus the chief cornerstone your cornerstone…that only thing that can give you stability and allow you to enter the gates of the righteous. If not, I would encourage you to ask the lord to save you based on the death, burial resurrection of Christ…today. Peter the apostle said, right after he referred to Christ as the Chief cornerstone in Acts 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”” (Acts 4:12)  The Psalmist continues to cry out to God, O Lord do save, we beseech you O Lord send prosperity. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. This is what the people cried out when Jesus entered Jerusalem “The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!”” (Matthew 21:9, NASB95) They would be celebrating the feast of tabernacles or booths, where they construct little shacks or booths of  foliage, and they would celebrate with palm branches, celebrating the Lord provision. “took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.”” (John 12:13, NASB95) Notice that blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord…earlier in the psalm In the name of the Lord is indicative of someone who defeats their enemies in the name of the Lord, because they trust the Lord even when surrounded. Now we Have Christ entering the city. The people would have seen him as God’s provision of the right hand of the Lord, the one who can cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead, feed an army with just a few loaves of bread and some fish, someone who would cut off all their enemies, especially the oppression and distress of Rome. Jesus came to defeat a bigger enemy than Rome – sin and death To do that… Jesus is trusting in the salvation plan of God…he is coming in the name of the Lord. But He is on a donkey not a war horse. The prophet Zechariah predicted this. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim And the horse from Jerusalem; And the bow of war will be cut off. And He will speak peace to the nations; And His dominion will be from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9:9–10) You see Jesus entered on a donkey, not a chariot and war horse. He entered on an animal of peace. …and this path of palm branches is leading right up to the festival sacrifice. He came to offer his life as a sacrifice to make peace between God and man…so His salvation and peace would be for all the nations. The cornerstone is rejected, and the messiah will be killed. He came to be rejected and die, so that you and I and all those who fear the lord and call upon Him for salvation can enter the gate of the Lord and be in His presence forever. Give thanks to the Lord, for His is good and His loving kindness is everlasting. If the nation of Israel could since this song in celebration of the deliverance as a nation against it’s enemies, we must all the more rejoice in the goodness of God who is able to make peace between God and man through Christ alone…the chief cornerstone, the festival sacrifice. Take always. Choose to give thanks to the Lord each Day because you trust His good plan of salvation, not simply because of your circumstances. Be careful where you seek refuge…do not ultimately trust in man, do not trust in yourself, Trust in the Lord when you are distressed. Call out to Him. Boat in the Lord’s strength. Seek to step out in faith in the Lord’s name…not to defeat people, but to share the plan of salvation with them. Rejoice in Christ, knowing that his suffering was and is part of God’s plan and the means by which you can dwell in the tent of the righteous and enter the gate of the Lord. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Rejoice in all things. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Let’s pray.

Psalms 110 Watch Video Listen to MP3 Download Handout Download Manuscript → Click to view the Sermon Outline Davidic Pattern #1: The path toward kingship was marked by suffering. The humble servant had to suffer first before he was exalted as king. Davidic Pattern #2: When exalted as king, God brought remaining factions and enemies into subjection to God’s chosen king (cf 2 Samuel 5:9-12). Jesus Christ, Pattern #3: God’s chosen King suffered, was delivered from the grave and then was exalted “carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:44-50). Psalm 110 - The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; in holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. He will drink from the brook by the wayside; therefore He will lift up His head. Five realities about Jesus Christ that we must all come face to face with sooner or later 1. God Has Made Christ Alone King of Creation—“Sit at My Right Hand” (v. 1) a. “At God’s right hand”—Matthew 22:44, Mark 16:19, Acts 2:33, 7:55-56, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3, 8:1, 12:2-3, 1 Peter 3:22, Revelation 3:21 b. “The Right Hand of God” is the place of eternal rulership The ascension of Christ is as significant to the Lordship of Christ as His death and resurrection is to His role as Savior. He is both Lord/King and Savior! c. But how could any man share God’s ruling throne? Jesus Christ was not simply “any man”—“The Lord said to my Lord” (cf. Matthew 22:41-45) 2. God Has Promised Christ Alone a Kingdom (v. 2) 3. God Has Promised Christ Alone a People/Army for His Kingdom (v. 3) a. Willing volunteers b. Dressed in righteousness (holy majesty/womb of dawn, cf. Revelation 19:11-16) 4. God Has Made Christ Alone the Only Way to Be Part of His Kingdom—Christ Is Not Only a King but a Priest! (v. 4, cf. Genesis 14, Hebrews 5-9) 5. God Will Destroy Opposition to Christ Alone (vv. 5-6)  Outlined Manuscript Have you ever experienced something that you never thought you would experience in your life?  Maybe it was a sudden sorrowful thing that happened to you or someone near to you.  Maybe it was something that you waited for your whole life to happen and you just were not sure if it would ever happen (I imagine there are some parents of soon to be graduates that may be feeling that way about now).  Maybe it was something that you spent plenty of time dreaming about in your life. Wednesday night November 2, I finished up a night of youth group in the LOFT and immediately ran out to my Jeep.  I turned on the ignition and before the engine had even finished cranking over I had the radio tuned into the Cubs versus the Indians playing in Game 7 of the World Series. As I turned on to State Road 26 to begin my journey home I listened as Dexter Fowler led off the game with a home run to deep right center field. Maybe tonight would be the night that I had played out countless times in my backyard as kid in Northern Illinois.  Maybe tonight the Cubs would be the world champions. It had been 108 years since the last time the Cubs had won the World Series.  For years they had been mocked as the “loveable losers”, but tonight could be a different night. Well that game did not go exactly the way that was the least amount of stress, but early on that Thursday morning the Cubs were finally the World Series Champ.  As my 91 year old grandma that was sitting next to me said as the final out was recorded, “Well they finally did it.” Everything changed in the mind of the lifetime Cub fan.  The blues and reds of the world were just brighter and more beautiful.  They no longer were fans of the “Loveable Losers”, but now were fans of the Champs. Even in something as silly as winning a World Series there was a new realization that would make life never the same again. These realization moments can come from any changes that revolutionize our lives.  We go about our lives and for the most part we get into routines But then something in our environment changes—something either that we want to change or something that we don’t want to change. And when it changes we may take a while to believe what has happened. Here is a question for you… What is the greatest reality shock of your life? Here is what I believe it is…. We by our nature grow up in a state of selfishness that causes us to seek our own good.  We exalt ourselves to the roll of king over our own life. Think about it. From birth whenever I was hungry, I would just cry, and suddenly a bottle would appear. Whenever, I had a dirty diaper I would just cry a little bit more and suddenly my diaper would be changed. As a toddler, I want a toy, I grab it from my friend that was playing with it. As a teen, I want my own pleasure, so I experiment with sex and drugs As  a highschooler, I learn how to get attention by using my body for athletics or beauty. As a college student, I want to live the party life and sow my wild oats…. As an adult, I learn to make money to spend on toys for me. The routine of living for self is our reality What happens when you come face to face with the reality of you are not KING!! What happens when you begin to see for the first time, this world doesn’t revolve around you! My friends that is a reality for all of us, that must be faced. With those thoughts in mind please turn in your Bibles to Psalms 110. That is on page 443 in the front section of the bible in the chair in front of you. I have also printed the text of Psalm 110 in your bulletin notes if you would rather look there. This year’s annual theme at Faith is In Christ Alone And after Easter we have turned our attention to a five part series on Seeing Christ in the Psalms Much of Jesus’ life and work is said in the New Testament to be a fulfillment of the Psalms. Let me say an explanatory word about my understanding of the messianic Psalms. Many of the Psalms/Songs in the OT were written by a man called David, King of Israel. David was God’s chosen king to rule over God’s people. David, was an example or type of a man who, although a sinner and having some great sins, strived to be faithful to God. He was faithful to God in His youth. He was marked by meekness and humility and trust in the Lord. He is known for His slaying of the giant menace of Israel, Goliath, by relying on Lord—not any kind of military strength. Because of his humility, God chose him as an earthly king over his people However, the path to kingship was one marked by suffering. His enemies opposed him and often sought his life… Pastor Green at FE and Pastor Wright at FW spoke about his sufferings last week. Please notice the pattern… Davidic Pattern #1: The path toward kingship was marked by suffering. The humble servant had to suffer first before he was exalted as king. When David actually became King, God gradually brought all the fighting factions and opposing nations into submission to David’s reign. Davidic Pattern #2: When established as king, God brought remaining factions and enemies into subjection to God’s chosen king (cf 2 Sam 5:9–12). Notice this passage 2 Sam 5:10David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him.11Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees and carpenters and stonemasons; and they built a house for David.12And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. David as a musician recorded songs about these experiences in the Psalms And Then Jesus says in Luke 24:44 Luke 24:44  44Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,46 and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day,47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem…50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. There are two observations about this passage that I want to make. First, Notice how Jesus said all that is written in the Psalms must be fulfilled—Hence we have these “messianic psalms Second, Notice this pattern Jesus Christ, Pattern#3: God’s Chosen King suffered and then was delivered from the grave and then was “carried up into heaven.” In the comparison to David what does this pattern correspond to? ANSWER: David’s exaltation as King and God working to bring all face to face with the reality of Christ’s kingship. God working to subject all people to his kingship. With that back ground let’s read now Psalm 110 Psalm 110 (Notes only)       1    The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”       2    The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.”       3    Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew.       4    The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”       5    The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.       6    He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.       7    He will drink from the brook by the wayside; Therefore He will lift up His head. Today from Psalm 110 we are discussing Facing the Reality of God’s Choice of Christ Alone Five realities about Jesus Christ that we must all come face to face with sooner or later. The first reality is this… God Has Made Christ Alone King of Creation—“Sit at My Right Hand.” Friends the NT recognizes Psalms 110 as one of the most significant chapters in the OT. Every human author of the NT quotes some portion of Psalm 110 except James and Jude. I have listed several of these references for you…. “At God’s right hand”—Matt 22:44, Mark 16:19, Acts 2:33, 7:55-56, Rom 8:34, Eph 1:20, Col 3:1, Heb 1:3, 8:1, 12:2–3, 1 Pet 3:22, Rev 3:21 Here is just one example: Eph 1:20 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.22And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. We focus a lot on the resurrection of Jesus Chris and rightly so. The resurrection represents so much Victory over Death The first fruits of the promise of eternal life—a resurrected body God’s stamp of approval on His Son for His life and His Sacrifice However, the entire NT is not only structured around the resurrection but the truth from this PSALM—sit at my right hand--the ascension of Christ into heaven! That is amazing. Until I studied this Psalm and the numerous quotes of this Psalm in the NT I had no idea of how much this concept of Christ being translated from earth to heaven informed the theology of the NT. Read the cross references I gave you and see how significant this is!!!.  But what is so significant about “the Right Hand of God” What does this mean? The right hand of God means “The Right Hand of God” is the place of eternal rulership Earthly Kings invited a cherished and faithful servant to be their right hand man to execute their rule. As an example, those of you who know the Bible remember the Joseph story and how Joseph after suffering was exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh. Joseph in all practical senses was ruler over Egypt— equal to Pharaoh! David after suffering was exalted to the earthly kingdom of Israel and could be said to be “God’s right hand man on earth.” But David did not ascend bodily to heaven In Christ you have something entirely greater The Man Jesus ascended bodily to heaven not just a throne on earth…God’s heavenly throne. What does this mean…God has place Jesus Christ at the place of authority over all including you. The ascension of Christ is as significant to the Lordship of Christ as is His death and resurrection is to His Role as Savior. He is both Lord/King and Savior! My friends that is the reality…Christ simply is King. You simply are not the king. This is the reality. This is the reality that you must face either now or when God His Father, makes you a footstool for King Jesus’ feet. But Here is a question for you… But how could any man share God’s ruling throne? Jesus Christ was not simply “any man”—“The Lord said to my Lord” (cf. Matt 22:41–45) I think God has a sense of humor. He planted riddles and mysteries in the OT that would perplex people only to be revealed at the right time. I have had the privilege of attending Faith Bible Seminary and Pastor Aucoin was always so excited to point out these mysteries and riddles.  As I was discussing this passage with him in preparation for this sermon, I was reminded of that excitement he has for these Old Testament mysteries, as we talked about this phrase. David wrote the beginning line of the Psalm, “The Lord said to my Lord…dwell at my right hand.” What does, “The Lord said to my Lord” mean? Is David calling himself “my lord”—that would be a strange way for David to speak about Himself. So for years the Jewish folks interpret this phrase as applying to a descendent of David….rightfully so….the coming Messiah…. But the Jewish folks completely missed something…If this applies to David’s descendent…David call’s his descendent “MY LORD”  MY MASTER///MY KING…  How could the Messiah both be David’s Son and David’s master? How? Jesus stumped the Pharisees with this question… Matthew 22:41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question:42 “What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?” They said to Him, “The son of David.”43 He said to them, “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying,44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord,“Sit at My right hand, Until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet” ’? 45“If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?”46 No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question. How is a man sitting at the right Hand of God? Because Jesus Christ is not simply a man…He is God incarnate. In order to ascend to be at the right hand of God he had to first descend to become human. This man is King.  This Man is God Himself.  Christ is King.  Christ is God Himself. Is he your King? The second reality we must face is that God Has Promised Christ Alone A Kingdom Ps. 110:2The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying,“Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” Folks is this the reality we live in… God does not say he will stretch forth Johnny’s kingdom saying “rule”? God does not say he will stretch forth (Pastor Garner, Folden, Green)’s kingdom saying “rule”? God will stretch forth Christ strong scepter ALONE saying rule. My friends do you remember a time in your life where you began to recognize this life is simply not about building your kingdom.       What are you doing with your life?       As I said the most routine aspect of our life is building             our kingdoms Our kingdoms of people who adore us Our kingdoms of accomplishments Our kingdoms of wealth Our kingdoms of influence       Psalm 110 brings us face to face that God has promised Christ Alone a Kingdom. Let that reality sink in a bit as you evaluate your life’s efforts…what are you working for….? Think about the summer that is coming up.  What are you going to do this summer?  Is it going to be all about you and your kingdom?  Is it about the number of hours you get to spend the pool? Is it about the number of lemonades you can consume on your back porch? Is it about the number of dandelions you eliminate from your yard? Is it about how many levels you can advance in the newest video game or the number of Netflix binges you can consume?       Why not make this summer about advancing the King that has already been exalted? Spread the great news of Christ, the exalted King, by helping to share the Gospel to kids from our community by serving in VBS. Spread the great news of Christ, the exalted King, by showing up to the Community Picnic and intentionally engaging with people from our community. Spread the great news of Christ, the exalted King, by getting involved in any of the number of serving opportunities in our community this summer. God Has Promised Christ Alone a People/Army for His Kingdom       Ps. 110:3Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. The King has a Kingdom And, And What else does the King have?   an Army In the Hebrew there are simply two Hebrew words “Your people” is one Hebrew word, and then the second word is the Hebrew word for “freewill offering” Your people, a free will offering The people of this Kingdom are Willing Volunteers Why would you sign up to be a subject in anyone’s Kingdom? In the OT God warned Israel about wanting a king like the other nations in that they would force the people to become slaves.  The king would force the people to serve in the army. But this is remarkable…there is something about this king and his kingdom that people say….”Sign me up…” Why would that be? Because there is something good about this King and His Kingdom. Service for this King is not like slavery to my previous masters Service for this king is freeing… Friends have you come face to face with the reality of the tyranny of the kingdom of self and sin…and how there is a much better king and kingdom that you can join? The slavery to sin and self is never fully satisfying.  – You will always be searching for just a bit more happiness.  You will always find yourself to be a horrible king in your life. You will always find your kingdom to be lacking. The mark of the armies of Christ is that they are willfully following Him. You will find no other Master you will love to serve.   The King’s people are also…. Dressed in Righteousness (Holy Majesty/womb of dawn. Cf Rev 19:11–16) Your people are in “holy array” and “from the womb of dawn” Now, remember one thing about Hebrew poetry… Hebrew poetry uses a lot of metaphors and you have got to attempt to picture what the author is trying to communicate. Womb of dawn? What does that mean? Obviously, a womb is something that gives birth (we really do not have time to expand on that concept any more than that) In this case it is the womb of Dawn So what comes out of the “birthing canal” of dawn? Light! “Holy Array” also communicates that the King’s People are Brilliant in appearance. And the term “Your Youth like dew”—may also communicate the concept of purity Folks I believe also that Revelation 19 about the coming of the King and His People refers to this passage as well with very similar imagery. Notice God’s people are clothed in Brilliance…They are not cowering in the shame of nakedness. Notice the similarity here in Rev 19. Rev 19:11And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.16And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” The King’s People are viewed as pure!!! In the revelation passage the people of the king are in white brilliant clothing But what is the King clothed in?  Robe dipped in blood! In God’s eyes the King’s people are viewed as pure…..But the King is soaked in blood…What’s going on here? Furthermore, the King is at the right hand of God and the people are with the king So, 1. How could any person with all of our impurities be there with the King and 2. viewed as pure? How is that possible? Because of this fourth reality… God Has Made Christ Alone the Only Way to Be Part of His Kingdom—Christ Is Not Only a King But a Priest! (cf. Gen 14, Hebrews 5-9)       Psalm 110:4The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” Well now, isn’t this an obscure statement Order of Melchizedek?  What is this?  J It sounds like something you would order at a fast food restaurant….”I will take the Melchizedek meal with a large Coke Zero.” Melchizedek was the King of Jerusalem 1000 years before David became King of Jerusalem. You can briefly read about Melchizedek in Genesis 14. The significance of Melchizedek was that he is described in Gen 14 as both a priest and a king. Now, God had not allowed any of his earthly rulers to be both priests and kings. Do you know why? What does power do? Corrupt. And what does absolute power do—corrupt absolutely. Can you imagine a monarch with absolute power that controlled all aspects of the nation including down to what all the subjects had to believe and access to God. So, God made the first separation of powers long before the American government.  In Israel, God separated the King’s power of rulership from the priests’ role of providing access to God. Those kings in Israel who crossed the line into priestly duties—men like Saul and Uzziah—were severely judged by God. But here when God says of Jesus YOU ARE THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK….that means that the Messiah would be the only King who is both King and Priest. And Praise the Lord for you because that means this King and only this King gets you access to God Not because he sacrificed some animals for you but he sacrificed His body for you He is wearing the blood soak robes so that you can stand with him with God in white garments. Hebrews 7:21 but He (God) with an oath through the One who said to Him,“The Lord has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’ ”);22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.23 The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently.25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;         27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. Jesus Christ is sitting right now at the right hand of the Father as 1. king but not just king….as a 2. priest. And notice that there is a time frame on this….in verse 1—until the God makes the enemies of the King/priest His footstool. Since Christ ascended until this very moment, you have the opportunity to come face to face with the reality of this King as your Savior because of his priestly work. And   And you have the opportunity to learn now how to grow into the pure white clothing All of this is until—God brings everything in subjection to him and face to face with what happens if we do not subject our self to this king… God Will Destroy Opposition to Christ Alone (vv. 5–6)       5    The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.       6    He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. The king will return to earth as He ascended from it and God the father will be at his right hand executing the wrath of God. And judge those who did not come face to face with the King, His Kingdom, and His priesthood for them. Here is the reality today…. You will either be part of the army of the king dressed in brilliant clothing (the righteousness of Christ). Or you will be facing the wrath of the Father My friends, this is inescapable. This is the reality But right now the King is sitting until that time when he gets on the war horse. You today, may say I don’t want anything to do with that kind of a violent king. Let me end today with the last phrase of the Psalm…       7    He will drink from the brook (river/torrent/flood) by (on) the wayside; Therefore He will lift up His head. The phrase “He will drink from the brook by the wayside… Has perplexed the commentators. There is not agreement about what that phrase means. However, some believe it is a reference to the cup that Christ drank at the cross. Do you remember the night before Christ was to experience the violent judgement that we deserved Christ compared it to a drink. He said, “Lord, if it be your will let me not drink this cup (of wrath) but not my will but yours be done.” Thus, the phrase might be better translated and could be translated, He will drink from the torrent on the way. My friend, if you never face reality of Christ being King, with a Kingdom and a People and one day you come face to face with the reality of violent judgment of the Warrior King it will only be because you did not accept the reality today that the priestly king took the violent judgment upon Himself that you deserved. So whose Kingdom will you pursue? Your own empty kingdom? Or the Kingdom of Christ alone? Let’s Pray.

Psalms 69 Watch Video Download Handout Download Manuscript Listen to MP3 → Click to view the Sermon Outline 1 Peter 4:15-16 - Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 5 truths to apply when you suffer for doing what is right I. Explain your Hardships to the Lord (Psalm 69:1-4) A. “I feel like I am drowning” (v. 2) B. “I am in a regular state of grief” (v. 3) C. “Everywhere I turn there is more hurt” (v. 4) John 15:20, 24-25 - Remember the word that I said to you, “A slave is not greater than his master.” If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’” II. Remain Passionate for God’s Glory (vv. 5-12) A. Despite your personal sin (v. 5) B. Despite the poor treatment by others (vv. 6-8, 10-12) C. In order to follow the example of Christ (v. 9) John 2:17 - His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house will consume me.” Romans 15:3 - For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” III. Cry to the Lord for Rescue (vv. 13-21) A. Rather than complaining about it or just dwelling on it (vv. 13-19) B. Because the Lord has a compassionate character (v. 13, 16) Judges 10:16 - So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord; and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer. C. Rather than finding other sources of comfort (vv. 20-21) “The offer of ‘sour wine’ is an act of mockery and insult. The soldiers join the mockery of Jesus by offering him the cheap wine that was popular among the lower ranks of society, insulting the ‘king’ whom they have crucified. The allusion, if intended, explains another detail of Jesus’ crucifixion against the background of another psalm that describes the treatment of a righteous sufferer by his enemies, highlighting both Jesus’ suffering in being mocked and the fulfilment of Scripture in what Jesus had to endure at the cross.” (Pao and Schnabel, “Luke,” in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Eds. G. K. Beale and D.A. Carson. Baker: Grand Rapids, 2007, 397) IV. Remember that God will Bring about Justice at the Proper Time (vv. 22-28) A. However Jesus and Paul prayed for forgiveness rather than retribution B. For when justice comes, the opportunities are over (v. 28) Acts 1:20 - For it is written in the book of Psalms, “Let his homestead be made desolate, and let no one dwell in it”; and, “Let another man take his office.” Romans 11:7-10 - What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; just as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes to see not and ears to hear not, down to this very day.” And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, and a stumbling block and a retribution to them. Let their eyes be darkened to see not, and bend their backs forever.” V. Praise the Lord for His Deliverance (vv. 29-36) A. From individual sin (vv. 29-31) B. To share with others (vv. 32-36)  Outlined Manuscript Happy Mother’s Day. We realize that today is a very encouraging day for some and a challenging for others. It is our prayer that our time in the Word and in song today serves everyone. We want to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Our annual theme is In Christ Alone. At this point we are considering how several Psalms look beyond the human author and point directly to the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Thus, we have entitle our series Seeing Christ in the Psalms. Two weeks ago Pastor Viars used Psalm 16 to show how we could be Confident in Christ, then Pastor Aucoin used Psalm 40 to show how our relationship with Christ leads us to praise. Today, we will use Psalm 69 to show how we can Learn to handle Righteous Suffering. Let’s begin by thinking about suffering in general. 1 Peter 4:15-16 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. Verse 15 is clear that sometimes our suffering is due to the consequences of our sin. Sin has a price. The proper response when we experience suffering from God’s discipline is to repent of our sin and turn to God. Sometimes our gracious Lord allows the bitter taste of suffering to drive us to repentance. But that is not our subject matter today. We are interested in the content of v. 16. What happens when my suffering comes when I am doing right? I think this is part of the human experience. Have you ever been treated harshly when you did nothing to deserve it? Maybe there are people in your school that are naturally bigger and stronger or maybe just with a whole lot more attitude than others and they bully people … including you. Maybe you have a sibling or two that does not treat you very well and you have not done anything to deserve it. Maybe your spouse was grumpy and started taking out their bad attitude on you. All you did was occupy a similar space. Maybe your boss is all stressed out and under some pressure so he or she unloads their frustrations on you. Righteous suffering, for a Christian, can be a normal experience. So what do we do? How do we respond? With that in mind please turn in your Bibles to Psalm 69. That is on page ____ of the back section of the Bible in the chair in front of you. As you are turning there I would like to highlight a few points about our series. The whole Bible, in one way or another, points in the direction of Jesus. Some passages point more directly than others. The Psalms that we are looking at in our series are Psalms that speak about the human author’s experience (in our case that will be David), but also to the experience of Jesus in very direct ways. That is why we call them Christological Psalms. They clearly and directly point to Christ. One of the reasons that we know certain Psalms describe Christ’s experience is that the NT authors use the Psalm when talking about Christ. That is one of the defining features of Psalm 69. It is one of the most often quoted Psalms in the NT. We are going to work our way through the Psalm. But we are going to do so by thinking about David, about Jesus, and about us all at the same time. Please follow along as I read the entire Psalm. This is the Word of the Lord. [Read Psalm 69] I would like us to consider 5 truths to apply when you suffer for doing what is right I. Explain your hardships to the Lord (Psalm 69:1-4) I am amazed at the way David especially opens up his heart to the Lord. In Psalm 6 he says that he cries himself to sleep. In Psalm 13 he asks God how long he will forget about him. Now in Psalm 69 we see him saying … “I feel like I am drowning” (v. 2) Downing is one intense experience. I was not a great swimmer growing up, but about 6 years ago I learned to swim reasonably well. But this day was the first time I had ever swam in open water. It was a terrifying experience. Obviously, I made it, but for while there I wondered. David uses the drowning analogy to describe the condition of his hardships. We all have to wrestle with how much we say in a 10 second conversation with another person… “How are you?” “Fine” “Awesome, have a great day!” When we are not fine we wonder just how much we should say. But friends, please listen, when you speak with the Lord he wants you to lay it all out there. God did not want his people trying to bury all of their emotions and struggles. That is especially true when you are suffering, like David in this Psalm and like Jesus, for doing nothing wrong. In Hebrews, one of the reasons Jesus suffered was to be a faithful high priest sensitive to the struggles of the human life. Save me O God, I feel like I am drowning. “I am in a regular state of grief” (v. 3) David often speaks of his tears. I have always found it amazing that David would do that. Even as a young man he was not afraid of a fight. In fact, when he hears Goliath he decides he has to do something. But before he speaks with King Saul. He learns that Saul has made an offer. He offered his daughter in marriage, riches, and tax free status to the soldier that kills Goliath. What more could a man need? A Girl, gold, and tax free status. David was not afraid of a fight. Later, King Saul did not give David any of those things. So when Saul’s daughter wanted to marry David, Saul makes him a deal (he deserved her anyway!). Bring back 100 Philistine foreskins. It is safe to assume that you did not ask for those. Nor could you set up a gofundme page in order to have my dream wedding. David brings back 200. David was a warrior. Yet, David was not afraid to tell the Lord all about his suffering. He was not afraid to go to the Lord and tell him that his eyes hurt from crying so much. He was not afraid to tell the Lord that his constant crying made him thirsty. “Everywhere I turn there is more hurt” (v. 4) For David, the suffering seemed relentless. It is here that we get our first quotation in the NT. Jesus teaches his disciples that despite all the miracles Jesus has done the people have rejected him and the disciples needed to be prepared for rejection themselves. John 15:20, 24-25 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’ Friends, we live in a world that is not always friendly to the things of God. When you have those moments where you righteously suffer … you are in good company. So Jesus completely understands. He wants you to tell him like it is. He wants you to express your thoughts and emotions to him. While we explain our hardships we also … II. Remain Passionate for God’s Glory (vv. 5-12) Righteous suffering was never meant to result in idleness. Righteous suffering is a time for action. Even though David feels like he is drowning and that he there is nowhere that he can go where one of his enemies is not there, he remains passionate for God’s glory. He is interested in faithfulness to the Lord. Righteous suffering sure has a few obstacles … Despite your personal sin (v. 5) This verse clearly shows that the entire Psalm is not first about Jesus, but about David. David acknowledges that he is a sinner, but he is also arguing that his suffering (this time at least) is not the direct result of sin. I find this helpful as well. I can remain humble about my own sin and yet remain steadfast that this time someone is causing me grief without reason and I can continue pursuing God’s glory in the process. Despite the poor treatment by others (vv. 6-8, 10-12) David’s reputation and his relationships have been impacted by his enemies. Maybe they spread false rumors about him. Maybe they shared true things about him that other people did not need to know. Either way, it is impacted his public reputation and his family environment (v. 8) But it actually got worse. In v. 12 those who sit in the gate area (a common place for judges and town leaders to gather). If that were not bad enough, David is the subject of the made up songs drunks sing when they are belly up at the bar. That is rough … but did you notice v. 9? It speaks to what David was doing while all this hot mess was happening around him. He was zealous for the Lords house. In order to follow the example of Christ (v. 9) This is huge. When Jesus cleanses the temple … he removes all the merchants and drives out this special temple economy where the religious leaders were getting rich from the parishoners. Then we find these words … John 2:17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house will consume me.” When the disciples thought about the cleansing of the temple their minds went to Psalm 69. Jesus is exhibiting passion for God’s house. They know that the religious leaders are not going to like that. The very next verse says, “by what authority are you doing these things?” When Paul was teaching, he reminded the Romans that they may experience suffering just as David did and just as Jesus did by quoting Psalm 69:9. Romans 15:3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” Friends, when you stand strong in your faith. When you stand strong in your actions … zealous for the cause of Christ … in the midst of unjust suffering then you are following the example of Christ and the heroes of the faith. Just in case the Romans got a little nervous about following that example Paul gave them v. 4 which explains that the Scriptures (all the Scriptures) were written so that we might have hope. So, when that bully is messing with you again … saying mean things trying to destroy your reputation … remain passionate (zealous) for God’s glory. When your spouse is treating you unfairly and you are tempted to unload on them … choose to remain zealous for the Lord. When your boss is angry at you because he or she is facing a lot of pressure and you just happen to be present … choose to remain zealous for the Lord. When your employees bad mouth you and you know that you are doing everything you can to allow them to keep their jobs … remain zealous for the Lord. What I have suggested so far is that when you suffer you first determine whether your suffering is a consequence for your sin or whether it is righteous suffering. If it is righteous suffering then you first explain all your hardships to the Lord. While you talk to the Lord you also remain passionate for God’s glory. Psalm 69 continues by encouraging us to… III. Cry to the Lord for Rescue (vv. 13-21) I think the overwhelming testimony of Scripture is that suffering for righteousness is a good thing. According to 1 Peter 4:15 we glory God when we have that opportunity. That does not mean, however, that our life will be defined by suffering. One of my seminary professors used to say that he believed in a call to suffering. Some believers, by the plan of God, were going to suffer for Christ. However, it is normally the case that suffering is for a season. David asks God to deliver him from his suffering. O God, answer me (v. 13) Deliver me (v. 14) Rescue me (v. 15) Answer me (v. 16) Do not hide from me (v. 17) Draw near to me (v. 18) Rather than complaining about it or just dwelling on it (vv. 13-19) At times unjust suffering makes us feel powerless. We think that our only option is to take it from our classmate, neighbor, brother, sister, spouse, boss, or co-worker. We have no recourse because either they have leadership over us or the leadership does not seem to care. So what we do is start complaining about it. We might find sympathetic voices. Leaders can get together with other leaders and talk about how hard it is to lead people. Spouses can find people who also believe they are suffering unjustly. But sometimes we don’t even have to share it. We can dwell on it instead. We can spend hours upon hours being impacted in our hearts. The big problem with this is that it cripples us for accomplishing what God wants us to accomplish. We use our emotional energy to complain in our hearts. Instead, we need to ask God to rescue us. David turns to the Lord over and over again asking with a series of imperatives for God to take action. Because the Lord has a compassionate character (v. 13, 16) David thinks very carefully about the reason God would act. He would act because he is a compassionate person. Earlier this year I was reading through Judges and I came across a verse that caught my attention. Judges 10:16 So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord; and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer. In context, Judges is in response to the consequences for sin … not righteous suffering. Even then, even in the midst of our own foolishness, God can only bear so much. How much more for the Lord to see his righteous suffering. The Lord may call us to a special ministry of suffering for specific purposes. But the general way God works is that suffering is for a season and while we are in that suffering we can ask the Lord to rescue us. Rather than finding other sources of comfort (vv. 20-21) David looks for comforters, but he does not find any real comfort in them. In fact, what he receives is more ill treatment. It is this verse that every gospel writer uses to describe what the soldiers did to Jesus. He was thirsty. Rather than give him a drink of quality wine … the dying are to receive some relief from their pain … they give trashy wine to add the misery of a horrible taste in your mouth to the pain that exists everywhere else. David Pao and Eckhard Schnabel beautifully described these events, “The offer of ‘sour wine’ is an act of mockery and insult. The soldiers join the mockery of Jesus by offering him the cheap wine that was popular among the lower ranks of society, insulting the ‘king’ whom they have crucified. The allusion, if intended, explains another detail of Jesus’ crucifixion against the background of another psalm that describes the treatment of a righteous sufferer by his enemies, highlighting both Jesus’ suffering in being mocked and the fulfilment of Scripture in what Jesus had to endure at the cross.” (Pao and Schnabel, “Luke,” in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Eds. G. K. Beale and D.A. Carson. Baker: Grand Rapids, 2007, 397). Sam Wright’s testimony hit this point beautifully. She described the hurts that come from days like Mother’s Day and encouraged all of us to find our rescue in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. His suffering and the fulfillment of suffering is what makes rescue possible. So cry out to him … there is a sympathetic ear on the other end of the line with the power to make a difference. I hope at this point you are already encouraged that Psalm 69 not only describes the experience of David, not only is it fulfilled in Christ, but it also provides hope and help in the midst of suffering. I also hope that you are even a little convicted. I know there are times in my life where I truly was suffering righteously. I did not deserve the poor treatment given to me by others. But I did not (and maybe do not) respond like this. Talk to God? Maybe I just talk to myself. Remain passionate for God’s glory? Maybe I try to find a way to get a little bit of that glory. Cry to the Lord for rescue? Maybe I reserve myself to the fact that something is not going to change and do not ask the Lord for anything. Psalm 69 is loaded with truth. I have received enough for the sermon already, but there is more encouragement and more conviction … IV. Remember that God will bring about justice at the proper time (vv. 22-28) I mentioned David was a warrior. While David allowed people to say things against him, he was also pretty rough on his enemies. The #1 hit record (does that phrase show my age or what? I did not say CD, nor did I say 8 track, nor did I say music video) in ancient Israel was Saul has slain his thousands but David has slain his ten thousands. Now he is praying that God would bring about justice. This is not a prayer of revenge as much as it is a prayer for God to properly repay the wicked for their wicked actions. Verse 26 is what David is particularly upset about … God has called him to suffer, but his enemies add persecution to it. God has brought about trouble, but his enemies go and tell others about it. When we righteously suffer we must be careful not to create a revengeful or a competitive spirit. Where it is really about you and me.  Instead we are asking for God to bring about his righteous justice. However Jesus and Paul prayed for forgiveness rather than retribution It is also helpful to remember that in the midst of righteous suffering Jesus prayed for those who were persecuting him. On the cross, Jesus was not asking for retribution, he was asking that they would be forgiven. Even Paul confessed that he would rather suffer in hell then for his brothers to do so. It reflects a heart desiring people be saved. So our first thought should not be one of retribution, but asking God to his work in the heart of a person so that they can be forgiven. For when justice comes the opportunities are over (v. 28) The sobering reality is that the NT uses this section of Psalm 25 two times. Acts 1:20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his homestead be made desolate, And let no one dwell in it’; and, ‘Let another man take his office.’ This is a reference to Judas. After he betrayed Jesus he kills himself, leaving his homestead to someone else and his position as one of the twelve is taken by someone else. This was a final decision. No more opportunities. Romans 11:7-10 7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened; 8 just as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day.” 9 And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, And a stumbling block and a retribution to them. 10 “Let their eyes be darkened to see not, And bend their backs forever.” This is in reference to the nation of Israel. Paul explains how Israel refused to follow the Lord and refused to acknowledge that Jesus is messiah. As a result they do not have eyes to see or ears to hear. In Psalm 69:28 we find the striking comment about “blotting their name from the book of Life.” In each case, when justice came the opportunities were over. That is a sobering reminder regarding life and even how we process righteous suffering. There is a sense in which we want God to make all things right and knowing that God will make them right gives us comfort and encouragement to face each new challenge. But before we run too quickly to the concept of justice let’s ask the Lord to rescue the people who are harming us. Let’s ask that the Lord would turn his lovingkindness in their direction just as he has turned it in our direction. The final section of Psalm 69 encourages us to … V. Praise the Lord for his deliverance (vv. 29-36) David’s affliction did not disappear in the middle of this Psalm. But David nevertheless finds a way to praise. His praise centers on God’s salvation. He believes that God will deliver him. Praise is God’s mind is better than an ox. Pastor Aucoin explained last week that while the sacrifices were required, they were never an end in themselves. It was the heart of the worshipper and ultimately the sin that Jesus would pay once for all that made the sacrifices so important. That is why we can praise the Lord for his deliverance … From individual sin (vv. 29-31) In Christ there is rescue not just from the people who mistreat you, but more importantly from the sin that separates you from a holy God. Just as every other part of this psalm has been a pointer to Christ so also does this part point to the ultimate deliverance found in the D/B/R of Jesus Christ. In the last two months I have been part of two memorial services. Praise the Lord that both Lester and Margaret Bell knew the Lord. But as I looked out at the audience I could not help but wonder how many of the rest would spend eternity with the Lord if they died today. I want to ask you that … If you were to die today and God should ask you, Why should I let you into my heaven? What would you tell him? Would you tell him that you have been a good person? Would you tell him that you attended church reasonably frequently? Would you tell him that you invested your time and money into things that would make a difference for the cause of Christ? The only answer that carries any weight is that you have acknowledged your sin and you have trusted in the D/B/R of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. I want to encourage you to do that today. To share with others (vv. 32-36) When we experience deliverance, we want to share it with others. David invited other worshippers to come and celebrate the Lord’s deliverance with him. That is a significant part of our ministry. We do not want to hide the deliverance, we want to share it. I encourage you to pray for the youth (Finals, then missions trip to Lafayette) I encourage you to pray for the Hispanic class (beginning an ESL ministry) I encourage you to sign up and pray for VBS Part of the way that we let people know about the deliverance is that we go to them. The concept of righteous suffering is an important one. David experienced it. He was willing to admit that he was a sinner, but that his sin (in this case) was not the cause of his suffering. But as David discerned how to process his righteous suffering the Lord also was the greater righteous sufferer. In Christ he wants to hear our struggles … he took on humanity, in part, to relate to the suffering we endure. Christ wants us to be zealous for god’s glory … he was … resulting in the cleansing of the temple. Christ wants us to cry out for deliverance … he is a compassionate God whose ear listens intently to the prayers of his people. Christ wants us to follow his example and pray for forgiveness knowing that when God meters out justice, and he will, the opportunities for change are over. Christ wants to praise him for our deliverance from sin and from our deliverance from those who cause us harm. That allows us to encourage others to share in that praise. Life is full of struggles … some of them we cause ourselves. Some of them are part of the Christian life. Thankfully we have a series of truths to apply and the perfect Christ to follow.

Psalms 40:1-17 Watch Video Listen to MP3 Download Handout Download Manuscript → Click to view the Sermon Outline Quote from C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms Pastor Brent Aucoin’s Summary: Humanity naturally praises and invites others to praise that which they value, delight, enjoy. The Messianic Psalms are OT songs written about the experiences of God’s anointed Davidic king (primarily King David) that God uses to point prophetically toward the Ultimate King—Jesus Christ. The experiences of the Davidic king in the OT are “heightened” or “escalated” or “contrasted” in the greater person and work of the final Davidic King—Christ. These Davidic experiences form theological patterns of which Christ brought to completion. – Pastor Brent Aucoin Psalm 40:1-17 - For the choir director. A Psalm of David. - King David’s Experience in Trusting in the Lord Alone 1 I waited patiently (or relied completely on) for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord. King David’s Conclusion about Trusting in the Lord Alone 4 How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, and has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. 5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; there is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count. King David’s Response in Offering to God not Sacrifice but His Self 6 Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired; my ears You have opened; burnt offering and sin offering You have not required. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” King David’s Praise Shared 9 I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; behold, I will not restrain my lips, O Lord, You know. 10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation. King David’s Continued Need for Deliverance From Sin and Sin-Caused Calamities with an Expectation of Another Great Deliverance for Trusting in the Lord Alone 11 You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. 12 For evils beyond number have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; they are more numerous than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed me. 13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; make haste, O Lord, to help me. 14Let those be ashamed and humiliated together who seek my life to destroy it; let those be turned back and dishonored who delight in my hurt. 15 Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, “Aha, aha!” 16 Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”          17 Since I am afflicted and needy, let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God. Psalm 40 leads us to understand four truths that instill in His people the greatest delight in God and therefore the greatest Praise in God. 1. God’s Beautiful Plan for the His Earthly King and His People—Deliverance Creates Praise A. In distress trust in God Alone--I waited patiently on the Lord (cf. v. 4—“How blessed is the man who has made the LORD His trust and has not turned to the proud nor to those who lapse into falsehood;” Isaiah 40:31) B. Trusting in God alone results in God hearing the cry of faith and deliverance from the near death experience C. God’s deliverance shows that God is the ultimate delight (v. 5) D. Our response to God’s deliverance is—my life offered to Him for delivering me—I exist to do God’s will not mine (cf. of the king Deut 17:15–20) Sacrifices, in general, were substitutionary symbolic offerings, indicating that the life of the animal was given to God as a symbol of the worshipper giving His life to God.  E. With our life breath given to God, we use it to consummate our joy by praising God and sharing it   others in place of my cry of distress (vv. 3, 9-10) The man who life was delivered by the greatest delight—God—gives his own life as a praise offering public witness to God. 2. The Ugly Problem in His Earthly King and His People—Sin Creates the Need for the Greatest Deliverance 3. The Hopeful Cry for a Greater Deliverance for God’s earthly King and His People. 4. God’s Provision for a Greater King and His Greatest Deliverance—Creating the Greatest Praise!!! Jesus Christ gave his body—not because He had been delivered—but in order to deliver as a sacrifice according to God’s will! Romans 12:1 -        Therefore I urge you, brethren in view of God’s mercies, present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  Outlined Manuscript Last year my family took a few more vacations than normal because we wanted to make some good family memories since our two children were nearing the end of their high school journey. Most of my vacations revolve around tacking on some extra time to a ministry engagement. So last year I had ministry opportunities in Phoenix and Montana. In Phoenix we were three hours from the Grand Canyon so we made a trip there. [Pic of Grand Canyon] In Montana [Montana pic] we went to both Yellowstone [Pic of Yellowstone] and Glacier National Park [pic of Glacier National Park] At all three of those locations we found ourselves staring at the amazing beauty of the landscape and it wasn’t enough to just take it in. When you see something amazing what is your natural inclination to do with it? Share it!! Notice that Janet has not been sharing with you the joys of hiking through glaciers…that was not something amazing to her. Last week, my wife and I saw the 50’s MGM musical, “Singing in the Rain” for the first time. The tap dancing by Gene Kelly and the rest of that crew was simply amazing….what was the first thing that Janet and I did with our experience…share it with the kids. Now I really want to learn tap dancing…   We praise what we value do we not?? And that joy of delighting in the Grand Canyon or the dancing abilities of Gene Kelly is not complete until it is shared…. Sharing it is a natural expression of what you delight in…. Now, some of you have entertained this question about God before…”Is not God egotistical or a pompous arrogant entity” when he asks us to praise Him? In fact atheist and skeptics have gone down the path of saying, “I can not worship a God who demands my praise!” C.S. Lewis had this question and struggle…. Listen to what he says about praise… Lewis, C. S. Reflections on the Psalms When I first began to draw near to belief in God and even for some time after it had been given to me, I found a stumbling block in the demand so clamorously made by all religious people that we should ‘praise’ God; still more in the suggestion that God Himself demanded it. We all despise the man who demands continued assurance of his own virtue, intelligence, or delightfulness; we despise still more the crowd of people round every dictator, every millionaire, every celebrity, who gratify that demand. Thus a picture, at once ludicrous and horrible, both of God and of His worshippers, threatened to appear in my mind. The Psalms were especially troublesome in this way—‘ Praise the Lord,’ ‘O praise the Lord with me,’ ‘Praise Him.’ (And why, incidentally, did praising God so often consist in telling other people to praise Him? Even in telling whales, snowstorms, etc., to go on doing what they would certainly do whether we told them or not?) C.S. Lewis in his brilliant observations about humanity came to certain conclusions about us…. I had never noticed that all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise … The world rings with praise— lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favourite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favourite game— praise of weather, wines, dishes, actors, motors, horses, colleges, countries, historical personages, children, flowers, mountains, rare stamps, rare beetles, even sometimes politicians or scholars. I had not noticed how the humblest, and at the same time most balanced and capacious, minds praised most, while the cranks, misfits, and malcontents praised least. ….. I had not noticed either that just as men spontaneously praise whatever they value, so they spontaneously urge us to join them in praising it: ‘Isn’t she lovely? Wasn’t it glorious? Don’t you think that magnificent?’ The Psalmists in telling everyone to praise God are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about. My whole, more general, difficulty about the praise of God depended on my absurdly denying to us, as regards the supremely Valuable, what we delight to do, what indeed we can’t help doing, about everything else we value. I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep on telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed. It is frustrating to have discovered a new author and not to be able to tell anyone how good he is; to come suddenly, at the turn of the road, upon some mountain valley of unexpected grandeur and then to have to keep silent because the people with you care for it no more than for a tin can in the ditch; to hear a good joke and find no one to share it with (the perfect hearer died a year ago). P. Aucoin’s Summary: Humanity naturally praises and invites others to praise that which they value, delight, enjoy. With that in mind turn in the Scriptures to Psalm 40. That is on page 409 in the front section of the Bible in the chair in front of you. This year our church theme is In Christ Alone Today we are continuing our series on Seeing Christ in the Psalms The NT writers often quote the Psalms when speaking of Christ fulfilling the Scriptures. The NT book of Hebrews in Hebrews 10:5-10 quotes Psalm 40:6-8 in reference to Christ. The Psalms that are referred to in the NT are often termed Messianic Psalms. Let me say an explanatory word about my understanding of the messianic Psalms. The Messianic Psalms are OT songs written about the experiences of God’s anointed Davidic king (primarily King David) that God uses to point prophetically toward the Ultimate King—Jesus Christ. The experiences of the Davidic king in the OT are “heightened” or “escalated” or “contrasted” in the greater person and work of the final Davidic King—Christ. These Davidic experiences form theological patterns of which Christ brought to completion. –P. Aucoin Specifically today we are talking about Contagious Praise in Christ Alone Let’s read. PSALM 40 For the choir director. A Psalm of David. King David’s Experience in Trusting in the Lord Alone       1    I waited patiently (or relied completely on) for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry.       2    He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.       3    He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord. King David’s Conclusion about Trusting in the Lord Alone       4    How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.       5    Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count. King David’s Response in Offering to God not Sacrifice but His Self       6    Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired; My ears You have opened; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.       7    Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.       8    I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” King David’s Praise Shared       9    I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; Behold, I will not restrain my lips, O Lord, You know.       10  I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation. King David’s Continued Need for Deliverance From Sin and Sin-Caused Calamities with an Expectation of Another Great Deliverance for Trusting in the Lord Alone       11  You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.       12  For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me.       13  Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; Make haste, O Lord, to help me.       14  Let those be ashamed and humiliated together Who seek my life to destroy it; Let those be turned back and dishonored Who delight in my hurt.       15  Let those be appalled because of their shame Who say to me, “Aha, aha!”       16  Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!”       17  Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God. Psalm 40 leads us to understand four truths that instill in His people the greatest delight in God and therefore the greatest Praise in God. 1.     God’s Beautiful Plan for the His Earthly King and His People—Deliverance Creates Praise Now we do not know exactly to what occasion King David referred in his earthly struggles in the first part of the Psalm. However, the phrases he used “Pit of destruction” and “miry clay” all seem to indicate a near death experience. It was as if he was going down for the third time. David in his life face death many times….this appears to be a reference to one of them.  In distress trust in God Alone--I waited patiently on the Lord (cf. v. 4—How blessed is the man who has made the LORD His trust and has not turned to the proud nor to those who lapse into falsehood;” Isaiah 40:31) The emphasis here is on the object of trust—God The word “wait” is the same word used in Isaiah 40:31 with a very similar idea—that I am waiting on a certain ONE not just passively thinking something might come my way and help me but WAIT ON GOD ALONE. Isaiah 40:31 (NASB95)       31  Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. In his military struggles David did not turn to alliances with the proud and deceptive Egypt or Syria or Moab….He did not trust in what seemed to be strong on earth. He waited on Yahweh. In his faith alone in God alone what happened? (Repeat): In his faith alone in God alone what happened? Trusting in God alone results in God hearing the cry of faith and deliverance from the near death experience David turned his attention to God ALONE and nothing else!!! Folks what is your attention and object of hope in or on in your distress? Your spouse? Your job? A particular friend? Your intellect? Your athletic ability? Your  beauty? Your strength? God heard when the trust was in Him alone…Blessed is that man! God’s deliverance shows that God is the ultimate delight (v. 5)       5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count. Do you see it…there is David’s delight…There is nothing that compares with you God!!! Have you ever got to a place in a moment of your existence or where you have said, “I know nothing on earth compares to you God” and “nothing I desire compares to you.” How do you get there? This psalm answers it….I recognize I am in dire situation….I turn not to my normal gods of entertainment, pleasure, power, praise of man,  I turn to God alone and trust in Him by Faith alone and He delivers!!!!!  And I see that nothing compares to HIM!!!! Now since there is none like Him, He saves my life, what do I do in return? Our response to God’s deliverance is—my life offered to Him for delivering me—I exist to do God’s will not mine (cf. of the king Deut 17:15–20) Look at vv. 6–8 for a moment       6    Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired; My ears You have opened; Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.       7    Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.       8    I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” Let me say a word about sacrifices in the OT. I am going to generalize a bit here. But sacrifices were associated with substitution for the worshipper… When the offered was to give of his best to God what was that communicating…God this is the best I have…it represents me….I give it to you….As a symbol of my life is yours… Sacrifices, in general, were substitutionary symbolic offerings, indicating that the life of the animal was given to God as a symbol of the worshipper giving His life to God.   So God said sacrifice animals!!!…but what was that pointing to…I want your life. Notice that David gets it… Animal sacrifices is not really what you want God…you want me and all of me…thus God my ears are open I am here to do your will.  I am the whole burnt offering for you. Make a note that when David says, “Behold I come. In the scroll of the book it is written of me,” He is most likely referring to this passage in Deuteronomy written of kings…. Deuteronomy 17:15–20 (NASB95)       15  you shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses, one from among your countrymen you shall set as king over yourselves; you may not put a foreigner over yourselves who is not your countryman.       16  “Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’       17  “He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself.       18  “Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.       19  “It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,       20  that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel. David was saying, “my life is yours and I am here to do your will as king and I am not to turn aside” Now, you get it don’t you what David said…its not sacrifices that God desires…..sacrifices were the outward symbol of what he desires….YOU In the OT when God says, “I’m weary of your sacrifices” it was because  His people had ritually sacrificed but entirely missed the point…the sacrifice represents that God owns your hands, your mouth, your brain, your eyes, your breath…They were not using their souls for God Therefore the sacrifices were an abomination to God. Today…you’re here and your worshipping God with your mouth but you used your mouth for lies and anger all week…That is an abomination to God…. David get’s it though…His live…his lips are Gods….and if my lips are God’s and my greatest delight is God then naturally… With our life breath given to God, we use it to consummate our joy by praising God and sharing it   others in place of my cry of distress (vv. 3, 9-10)       3    He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord.       9    I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; Behold, I will not restrain my lips, O Lord, You know.       10  I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation. The man who life was delivered by the greatest delight—God—gives his own life as a praise offering public witness to God. This statement invites numerous pastoral questions that God would have us all consider…but let me quickly hit a few other aspects of this Psalm before I apply at the end of our time today. Secondly this Psalm shows us… 2.     The Ugly Problem in His Earthly King and His People—Sin Creates the Need for the Greatest Deliverance King David in His zeal says,       8    I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.” But then says….       12  For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me. The book of the Law that the king was supposed to keep….Deut 17:19       19  “It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,       20  that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, so that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel. He can’t keep this… His earthly reign to be a praise offering witness to God is and a light to others is marred by sin.  And possibly his sin is creating problems in his kingdom and with others and others…others look at him and say, “Aha…”Aha”  (v. 15) ---Look at that hypocritical king…. But consequences are not simply with those who would long for David’s demise His sin creates another pit of destruction… He can not stand before God in his sin… He can not fulfill Deut 17:20  where he never turns from the right or the left… But where does he turn….. 3.     The Hopeful Cry for a Greater Deliverance for God’s earthly King and His People. To Whom does David appeal for salvation from his pit of sin? From God alone.       11  You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me.       12  For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me.       13  Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; Make haste, O Lord, to help me. ….       17  Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God. The term mindful that I highlighted in v. 17 is the same term that is used in David’s previous proclamation of deliverance in verse 5 that he is now praying       5    Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. David understood that God’s thoughts and ways of deliverance are higher than his thoughts. He was amazed when God delivered him from his pit of death. Now based upon that he is praying again….turn those amazing divine thoughts back to me again in this case that includes deliverance from my sin…. And He still turns to God for salvation from his pit of sin!!! He did not turn to his good deeds….He did not say, “accept me because I am a good person…” He says “deliver me because I am needy and afflicted….” And we don’t have that prayer answered in Psalm 40…. When is it answered? 4.     God’s Provision for a Greater King and His Greatest Deliverance—Creating the Greatest Praise!!! David only attempted to give his body to God after a deliverance And even then he could not consistently maintain that his body is for the Lord….okay lord you have my lips for a while for praise but I need them back to put that person in their place. … Do you realize there was ONE who came only to give His body as living and dying sacrifice to God the Father…not in response to a great deliverance he desperately needed, but because He only delighted in God the Father. He came and said, always, “Thy will be done” He came and fulfilled all the law of Deuteronomy 17 as a king would. He never turned to the right or the left!!! Jesus Christ gave his body—not because He had been delivered—but in order to deliver as a sacrifice according to God’s will! Hebrews 10:4–11 (NASB95)       4    For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.       5    Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, “Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, But a body You have prepared for Me;       6    In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have taken no pleasure.       7    “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (In the scroll of the book it is written of Me) To do Your will, O God.’ ”       8    After saying above, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have not desired, nor have You taken pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the Law),       9    then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second.       10  By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.       11  Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; Do you see Christ in the Psalms now?? But that is not all… When Christ became the sin offering and sacrificed His body on the Cross, He cried out to His God in faithfulness…My God…My God….Not any other God!!! And God delivered Him from death by raising him from the dead!! The greatest deliverance in History. And Christ becomes the greatest praise offering witness in History. He is seated at the Right Hand of God, praising the marvelous work of God And those who understand the significance of all of this have been delivered from the greatest pit—eternal separation from God…and themselves have offered their own selves as living sacrifices  become praise offering witnesses…. Read Mark 5:15-20 Questions: Why today are you not filled with Praise? If we praise what we value what is this saying about what we value? What do we need to see in order to praise? The depth of our sin and pit we are in! The greatness of our Savior!! That because he rescued our life, our life belongs to him. Romans 12:1   Therefore I urge you, brethren in view of God’s mercies, present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. I am struck by C.S. Lewis’ statement again… I had not noticed how the humblest, and at the same time most balanced and capacious, minds praised most, while the cranks, misfits, and malcontents praised least. …..C.S. Lewis Here is the bottom line: There is no praise to share with others because your greatest delight is not God.  You don’t know the depths of your pit nor the grandeur of his salvation, and you haven’t given you life to Him. When all of that happens…there will be praise If your lips do not speak of God with joy to kids and friends and family…do you recognize that you are still using your lips to live for self…because you delight in something other than God. 

Joshua 1:1-9 Watch Video Download Manuscript Download Handout Listen to MP3 → Click to view the Sermon Outline Genesis 6:14-18 - Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood…I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. Genesis 6:22 - Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did. Hebrews 11:8-10 - By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 1 Samuel 17:45-47 - Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” Matthew 14:28-29 - Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Deuteronomy 31:1-8 - So Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. And he said to them, “I am a hundred and twenty years old today; I am no longer able to come and go, and the Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross this Jordan.’ It is the Lord your God who will cross ahead of you; He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua is the one who will cross ahead of you, just as the Lord has spoken. The Lord will do to them just as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when He destroyed them. The Lord will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandments which I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” 3 elements of courage necessary to make a difference for God I. Courageous Enough to Acknowledge Sin A. For Joshua Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Do not say in your heart when the Lord your God has driven them out before you, “Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to possess this land,” but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you. It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Joshua 7:6 - Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening, both he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. Joshua 7:10-11 - So the Lord said to Joshua, “Rise up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things.” Joshua 7:19-20 - Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I implore you, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me.” So Achan answered Joshua and said, “Truly, I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel, and this is what I did…” B. For Martin Luther (1483-1546) “St. Anne help me.  I will become a monk.” “The head of the monastery, the ‘prior,’ stood upon the steps of the altar while Luther prostrated himself before him. The prior asked, ‘What seekest thou?’ to which the young novice replied, ‘God’s grace and thy mercy.’ The prior then raised him up and asked if he was married, a bondsman or afflicted with secret disease, to which Luther replied, ‘NO.’ The prior then described to him the rigors of the life he now entered; the renunciation of self-will, the scant diet, rough clothing, vigils by night and labors by day, the mortification of the flesh, the reproach of poverty, the shame of begging and the distasteful existence of life lived in the cloister.  Was he ready to take upon himself these burdens? ‘Yes, with God’s help and in so far as human frailty allows,’ and he was admitted to a year of probation. As the choir sang, his head was ‘tonsured’ his clothes were exchanged for the habit of a monk and he bowed. Over him the prior prayed, ‘Hear, O Lord, our heartfelt pleas and deign to confer thy blessing on this thy servant, whom in thy holy name we have clad in the habit of a monk, that he may continue with thy help faithful in thy church and merit eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” Roland Bainton, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1978), pp. 26-27 “At one point his exasperated superior, Father Staupitz exclaimed, ‘Brother Martin.  If you’re going to confess so much, why don’t you go do something worth confessing?  Kill your mother or father!  Commit adultery!  Quit coming in here with such flummery and fake sins!’ (Pasma, p. 9) C. For you and me 1. Beginning at salvation Matthew 5:3-4 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Romans 3:10 - …as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one…” Romans 3:20 -        …because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. 2. In the way we solve problems Matthew 7:3 - Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Romans 7:19 - For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 3. In the way we embrace suffering Romans 12:17-19 - Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 4. In the way we explain Christian growth Romans 15:14 - And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. II. Courageous Enough to Clarify Your Beliefs A. For Joshua Joshua 1:7-8 - Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. B. For Martin Luther Hebrews 10:11 - Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins… 1513-15 – Psalms 1515–16 – Romans 1516-17 – Galatians 1517-18 – Hebrews Psalm 22:1 - My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. Psalm 85:10 - Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. “Night and day I pondered until I saw the connection between the justice of God and the statement that ‘the just shall live by his faith.’  Then I grasped that the justice of God is that righteousness by which through grace and sheer mercy God justifies us through faith.  Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn and to have gone through open doors into paradise.  The whole of Scripture took on a new meaning, and whereas before the ‘justice of God’ had filled me with hate, now it became to me inexpressibly sweet in greater love.  This passage of Paul became to me a gate to heaven…If you have a true faith that Christ is your Saviour, then at once you have a gracious God, for faith leads you in and opens up God’s heart and will, that you should see pure grace and overflowing love.” (Bainton, pp. 49-50) “I cry to thee in direst need.      O God, I beg thee hear me.  To my distress I pray give heed. O Father, draw thou near me. If thou shouldst wish to look upon the wrong and wickedness I’ve done, how could I stand before thee?  With thee is naught but untold grace ever more forgiving. We cannot stand before thy face, not by the best of living. No man boasting may draw near. All the living stand in fear Thy grace alone can save them. Therefore, in God I place my trust, my own claim denying. Believe in him alone I must, on his sole grace relying. He pledged to me his plighted word. My comfort is in what I heard.     There will I hold forever.” (Bainton, p. 271) C. For you and me 2 Timothy 4:1-4 - I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. III. Courageous Enough to Stand for Truth A. For Joshua Joshua 24:15 - If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. B. For Martin Luther “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason-for I can believe neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves-I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one's conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen.” C. For you and me   Outlined Manuscript - Would you agree with me this am that often when God wishes to use a person in the accomplishment of His program large or small – one of the characteristics He supplies, and one of the characteristics He expects – is that of spiritual courage… - God is pleased when people step out in faith and take Him at His Word…attempting things that will only come to pass if the Lord is who He says He is… - for example, the Lord tells Noah in Genesis 6 – because the earth was filled with violence…and all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth…Genesis 6:14-18 - Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood…I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. - that would take faith…that would take courage…and the repeated phrase you see throughout that passage is this…Genesis 6:22 - Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did. - you could say the same thing about Abraham -- Hebrews 11:8–10 - By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. - taking that step of obedience required spiritual courage… - we could say the same thing about David when he looked at that big giant Goliath…1 Samuel 17:45–47 - Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. “This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” - would it be fair to say that young David possessed a fair amount of spiritual courage?... - And when you start to think about it – it’s amazing how often this issue comes up in Scripture…not just in the OT by the way – but the NT as well… - Remember when the disciples saw Jesus walking on water…What did Peter say?...Hey – I wanna do that…Matthew 14:28–29 - Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. - yes its true that he took his eyes off Jesus and he started to sink…but at least he had the courage to get out of the boat, huh?... - So the principle is clear -- often when God wishes to use a person in the accomplishment of His program large or small – one of the characteristics He supplies, and one of the characteristics He expects – is that of spiritual courage…God is pleased when people step out in faith and take Him at His Word… - now, there’s probably another place in the Bible that has already come to your mind…because this particular characteristic is specifically and repeated mentioned… - it’s when Moses is about to die…and Joshua has been chosen to lead the children into the promised land…and what is it that’s continually emphasized?... - Deuteronomy 31:1–8 - So Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. And he said to them, “I am a hundred and twenty years old today; I am no longer able to come and go, and the Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross this Jordan.’ “It is the Lord your God who will cross ahead of you; He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua is the one who will cross ahead of you, just as the Lord has spoken. “The Lord will do to them just as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when He destroyed them. “The Lord will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandments which I have commanded you. “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” - see, what is Joshua going to need to be used of God to accomplish this next phase of the Lord’s sovereign plan?...no doubt about that one huh?...he’s going to need to be strong and courageous… - now, why am I raising this issue this am…it’s because that’s the way you could summarize one of the great leaders of the Protestant Reformation – Martin Luther – A Man of Courageous Faith. - with that in mind, please open your Bible chapter 1…page 161 of the front section of the Bible under the chair in front of you… - our church’s theme this year is – In Christ Alone…because…this is the 500 anniversary of the Protestant Reformation…a crucial time in church history whose emphases could be summarized around the five great solas of the reformation…that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to the scriptures alone, to the glory of God alone… - We started the year with a verse by verse exposition of the book of Colossians…now we’ve switched over to a study on The Messianic Psalms… - but we explained at the beginning of the year that we were going to have some pit stops along the way… - so if you’re brand new to all of this – these presentations are available on-line… - but we had one Sunday that was just a general introduction to this important time in church history… - then we did a historical presentation of two men you might call pre-reformers…John Wycliffe and John Hus… - honestly it’s difficult to narrow the character sketches down to just three Sundays this year because there are so many men and women from which to choose… - but there’s no question about this one – you couldn’t study the reformation without discussing the man we have before us today – the German monk Martin Luther…he truly was Martin Luther – A Man of Courageous Faith. - now our plan this morning is to compare his life to Joshua in the OT…because they were similar in several very important ways…and ultimately great examples for you and me today… - read Joshua 1:1-9 - so we’re talking about Martin Luther – A Man of Courageous Faith – and with the time we have remaining this am…let’s think about 3 elements of courage necessary to make a difference for God I. Courageous Enough to Acknowledge Sin A. For Joshua - the reason the Canaanites were being driven out of the promised land was because of their sinful idolatrous ways… - in other words, God was using His people as an instrument of judgment at this time in history… - we read about that in places like…Deuteronomy 9:4–5 - Do not say in your heart when the Lord your God has driven them out before you, ‘Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to possess this land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you. It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. - but in order for them to be used that way -- that required them to courageously address sin in their midst… - you may recall that not far into the book of Joshua, the children of Israel achieve a great military victory against the city of Jericho…and then they go up against a much smaller force at Ai and they’re defeated… - and you may remember what happens next… Joshua 7:6 - Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening, both he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads. - a few verses later -- Joshua 7:10–11 - So the Lord said to Joshua, “Rise up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face? “Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things. - so the same Joshua who previously had courageously led the people into battle has to now courageously lead them in dealing with sin in their midst…and when it is determined that a man named Achan and his family have violated God’s Word regarding the plunder of Jericho…he says -- Joshua 7:19–20 - Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I implore you, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me.” So Achan answered Joshua and said, “Truly, I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel, and this is what I did… - that’s one of the elements necessary to make a difference for God…being courageous enough to acknowledge sin… - this is a key aspect of understanding the life of… B. For Martin Luther (1483-1546) - Luther’s father owned a small mining business and wanted his son become a lawyer because in his way of thinking that would be financially beneficial to the family and ultimately to he and his wife as Luther supported them in their old age… - that’s why it was so scandalous when Luther had a life-changing experience in 1505 when he was traveling by horseback during a thunderstorm and a bolt of lightning struck the ground next to him – throwing him off his horse… - so he reportedly screamed out – “St. Anne (the patron saint of miners) help me.  I will become a monk.” - and sure enough, to the shock and dismay of his friends and family and especially his father…he entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt.  - Historian Roland Bainton, in his book Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1978), pp. 26-27 describes what happened… - The head of the monastery, the “prior,” stood upon the steps of the altar while Luther prostrated himself before him. The prior asked, “What seekest thou?” to which the young novice replied, “God’s grace and thy mercy.” The prior then raised him up and asked if he was married, a bondsman or afflicted with secret disease, to which Luther replied, “NO.” The prior then described to him the rigors of the life he now entered; the renunciation of self-will, the scant diet, rough clothing, vigils by night and labors by day, the mortification of the flesh, the reproach of poverty, the shame of begging and the distasteful existence of life lived in the cloister.  Was he ready to take upon himself these burdens? and the answer was, “Yes, with God’s help and in so far as human frailty allows,” and he was admitted to a year of probation. As the choir sang, his head was “tonsured” (shaved so that his identity as a monk was easily recognized), his clothes were exchanged for the habit of a monk and he bowed. Over him the prior prayed, “Hear, O Lord, our heartfelt pleas and deign to confer thy blessing on this thy servant, whom in thy holy name we have clad in the habit of a monk, that he may continue with thy help faithful in thy church and merit eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen” - what you see in that, as my friend Pastor Tim Pasma points out is – there’s no grace…no declaration of God’s full and complete forgiveness through Christ – or corresponding declaration of Christ’s righteousness being placed on his account and his salvation being fully secured by the merits of Christ and therefore a place in heaven and peace with God… - and so it began a road of agony and even hatred of God because of His holiness (His righteous stand…) - He began to go to his superior to confess his sins, sometimes taking as much as six hours a day in the confessional. - Only confessed sins could be forgiven so he would ransack his memory, probe his motives, think of every little sin he had committed. - After hours in the confessional he would leave and then return a few minutes later because he remembered some foible he had forgotten. - At one point his exasperated superior, Father Staupitz exclaimed, “Brother Martin.  If you’re going to confess so much, why don’t you go do something worth confessing?  Kill your mother or father!  Commit adultery!  Quit coming in here with such flummery and fake sins!” (Pasma, p. 9) - now, there are a lot of ways we could respond to that – but can we at least say this – at least he was willing to be honest about his sinful condition…it takes courage to admit that you fall short of God’s glory and standard of perfect righteousness even if you don’t know what to do to remedy the situation… - and I would suggest this is the first lesson that flows out of the life of both Joshua and Martin Luther…they were courageous enough to address sin… - how does that impact people like you and me?... C. For you and me 1. Beginning at salvation - in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the first two beatitudes are: - Matthew 5:3–4 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. - it’s impossible to come to Christ in repentance and faith apart from a profound sorrow over ones sin…especially in this culture, that takes courage… - that’s why Paul explained in Romans 3… - Romans 3:10 - as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; - Romans 3:20 -                because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. - friends – that is a double indictment – we are all guilty, and we cannot rid ourselves  that guilt by an effort to observe God’s law… - it takes courage to face the enormity of our sin… 2. In the way we solve problems - Matthew 7:3 - Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? - Romans 7:19 - For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. - acknowleding truths like that – especially in a time of conflict – takes courage 3. In the way we embrace suffering - we don’t believe that every problem is the direct result of an individual’s sin… - but nor do we believe that when we being sinned against or suffering as a result of living in a sin-cursed world – that we’re absolved from responsibility… - in other words – we’re not passive victims… - Romans 12:17–19 - Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 4. In the way we explain Christian growth - we’re not afraid to discuss our ongoing struggle with sin as we seek to become all that God desires…even in the way we help one another grow… - Romans 15:14 - And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. - we want to be the kind of people who talk openly and authentically about our failures… II. Courageous Enough to Clarify Your Beliefs - the Lord never intended for us to wallow in our sins…be honest, yes – but then dive into His Word for biblical answers… A. For Joshua - Joshua 1:7–8 - Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. - baseless courage is just bluster and bravado…the more you hope and pray to accomplish for the Lord, the more important it is that your foundation be sound and sure and deep and comprehensive and robust… - and thankfully, that’s what happened for Martin Luther… B. For Martin Luther - it would have been such a shame if he had just languished in the monastery…like the priests of Hebrews 10:11 - Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; - but this is where the story becomes delightful… - because Luther’s supervisor Father Staupitz sent him to Wittenberg to become Professor of Bible at the University of Wittenberg - you can start to get a feel for what happened if you look at Luther’s teaching schedule… - 1513-15 – Psalms - 1515–16 – Romans - 1516-17 – Galatians - 1517-18 – Hebrews - one Psalm that especially stood out to him was Psalm 22:1 - My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. - Luther said – that’s how I felt…alienated from God…but because of my sin and endless shortcomings… - but why would the Messiah…prophesied in this Messianic Psalm…experience that kind of alienation…because He would never sin?... - so the concept of the substitutionary atonement began to dawn in Luther’s heart… - perhaps God was not simply a God of righteousness, but also a God of…grace… - Think about a passage like Psalm 85:10 - Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. - Luther had been really strong on the truth and righteousness part – it’s how that is wedded with lovingkindness and peace in the Person and work of Christ that he was just beginning to understand… - and we could hit the timeout button for a minute and say – a number of people at our church have a similar story…several have communicated to me this year – that you understand exactly why this emphasis on the reformation is so important… - because you came out of a religious system where it seemed to be all about working harder and harder to try to satisfy God, and then constantly living in shame and guilt because you never measured up, and then having to go confess your sins through some human mediator…and it was absolutely exhausting… - back to Luther – the real breakthrough came when he began studying and lecturing on the book of Romans… - Night and day I pondered until I saw the connection between the justice of God and the statement that “the just shall live by his faith.”  Then I grasped that the justice of God is that righteousness by which through grace and sheer mercy God justifies us through faith.  Thereupon I felt myself to be reborn and to have gone through open doors into paradise.  The whole of Scripture took on a new meaning, and whereas before the “justice of God” had filled me with hate, now it became to me inexpressibly sweet in greater love.  This passage of Paul became to me a gate to heaven . . . . If you have a true faith that Christ is your Saviour, then at once you have a gracious God, for faith leads you in and opens up God’s heart and will, that you should see pure grace and overflowing love (Bainton, pp. 49-50). - see, he finally understood that the righteousness of God is not simply a standard to be attained…but a positionally gift provided for Him fully and completely when He trusted Christ as Savior and Lord… - you may know that Martin Luther wrote many hymns…like A Mighty Fortress is Our God for example…but he also wrote ones that probably many of us have never heard…but often emphasizing grace… - I cry to thee in direst need.                 O God, I beg thee hear me. To my distress I pray give heed.                 O Father, draw thou near me. If thou shouldst wish to look upon The wrong and wickedness I’ve done,                 How could I stand before thee? With thee is naught but untold grace                 Evermore forgiving. We cannot stand before thy face,                 Not by the best of living. No man boasting may draw near. All the living stand in fear                 Thy grace alone can save them. Therefore, in God I place my trust,                 My own claim denying. Believe in him alone I must,                 On his sole grace relying. He pledged to me his plighted word. My comfort is in what I heard.                 There will I hold forever. (Bainton, p. 271). C. For you and me - this is why the study of God’s Word and sound theology is so crucial for followers of Jesus Christ… - and I recognize that the church growth experts are saying that you have to have entertainment in church…and you have to keep it moving…and we need to ditch the sermons, or if you have to have one – keep it 12 minutes or less or whatever… - we don’t believe that… 2 Timothy 4:1–4 - I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. - [could develop the importance of small group Bible studies, etc – and also thank the church family for their desire and willingness to listen to Scripture) III. Courageous Enough to Stand for Truth - the more convinced you are of the strength of your foundation…the more likely you are to courageously take a stand… A. For Joshua - Joshua 24:15 - If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. B. For Martin Luther - Luther was also a pastor…and the more he came to understand that salvation was by grace alone – the more outraged he became about the church’s approach to selling indulgences in order to free a person from purgatory… - the church taught that it custody of the Treasury of Merits…secured by the great saints who did more than enough to earn their way to heaven… - so that excess merit could be purchased by anyone deficient is righteousness…not just for yourself but for a loved one… - [develop – woman in our church whose mother purchased a chair for her husband for $500 so he had a place to sit in purgatory….] - and so Luther began lecturing about this – and then eventually nailed the 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg Chapel challenging church leaders to debate these matters…in many ways, that act around October 31st, 1517 lit the fire that became the Protestant Reformation…because of the courageous, biblical stance of a transformed follower of Christ… - eventually Luther was tried for heresy and urged to recant his teaching…and after a day to consider he said… Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason-for I can believe neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly and contradicted themselves-I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one's conscience is neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen. C. For you and me - I believe the Lord is greatly honored by men and women who look for opportunities big and small to take a gracious but clear stand for the good news of Jesus Christ… - like one of our high schoolers at a local public school who has an opportunity to give a persuasive speech in his High School speech class… - and has chosen to tell his classmates about why it’s logical and sound to believe the world was created by God… - sure he could keep his head down – and talk about something that would be safer and more politically correct… - that’s courageous faith… - or students and staff and faculty at Purdue and Ivy Tech…who look for opportunities o be a witness for Christ on the college campus [cf. recent conversation – not sure how much longer you’ll be able to be a Christian and work at a university…] - cf. upcoming youth ministries this summer…(update from Pastor Johnny)… - “June 1-10 we will be having our local serving trip. Things we will be doing these 10 days include a Habit for humanity house build, building picnic tables for the community park, and several other neighborhood landscaping and hard work projects in the north end. We will also be holding 6 VBS in strategic neighborhoods (Point West, Vinton, Upper Lincoln, Lower Lincoln, Hanna, and at the Lara Center.  - June 26 - July 11 we will be in Albania doing community ministry with Matt and Genci as well as running a week long camp for unbelievers (last year over 90% of the campers were unbelievers). - We will also be holding 8 different block parties in the key north end neighborhoods we are trying to reach with the church plant.

Psalms 16 Watch Video Listen to MP3 Download Handout Download Manuscript → Click to view the Sermon Outline   Philippians 4:10-12 - But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. Opening Salvos 1. How do we know that Psalm 16 is speaking about Jesus? Acts 2:22-27 - Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. For David says of Him, ‘I saw the Lord always in my presence. Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue exulted; Moreover my flesh also will live in hope; Because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. Acts 2:29-31 - Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. Acts 13:32-35 - And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son; today I have begotten You.’ As for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.’ 2. What is the setting of this Psalm? 3 stages where Jesus satisfies above all others “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” John Piper I. Contented and Confident in Christ While You’re Alive A. Because of a secure relationship – vv. 1-2 Psalm 16:1 - …I take refuge in You. Psalm 16:2 - I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” Psalm 5:11 - But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. Psalm 31:20 - You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues. Psalm 61:4 - Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Psalm 91:1 - He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Matthew 11:28-29 - Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. John 10:27-29 - My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. Luke 5:16 - But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. 1 Peter 2:23 - …and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously… Luke 23:46 - And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. Colossians 1:28 - We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. B. Because of a delightful family – vv 3-4 1. Positively Psalm 16:3 - As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 2. Negatively Psalm 16:4 - The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied… C. Because of our incredible stewardship Psalm 16:5-6 - The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 - But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Occasionally weep deeply over the life you hoped would be.  Grieve the losses.  Then wash your face.  Trust God.  And embrace the life you have – John Piper. D. Because of supernatural counsel Psalm 16:7-8 - I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Malachi 3:8-10 - Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, “How have we robbed You?” In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you!  Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. II. Contented and Confident in Christ When Facing Death Psalm 16:9-10 - Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. III. Contented and Confident in Christ when Contemplating Eternity Psalm 16:11 - You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Hebrews 12:2 - …fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Outlined Manuscript - If you asked the people closest to you to select the 3-5 words that best describe and define you, what would they say?... - you might want to actually try the experiment with a few folks in the next couple of days…perhaps your spouse if you’re married, some close friends, your parents or children, your boss, co-workers, neighbors, college roommate… - and in some cases say at the outset – I really want you honest answer and I won’t make you pay a price for answering… - but what kind of words would they come up with that best describe and define you?... - now here’s the next question – how long would it be before the words contented and confident made the list?...would they be among the first 3-5?... - or would some of have to say…how about 8-10?... - how about 15-20…right after moody and snarky…could I get a little contented and confident?... - then what about this…how important are those commodities?....whether a person is 8 years old, or 18, or 28, or 48, or 88…how important is it to learn to be contented and confident?... - and I realize someone might say – well wait a minute – it’s not something you learn, it’s something you receive…if you’re lucky…contented people achieve that condition because things went well for them…is that right?... - because you may remember when the apostle Paul was writing a thank you letter to a church he dearly loved and he was thanking them for their financial support of him as one of their missionaries…what church was that?...the church at Phillippi…but what did he say… - Philippians 4:10–12 - But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. - so would it be fair to say that the people of whom their friends or family or co-workers of whoever would say they are contented and confident…it is less a matter of their external circumstances and more a matter of the heart (the inner person) they bring to those circumstances?... - and can we also all take hope that even if others wouldn’t write those words on our list of chief characteristics now…that it is something that we could still learn and develop now and in the coming days?...absolutely… - one more question…what does living In Christ Alone have to do with any of this?... - with all of that in mind, please open your Bible to Psalm 16 this morning…page 392 of the front section of the Bible under the chair in front of you… - I hope you love the book of Psalms…I’ve been especially enjoying them this year because of the way my Read through the Bible plan is structured…I try to read through the Bible each year as many of you do… - in the past, the plans I used were divided into readings from the OT and the NT…what that meant was, when you got to the book of Psalms, you were reading through it pretty quickly… - the one I have this year is divided in three parts…so you read something from Psalms and Proverbs each day, and then something from the rest of the OT and something from the NT…what I like about this plan is that you’re going through Psalms and Proverbs more slowly…and I’ve really enjoyed that… - now let’s locate this in our overall emphasis this year…why are we talking this year about Living in Christ Alone?... because this is the 500th anniversary of the protestant reformation…btw – a number of people have thanked me for encouraging you to read at least one book on this topic this year…I’m glad for that…and what we’re learning is that the Reformation especially emphasized 5 important theological truths -- that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scriptures alone, to the glory of God alone…[by the way – next Sunday we’re going to take our second pit stop of the year and look at one of the key historical figures of that period of time…] - we started this year by working verse by verse through the book of Colossians – which is all about the Preeminence of Christ which we found to be a powerful and immensely practical book of the Bible… - now we’re launching a brand new study on Seeing Christ in the Psalms - that’s surprising to some people because many Psalms were written by King David, the second king of the nation of Israel who lived and wrote around 1000 BC…yet a number of the Psalms were messianic in nation…in other words while they speak about an experience of a human king – usually David – they point toward the ultimate King the Lord Jesus Christ… - and especially as we look back at them through what we now know from the NT – it just takes our breath away to see the way the Word of God fits together…not simply because we like seeing the jigsaw puzzle pieces come together – but because we love seeing the full and beautiful picture of Jesus Christ come alive before our eyes… - Opening Salvos - now, before we read this Psalm, let’s try to clear away 2 questions: 1. How do we know that Psalm 16 is speaking about Jesus? - that’s a pretty easy one to answer…because the NT clearly tells us so… - here are two key places where Psalm 16 is quoted. - the first is Peter’s great sermon on the day of Pentecost…the day the church was born…part of that sermon reads like this… - Acts 2:22–27 - Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. For David says of Him, ‘I saw the Lord always in my presence….Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue exulted; Moreover my flesh also will live in hope; Because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, Nor allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. - he goes on to explain -- Acts 2:29–31 - Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. - that is a fascinating passage…because Peter says – David couldn’t have been talking about himself – the grave-robbers have been to his tomb many times…David was speaking prophetically about the coming Messiah – and those words were powerfully and perfectly fulfilled when God the Father raised His Son from the dead…1000 years after He said He would… - Paul made the same point in Acts 13 - Acts 13:32–35 - And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son; today i have begotten You.’ As for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no longer to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ Therefore He also says in another Psalm, ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.’ - so this Psalm we have before us…for sure we want to treat it with the awe and respect it deserves… 2. What is the setting of this Psalm? - It is very interesting to read the commentators on that point…which reminds me of what we learned in Bible College and seminary – that commentators are just common-taters… - because they are all over the map on that question…at what point in David’s life was this Psalm written… - and some believe that –because it speaks about contentment and confidence -- it had to be early in David’s reign before he faced some of the challenges to his kingship later on… - and you just want to scream back – that’s exactly the opposite of what the Psalm is arguing…it’s not that you can possess these character qualities if everything is going your way… - it’s that you can learn to cultivate the kind of relationship with God – just like our King Jesus did – that results in contentment and confidence no matter what… - and the words “no matter what” give all of this a significance that makes this study very exciting - read Psalm 16… - so we’re talking this am about Being Contented and Confident in Christ - with the time we have remaining, let’s walk through this Psalm looking for 3 stages where Jesus satisfies above all others. - another way of thinking about this is pastor John Piper’s well-known quote – God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.  - this passage explains why that’s true – and for how long it’s true… I. Contented and Confident in Christ While You’re Alive - that’s the point of the first 8 verses…think about all the reasons we have here and now to be satisfied in Christ…first of all… A. Because of a secure relationship – vv. 1-2 - do you see how that’s described in the first 2 verses?... - Psalm 16:1 - …I take refuge in You. - Psalm 16:2 - I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” - isn’t it amazing that we can have that kind of secure, and intimate relationship with the very God of the universe?...and there are some other powerful verses in the Psalms about what this is like… - Psalm 5:11 - But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. - Psalm 31:20 - You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues. - Psalm 61:4 - Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. - Psalm 91:1 - He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. - isn’t that exactly what Jesus invited us to do?... Matthew 11:28–29 - Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - and of course Jesus was able to make this invitation because He anticipated His death, burial, and resurrection which would pay for the sins of all who would repent and believe – and therefore for those place their faith and trust in Him – we can then enjoy this kind of secure relationship where we find our refuge in Him… - that’s why Paul could argue in Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30 that we believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of promise… - or Jesus could say…John 10:27–29 - My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. - here’s the point –point to a person who’s contented – and it’s highly likely that individual has learned the ability to regularly take their refuge in God…you’ll find them early in the morning or late in the evening or at some regular time/place with their Bible on their lap and their list of prayer requests in their hand – quietly….quietly…taking refuge in their God…and they would say that’s one of their greatest delights… - God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him… - now, please keep in mind that this is a Messianic Psalm…so could we find evidence of Jesus living this way?... - everywhere, huh?... - Luke 5:16 -    But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. - 1 Peter 2:23 - and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; - Luke 23:46 - And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. - now that leads to a pretty obvious question, doesn’t it?...and please keep in mind that Paul said we learn the art of contentment… - so friend – have you acknowledged your sin and placed your faith and trust in Christ as Savior and Lord…and secondly, are you learning to be satisfied in God because of the security of that relationship?...are you taking refuge in Him?... - you know – that really defines much of our efforts across our ministry platforms… - Colossians 1:28 - We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. - so we want to be a church family of people who are finding our satisfaction in Christ… - we don’t need drug abuse, we don’t need alcohol abuse, we don’t need illicit sex, we don’t need endless material goods, we don’t need the world’s affirmation and applause and on and on – why?...because we’re finding our refuge in Him… - it also relaxes our expectations of others around us… - our refuge isn’t in having a perfect spouse, or perfect kids, or a perfect job, or a perfect lawn… - when you’re secure in your relationship with the Lord, you’re not so demanding of other people…which leads us to the point of verses 3-4 B. Because of a delightful family – vv 3-4 - and here we see both the positive and negative side of the point: 1. Positively - Psalm 16:3 - As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight. - this is the privilege and pleasure of living life in community with others… - so we can surround ourselves with brothers and sisters who are also seeking to find their satisfaction in Christ… - and their encouragement and their example (and their confrontation if necessary) is such a helpful aspect of finding contentment… - Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 - Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. - one of the best ways to be a contented person…is to surround yourself with contented people…and think about it from the other perspective… 2. Negatively - Psalm 16:4 - The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied;  - one of the reasons we want to find our joy and satisfaction in Christ and encourage others to do the same is because of the profound sadness and destruction that comes from seeking contentment in any other source… - ask anyone is drug abuse ever took them to a good place… - or explosive anger…or surrounding yourself with fools…or filling your life with endless noise and busyness and material things… - this is a promise and a warning from the God of heaven – the sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied… - think about how this plays itself out… - why have we had a community based biblical counseling center for 40 years?... - because we want to have gospel-focused resources available for persons and families in our town who are struggling in some way… - and we’re glad for the opportunity to point others to a personal relationship with God through faith in our crucified/resurrected Savior and a place in our church family where we can link arms and continue to grow together… - why are we glad that God blessed us over a decade ago with our Vision of Hope ministry for young ladies who might be helped by residential care?...because we love it when others are learning to take their refuge in God…and living life in community with other growing followers of Christ…it’s the power of Christ-centered relationship… - then layer on what is happening with our new men’s ministry…and so many of the other ministries around here…it’s people who are trying to grow in contentment inviting others to join us in the journey… - and by God’s grace it’s working in big ways and small… - someone was telling me this week about a conversation he had with  neighbor who said he wasn’t a religious person at this point in his life but he made the off-handed and unsolicited comment – “but I know a lot of people from Faith – they’re good people”…if that means – people who are contented and confident and finding their satisfaction in their relationship with God and others…we’ll take that, huh?... - last Sunday we shattered our attendance record…last Easter we had 2477 persons join us – last week we had 2740 persons at our 2 campuses… - and while we’re not interested in numbers as an end in themselves – we’re certainly interested in people – in souls – individuals who all will spend eternity somewhere… - we can also be contented and confident…. C. Because of our incredible stewardship. - Psalm 16:5–6 - The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me. - the language here is reminiscent of the allocation of the promised land to the twelve tribes of Israel… - and if you review that period of history – not every tribe was equally pleased with what they received…but in comparison to what every one of us truly deserves from the hand of a holy God…we can all say that the lines have fallen to me in pleasant places…we have been given much… - Paul picks this same theme up in the NT when he says… - 1 Timothy 6:6–10 - But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. - As we walk through these verses – are you allowing the Scripture to do its work in you?...how would you rank yourself in the area of contentment and confidence in Christ?... Occasionally weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life you have. - sure we all have trials…we all have disappointments…I really like what Piper said about that...Occasionally weep deeply over the life you hoped would be.  Grieve the losses.  Then wash your face.  Trust God.  And embrace the life you have – John Piper.Occasionally weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life you have. - David goes on and talks about how we can do this… D. Because of supernatural counsel. - Psalm 16:7–8 - I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. - please think about the logical progression we’re seeing…how do you get to verses 7-8 where you’re reviewing God’s truth while you’re lying on your bed at night?... - it’s the culmination of finding your refuge in Him…and surrounding yourself with others heading in a similar direction, and learning to be thankful for all that God has given you…and then immersing yourself in His Word…you’re allowing the Lord to counsel you…and the result is a person who is contented and confident… - I don’t say much about this topic around here because I don’t have to…but there are implications to what we’re studying this morning to way we give financially… - you would agree with this, wouldn’t you?... - discontentment leads to greed, and envy, and hoarding our resources… - whereas what we’re studying this morning leads to generosity… - here’s an interesting stat…our attendance is up modestly year over year and when we look at what is happening right now in evangelical churches across the country right now – we praise God for the numerical growth… - but our giving this year…is up 11%...with me or anyone else saying practically nothing about it… - so yes, the love of money is the root of all evil – it’s a terrible god… - but when you’re finding your contentment in Christ, money can be a powerful tool… - because we understand that all these ministry platforms to others take money – God has built that into His world… - but we don’t want to just talk about inviting as many people as possible to enjoy what’s promised in Psalm 16 – we want to sacrifice financially to make that available to as many people around the world as possible… - and we don’t talk about this passage very often – but I personally believe we’re seeing it fulfilled right before our eyes…Malachi 3:8–10 - Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, “How have we robbed You?” In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you!  Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. - the latter half of that passage is a promise… - and I believe the evidence suggests that there are a lot (not a few) people who are learning to live a Psalm 16 kind of life…or perhaps better stated – allowing our Messiah – the Lord Jesus Christ who first lived these principles on earth now live them in and through us… - but as a result – this is church is receiving an overflowing amount of blessing from the windows of heaven…   - so there are plenty of reasons to have contentment and confidence in this life…but Psalm 16 doesn’t stop there…it’s also possible to be… II. Contented and Confident in Christ When Facing Death - friend, if verses 9-10 don’t light your fire – your wood is wet… - Psalm 16:9–10 - Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. - and it’s an open question of exactly what David meant by all of this although it’s fascinating that Peter says in Acts 2 that David was a prophet… - but we know at least this – David knew his soul would not be separated from God at death… - Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - but as we saw at the beginning – in two seminal places in the NT – Acts 2 and Acts 13 – both Paul and Peter explained that this was talking about the resurrection of Jesus Christ – 1000 years before it occurred… - that’s why ultimately we can be… III. Contented and Confident in Christ when Contemplating Eternity - Psalm 16:11 - You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. - and the beauty of all of this is – our Messiah – the One whose life is prophesied in this passage lived this way… - He knew He could find His refuge in the Father… - He knew death would not hold Him… - and he knew He would return to the Father’s right hand… - and so – we agree with the writer of Hebrews…who calls on us to… - Hebrews 12:2 - fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - [Conclusion – Marilyn Baldwin’s memorial service]

Galatians 3:24-29 Watch Video Download Handout Download Manuscript Listen to MP3 → Click to view the Sermon Outline I. The Possibility of Being Clothed with Christ – vv. 24-27 Galatians 1:6 - I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel… Galatians 3:1 - You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?  Galatians 2:11-13 - But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.  Galatians 3:27 - have clothed yourself with Christ A. Because of what our tutor taught us Romans 3:23 - …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death… Galatians 3:22 - But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  B. Because of what faith secures John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  1. A righteous stand Galatians 3:24 - Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  Zechariah 3:1-5 - Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the angel. He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.” Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the Lord was standing by.  2. An amazing relationship Galatians 3:26 - For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  3. A powerful union Galatians 3:27 - For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  Isaiah 53:6 - All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.  II. The Power of Being Clothed with Christ Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  A. Ethnic unity B. Economic unity James 2:1-6 - My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man.  C. Gender unity III. The Promise of Being Clothed with Christ Galatians 3:29 - And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.  2 Corinthians 1:20 - For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.    Outlined Manuscript   - Many years ago, there was an Emperor, who was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all his money in dress. He did not trouble himself in the least about his soldiers; nor did he care to go either to the theatre or the chase, except for the opportunities then afforded him for displaying his new clothes. He had a different suit for each hour of the day; and as of any other king or emperor, one is accustomed to say, "he is sitting in council," it was always said of him, "The Emperor is sitting in his wardrobe." Time passed merrily in the large town which was his capital; strangers arrived every day at the court. One day, two rogues, calling themselves weavers, made their appearance. They gave out that they knew how to weave stuffs of the most beautiful colors and elaborate patterns, the clothes manufactured from which should have the wonderful property of remaining invisible to everyone who was unfit for the office he held, or who was extraordinarily simple in character. "These must, indeed, be splendid clothes!" thought the Emperor. "Had I such a suit, I might at once find out what men in my realms are unfit for their office, and also be able to distinguish the wise from the foolish! This stuff must be woven for me immediately." And he caused large sums of money to be given to both the weavers in order that they might begin their work directly. So the two pretended weavers set up two looms, and affected to work very busily, though in reality they did nothing at all. They asked for the most delicate silk and the purest gold thread; put both into their own knapsacks; and then continued their pretended work at the empty looms until late at night. "I should like to know how the weavers are getting on with my cloth," said the Emperor to himself, after some little time had elapsed; he was, however, rather embarrassed, when he remembered that a simpleton, or one unfit for his office, would be unable to see the manufacture. To be sure, he thought he had nothing to risk in his own person; but yet, he would prefer sending somebody else, to bring him intelligence about the weavers, and their work, before he troubled himself in the affair. All the people throughout the city had heard of the wonderful property the cloth was to possess; and all were anxious to learn how wise, or how ignorant, their neighbors might prove to be. "I will send my faithful old minister to the weavers," said the Emperor at last, after some deliberation, "he will be best able to see how the cloth looks; for he is a man of sense, and no one can be more suitable for his office than be is." So the faithful old minister went into the hall, where the knaves were working with all their might, at their empty looms. "What can be the meaning of this?" thought the old man, opening his eyes very wide. "I cannot discover the least bit of thread on the looms." However, he did not express his thoughts aloud. …well, you know the rest of the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes, written originally by Hans Christian Anderson and published in 1837…now translated into over 100 different languages… - the old faithful minister went back and pretended that the cloth was magnificent because he certainly didn’t want to be thought of being foolish and unfit for his office… - so the minister came back and reported how beautiful the cloth was… - then another messenger was sent who repeated the same charade…because who would want to admit he was simple or unfit… - then the Emperor himself went…and of course could see nothing because nothing was there…” - How is this?" said the Emperor to himself. "I can see nothing! This is indeed a terrible affair! Am I a simpleton, or am I unfit to be an Emperor? That would be the worst thing that could happen--Oh! the cloth is charming," said he, aloud. "It has my complete approbation." - so the story ends with a procession throughout the entire town so everyone could learn how wise, or how ignorant, their neighbors might prove to be…and everyone affirmed their beauty…until… - "But the Emperor has nothing at all on!" said a little child. "Listen to the voice of innocence!" exclaimed his father; and what the child had said was whispered from one to another. - "But he has nothing at all on!" at last cried out all the people. The Emperor was vexed, for he knew that the people were right; but he thought the procession must go on now! And the lords of the bedchamber took greater pains than ever, to appear holding up a train, although, in reality, there was no train to hold.   - hmmm…I wonder what we would have done had we been in a similar situation?... - now here’s a really hard question – Friend, what if you were the emperor?...and there’s actually a harder one…what if you are the emperor?... - this morning – Let’s Talk about Your Easter Outfit   - with that in mind, please open your Bible to Galatians chapter 3 – page 148 of the back section of the Bible under the chair in front of you… - our church’s theme this year is In Christ Alone…and why is that?...because this is the 500th anniversary of the protestant reformation… - which is a topic that is so ripe with rich, and important, and practical biblical themes…organized what we call the five great solas of the Protestant Reformation were that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scriptures alone, to the glory of God alone…   - we just finished a verse by verse study of the book of Colossians we’ve been doing the first quarter of the year because we like to study the Bible systematically and theme of Colossians is the preeminence of Christ – so it was a natural book to study… - next Sunday we’re beginning a brand new series on the Christological Psalms…that’s something that surprises many people who are new to studying God’s Word – how it all fits together – and how often very specific details about the person and work of Christ are predicted hundreds and sometimes thousands of years before they occurred… - as a transition to that – we’d like to work through this important section of Scripture – about being clothed in Christ – please listen in – read Galatians 3:24-29 - so, Let’s Talk about Your Easter Outfit… - everyone who walked into the room this morning is clothed in something, spiritually speaking…let me try to prove that… - if you interviewed the average person on the street, or at your workplace, or in your neighborhood…and asked – Do you believe you’ll go to heaven when you die – this is almost always the universal answer – Well, I hope so…generally people don’t say know – but rarely would they say they know for sure… - then the follow up question is really where we get to the spiritual wardrobe issue…if you asked… - what determines whether a person goes to heaven?...what is the reason you hope you’ll go there some day?... - almost always – the answer will have something to do with the person’s works… - well, I’m a pretty good person…I try to do the right thing…I help others…I’m certainly not as bad as __________ (my neighbor, my brother in law, Adolf Hitler…) - see, what is that person just said – I’m dressed in my own goodness…my own righteousness…that outfit is looking pretty good and it’s certainly all I need… - the emperor needs some different clothes… - with the time we have remaining, let’s work our way through this passage, and organize the argument of the verses like this: I. The Possibility of Being Clothed with Christ – vv. 24 - 27 II. The Power of Being Clothed with Christ – v. 28 III. The Promise of Being Clothed with Christ – v. 29   I. The Possibility of Being Clothed with Christ – vv. 24 - 27 - the book of Galatians is important for a lot of reasons… - many students of Scripture believe this was one of the first books of the NT to be written…in the early 50’s AD… - so the church is less than 20 years old…and yet Paul is very upset and stern in this letter… - here’s a couple of examples… Galatians 1:6 - I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;  Galatians 3:1 - You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?  - can you imagine that one being read aloud in the churchhouse…gather around everyone, we have a letter to read from the apostle Paul this am… - apparently a group of false teachers had come into this young church and were teaching that salvation and/or Christian growth was accomplished by human works, or effort, or deeds…rule keeping, rituals, law… - Paul even gives a specific example of what he’s talking about by calling out the apostle Peter…[which is pretty amazing when you think about it…] - Galatians 2:11–13 - But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.  - that’s one of the many effects of legalism…ethnic tension because of judging people by the color of their skin…or the sound of their voice…I’m better than you because of my superior clothes… - there’s a person wearing (clothed in) self-righteousness…parading around as if its superior to others when in fact it’s the height of foolishness… - that emperor needs new clothes and Paul says it’s possible to… - 3:27 – have clothed yourself with Christ. - now, why and how is that?...   Because of what our tutor taught us. - the law was never intended to be a standard that a human being could keep on his own and therefore earn merit before God…it’s not an end in itself… - that’s what’s wrong with the person we mentioned a few minutes ago – who hopes he/she is going to go to heaven on the basis of the good done in this life… - it actually makes a fair amount of sense (God grades on a curve, He’s a God of love, and I’m a pretty good person, especially when compared to ______)…until we open the Word of God… - because the tutor has something entirely different to say… - Romans 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  - God’s standard is perfect holiness… - Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death… - whatever outfit you wear to the party of God’s judgment…it will be a wardrobe malfunction… - and the tutor is trying to tell us that…my sin isn’t just a little problem offset by human effort…it’s a big one, requiring a supernatural tailor…   - [pic of Steve/Kris at our wedding]… - Kris and I were married 35 years ago this summer… - I had just graduated from Bible college…I was going to work that summer building pools to earn enough money to pay for the wedding, but a trailer we could live in while going to seminary, and make enough money for that first year’s seminary tuition… - so we were working like gangbusters right up the wedding – Kris moved there early and started working at the seminary – we were a couple of hours apart trying to coordinate all the details…before – listen to this – the invention of personal computers or cell phones… - and then to make it worse – I hyper-organized the details of the wedding weekend…surprise, surprise, surprise… - so 13 of my college buddies were coming in from out of town…I still lived with my parents in Merrillville – we were getting married in Elkhart on Saturday night…then we were flying out from Chicago for our honeymoon at 7 am Sunday morning - so we met Friday afternoon in Elkhart for the rehearsal…picked up our tuxes…and I threw mine in the truck of my car… - we did the wedding rehearsal – then all the guys drove back to Merrillville Friday night to stay at my parents house… - [show pic]… - the plan was the next morning all the guys were going to wake up and going golfing – playing some of the holes, not in foursomes, but as one big group of 13 guys playing at once… - then we were going to drive to Chicago to have pizza at Ginos East… - I really don’t know what the girls were doing – decorating or some girl-stuff… - then we were going to drive back to Elkhart for the wedding…then drive back to Chicago for the second time that day [me and Kris – not everyone else]…then leave for the honeymoon the next morning… - so the schedule was rather tight…and it was all working fine until Friday night when we got back to Merrillville I pulled out my white tux and there was a big glob of black grease on the back…I don’t mean a smudge…I mean a glob… - and I had to go play golf with my buddies… - [pic of Steve and dad]…so my dad, who was my best man, said – I’ll take care of it… - and he went out and found another tux place that had a solution that took that stain out like it had never been there… - now you might say – that’s kind of what salvation is like – God wipes off your stain… - no – your tux doesn’t have a little grease stain…in fact, it’s not even a tux… - if we’re going to let the Bible be our tutor – it tells us that all our righteousness is like wearing filthy rags… - and you and I can march down the street pretending it’s something else… - but friend – such a person is not wearing any clothes…at least not any clothes that would be considered righteous before our holy God… - wise is the person who allows the tutor to teach that hard but important lesson… - that’s what Paul means at the beginning of verse 22 -- Galatians 3:22 - But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  - the key here is understanding…   B. Because of what faith secures - please follow the argument of verse 24 carefully… - the law is not our tutor to lead us to ourselves…to lead us to more lawkeeping or self-righteousness…  - no, it leads us to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ…the events we’re celebrating this weekend… - and the key question is – have you believed?...have you come to Him by faith alone?... - John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  - friend --  has there even been a time where you admitted your admitted…and admitted that you possessed no righteousness of your own…or no ability to earn any…then you came to Christ…with empty, open hands, and requested the gift of His salvation by faith alone?...and here’s what happens if you do… 1. A righteous stand - Galatians 3:24 - Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  - it means not only that your sin is forgiven, but that the righteousness of Christ is placed on your account… - there’s a beautiful picture of this in the OT… - Zechariah 3:1–5 - Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him…Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the angel. He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.” Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the Lord was standing by.  - that’s what happens when a person exercises faith in Christ…your sin is forgiven, and you are clothed in the righteousness of Christ… 2. An amazing relationship - Galatians 3:26 - For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  - how could you be a son of God?...you weren’t born that way…we’re not all God’s children…but you can be…”through faith in Christ Jesus”…because now you’re wearing the right clothes…   3. A powerful union - Galatians 3:27 - For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  - Paul explained it this way to the Corinthians… 2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.  - the shed blood of Jesus Christ makes all of that possible… - it’s the beauty and the centrality of the substitutionary death of Christ… - Isaiah 53:6 - All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.    - friend, can I ask you this morning – do you know that you know that you know that you’re on your way to heaven?... - you’re not like the emperor, are you?...and I realize you might say – I think I might be, and I’m feeling a bit naked…because my own righteousness is far skimpier than I thought – I’m having a major wardrobe malfunction right here on Easter Sunday… - the good news is – God has an incredible outfit for you… - it will fit perfectly…it would look absolutely stunning…and it won’t cost you a thing… - why not place your faith and trust in Christ today?...   - Christian friend – how can this outfit impact us?...the answer in a nutshell is – in several incredible ways…and perfectly suited for the day and age in which we live… - think about some of the biggest challenges we are seeing in culture right now… - gospel centered Christians living out the impact of Christ’s imputed righteousness can have an unbelievably practical and unbelievably powerful impact in our communities and in our world… II. The Power of Being Clothed with Christ - please follow the argument of verse 28… - Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  - what does that mean is impacted by Christians living out the implications of their new outfit… A. Ethnic unity - please think about the power of that statement… - instead of the incredible racial tension gripping our country…and even having a festering impact here in our community… - when Hispanic persons trust Christ – they are immediately clothed in the righteousness of Christ - when Asian persons trust Christ… - when black persons trust Christ…white persons… - so is there any place for racial prejudice in the body of Christ?... - of course not – that’s like wearing a white tuxedo or formal gown and then going and playing in the mud… - and if time allowed – we could trace that theme throughout Scripture…of how God loves the nations…and how the church of Jesus Christ is purposely multi-ethnic… - [Heather – please work with Jeremy to select 4-5 of the best Hartford Hub pics that illustrate this point]… - [develop – one of the reasons we are excited about the HH and the NCC…and we admit, we have a lot to learn about multi-ethnic ministry – but we have hope, because of the power of the Person we’re clothed with – the RISEN Savior]… B. Economic unity - Scripture is clear that there is also no place in the church of Jesus Christ for economic prejudice… - a book we believe was written even earlier than Galatians was the book of James… James 2:1–6 - My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man.   - the beauty of this is – the ground is level at the cross… - regardless of what your last W-2 says – if you know Christ…you are clothed in His righteousness…   - [if time – develop how both issues were sovereignly address by God right after the church was born because of the famine affecting Jewish believers – and the Gentile churches took up a love offering….]   Gender unity - this statement doesn’t cancel out the fact that God created us male and female and there are clearly established roles in the family and they church...we always interpret Scripture in light of Scripture… - but women are clothed in the exact same righteousness as Christ… - and that is why Jesus treated women with such dignity… - and why the early church was filled with stories of the important contributions women were making to the accomplishment of the plan and program of God…   - this verse leads us to a series of questions, doesn’t it?... - are you allowing your new outfit to impact the way you relate to people of different ethnicities, and economic conditions, and genders… - or is there nagging examples of prejudice that really stains the outfit Christ has provided?   - so the possibility, and the power, and lastly… III. The Promise of Being Clothed with Christ - is this new outfit an end in itself?... - Galatians 3:29 - And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.  - that new outfit of yours is a ticket and a guarantee of all sorts of future blessings… - 2 Corinthians 1:20 - For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.    - [cf. visiting with Mrs. Smith in the hospital – the beauty and the hope of a person clothed in the righteousness of Christ…]…       My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.  When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.   When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.   Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.

Colossians 4:7-18 Watch Video Download Handout Download Manuscript Listen to MP3 → Click to view the Sermon Outline 10 people that God used to accomplish his purposes I. Paul: The one with a shameful past and challenging present (4:18) Colossians 4:18 - I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. Philippians 3:4-7 - …although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 - Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.    Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. II. Tychicus: The one with a servant’s heart (4:7-8) Colossians 4:7-8 - As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts… A. Beloved brother 2 Timothy 4:12 - But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus B. Faithful servant C. Fellow bond-servant in the Lord III. Onesimus: The one willing to do what is right (4:9) Colossians 4:9 - …and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here. Philemon 11-13 - …who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart, whom I wished to keep with me, so that on your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the gospel… IV. Aristarchus: The one with a sympathetic heart (4:10a) Colossians 4:10a - Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings… V. Mark: The one who made a big mistake (4:10b) Colossians 4:10b - …and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him)… Acts 15:37-39 - Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work and there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. VI. Justus: The one who is committed when few others are (4:11) Colossians 4:11 - …and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. VII. Epaphras: The one who was the focused shepherd (4:12-13) Colossians 4:12-13 - Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. VIII. Luke: The one with a special skill (4:14a) Colossians 4:14 - Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings… IX. Demas: The one who would quit (4:14b) Colossians 4:14b - …and also Demas. X. Archippus: The one who needed encouragement (4:17) Colossians 4:17 - Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Outlined Manuscript Jesus Uses Different People for His Purposes Colossians 4:7-18  Aaron Birk 4-4-2017 All of us love to receive personal handwritten letters from people we love. When your child at school writes you…when your close friend on the other side of the world sends their greetings…When I receive beautiful notes from my wife.....hand-written notes I give attention to all the details. You think about every word, every emoji, every punctuation. And how much more if it was from a loved one who you have not heard from in a while and you knew they were in a situation of suffering. The letter of Colossians is written by Paul to his Christian family…the church in Colossae. The passage today is Paul’s final remarks and personal greetings…his encouragement to the church…and to let his family (Christians throughout Asia) know how he is doing. He signs his personal greetings by his own hand…as he suffers for Christ in a Roman prison. As we read this today…consider the suffering and encouragement in such circumstances. God wants us to be encouraged. God wants us to know that Jesus is supreme. And from the passage to see how  Jesus uses different people for his purposes. Read Colossians 4:7-18 1. Jesus uses people with shameful pasts. Jesus changes Paul from a persecutor of Christ to a preacher of Christ. “You have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. . . . [But now those who once feared me are saying,] “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:13, 23–24 ESV "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Tim. 1:16 NIV   Jesus changes people for God’s amazing plans and not for Paul’s plans. Jesus changes Paul from a hater of Jesus to a lover of Jesus. Paul tries to stop the spread of the good news about Jesus to the world… BUT Jesus uses Paul to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.   “The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.” Colossians 1:23 NLT   No one can stop Jesus doing what he wants. His life changing work throughout the world can’t be stopped.   You and I have ugly pasts as well. The way we have treated others and God we often can’t forget. But Christ changed Paul’s life to put the past sins behind him and to seek Jesus and to know Jesus, even if it means sharing in the sufferings of Jesus.   [Personal Example] Jesus uses even people with shameful pasts like Paul who persecuted Jesus, and makes them preachers of Jesus’s love.   2. Jesus uses people with a servant heart. Jesus changes Tychicus from an unfortunate Gentile to a fortunate servant. You may have never heard of Tychicus, he is not talked about much probably in your bible study, or over coffee, or his life described as the super-Christian. But Jesus looks at the heart, and uses this non-Jewish man in significant ways because is a faithful servant and has a servant’s heart.    Paul sends Tychichus to encourage the church and tell them all the details about being in prison in Rome. Paul says…   “As to all my affairs, Tychicus … will bring you information” (v.7) “For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts” (v.8) “They will inform you about the whole situation here.” (v.9) Paul never went to the Colossian Church, and Tychicus must travel from Rome to the Colossians to deliver letters. One letter is the letter to the Colossians which we are studying together, the other is the letter Ephesians to the Ephesian church.   “To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.” Ephesians 6:21-22   Lastly, is the letter of Philemon which is about Onesimus who is going with Tychichus.    Now Tychichus names means fortunate (lucky) …Tychicus was from Asia Minor, the location of the Colossian and Ephesian churches (the west coast of Turkey)   [Show Map of Churches]   Jesus desires to change the lives of non-Jewish people. Tychicus is not Jewish. So Tychicus did not grow up hearing the promises of God in the Old Testament. He did not regularly go to temple to hear about God. He was not Jewish. But Jesus changes the life of Tychicus, and uses Christians to bring the good news about Jesus Christ to him and Tychichus trusts in Jesus.    We know then that Tychicus becomes a traveling friend of Paul on his journeys to share Jesus Christ throughout the world.   It might look like Tychicus’s background is unfortunate being born in a non-Jewish home, but Jesus changes his life and he becomes a changed man…   Paul describes Tychichus as…   “Beloved Brother…Faithful Servant…Fellow Bond-Servant.”    Tychicus is changed by Christ to be a man fortunate to carry news to the churches of Asia, Tychichus is fortunate to carry important news of Paul’s situation…And fortunate to tell Christians throughout the world how Jesus Christ is changing lives even in Rome. Tychicus is a faithful servant and messenger…he has a servant’s heart, Jesus uses him for the advance of the gospel.   Jesus changes people from unfortunate circumstances to be servants of the greatest fortune in all the world…Jesus Christ.    3. Jesus uses the rebel. Jesus changes Onesimus from a useless rebel to a useful brother.  - Onesimus is a runaway slave. One of the letters that Paul writes during  his time in Prison in Rome is the letter Philemon.   “It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Philemon 15-16 NLT    - Paul encourages us Jesus’s plans were to allow Onesimus to be lost and a runaway slave for a short time so that he could be found by Jesus and returned forever as a brother in Christ. The name Onesimus means useful. And Paul shares in his letter to Philemon how Christ changes Onesimus from a useless rebellious slave to a useful brother. Runaway slaves were killed. But Paul says something different…   “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.” Philemon 10-11 NLT   Jesus changes Onesimus’s life when he flees to Rome. So he’s a runaway slave in the giant city of Roma and of all people…he meets Paul in prison who tells Onesimus about Jesus Christ. Onesimus trusts in Jesus and is a changed man. Onesimus is now returning to his former master, no longer a rebellious slave, but a changed man.   Earlier in Colossians 3 God instructs slaves and masters… “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely b ecause of your reverent fear of the Lord.” Colossians 3:22 NLT   Jesus changes Onesimus…Onesimus now fears God desires to obey God and reconcile the relationship with his Master, Philemon. Jesus shows mercy and love to useless rebels like you and I and changes us to useful brothers and sisters in Christ.   4. Jesus uses people with sympathetic hearts. Jesus uses Aristarchus to be a sympathetic companion. Aristarchus was a Jew who was from the city of Thessalonica which is in Macedonia. When Paul first goes to the city, the Jews are so opposed to the gospel…they are violent. But a few Jews believe from this city and accompany Paul in Acts 17. Most the Jews of Thessalonica are pretty against the spread of the gospel. By Acts 19-20 – Aristarchus travels with Paul to and from Macedonia But Aristarchus is loyal servant of Christ and in Acts 27 – Aristarchus is with Paul when Paul goes to Rome to be tried as a prisoner.  Once Paul writes from prison in Rome (Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians) and Aristarchus is with him. And now Paul mentions how this Jewish man, from a city that was very hostile to the gospel, is a fellow co-worker… one of the three Jewish men working with him in Rome. Aristarchus has such a sympathetic heart to the sufferings of others that he voluntarily cares for Paul while in prison. You may not be a preacher or teacher like Paul, but I know many in our family that have sympathetic hearts, that Jesus uses for caring for those suffering …you have opportunities with Griefshare…cancer ministry…for the children at Hartford Hub, foster care…adoption, Jobs for Life etc. Jesus uses people with sympathetic hearts for marvelous purposes that impacts the lives of many. 5. Jesus uses people who make a big mistake. Jesus uses Mark’s mistake to make him a courageous comforter. - John Mark who is called Mark in the Bible, was a Jewish Christian. Mark’s mother, had a house in the city of Jerusalem where the early church met (cf. Acts 12:12)   - Mark is the writer of the book of Mark, which is one of the 4 gospel books in the Bible about the life of Jesus.  - Mark is the cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). - The fact the Paul mentions Mark in this letter is proof of how Jesus changing Mark’s life. - Paul and Mark have some past friendship issues (…they have a history). In Acts 13: 5, 13 – Mark is with Paul and his Barnabas and they are on their way to present day Turkey to tell people about the good news about Jesus Christ. The journey we know is tough…and Mark leaves Paul and Barnabas… Can you imagine…when you need faithful friends the most…they leave you. So later, Paul is in Jerusalem (Mark’s hometown) with his traveling companion Barnabas. Remember Mark is Barnabas’s cousin and guess who’s there. It’s Paul’s good friend Mark…awkward family reunion…Paul and Barnabas back from their missionary journey suffering for Christ to share Jesus with those who have never heard about Jesus…and there’s John Mark…the one who left them. Paul and Barnabas are about to travel again on another journey…and we get to hear more about their relationship problems in Acts 15 “Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.” Acts 15:37-39 NLT   Paul refused to allow Mark to go with him as a companion on his travels, so Barnabas, Paul’s companion actually chooses to take Mark and sail for Cyprus.    Jesus changes the life of Mark dramatically…and Barnabas and Peter were both important people that Jesus used to encourage Mark to become faithful even through suffering. Jesus mark mistake and Barnabas’s encouragement to be a courageous comforter for Paul.. - Mark encourages and supports Paul. Mark is with Paul in Rome during his first imprisonment…and represents Paul to churches throughout the area of present day Turkey (Philemon 24; Col. 4:10).  - Jesus changes Mark so much that Paul asks for Mark to come to Rome to be with him during his final imprisonment before Paul dies, because Mark is so useful. Pauls says, “…Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11 NLT How amazing that Jesus changes the unfaithful coward Mark so much Paul says this about Mark in verse 11: “…these (even including Mark!) are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.” Colossians 1:11 Jesus changes unfaithful cowards into courageous comforters. Praise God!  There are some here who recently made a giant foolish mistake that you regret…or know a loved one who has…When I have made foolish mistakes it is easy to think I can never be useful again…but Jesus wants us to learn to grow and mature from our mistakes, not to be fearful of messing up and failing.  6. Jesus uses committed people. Jesus uses Justus who is committed to Jesus, despite the numbers. Colossians 4:11 and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. The number of faithful Jews seems so small, but Jesus uses the commitment of a few for great things. Justus is one of the few committed Jews.  It’s easy to give up. You might be tempted to stop leading a Bible Study, to stop inviting co-workers, or feel like you are the only one sharing Jesus in your family…We have hope knowing that Jesus uses faithful committed followers for purposes that are greater than what we usually see.   7. Jesus uses people who labor in prayer Jesus uses Epaphras’s labor in prayer for building up others, even when Epaphras cannot help physically. Paul encourages the church, that one of their own leaders, Epaphras greets them. Epaphras is the man who told Paul about the Colossian church because he brought the good news about Jesus Christ to the Colossians. Paul says, “You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.” Col. 1:7 Paul gives thanks for people like Ephaphras…servants of Christ…brothers and sisters who pray with intense passion for you…Epaphras encourages Paul. Paul tells how much Epaphras cares for the Colossians. He continually prays they mature as Christians in their faith…he wants the Colossians to be confident in God’s will. Look at verse 12: “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” (v.12) As Christians at times we can be immature and doubt God’s will. Just like us, the Colossians should not doubt God’s word is true. Jesus Christ is the Creator and Ruler of the universe and they should be confident of God’s will being accomplished in Jesus Christ. God’s will is accomplished in and through prayers of his people. [Example of Kevitt in Prayer] Epaphras prays for the Colossians just as our pastors pray for you. Jesus uses people who labor in prayer. 8. Jesus uses those with education and special skills. Jesus changes Dr. Luke from an educated skeptic to a faithful believer.  - Luke is the author of the gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. - Luke accompanies Paul throughout many of his travels…And serves as Paul’s personal physician, since he was a doctor. But Luke was not Jewish. Luke was a Gentile born in Syria. And in the gospel of Luke, which Luke wrote…Luke mentions his careful study and investigation into the truth about Jesus Christ. As Luke meets eyewitnesses, studies the information about Jesus from others, Jesus changes Luke’s heart from a skeptic of Jesus to a believer in Jesus. “…it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:3-4 - Luke, the loved physician of Paul, travels throughout the world spreading the good news about Jesus Christ and helping in whatever way he can, especially as Paul’s personal physician. - Luke is with Paul in Rome during his imprisonments as a faithful supporter and encourager. - Before Paul’s death in Rome when Paul is imprisoned for the second time….Luke is with Paul. “Only Luke is with me.” 2 Timothy 4:11a NLT [Examples of individuals with special skills at Faith West] Jesus changes people like Luke…educated skeptics with special skills…to faithful believers. 9. Jesus uses people who turn away from God.  Jesus uses Demas for his purposes even though he quits following Jesus. Colossians 4:14b  Later on Demas will leave the ministry in order to pursue the pleasures of the world. Consider…Jesus was using a man who would later stop serving. God knew that and Jesus uses him anyway to spread the love of Christ. “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica” 2 Timothy 4:10 is that God was using a man who would later stop serving. God knew that.  We pray that this would not happen to any of us. By God’s grace we will live for Christ all the days of our lives.  -But remember this … Jesus uses those who turn from God.  10. Jesus uses people who need encouragement. Jesus uses Archippus who needs encouragement.  It is possible that Archippus was taking care of the Colossian church while Epaphras was away, but we are not sure. He clearly had some ministry responsibility he needed encouragement to faithful complete. Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17 There are individuals in your life that Jesus wants to use you to comfort and encourage to continue to live faithfully for Christ.  What a comfort to know when we feel overwhelmed and in need of help and encouragement, Jesus still uses us. Brothers and Sisters…the book of Colossians is all about Jesus being first. Colossians shows Jesus is like no other in power and wisdom.  From the closing remarks be encouraged that Jesus is Lord, he uses everyone, all people for his marvelous purposes.  We must trust in Jesus and seek to do his will. May Jesus’s will be done in our lives as we seek to serve him and may the good news of Jesus Christ continue to spread as we are faithful servants to complete the good works Jesus has for us.

Colossians 4:2-6 Watch Video Download Handout Download Manuscript Listen to MP3 → Click to view the Sermon Outline 1 John 1:3-4 - …what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. 1 Peter 5:7 - …casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Psalm 119:57-64 - The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. I sought Your favor with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Your word. I considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies. I hastened and did not delay to keep Your commandments. The cords of the wicked have encircled me, but I have not forgotten Your law. At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You because of Your righteous ordinances. I am a companion of all those who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. 2 Timothy 1:12 - …for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 2 Corinthians 3:18 - But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. Colossians 1:18 - He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. James 3:2, 5-6 - For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 3 characteristics of communication that honors our Savior I. A Tongue that Prays Faithfully Philippians 2:12-13 - So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. A. Devoted proskartereo – kartereo – “to be steadfast, to endure” …with the preposition that intensifies it’s meaning – “to be courageously persistent, to hold fast and not let go.” B. Alert Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it… C. Thankful Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving… Colossians 3:17 - Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. D. Missional Colossians 4:3 - …praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word… II. A Tongue that Proclaims Clearly A. Looking for open doors Colossians 4:3 - …praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word… B. So we will speak forth the mystery Colossians 4:3 - …praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ… Colossians 1:26-27 - …the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. C. At whatever the cost Colossians 4:3 - …praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; D. With clarity Colossians 4:4 - …that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. III. A Tongue that Speaks Graciously A. Always with grace B. Seasoned with salt C. Able to respond wisely Colossians 4:6 - Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.    Outlined Manuscript - If I asked you this morning – what do you especially like, or value, or appreciate about being a Christian…how would you answer?... - and perhaps I should stop there and point out that while I’m going to try to quickly sketch out a couple of responses…this might make an excellent discussion question at the family dinner table…or with a group of friends… - especially as we approach Easter and the marvelous opportunity to reflect on the substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus…what is it about what He purchased for us that makes us especially thankful to be…as the King James would have said it so eloquently…in the beloved… - so, what do you especially like, or value, or appreciate about being a Christian?...   1.      I assume very near the top of the list is the truth that we can have a genuine, intimate, personal relationship with the God of heaven and earth… - The New Testament calls that fellowship with God…in Greek – koinania…the apostle John said it like this -- 1 John 1:3–4 - …what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. - the more we understand the holiness of God, and the sinfulness of man – not just mankind in general, but mankind including the person I saw in the mirror this am…the more astounding it is to contemplate that a way has been made for my sin to be forgiven (past, present, and future)…and for the righteousness of Jesus Christ to be placed on my account – positionally – so that now I can have a personal relationship with God… - and that’s not just some arcane theory for Sunday mornings… - many here this am could talk about all sorts of examples this week where that fellowship was real and powerful – it was the most important thing about your existence… - so you’re driving to work while the sun was coming up – and you were praising God for his creative beauty…it was just you alone in the car…but it wasn’t just you alone in the car… - it was worship service on Tuesday morning while you were heading off to the salt mines (or wherever you work 5 days a week)… - you may have even picked up your imaginary mic and belted out your favorite praise song while you were driving and watching the sun come up…and isn’t it amazing how incredible your voice sounds…when you’re the only one listening… - or on a more serious note…when you had something this week that was weighing you down…who did you want to talk to…and I realize there may be several names on that list…but whose name is at the top… 1 Peter 5:7 - casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. - what an incredible privilege, to be able to do that…one of our old hymns says it like this… - Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the sons of God!... - many of us here this morning at both our campuses would say – that’s right – that reality is astounding to behold… 2. A second answer many of us would give to the question -- what do you especially like, or value, or appreciate about being a Christian…is that we have a reliable, and unchanging, and life-giving source of eternal truth in the Word of God… - sociologists are telling us that now we are not only in an era that post-Christian, and post-modern…but even post-truth… - it is amazing to try to have a conversation where people appear to have very little concern for speaking the truth… - so you can show someone a video of what he said 30 days ago – and in some cases repeatedly…an compare it to what he said yesterday that was the complete opposite…and that’s acceptable in our culture… - if you think about that long enough, it could become confusing and depressing for sure… - well, against that backdrop fueled ultimately by our adversary whom the Scripture refers to as the “Father if Lies” – we have the inspired, inerrant, and sufficient Word of God… - that’s why the longest Psalm in the Scripture by far, Psalm 119, is dedicated to our love for God’s Word…like this particular stanza…. - Psalm 119:57–64 - The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. I sought Your favor with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Your word. I considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies. I hastened and did not delay to keep Your commandments. The cords of the wicked have encircled me, but I have not forgotten Your law. At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You because of Your righteous ordinances. I am a companion of all those who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. - and there will be plenty of people here today who would say – that’s my heart… - that’s why early in the morning I wake up and get to a quiet place where I can open my Bible…and drink from God’s Word… - because I don’t want to try to face the craziness of the world in which we live without being anchored firmly in God’s unchanging truth… - and there’s stability that comes from that…so Paul could say to young Timothy -- 2 Timothy 1:12 - …for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. - I graduated from Baptist Bible College 35 years ago this spring…and for our class gift we went down to the docks in Philadelphia and bought this huge anchor…and they brought it back and installed it on the campus to go along with our school’s moto – anchored in the Word… - that’s one of the great blessings of being a follower of Christ…the stability we receive from being anchored in His unchanging Word, and His steadfast love…   3. A third answer I believe many of us would give is how our relationship with Christ sets us up for a life-time of change and growth… - we believe God will meet us where we are…but He has no intention of leaving us there… - 2 Corinthians 3:18 - But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. - that’s a great way to describe us, you know…being transformed… - so Christianity is practical…it has guidance and direction for everyday life…and we love that, and we need that…even if at times it makes us uncomfortable… - oh oh – did somebody mention being uncomfortable?...why did that just come up when thinking about how practical the Word of God is?...it’s because the next section in the book we’re studying addresses the way we use our tongues…oh oh… - With that in mind, please open your Bibles to the book of Colossians chapter 4…that’s on page 158 of the back section of the Bible under the chair in front of you… - we’re coming down to the end of our verse by verse study of the book of Colossians…in fact this would be a good time to look for opportunities over the next two weeks to read the book of Colossians in its entirety in one sitting…because hopefully now you’re much more familiar with the various sections we’ve unpacked verse by verse… - it’s a good idea to also be in the practice of reading large sections of Scripture you have the entire context and flow of thought… - now, our overall theme this year is – In Christ Alone…and why is that?...because this is the 500th anniversary of the protestant reformation…a period of time many of you are reading at least one book about during this calendar year…where we’re coming to understand that the five great solas of the Protestant Reformation were that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scriptures alone, to the glory of God alone…   - so Colossians was a logical book for us to study to begin this year because the theme of this entire book has been the preeminence of Jesus Christ… - one of our key verses has been…Colossians 1:18 - He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. - is that your heart’s cry this morning – that Christ might come to have first place in everything?...even in the way you use your tongue…because we all know this…how did James say it… James 3:2, 5-6 - For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well…So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. - so these next verses in Colossians are going to teach us about The Preeminence of Christ in the Way We Speak… - let’s listen in – read Colossians 4:2-6   - I. A Tongue that Prays Faithfully - if you haven’t already, I’d like to ask you to have a piece of paper on which to write several take-aways, or homework assignments… - I know many of you would say – I already did that when you floated the idea of reading through the book of Colossians in one sitting this week…great… - that’s something else we like about Christianity – God is doing a work in us…but we cooperate with that work, right?…in other words, we work too… - what did Paul tell the Philippians at about the same time he was writing the book of Colossians… Philippians 2:12–13 - So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. - so I think most of us would say as we read this passage – wow, I have some work to do…let’s let the passage guide us…how is prayer described in verses 2-3?... A. Devoted - proskartereo – kartereo – “to be steadfast, to endure”… - with the preposition that intensifies it’s meaning – “to be courageously persistent, to hold fast and not let go.” - well, that leads to a question or two, doesn’t it?... - could your prayer life be characterized with words like this?...is it devoted… - and please don’t think about that in the sense of raw duty…instead please connect it with everything we have learned about the person of Christ and our position in Christ…throughout the entire book… - as you read it in its entirety – you could just go through and circle everything that Paul says about Jesus, that if I truly believe it, I would be more devoted to using my tongue to pray to Him…not because I have to…but because I can’t believe I get to… - what else do you see in this passage about the way we’re to pray…. B. Alert - 4:2 – Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it… - Am I the only one who struggles with a mind that wanders during times of prayer?...like the disciples the night Jesus was betrayed and arrested… - we love you Lord…we’ll never deny you or desert you…snore… - last weekend I was down in our woods picking up some limbs that had fallen during the winter time… - and you don’t really have to be alert when you’re doing that, right?... - so I’m picking up sticks and also preaching several upcoming sermons…and planning years-worth of projects…and on and on… - like Charles Barkley says in that hilarious commercial they’ve been running during the playoffs where he just claps for the games in his head – he says – it’s gets pretty loud up there… - well, anyway, I had a whole load of branches in my arms and reached down to get another one except it wasn’t a stick…it was a snake… - that’ll get your attention…it fact it shocked the fire out of me… - then he acts like he’s going to bite me – and I say to him – really?...with those little teeth – what do you think you are, a rattlesnake or something… - you know what he did next?...started sticking out his tongue at me…those things are rude… - but the truth is – I was picking up sticks about half asleep and totally distracted from the task at hand… - and I don’t know if that’s bad when you’re working in the woods – but it’s certainly bad when you’re supposed to be praying…a tongue that is devoted, and alert…and what else? C. Thankful - Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; - this is the fifth time Paul has mentioned thankfulness in this short book… - in fact he said it this way in verse 17 of chapter 3 -- Colossians 3:17 - Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. - And then did you see the transition in verse 3…[read – v. 3 – through “word”]… D. Missional - Colossians 4:3 - praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word… - now, let me ask you to think about the way you tend to pray…lay that down in this column…and next to it what we read in this passage about using our tongues to pray in ways that are devoted, and alert, and thankful, and missional… - that’s the way people who want Jesus to have first place in everything pray… - so some take-aways… - I would encourage you to make it a habit, if you haven’t already, to take your bulletin each Sunday which contains urgent and serious prayer requests on the part of our church family…and make those items a regular matter of prayer…then write in whatever updates your service pastor might have…it’s not an overstatement to say that your brothers and sisters are counting on you to do so… - I would also encourage you to be praying for the upcoming Passion Play…[develop specifics]… - Please also add to that our Easter Sunday services, and each of us faithfully inviting those the Lord has placed around us…[develop] - then there’s the matter of praying for our college students, and professors, and staff, and athletes, and coaches…along with all the educators in our church…[develop the challenges that come at this time of year – and the privilege of being in a university town] - the bottom line is – there are all kinds of ways we can use our tongues…one of the ways we show that Jesus Christ is coming to have first place in everything is by cultivating a prayer life that shows how much we treasure the privilege of coming into His presence…   - did you notice the “tongue transition” in verse 3…because Paul begins talking about the way he speaks…which when you think about it is absolutely fascinating…if there’s any example of a man who faithfully gave his life to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, it was the apostle Paul – and yet here he is humbly requesting prayer from these dear believers to be sure that his witness is faithful and true…so not just a tongue that prays faithfully, but also… II. A Tongue that Proclaims Clearly - please glance down over verses 3-4 and look for ways that Paul describes how we should speak for Christ… A. Looking for open doors - Colossians 4:3 - praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word…  - there’s a couple of questions for us that flow just out of that… - when you do pray, does it tend to be a laundry list of all the things you want the Lord to do for you…or does it include requesting that the Lord will give you, and show you ways to make a difference for Him… - when’s the last time you looked for – or prayed for an open door of ministry?.... - now please connect that logically to what we’ve already studied…how do these two points fit together?... - the issue of devoting yourself to prayer…what is it about the process that takes so long?...convincing the Lord to change His mind about the situation…or convincing yourself to change your thinking about the matter… - Lord, change my co-workers…change my co-workers…change my co-workers…oh, there might be an open door of ministry as I respond well to co-workers who may never change?.... - thank you for the flaws of my co-workers and the excellent open doors of ministry those opportunities afford me… - that’s what it’s means to pray in Jesus’ name – conforming our desires to His… - this gives us a very straightforward question to ask – when is the last time you looked for, or prayed for, an open door of ministry?... - and I’m quite certain that there will be many people here today who can say – I do that all the time…Lord, please help me to see and seize an ministry opportunities in this situation… - others might have to say – I never have that on my radar screen…well, if that’s the case, it’s time to pick up that homework pencil, huh?...now, what else does Paul say about this…. B. So we will speak forth the mystery - Colossians 4:3 - praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ… - you say – what does that mean?...well, we have to make an interpretive decision here…but Paul already used this term earlier in the book, when he said… - Colossians 1:26–27 - …the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. - in this case we’re talking about the content of the gospel which would not have been fully known in the Old Testament and not fully available to the Gentile nations like it was in Paul’s day and is today… - and if Paul was concerned that he would use his tongue to speak about Christ faithfully and well...where does that leave people like you and me?... - with that concern times 100… - now, you might say – well, that’s because Paul had it so easy…he was writing this book from a hot tub, he wouldn’t be focused on spiritual ministry if he faced the kind of trials I’m dealing with right now… - are you sure you would want to say that?...and I’m not minimizing the difficulties that many people in our church family are facing right now…but where was Paul when he wrote this book?... - here’s a hint – the book of Colossians was one of the prison epistles…so Paul was writing this from prison… - and why was he is prison…well, he had a lead foot and his traffic ticket problem caught up with him… - now, he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel and now he’s requesting prayer which he’s still imprisoned that he would be faithful in doing the very thing that landed him in jail to begin with… - friend – when’s the last time you used your tongue to speak forth the mystery?...see… C. At whatever the cost - Colossians 4:3 - praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; - [if time, tell about when Jack Wyrtzen was dying in the hospital, he asked his long time co-worker Harry Bollback who had come to visit him to pray for his nurse who wasn’t yet a Christian…]… D. With clarity - Colossians 4:4 - that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. - isn’t it amazing how the evaluative questions just come spilling out of this passage… - [if time – tie back to the introduction – we love the Word of God – cf 2 Tim 3:16 – it correct us…] - when is the last time you can remember using your tongue to clearly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to someone else in your life? - [if time – go back to what James said about the way we sin with our tongues – not just by commission, but by omission]… - see, a tongue that proclaims clearly by looking for open doors, and speaking forth mystery, at whatever the cost, and with great clarity that only comes by depending on the grace and strength of our Lord…   - let me give you a quick update on the Northend Community Center and ways you can be specifically praying right now regardless of which campus you presently attend…   - this has been an open door of ministry if there ever was one… - that’s true because of the location… - it’s true because of the strong support and involvement of both the city of Lafayette and the United Way…it’s a marvelous community project that we have the privilege of leading and directing and owning… - what’s also amazing is that the majority of the funding is coming from outside Faith… - with a $5M lead gift from the John Scheumann Family Foundation - over $3M in equity from NMTC’s… - an anticipated $1M from the city… - part of the land being gifted by the owners of Market Square Shopping Center…another parcel from the Price McKenzie family – a family that goes all the way back to Jim Price who owned National Homes and developed Market Square… - but we could not go down this road were it not for the faithful giving and serving of our church family….people who in many cases are on the constant lookout for open doors of ministry…and who want to speak clearly and passionately about the good news of Jesus Christ… - but it is crunch time for sure – between now and June 30th…and it would be very helpful if you could pray in these specific ways… 1. Land use due diligence – Joe Blake and Paul Refior – two men who are working tirelessly to bring these three parcels together… - we’ve closed on the property… - but there is environmental testing… - surveys…variances…cross-parking agreements… - please use your tongue to pray for us as we all seek to use our lives and our tongues to proclaim Christ more effectively in a new area of town…   Final facility design and budget – Steve Marsh – Titan Construction - [explain the process and the importance of April 12 – and the next steps…]   Last Friday meetings with our collaborative partners…pray that friendships will be built   III. A Tongue that Speaks Graciously - would you agree with me that Colossians 4:6 has to be one of the most convicting verses in all the Bible?... - most of would be helped by reviewing it each and every day…and it’s only through the Savior whom this entire book is about…whom we’re told live inside of us…that we could ever hope to make progress in this area… Always with grace - cf the question – if you placed a sign on your desk that said, “grace spoken here,” would the people around you ask if that was a new policy? B. Seasoned with salt - which in Bible times was both a preservative, and something that enhanced taste… - it was always good…but just good in different ways   C. Able to respond wisely   - Colossians 4:6 - Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Colossians 3:18-4:1 Watch Video Listen to MP3 Download Handout Download Manuscript → Click to view the Sermon Outline 3 keys to living out your roles in everyday life I. Committing to work for the glory of God in all aspects of life A. In your deeds Colossians 3:17 - Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. B. In your heart Colossians 3:22 - Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. C. Always giving thanks Colossians 3:17 - Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. II. Glorify God in your most common relationships A. Submission is a common biblical theme B. In the marriage relationship Colossians 3:18-19 - Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. C. In the parental relationship Colossians 3:20-21 - Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. D. In the workplace Colossians 3:22-4:1 - Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. III. Remember that you will reap what you sow Colossians 3:24-25 - …knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. A. There is to be a focus on rewards B. There is also to be a focus on consequences Outlined Manuscript As we continue our series in Colossians and our yearly theme “In Christ Alone”. I have two questions. one serious, and one less serious. First question. Have you ever taken those closest to you for granted? Ever said, well, they know I love them. That won’t bother them. It’s just so and so…. Do you ever treat your familiar relationships as familiar, and not as purposeful as you should. Second question. Do you mind it if your food touches? As a kid, I couldn’t handle it if everything got mixed up. How about you, are you a KFC bowl, or a Tupperware everything sort of person. Sometimes we like to separate things. Regardless of your plate preferences, Sometimes we do that with God. Here are my church friends, here are my work acquaintances, this is my family, and I just function differently, and nothing really ties them all together. This passage today helps us think about both of those issues. Loving those you see everyday, and recognize that God is to be woven into all aspects of your life, and all of you. Please turn with me to Colossians 3:18-4:1. It is on page 158 in the bible in the chair under the seat in front of you. Let me start in verse 17. With our time remaining lets focus on Faithfulness to Christ at Home and Work: Three Keys to living out your Roles in Everyday Life. I.             Committing to work for the Glory of God in all aspects of life (Col. 3:17, 22) [TRANSITION] At the beginning of Colossians 3, we are called to set our mind on the things above, because we have been raised up with Christ, we have died and our life is hidden with Christ in in God. The text also says that Christ who is your life is to be revealed and you will then be revealed in glory. So the text has focused on our identity, that we are in Christ, that we are raised with Christ, we died with Christ, we will be revealed with Christ. In other words all aspects of Christ life and our life are intertwined. (KFC Bowl) There is nothing about me that can be separated from Christ, and so as Pastor green pointed out. That includes what I put off, renew my mind, and then put on…this applies to all aspects of my life. So what Pauls point is going into this next section is that all of you is intimately connected to Chirst, and that needs to impact all of you, your whole life, each day. God is not satisfied with just some of your time on a Sunday, and wed night. He wants all of you, everyday. What does that all consist of. First it is… In your deeds (Col. 3:17) Colossians 3:17  17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Notice how he says “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus”. We are to think about ourselves in a way that all of our deeds have a name tag attached to them. -If you believe you have died with Christ, been raised with Christ, hidden in Christ, and will be glorified in Christ…then those core truths of who you are need to come out in what you do and say each day. What you say and do reveals who your Lord is, and who you are serving and how you view yourself in light of Who He is and what He has done for you. -“What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?...Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:14, 17–20) That is why Growth is so important, we are to be putting off actions that displease God, changing how we think about God, ourselves, and others, and put on God honoring behavior. If there are some behaviors you have participated in this week, that simply cannot hold the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, you need to put them off, change how you think about them, develop a good hate for what dishonors God and does not bear his name well, and put on words and deeds that reveal that your mind is set on things above. This also goes beyond your deed and as it applies… In your heart (Col. 3:22) Colossians 3:22  - 22Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. I will talk a bit more about this passage alter, but for now notice the focus on the internal, the heart, rather than just the external, what people see. That is why Pastor Green sermon about renewing you thinking is so important. Col 3:15 says let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. And vs 16 says let the word of Christ richly dwell in your heart. We know that the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart (cf. Mt 15:18) The only ways you can do all to the glory of God, is for all of you to be aimed properly, and that means what you think about, what you value, what you care about and what you love. That is why the Christian life is about so much more that right behavior, it is focused on right desires. [THE POINT]: God is interested in both your actions and your heart.       -You can’t have the heart without actions       -you can’t have the actions without the heart. Always Giving Thanks (Col. 3:17) Colossians 3:17 17Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Notice that we are to give thanks through Him to God the father If our heart if thinking about being in Christ and that is of supreme value in my heart, then my mouth will give thanks. Notice that it is through Him to God the father…my thankfulness is tied to my identity in Christ, that is the basis that I give thanks. [TRANSITION] Now, Paul’s point is that whatever you do you are to do in the name of the Lord. Your relationship with Christ is to impact all aspect of you, down to your thinking. So it is incredibly comprehensive. Now Paul wants to get specific, and address your most common relationships. If you are to glorify God in all aspects of your life, then that must for sure include those you see the most frequently.     II.        Glorify God in your most common Relationships. -When we use common, we are not using it in a bad way, rather we are using it in the way that means every day, normal. The people you see everyday. -how we function in these everyday/common relationships will tell us and the world a lot about who we are. -Do you notice when you meet someone for the first time, you often are on your best behavior, your really nice, hospitable, friendly… because you want to make a good first impression. But after you get to know someone, you stop asking them where they want to go to eat, you stop giving them the best seat to watch the movie, you don’t offer them the last cookie. You scarf it up in front of them, because they are your buddy and you feel comfortable eating the last delicious cookie in front of them. -Gary Thomas tells the story about how his professor (a renowned Greek Scholar) had him and his wife over during seminary.             -prof took care of pregnant wife unlike he had ever done. -this professor, who is a big deal, after meeting my wife for the first time took better care of her than I did at any time throughout our marriage.       [POINT:] we often treat the common relationships not very special. That is not a good thing. - they say familiarity breeds contempt, but that is not how it is to be in the Christian life when you are focusing on doing all in the name of Christ, and that definitely applies to those you see every day. *Honey, I just want to let you know that due to conviction I will be making lunch today after church, and I promise I will not eat the last cookie in front of you…I will definitely cut it in half. So before we get into the details of these everyday relationships, let us talk about an important biblical truth that links them all together. Submission is a Common Biblical Theme Submission is not popular today But it is not a bad thing. We see Jesus submit “And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”” (Matthew 26:39) “When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:28) All humans that we submit to will be sinful, imperfect people We are all called to Submit to others Cf. Eph 5:21 Jesus will be only the person who we are able to submit to that is not stained by sin. GOD KNOWS THIS TO BE TRUE!!! --[POINT]: you can’t go looking for the perfect person to submit to. But God still calls us to submit. So why does God give us submission? It is a tool that God uses to get work done. It doesn’t always mean that the person in authority is better, smarter, etc. It just means that God has placed that person in charge It is also a recognition that we all need to submit to God, and these various roles give us an earthly picture of our heavenly relationship to the Lord. Notice in each of the various roles, we always start with the one who submits first. It is important to point out, that if you are a believer in Christ, you are the bride of Christ, you are the child of Christ, and you are the slave/servant of Christ. Also, these roles and structure were a bedrock of cultural stability especially in Roman culture. That said we find that Paul addresses these role’s and roots them firmly in the people’s identity with Christ. Just a caviat, we are called to submit to the Lord above all, so that does not mean that if someone instruct us to sin, we obey them and disobey the lord.  “But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) So if you are married you are to do all in the name of the Lord especially… In the Marriage Relationship (3:18-19) Colossians 3:18–19  18Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.             So we start with the Wife’s role. Wife: In middle voice, indicates willing submission. Notice this is directed to the wife’s…I know that is obvious. But this is not directed at the husband…husbands make sure your wife submits. It is a command for wives to put on as they want to please God. The point is they can honor God in everything they do, and one of the ways they do that is willing choose to submit to their husbands leadership. This resembles Christ-like humility One of the best passages on a wife’s submission is 1 Peter 3:1, and it is directly linked to Christ’s example of How he entrusted Himself to the Father’s plan. This is fitting to the Lord. In other words, this is in line with a wife who bears the name of Christ. This is Christ-like, this is fits like star shaped kids toy fits in the star shaped lid cutout… so a godly wife who is in Christ will of her own volition submit herself to her husband. That is what fits, what the role is supposed to look like. ?C.f. Eph. 5:21 Notice The husband is never told to make the wife submit. The wife is called to do this herself as she lives our her role. It is the only institution that God sets up where the person who has authority has no means by which he exercises his authority. Some say, yeah I will submit, if I agree…that is not submission, that is called agreement.  When everyone agrees there is no problem there is no need for submission. That is also not always what happens. Submission is when you willing place yourself under the leadership structure the Lord has provided, particularly when you would do something differently. [REFLECTION QUESTION:]       -Wives how are you doing this willingly?       -Do you make submission a begrudging issue?       -are you modeling this for others? Kids, friends, co-workers?       - Are you making it easy for your husbands to provide leadership? Question: wives when is the last time you joyfully followed your husbands leadership even though you disagreed? When is the last time you undercut his leadership. Husbands: Buckle up your seatbelt, because God’s word come quick and direct at men at this part of the text. Husbands are Called to love their wives. Agape not used anywhere outside the Bible to talk about a love that a man has for wife. [1] In roman society, a husband was to do a lot fo thing, he was to be the leader of the household, but interestingly in secularly culture, he was not called to love his wife. A leader often is viewed as the one who gives the instructions, and everyone else sacrifices to carry those instructions out, but Paul goes to a whole other level. Husbands loving their wife’s That is something that God bring to the husbands role as that is what Christ did for us, and we even though we are men, are part of the Bride of Christ, and so we are to reflect His love for us, to our bride. Not simply because it helps the family, the community and the state be strong, but because it honors the Lord. Love is not simply to have strong feelings of affection for my spouse, although we are to cultivate those in our thinking. More importantly, love is a willingness to give up our wants to serve her. Cf Eph 5:25 – husbands love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. So wife’s are called to submit and follow…husbands are called to sacrifice and die. Why does God need to instruct men to love their wives so much…I think because it does not come naturally and we need to be reminded. Have affection for someone we find attractive comes naturally, loving and serving someone else as you sacrifice your desires does not. So this is not easy to lead and be responsible for someone else, and regularly give up what you want for someone else. And so there is a Natural tendency to grow bitter, Question: but why? Perhaps wife doesn’t treat husband well as he sacrifices Perhaps she takes advantage of him Perhaps she doesn’t submit like he wants her to. Question: Husbands, when is the last time you lovingly gave up what you wanted to serve your wife…did you grow bitter about having to do that or did you see it as part of your identity in Christ. This idea of being bitter toward your wife, is like water being bitter or poisoned and a person drinks it and it is harmful to them. So this is about a husband using his strength, his power and his position to be harsh and cause harm to his spouse. This would be the culture of Rome…if Rome wants something they take it, if Rome is offended, they lash out and put down any rebellion. Rome was all about forced submission of others. So men who had become Christians now need to have a completely different approach to their wife’s, one where bitterness and harsh domineering leadership was replaced with the loving leadership personified in Christ. So you see, a husband and wife who are setting their minds on things above, will function in a way toward each other that is personified by Trust, sacrifice, doing all esp. their roles because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. Followers of Christ were also called to glorify God … In the Parental Relationship (3:20-21) Colossians 3:20–21 20 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. Her is a crazy idea…Children are supposed to Obey. In other words, they are not to inform the parents what they want and what they do not like, they are to glorify God by recognizing their role. This is actually a different word that Submit— that is why it is translated as Obey, the text shifts to a higher level of instruction. The wife is to place herself under and follow the husbands leadership, whereas the child is to take the instructions from their parents and obey. So with a husband and wife, there should be a discussion, prayer, working through options, input, feedback, preferences, and then ultimately if there is not agreement the husband needs to decide and the wife needs to follow. There is not that same process with our children. Do you prefer to put your clothes away and brush your teeth and shower regularly….no, you don’t ok, let me think and pray and weigh the pro’s and cons about if you should clean your room. This is not cruelty, it is teaching them to follow authority that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. And may actually preserve their lives. It is also most importantly, well pleasing to the Lord. They are to do this in all things, as they see their role as most important than the actual task, and how while they are under the protection and provision of their parents house, they are to be completely under the instructions of their parents. Children are to obey ultimately because the Lord commands it and He is pleased when children obey their parents in all things. C.f. Eph. 6:1-3 Fathers, We need to admit that It is easy to exasperate children and cause them to lose heart We don’t know why Paul shifts from Parents to father here. But it is clear that mothers give instruction to children as well. But perhaps since the husband is the leader of the family, he is in a position where he is most likely to exasperate. He may not use his authority to lead and serve but rather quarrel and exasperate. Exasperate: other words: Embitter, arouse, provide, to cause someone to react in a way that suggests acceptance of a challenge[2] it would be like walking up to someone on the street and saying, You are nothing, you can’t do anything right, and I am bigger than you and stronger than you and I can crush you…what are you going to do about it. The temptation is to rise up and meet that challenge. Other us: 2 Cor. 9:2 ---stir up a parent has more resources than a child, and has a position of authority over them, so they can really make life difficult for their children if they want to. So if they are embittered, they try to lash out, and the parent doesn’t submit to God, it is easy to just give up (lose heart). Question: How can this happen? Not encouraging them? Only pointing out faults Being harsh and not allowing for freedom controlling using fear or manipulation. Need to remember that parenting is more than just a formula; it is a relationship where I am to focus on pleasing God with my whole being in how I raise my kids in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Glorifying God with Our whole being also applies … In the Workplace (3:22, 4:1) Colossians 3:22–4:1 22Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. 1Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. The principle is how do you relate to someone else who is in charge of the work you are to do everyday, and in our culture that is often our boss.  I want to make sure it is clear that we are in no way condoning slavery, after all it was on the basis of Christian principles were used to abolish slavery in this country… It is very important to understand that slavery in Bible times was not like slavery in places like, for example, the United States of America. - that certainly doesn’t make it right, but it does make it different. - Slavery in America was a permanent condition, a life sentence with little hope of freedom. In the ancient world, unless a person was a criminal, a slave had every hope of emancipation. Usually it was a 10 to 20-year condition. - In American society, slavery was racial, with African slaves and white masters. In Greco-Roman society, it was impossible to distinguish a slave on the basis of clothing, color, or race. - In American society slaves were segregated socially, but in Roman society it was usually difficult to distinguish a slave from other people by the slave's friends, a slave's occupation, or the worship patterns - Slaves in our country had no legal rights. Under the law they were regarded as only 3/5 of a human being. Slaves in the ancient world had many legal rights including the right to appeal to a higher authority in the case of harsh or unfair treatment. - In America, slaves were on the lowest rung of society. In the ancient world, slaves were often of higher status than people who were free, depending on their masters. - Slavery in America was degrading and dehumanizing. In ancient Greece or Rome, slavery was often viewed as an opportunity. Large numbers of people sold themselves into slavery to find a better life than what they had as free people. As slaves, it was possible to secure special jobs and to climb socially. - In America slaves did only menial work. In the ancient world slaves often held high positions in civil service and in the business world. They served as physicians, nurses to their owners, they taught the children and were companions to the elderly. Slaves were writers, accountants, bailiffs jailers, overseers, secretaries, sea-captains. - In America it was illegal to educate slaves. In the ancient world slaves were often well educated, acting as tutors or advisors to their owners. - Slaves were not allowed to own property in America. In the ancient world slaves could own property, and they could maintain savings, anticipating the time when they would be set free. In some cases, slaves even owned their own slaves. - American slaves had no hope of a normal family life. In the ancient world, slaves often maintained a separate existence from their masters. They even held down outside work to increase their savings. - Slavery in the USA was completely detestable. It was the result of kidnapping. In ancient Greece and Rome, slavery was often freely chosen. Being free was frequently a disadvantage for the slave and financially advantageous for the master. - however, it would be incorrect to read our country’s experience with slavery back into this text, or any NT passage on this topic…that’s why it is very appropriate for us to use this passage to discuss employee/employer relations today, because slavery in Bible times was in many ways closer to our working relationships today, than it was to slavery in America. - So the principle here is that in every relationship, someone has to have the final say…someone has to be in charge and someone has to be under. How are we to function in those roles to the glory of God. Employee/Slave First, it is remarkable how Paul addresses slaves. He puts them on equal ground as everyone else as they have responsibilities to the Lord even in their circumstances. Paul never condones slavery, but he helps someone who is in that situation to still focus on living for the Lord. Notice how he says, those who are your masters on Earth. He is laying the ground work, that those who are in charge are not ultimately in charge. He says not to do it with external service only. It is sort of like when you just look like you are working hard when your boss walks by. And inevitably you could work really hard and take a 5 min break and that is exactly when you boss comes by. Or have you ever gotten to work early, been getting after it, then mid morning forgot you left your lunch in the car, so you get bundled out and get your lunch in your car, grab your lunch and then and it looks like you got to work at 10:00 The point is to not worry about that either way, but to work from the heart when you are seen or not seen. Because you have a fear of the Lord, not of man, even those who are earthly masters. Whatever work we do, we are to work heartily unto the Lord, because even earthly people we serve, we are really serving the Lord. Do you ever think your everyday tasts you do for others, is actually for the Lord. God wants your whole being to be devoted to him, even the tasks you do for those in charge of you. Paul specifically reminds them to do it with all their heart, knowing that working for someone that way is very hard. Question: When is the last time at work you did a task or responded to a person, and said to yourself, Lord this is for you. That is something that should be a regular part of a believers work day.   Employer: While you might not own your own business, you might be placed in some sort of authority one day. The text says If you oversee someone, you should always seek to promote justice and fairness. This is not just what you think is just and fair, but it is a recognition that there is something right outside of just who you are as a boss… Because we are told that we all have a higher authority—God If a follower of Christ is in charge of others, they are to do so with Justice and Fairness that comes from an understanding of How God brings about justice and fairness throughout redemption history. They are to recognize that they have a master. The third key would be…   III.        Remember that you will reap what you sow (3:24-25) Colossians 3:24–25 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. There is to be a focus on Rewards In this life, you can lose anything and everything. When you work for the Lord, you can’t lost anything – your life is hidden with Christ. A slave, would not have an inheritance like a son would, but God puts them on the same level, as we have an inheritance from the Lord as his bride, his child and his servant. That is to motivate us at the heart level, not just if someone sees us and rewards us in the earthly life.   There is also to be a focus on Consequences All will be made right, either the good or bad you have done. There will not be favoritism or partiality based on your position or external appearance, for God judges righteously. A believer cannot lose their salvation as it is secure ion Christ, but that does not mean there are not the consequences of lost rewards if we treat others in a way that does not honor the Lord. So in conclusion, the Lord wants all of you all the time, because you are intimately connected to Christ and that is to impact every relationship each day, but especially the people you see the most…your spouse, your kids, and your boss/supervision. We are all to work heartily for the Lord rather than for men no matter what role or stage of life you are in because  if we are raised up with Christ, we are his bride, his child and his servant. Let’s pray.   [1] Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 44: Colossians, Philemon (223) [2] William Arndt, Frederick W. Danker, and Walter Bauer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 391.

Colossians 3:5-17 Watch Video Listen to MP3 Download Manuscript Download Handout → Click to view the Sermon Outline Ephesians 4:22-24 - …that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. #1. You must love and appreciate what Christ has done for you Colossians 3:5 - Therefore … #2. You must hate the corrupting and destructive influences of sin and idolatry Colossians 3:5 - Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. Colossians 3:8 - But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Colossians 3:9 - Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices… A. Because God’s wrath is upon those who practice idolatry Colossians 3:6 - For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience… B. Because we exchanged the old way of life for a new one Colossians 3:7 - …and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. Colossians 3:10-11 - …and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. #3. You must repent for your willing participation in that sin Colossians 3:5 - Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. Colossians 3:8 - But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Colossians 3:9 - Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices… A. By taking responsibility for sin B. By recognizing the Lord’s warnings C. By accepting consequences #4. You must renew your mind with the peace of Christ and the Word of Christ Colossians 3:15-16 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. A. Let the peace of Christ rule B. Be filled with the Word #5. You must do the actions that glorify Christ Colossians 3:12-14 - So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:17 - Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. A. A heart of compassion and kindness B. Humility C. Bearing with another   Put to death Renew my mind Put On Sinful anger I believe that sinful anger is wrong and is a disgrace to the cross of Christ. I hate what it is doing in my life and relationships.   I believe that my anger should be consistent with the Lord’s. Righteous anger Sinful expressions of anger I believe that my expressions of anger are sinful. They are not consistent with the Lord’s treatment of me nor are they appropriate.   I believe that my anger should be expressed in ways consistent with biblical truth. Righteous expressions of anger Impatience I believe that my impatience is sinful and if God treated me the way I am treating _____, then I would be in serious trouble.   It is my responsibility, by the power of Christ, to bear with ___________ in love. Bearing with one another   Put to death Renew my mind Put On I yelled I believe that sinful anger is wrong and is a disgrace to the cross of Christ. I believe that my anger should be consistent with the Lord’s. Righteous anger I threw a ball across the room in frustration I believe that my expressions of anger are sinful. They are not consistent with the Lord’s treatment of me nor are they appropriate. I believe that my anger should be expressed in ways consistent with biblical truth. Righteous expressions of anger I left the house and slammed the door on the way out. I believe that my impatience is sinful and if God treated me the way I am treating _____, then I would be in serious trouble. It is my responsibility, by the power of Christ, to bear with one another (warts and all). Bearing with one another   Outlined Manuscript Directions are a beautiful thing aren’t they? I am sure most, if not all, of us have had the “I can figure this out on my own moment.” We buy an awesome doll house or kitchen set for our daughter for Christmas and on Christmas Eve we open the box and realize that it comes in 1,400 pieces. No problem … got it covered … we organize the pieces … begin to plot our strategy … and get crackin’. About 3 am when our doll house looks like a tornado hit it, we are scrambling for the directions. Or we think we know how to get somewhere and then realize that we probably need to grab our phone and get some directions. As we are loading up google maps and typing in an address (after we pulled off on the side of the road!) we are hoping and praying that our GPS tells us that we only 2 minutes from our destination. Someone teaches us a new skill. Having step by step directions is especially helpful that first time or two. God was so gracious and so kind that he gave us directions for Christian Growth … directions to change … directions to get to a better place. He did not tell us to grow and then leave us to figure it out. He gave us a step by step series of directions to help us. The title of this message is “Growth in Christ Alone.” With that in mind please turn in your Bibles to Colossians 3. That is on page ____ of the back section of the Bible in the chair in front of you. As we are turning there I want to remind us: That our theme this year is “In Christ Alone.” We want to emphasize the many ways in which Christ has provided for us, the many ways that Christ works in our lives, and the many ways that Christ calls us to respond. In our study Paul prays for the Colossians that they would be Word centered, obedient Christians. By focusing on Christ, all that he is and all that he does and all that he has done specifically for them, then they will please him in all respects by doing the will of the God. Not only do they have to be on guard against forces from the outside (false teaching) they must deal with the forces from the inside (their own wants and desires). Thus, they need to change. Read Colossians 3:5-17. This sounds a lot like one of the most sacred passages of Scripture in this church … Ephesians 4:22-24 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. While we could describe the text with three points … put off, renew your mind, and put on. I would like to be a bit more specific and show 5 steps to Growth in Christ Alone. #1. You must love and appreciate what Christ has done for you Colossians 3:5 Therefore … In v. 5 it says “therefore.” This refers back to the promises of Christ. The truths we learned in Colossians 1:1-3:4. Just for sake of time I want to remind you of what I spoke about in Colossians 2:9-15. He made us part of his people He made us alive together with Christ He forgave our sins He cancelled our debts He granted us victory over our enemies These truths are a subset of the heavenly things that should occupy our thoughts and actions. These same ideas are reiterated in our text through the language of the new man. Why talk about love? Why talk about appreciation? Why talk about giving thanks? Friends, we cannot force someone to love, can we? Love is a choice to give. Sometimes we are not willing to give. You cannot force your spouse to love you. No matter how much you argue, present reasons, or extol your virtues … you cannot force your spouse to give. You know that you cannot force your children to love you or to love the things that you love. They are free moral agents and they develop loves and affections for certain things that might not match your list. All of us love, or set our affections, on certain things. No matter what arguments people bring, it does not necessarily result in love. Friends, I understand that just telling you that Jesus died for you … just telling you that he made all who trust in him part of the people of God … just telling you that he gave you new life, forgave your sins, or cancelled your debts does not make you love him. But I am asking that you would. You know that in a marriage one of the key skills is learning to appreciate all that your spouse does for you, for the family, and for the ministry. Men … you have to learn to appreciate your wife’s gifts, skills and abilities. You have to appreciate the things that she does. If she does the shopping and the cooking then that is an expression of her love. If she does the laundry than that is an expression of her love. Women … you have to learn to appreciate your husband’s gifts, skills, and abilities. You have to appreciate the fact that he has a job. That he works hard and provides. That he helps the children with homework. This is part of how you grow as a couple. Likewise, one of the keys to Christian growth is that you have to love what Jesus has done for you. Your love and appreciation for Christ serves as a motivation to change. If you treat his blessings like the Pharisees did, then Christ will have very little influence on the moments of your daily life. One of the questions that Dr. Smith used to teach us as new counselors was to ask “Where is the Lord in all this?” He was teaching us to ask a very practical question. In your struggles with ________, what is God doing? I want to encourage you to pray silently this morning that the Lord would work in your heart right now. Not just soon, right now. You would appreciate his work and you would set your affections on Christ. Well, we have covered one word so far … let’s keep going. #2. You must hate the corrupting and destructive influences of sin and idolatry Ephesians 4:22 emphasized the ongoing corruption of the new man with the lusts of deceit. This corresponds well to the emphasis in Colossians 3.       Colossians 3:5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. Colossians 3:8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, In verses 5-11 there are three commands (imperatives) that dominate the text. They are like runway lights making it obvious where the plane is supposed to land. These imperatives call us to action. This is not a passive set of truths that I am supposed to enjoy. Colossians 2:8-15 was the passage where we sat in our easy chair and reflected on the grace of God through Christ. Colossians 3 is no such text. It is Put to death, put off, do not lie. The classroom instruction is over and it is time for action. Friends, what does “put to death or put off” really mean? I am convinced that putting to death involves at least two elements. First, you must “hate the corrupting influence” and then we will look next at the need “to repent of your willful participation.” These are implied in the commands. Let me explain … “How many of you have been told you need to lose some weight? What about you need to eat right?” I know I have a bit more cargo than I used to carry. I fully understand that my six pack is stored in the back of the cooler. But here is why I am not losing weight. Because I don’t hate the cooler. At times I traded in my normal cooler for a double wide and that bothered me … but Doug Gray used to say that as long as he could look down and see his toes he was good to go J. I understand what he is saying. My suspicion is that my habit of having a bowl of ice cream with peanuts and M&Ms each evening is not part of a healthy diet. I don’t plan on changing that because I don’t hate anything about it. If you are going to change, not only do you have the love Jesus and appreciate all he has done for you, but you need to hate the corrupting influence of your sin. Paul lists a few of the sins that plagued the Christian community. Verse 5 describes five areas of sin and sums them up with the word idolatry. In Paul’s mind idolatry was not just worshipping little Buddha’s in a worship or in a home shrine. Idolatry, scripturally speaking, is anything that was more important than Christ. Immorality: The church has a pornography, adultery, and lust problem. This is not merely an epidemic found in those who have no allegiance to Christ. These issues are clearly found in the church. The vast majority of those who sin in these ways know it is wrong. Yet, they continue in it. Why? It has become more important than Christ in the mind of the person indulging in it. But if they are going to come out of it, they have to see what it is doing to them. They have to see its corrupting influence on their thinking and living. They have to see that even if the sin is hidden … it is destroying them from the inside out. They are crushing the relationships around them, even if the other people do not know the reason why. They have to hate that destruction. Greed: Greed is not limited to financial resources. Greed impacts our desire for power, for control, for relationships, and for material possessions. Greed continually offers a promise … “you will be happy if __________.” Yet, we all know that does not make us happy. Even if we receive power, control, a relationship, a material possession greed will return and tell us the same thing “you will be happy if ___________.” It is an idolatrous path and a path that no longer allows us to fulfill God’s will in our lives because we are too concerned about fulfilling immorality’s will or greed’s will. Idolatry leaves a path of destruction … it starts with the destruction of our character and moves progressively outward. We have to learn to hate the sin that leads to that corruption. Paul also gives a couple reasons … Because God’s wrath is upon those who practice idolatry Colossians 3:6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience Paul’s point is that it seems very strange that believers would have an interest in engaging in idolatry when idolatry brings the wrath of God. In the last 12 months our ABFs studied the book of Revelation. The dichotomy could not have been more clear. God’s people doing God’s will receive the joys of heaven that are so amazing that they cannot even be fully described. But those who reject the Lord endure suffering on the grandest scale imaginable. Why would we, as believers in Jesus, want to indulge in something that is common for those who do not know Christ? Why would we want to join in worshipping something that deserves a one way ticket to hell? Because we exchanged the old way of life for a new one Colossians 3:7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. Colossians 3:10-11 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. This second reason is related to the first. We were confronted with a choice. When we heard the message of the gospel we had to decide. Do I believe that I am a sinner? Do I believe that my sin is worthy of the wrath of God? Do I believe that I need to trust in the D/B/R of Jesus? The day we answered those questions “yes” was the day we exchanged the old for the new. It was the day that we were made alive with Christ. [Give the gospel] Friends, the idea that we would indulge in the sins of our past is just as crazy As our 6 year old who starts sucking their thumb. They gave that up years ago. As a person who successfully completed Calculus only to sign up for a class on arithmetic. They did that years ago. As a person who decided to crawl after they learned to walk. Paul explains that I should want to hate my sin because God’s wrath is upon those who reject Christ and live like this and because I set that aside. I gave that up when I asked for Christ. I want to encourage you right now to write down on your notes the two sins you struggle with the most. Maybe it is a form of immorality … maybe it is your anger that goes from 1 to 100 in 1 second … maybe it is your filthy mouth … maybe it is your lying … maybe it is the negative way you talk about other people. Then, I want you to think how that sin continues to corrupt you (making it easier to do the next time). Think about how that sin is what brings the wrath of God on those who disobey the gospel. Think about how contrary to the new man these sins are. Learn to hate them. Learn to hate what they produce in your life. Go back to v. 8 Sinful anger … where has it taken you? What has it accomplished? Slander … speaking ill of other people… what has that accomplished? Abusive speech … what has that done to your relationships? What has been accomplished? These things destroy relationships. We avoid these people in Meijer. They put in 3D our hypocrisy. They result in putting us in the position to continue in our sin. Friends, after choosing to appreciate all Christ has done, we need to hate everything that results in destruction and corruption. Without a genuine hate for it, we will not change. #3. You must repent for your willing participation in that sin       Colossians 3:5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. Colossians 3:8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, I suggested to you that to understand vv. 5-11 we need to pay particular attention to the commands or imperatives (Put to death, Put on, do not lie). Inherent in these commands is the belief that these things are wrong and hating all of the consequences they produce in my life. But putting to death is more than hating isn’t it? It is also repenting. I don’t have time in this sermon to unpack the concept of biblical repentance but here are 3 common characteristics of a repentant person. But I cannot just hate what sin does to my relationships. I cannot just appreciate Christ. I know, both by experience and ministry, that one moment we can be praising the Lord and the next moment indulging in our sin. We must repent. By taking responsibility for sin When I am in trouble I want to find as many ways as possible to minimize the damage. If I am 80% wrong then I want to find a way to make the 20% as important as possible. Repentant people do not do this. They take responsibility for their sin and acknowledge their wrongs without trying to blame someone or something. By recognizing the Lord’s warnings When we sin the Lord provides various warnings. Sometimes they come from the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it comes from our Bible reading. Sometimes it comes from sermons. Those who are repentant acknowledge that God is seeking to get their attention. Rather than listening to the various warnings they told God he needed to get a bigger stick. By accepting consequences Sometimes it is very difficult to accept consequences for our sin. Yet, the repentant person must be willing to bear whatever the Lord allows. Those who refuse to let the consequences come demonstrate that rather than repentance they want to control the situation. Let’s come back to those two sins you wrote down earlier. Friends, you have to hate them or they will be just like the cooler and just like the ice cream – things that we do not plan to change. The issues of our sins are much more important than a little cooler or bowl of ice cream. Not only to you have to hate them, you have repent for them. I want to encourage you to decide that today is a day you are ready to put these to death. If I am loving Christ and all that he has done for me and thus valuing my new man condition and if I am willing to hate my sin and repent for it, then I am in the perfect position to take the next step. #4. You must renew your mind with the peace of Christ and the Word of Christ. Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. A key aspect of the change process has to do with the mind. We will only put off what we believe needs to be put off. There isn’t a put off or a put on without some change taking place at the level of the mind and heart. There is not a change at the level of the mind or heart with a willingness to Let the peace of Christ rule Jesus came to make and bring peace. But when the peace of Christ is not ruling in our hearts then we will find ways to have conflict. When the peace of Christ is ruling in our hearts then our horizontal relationships can also be characterized by that same peace. When the peace of Christ is ruling in our hearts then we don’t have to have our agenda. We don’t have to our way and that is the pathway to peace in our relationships. Be filled with the Word One of the reasons that we are not convicted is that we do not have the Word dwelling in our hearts. One of the reasons that we do not see a reason for change is the Word is not dwelling in our hearts. This is where ABFs and FCI classes come from. [Talk about the value of exposure to that much truth] Now we have a very nice balance … assuming you take advantage of the opportunities Our final step is … #5. You must do the actions that glorify Christ. Colossians 3:12-14 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. The final part of the change process is replacement. I not only stop doing something; I also start doing something else. Again the Lord was kind enough to explain the content of his will to us. Each one of these elements is something that God says he wants to be true for every one of his children. A heart of compassion and kindness Both of these actions are concerned with how we relate to people. We have all seen the special moments where a special needs person on a high school football team runs for a touchdown and all the players and fans celebrate his success. We have also seen groups like the make a wish foundation who offers special trips to children and their families with a terminal illness. Many of them bring us to tears. But compassion and kindness is not just for the large special moments, they are supposed to be part of our character. Part of how we relate to people in our daily routine. Compassion and kindness should impact how we wake up, how we greet our children, the attitude we have the moment we walk into work. If people don’t like to hang out with you, maybe it is because you are not a person who has compassion and kindness as a part of your character. Humility In Greek culture humility was always bad. It was a symbol of weakness. It took the person of Jesus to convert the entire group of “humility” words in the Greek language and make them a positive virtue. But much like our ancient counterparts, humility is not celebrated as a whole in our society. It is part of the Christian worldview. It means that I can produce like crazy and not ask for all the credit. It means I can work hard and not ask people to worship me along the way. It means I don’t have to the hero of my family, of my marriage, of my co-workers, or my church because I understand that there is only one hero and that is Jesus. Bearing with another This is another description for patience. Patience is not a one-time occasion. It is supposed to be part of our character because we recognize that God is patient with us. We could ask ourselves if God responded to me the way I am responding to others, what would be true? Some of us have very little patience for others of us. This is an area God may want you to think about today. I have covered a lot of ground today. This passage is one of the richest passages in the Bible on the process of biblical change. I think it is helpful to put this process on a couple of charts to make it something easy to use. Foundation: I love and appreciate Jesus for who he is and what he has done. He brings about conviction regarding an area of sin. (this was point 1)   Put to death Renew my mind Put On Sinful anger I believe that sinful anger is wrong and is a disgrace to the cross of Christ. I hate what it is doing in my life and relationships. I believe that my anger should be consistent with the Lord’s. Righteous anger Sinful expressions of anger I believe that my expressions of anger are sinful. They are not consistent with the Lord’s treatment of me nor are they appropriate. I believe that my anger should be expressed in ways consistent with biblical truth. Righteous expressions of anger Impatience I believe that my impatience is sinful and if God treated me the way I am treating _____, then I would be in serious trouble. It is my responsibility, by the power of Christ, to bear with ___________ in love. bearing with one another   You can even take this exact same chart and use it with one instance in your life (even it if only took 10 minutes). Event: Sinful expressions of anger   Put to death Renew my mind Put On I yelled I believe that sinful anger is wrong and is a disgrace to the cross of Christ. I believe that my anger should be consistent with the Lord’s. Righteous anger I threw a ball across the room in frustration I believe that my expressions of anger are sinful. They are not consistent with the Lord’s treatment of me nor are they appropriate. I believe that my anger should be expressed in ways consistent with biblical truth. Righteous expressions of anger I left the house and slammed the door on the way out. I believe that my impatience is sinful and if God treated me the way I am treating _____, then I would be in serious trouble. It is my responsibility, by the power of Christ, to bear with one another (warts and all). bearing with one another   I want to encourage you this week to take this chart and use it as a template for the 2 areas that you believe God wants you to change.

Numbers 13:-14 Watch Video Listen to MP3 Download Handout Download Manuscript → Click to view the Sermon Outline 1 Corinthians 10:11 - Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Numbers 13:2 - …the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel… 3 characteristics of people God uses to lead the accomplishment of His plan I. Passionate Commitment to the Word of God A. In the twelve spies Deuteronomy 1:23-33 - The thing pleased me and I took twelve of your men, one man for each tribe. They turned and went up into the hill country, and came to the valley of Eshcol and spied it out. Then they took some of the fruit of the land in their hands and brought it down to us; and they brought us back a report and said, ‘It is a good land which the Lord our God is about to give us.’ Yet you were not willing to go up, but rebelled against the command of the Lord your God; and you grumbled in your tents and said, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us. ‘Where can we go up? Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified to heaven. And besides, we saw the sons of the Anakim there.” ’ Then I said to you, ‘Do not be shocked, nor fear them. The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place.’ But for all this, you did not trust the Lord your God, who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go. B. In John Wycliffe (1330 – 1384) Leading pastor and professor in Oxford, England Taught that church leaders who live and rule unjustly are in breach under the terms under which God delegates authority. Suggested that “rather than looking to the pope of his emissaries, one just needed to study the Bible to learn all that was necessary for the Christian life.”  “Wycliffe’s greatest contribution to reform was to popularize the Bible.  In those days, for the most part only Latin translations were available, which was inaccessible to most people; they were kept in churches and read by the clergy, who were supposed to translate the text and teach people its contents.”  “Wycliffe believed that the Scripture was complete—it contained the whole of God’s revelation.  Thus canon law, church tradition, and even the papacy had to be judged by Scripture.” C. In John Hus (1369 – 1415) “Like Wycliffe, Hus argued that the Bible alone was the basis for spiritual authority—not the church, not councils, not traditions—and if the Bible is sufficient for spiritual guidance, it should be available to everyone.” D. In you and me II. Willingness to Stand Up and Stand Out A. On the twelve spies Numbers 14:1-3 - Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! “Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” Numbers 14:6 - Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes… B. John Wycliffe Condemned as a heretic by Pope Gregory XI with 18 bulls (papal decrees) Followers called “Lollards” (mumblers who talked non-sense) Followers cast out of Oxford because of their insistence that “all the church’s teaching and institutions should be tested rigorously against the record of God’s purposes in Scripture.” C. John Hus  “I have said that I would not, for a chapel full of gold, recede from the truth…I know that the truth stands and is mighty forever, and abides eternally, with whom there is no respect of persons.” III. Prepared to Pay Whatever Price is Necessary A. 12 spies Numbers 14:10 - But all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Then the glory of the Lord appeared in the tent of meeting to all the sons of Israel. B. John Wycliffe Condemned to death Because he died of natural causes, the church decided at the Council of Constance thirty years later to exhume his bones and burn them. C. John Hus Burned at the stake by the church on July 6, 1415 Outlined Manuscript - thank the Lord for men like Joshua and Caleb, huh?...and please remember what Paul said…”these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come...”… - and what I’d like to suggest to you now is – God used John Wycliffe and John Hus over 2500 years later to be just like Joshua and Caleb… - so let’s talk about The Importance of Courageous Ministry Pioneers…and with the time we have remaining...please think with me about 3 characteristics of people God Uses to lead the accomplishment of His plan. I. Passionate Commitment to the Word of God - 40 years later, Moses retold this story to the descendants of the 10 spies and those who had not been adults when this sin was committed…along with Joshua and Caleb who were allowed to live to see this day because of their faithfulness… - and why was that…because Moses was preparing that generation to now enter the promised land and he didn’t want them to repeat the same sin of unbelief as their forefathers…so here’s what he said… A. In the twelve spies - Deuteronomy 1:23–33 - The thing pleased me and I took twelve of your men, one man for each tribe. They turned and went up into the hill country, and came to the valley of Eshcol and spied it out. Then they took some of the fruit of the land in their hands and brought it down to us; and they brought us back a report and said, ‘It is a good land which the Lord our God is about to give us.’ Yet you were not willing to go up, but rebelled against the command of the Lord your God; and you grumbled in your tents and said, ‘Because the Lord hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us.    ‘Where can we go up? Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified to heaven. And besides, we saw the sons of the Anakim there.” ’ Then I said to you, ‘Do not be shocked, nor fear them. The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as a man carries his son, in all the way which you have walked until you came to this place.’ But for all this, you did not trust the Lord your God, who goes before you on your way, to seek out a place for you to encamp, in fire by night and cloud by day, to show you the way in which you should go. - did you notice the keys that we underlined?... - they rebelled against the command of the Lord… - they did not trust the Lord their God… - they did not let His Word grip their heart the way it was intended to… - let’s advance the story 2500 plus years…now it’s the mid-14th century AD… - you could call the two men we’re talking about this morning – Wycliffe and Hus “pre-reformers”…they lived before Martin Luther…but in many ways set the stage for how God later used Luther… - and it revolved around this same issue… B. In John Wycliffe (1330 – 1384) - at several points this am, I’m going to quickly listing several historical facts – this comes from the five books I recommended at the beginning of the year, especially Erwin Lutzer’s book Rescuing the Gospel… Leading pastor and professor in Oxford, England Taught that church leaders who live and rule unjustly are in breach under the terms under which God delegates authority. Suggested that “rather than looking to the pope of his emissaries, one just needed to study the Bible to learn all that was necessary for the Christian life.” - it’s hard for us to understand the level of courage it took to take positions like this… - the clergy were viewed as having a special connection to God which is why they were the only ones who had copies of the Bible…they were the only ones who drank from the cup during the Lord’s Table…they were the ones who had the power to mystically transform the bread and the wine to the body and blood of Christ… - in others words, they held the key to your salvation…whether what they said and did was a violation of the Word of God or not… “Wycliffe’s greatest contribution to reform was to popularize the Bible.  In those days, for the most part only Latin translations were available, which was inaccessible to most people; they were kept in churches and read by the clergy, who were supposed to translate the text and teach people its contents.” - remember that all of this was before the invention of the printing press – yet he led people to make hand copies of the Bible in their own language…I mentioned several weeks ago that it took 10 months for a scribe to make one copy of the Bible…yet that’s exactly what they did… - Lutzer also made this observation… “Wycliffe believed that the Scripture was complete—it contained the whole of God’s revelation.  Thus canon law, church tradition, and even the papacy had to be judged by Scripture.” - and you and I might say – and that’s what we believe…it’s one thing for us to believe that today…but what about the courage of this ministry pioneer to risk everything because of his commitment to the Word of God… - that sounds an awful lot like what Caleb and Joshua would have done – our fidelity is to the commands of the Lord our God…we are going to trust what He has said…” - the same was true of… C. In John Hus (1369 – 1415) - what’s amazing about this part of the story is that Hus was from Bohemia…what is essentially modern day Czech Republic - the connection was that because of political alliances, Czech students were invited to study at Oxford, and they learned about the writings of Wycliffe and carried them back to their country… - so I’m skipping  lot for sake of time…but Hus began preaching about reformation of the church in Bohemia just like Wycliffe had in England…and it all came down to the Scriptures… - “Like Wycliffe, Hus argued that the Bible alone was the basis for spiritual authority—not the church, not councils, not traditions—and if the Bible is sufficient for spiritual guidance, it should be available to everyone.” - that’s what motivates Courageous Ministry Pioneers…a passionate commitment to the Word of God… D. In you and me. - can I ask you this – If the Lord wanted to use you to provide leadership in the accomplishment of some aspect of His plan in your family, your neighborhood, your workplace, our church, our community… - would your habits regarding the Word of God make it more or less likely that you would be prepared for the task?... - and what specific steps would need to be taken to make that more true in the days ahead?... - Last Sunday night we began our work on crafting our next 5 year ministry plan… - we kid about this from time to time – but the truth is, humanly speaking, many of us around here would say that careful, thoughtful, prayer-saturated strategic planning has been one of the keys, humanly speaking, to what the Lord has chosen to do through our church family… - if you study our current plan, and then compare it to the previous ones…what ties them together in many ways is exactly what we are seeing in Caleb and Joshua and in people like Wycliffe and Hus… - even in a culture that is moving further and further away from any respect for biblical truth – our church family has said – we want to find as many creative ways as we possibly can to proclaim Christ and His Word whatever the cost…whatever the sacrifice… - and I would encourage you to make it a matter of daily, regular prayer that in this new plan…we do not deviate from that commitment in any way, shape, or form… - yes, it will be harder than ever…we’re being told by church growth experts that such an emphasis is practically a death sentence in this culture… - or course that’s exactly what the ten spies said nearly 3500 years ago…and nobody even remembers their names… II. Willingness to Stand Up and Stand Out A. On the twelve spies - it’s not easy to be one of the two when you’re up against not just the other ten…but against the entire nation who are throwing a full-blown hissy fit… - remember what we read…Numbers 14:1–3 - Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! “Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” - that’s a lot of pressure to stand up to…but that’s what they did… - Numbers 14:6 - Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes… - that’s courageous ministry leadership right there… B. John Wycliffe Condemned as a heretic by Pope Gregory XI with 18 bulls (papal decrees). Followers called “Lollards” (mumblers who talked non-sense) Followers cast out of Oxford because of their insistence that “all the church’s teaching and institutions should be tested rigorously against the record of God’s purposes in Scripture.” - Wycliffe refused to cave in…and he led his followers to translate God’s Word into the language of the common man anyway…they stood up and they stood out – that’s what courageous ministry leaders do…the same was true of… C. John Hus - Hus was eventually charged as a heretic at the Council of Constance - he was then imprisoned with little water or food in an attempt to break him down so he would recant what he had taught… - Hus wrote – “I have said that I would not, for a chapel full of gold, recede from the truth…I know that the truth stands and is mighty forever, and abides eternally, with whom there is no respect of persons.” - on July 6th, 1415, they brought Hus into the cathedral and forced him to stand on a table…they put a tall paper crown on his head with three devils who were supposedly fighting for his soul…they wrote the words “Chief of the Heretics” on it in an attempt to make him recant his views on the centrality of the Word of God… - humanly speaking – we believe the kinds of things we believe fully and freely because of men and women like John Wycliffe and John Hus who were willing to pay whatever price was necessary to stand up and stand out… - can I ask you again – are you like that?... - if it means being different than the people at work…different than the people at school…different than your extended family or friends…are you willing to stand up and stand out in order to make a difference for God… - let me update you a bit on the development of our third campus…and maybe I should give the bottom line first – we’re going to be asking everyone at our 2 current campuses to consider whether the Lord might be directing you to become part of this new church plant in the north end… - but it’s really marvelous the way these options are setting up… - because for those who would like to worship and serve in a suburban setting with an emphasis on community ministry, and a Christian school, and community athletics, and special ministries to senior citizens and at-risk girls…then Faith East is the place for you… - if you feel called to campus ministry or service on the west side of town…there’s Faith West… - and if you think the Lord may be leading you into worship and ministry in more of an urban setting, we’re going to have Faith North at the Northend Community Center… - of course there’s also the option of worshipping at one place and then service across all three ministry platforms or even out at Bethany Farms… - we’ve decided that because it appears that we’re going to be able to break ground on the NCC this summer and open it in the summer of 2018, we’re going to wait until that point for the formal launch of the church plant down there…that gives us 16-18 months to finalize our organization and get all of our leadership teams and small groups in place… - if you think you might be interested in making that transition, would you please send  me, or the church office, or Joey Wright or Stefan Nitzschke an e-mail because we plan to get started on the back-room planning and organization right away… - but we all know this – regardless of the campus – we want to stand up and stand out for Christ and His Word… - last week I mentioned the book Moore Than a Bird by Liz Huntley… - Liz grew up in Clanton, Alabama in a very poor family and was the victim of terrible sexual abuse at the hands of extended family members… - but here’s a part of her story… There was a new church in our neighborhood that everyone was buzzing about as being a different kind of church. My Aunt Liz began to attend, and I noticed a difference in her. She seemed happier. She invited me to a service with her one Wednesday night...When the service began, the minister, Pastor Elijah Good, asked the congregation to take out their Bibles. I had never attended a church where you were asked to follow along with the sermon by looking at your own Bible. I did not even own a Bible. The minister then asked for those who did not have a Bible to raise their hands so that one could be provided to them. He said that it was very important to him for us to see the Word of God for ourselves as he taught. I eagerly raised my hand for a Bible. Reading the Bible and then comprehending what was being said reminded me of school and what I liked doing the most. I will never forget the sermon. It was about Joseph and how God used his life in spite of all of its tragic events. I sat and read along and thought, “If God can use Joseph’s life for a good purpose even though all of those bad things happened to him, maybe He can use my life.” What I thought were feelings of inspiration at the time were really feelings of conviction. When I walked into that church, I felt like a used rag doll. I was so depressed that I was on the verge of being suicidal. When I left that church, for the first time in my young life, I felt hope for my future. It was all that I could think about. I could not wait to get back to the church the following Wednesday night to see what Pastor Good would teach. The sermon that night came from the scripture Matthew 6:26 which reads: Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Pastor Good discussed how if God takes care of the birds and other things in nature, He will certainly take care of His children. He stressed that no matter what we are going through, we must be more than a bird and that God will see His children through any circumstance. As he kept saying, “you are more than a bird,” my faith grew. At the end of service, I went up and professed my sins, and God saved my soul. I thank God for His mercy. When I left the church that night, I no longer felt like a used rag doll. I knew that no matter what happened, I was more than a bird and that God would take care of me. From that night forward, I was at church every time I had the opportunity. For the first time in my life, someone taught me about life. Pastor Good and his wife were not just the leaders of our church, they became surrogate parents to me. They were examples of how to take care of a family and how to be contributing members of society. - aren’t you glad for an urban pastor like Pastor Elijah Goode?...whose ministry stood up and stood out because he faithfully taught the Word… - that’s what we intend to continue to do at FE, and continue to do at FW, and begin doing at Faith North… - and the question we’d like to ask you to begin considering is – at which location would you like to stand up…and stand out? III. Prepared to Pay Whatever Price is Necessary A. 12 spies - so where did Joshua and Caleb’s courage get them in the short term?... - Numbers 14:10 - But all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Then the glory of the Lord appeared in the tent of meeting to all the sons of Israel. - how about… B. John Wycliffe Condemned to death Because he died of natural causes, the church decided at the Council of Constance thirty years later to exhume his bones and burn them. - then there’s… C. John Hus Burned at the stake by the church on July 6, 1415 - those are the kind of people who are theological forbearers… - and as we said earlier, we freely and joyfully believe doctrines like that men and women in the past have been willing to give their lives for if necessary… - because that’s what courageous ministry pioneers do…

Colossians 3:1-4 Watch Video Listen to MP3 Download Manuscript Download Handout → Click to view the Sermon Outline Psalm 10:4 - The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are, “There is no God.” 1 John 2:15-17 - Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 3 realities to help you live out your faith I. Your Present Position Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-10 - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. A. You’re united with Christ 3:1 - …raised up with Christ… 3:1 - …where Christ is… 3:3 - …hidden with Christ… 3:4 - …with Him in glory… B. Raised with Him Colossians 3:1 - Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ… “Paradoxically, before Christians can reach the world, they must first leave it.” John MacArthur, Colossians, p. 125 Colossians 2:21 - Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch! Colossians 2:23 - These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. C. Died with Him Colossians 3:3 - For you have died… Colossians 1:13 - For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son… Romans 6:3-4 - Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?  Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. D. Your life is hidden Colossians 3:3 - For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 1. You share a common life with the Father and Son. 1 Corinthians 6:17 - But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 2 Peter 1:4 - …you may become partakers of the divine nature… 2. This new life is concealed from the world. 1 Corinthians 2:14 - But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be… 3. Christians are eternally secure, hidden protectively from all spiritual foes. John 10:28 - …and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. II. Your Purposeful Pursuit A. Keep seeking things that are above Colossians 3:1 - …keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. zeteo – continuous action – keep seeking Matthew 6:33 - But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. B. Set your mind on things above Colossians 3:2 - Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. phroneo – think – have this inner disposition (MacArthur, p. 129) Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or disputing… III. Your Future Presentation Colossians 3:4 - When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Outlined Manuscript - How many of us have heard the saying – “that person is so heavenly minded he’s no earthly good”…probably all of us right… - in fact in my extensive research on this subject I even learned that the eminent theologian Johnny Cash has a song with that title…so surely that says something… - …so heavenly minded he’s no earthly good… - well, what exactly does that mean?...I suppose it’s an individual who spends so much time praying or thinking about spiritual truth or biblical principles that he has no time for accomplishing what the Lord desires on earth… - kind of like a monk or one of those guys who goes and sits on top of a flagpole and chants to heaven or something… - well, let me ask you this…do you know anyone like that?... - do you know anyone today who fits into this category – so heavenly minded he’s no earthly good… - I don’t…I honestly can’t think of one person that I know on any level that deserves that label, or criticism, or whatever it is… - let’s push it one step further…what about those who might fit in the reverse category…those who are so earthly minded that they are no heavenly good…like this guy -- Psalm 10:4 - The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are, “There is no God.” - there’s a person who’s so earthly minded he’s no heavenly good, right?... - or this warning -- 1 John 2:15–17 - Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. - that’s a pretty clear warning isn’t it – about being so earthly minded that you’re no heavenly good… - now let me ask you this – in those moments when you’re not perfectly balanced (you can decide if that’s once a month or once…a minute) – in those moments when you’re not perfectly balanced… - do you tend to be a person who’s too heavenly minded…or not heavenly minded enough?... - and how does that affect your ability to know God, and to love God, and to serve God… - with that in mind, I’d like to invite you to open your Bible this am to Colossians chapter 3…page 158 of the back section of the Bible under the page in front of you… - our church’s theme this year is In Christ Alone…and why is that?... because this the 500th anniversary of the protestant reformation…and these words summarize the five solas of the reformation, that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to the Scriptures alone, to the glory of God alone… - in these first months of the year, we’re doing a verse by verse study of the book of Colossians entitled Our Sufficiency in Christ… - that’s why everyone in our church family is going to try to read at least one book on the Protestant Reformation this year…because we don’t want to squander any potential growth opportunities this important anniversary affords us… - now, I know what some of you are thinking…but PV, I already finished that book…and now I’m planning on going to the beach in the next few weeks for spring break and I don’t know what I’m going to read… - friend…have no fear…I am going to offer a solution to that problem before this message is over… - now, we’re about the make a very important transition in our study…these chapter divisions in the Bible were added later – and they certainly help us find our way around God’s Word…sometimes they are unfortunate because they break up important sentences or flows of thought… - in this case, the break is right where we would expect it to be…because Paul is making a clear transition as he almost always does between doctrine and practice…between truth and practical application…that’s why verse 1 starts with the word…3:1 - therefore - In his commentary on Colossians, Bible teacher Warren Wiersbe said…In the final two chapters of Colossians, Paul moved in the practical application of the doctrines he had been teaching. After all, it does little good if Christians declare and defend the truth, but fail to demonstrate it in their lives. There are some Christians who will defend the truth at the drop of a hat, but their personal lives deny the doctrines they profess to love. “They profess that they know God, but in works they deny Him” (Titus 1:16). We must keep in mind that the pagan religions of Paul’s day said little or nothing about personal morality. A worshipper could bow before an idol, put his offering on the altar and go back to live the same old life of sin. What a person believed had no direct relationship with how he behaved, and no one would condemn a person for his behavior. But the Christian faith brought a whole new concept into pagan society: what we believe has a very definite connection with how we behave! After all, faith in Christ means being united to Christ; and if we share His life, we must follow His example. He cannot live in us by His Spirit and permit us to live in sin. Paul connected doctrine with duty in this section…(Bible Exposition Commentary, p. 133). -  and I think all of us would say – and that’s exactly what we want…so please listen carefully to this short passage of Scripture…[read Colossians 3:1-4]… - we’re talking this morning about Practicing What You Believe…and with the time we have remaining, let’s think about 3 realities to help you live out your faith. - first of all, I. Your Present Position - I recognize that a number of people who are worshipping with us these days are very new to studying the Word of God… - and can I just say that if you fit into that category…we are so glad you’re coming…that’s a sign of church health and we always want to be sure that we are making biblical truth as understandable to as many people as possible… - well, one of the first distinctions that has to be made about any Bible verse or principle in Scripture is – is this speaking about position, or practice?... - or “who I am in Christ”…or “what I’m to become”… - or more formally – is this a gospel indicative…or a gospel imperative?... - so what’s the difference?... - a person becomes a Christian, or a follower of Christ…at a specific point in time… - that’s why God uses metaphors like birth and marriage to describe the process… - events like that happen at specific points in time… - so you recognize your sin and how that has separated you from a holy God…you come to an understanding that you cannot earn your way to heaven on your own merit… - and then you repent…you turn around…and you place your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ…you accept salvation as a free and complete gift of grace… - Ephesians 2:8–9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. - and when that occurs, literally hundreds of things happen to you…related to your position before God… - you’re forgiven, you’re adopted, you’re justified, you’re sealed with the Holy Spirit until the Day of promise… - all of that is referring to the gospel indicatives…who you are in Christ…and often when the Bible speaks – it is referring to some aspect of your identity – your position…that is why the Scripture would even go so far to say of you that you are holy…you are a holy priesthood…a holy nation…you’ve been declared righteous… - how could that be so based on the fact that we all know we still sin?...well, in those cases the Lord is talking about our position…he chooses to look at us now through the lens of the righteousness of Hid Son… - but in plenty of other places…the Bible is talking about our practice…our lifestyle…the gospel imperatives…what we do because of who we are in Christ…in His strength…in His power…but still as our responsibility…which is why when you layer Ephesians 2:10 into the conversation – you say the balance… Ephesians 2:8–10 - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. - here’s the point – studying the Word of God will be very frustrating to you unless you regularly ask the question – is the Lord speaking here about my position, or my practice…what’s He’s done for me fully and completely in Christ, or what I’m to do in response to His grace…an indicative or an imperative?...but once you start thinking about Scripture in this way….a lot of things fall into place… - now, in the verses we just read [as is often the case], you see an interchange…there are several key ideas about our position mixed together with other key ideas about our practice…because we’re at a transition point in the book from one to the other… - in fact – let’s read the verses one more time – but please the appropriate phrase to the appropriate category… - read Colossians 3:1-4 - it’s pretty obvious when you look at it that way, isn’t it?... - so again…3 realities to help you live out your faith. - the first one being…I. Your Present Position - what’s emphasized throughout the verses is how…A. You’re united with Christ. - how many times do you see that in these verses?... 3:1 - …raised up with Christ 3:1 - …where Christ is 3:3 - …hidden with Christ 3:4 – with Him in glory - that’s part of what makes what we’re talking about this morning so possible…how can you be appropriately heavenly minded?...by/through the power of your present position…look at the identity and location of the Person to whom you’re united… - Paul also says you’re… B. Raised with Him. - Colossians 3:1 - Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ… - now, we should probably say something about that word “if”… - Greek grammarians refer to that as a “first class condition” (I’m sure that warms your heart)…but in English it could literally be translated since…and that’s certainly the sense of it here… - the word literally means “co-resurrected…” - John MacArthur said it like this – Paradoxically, before Christians can reach the world, they must first leave it (John MacArthur, Colossians, p. 125). - and when you tie that back to what Pastors Aucoin and Green taught us about last week – invariably false teachers are going to try to ground your spirituality in some practice on earth – Colossians 2:21 - Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch! - all sorts of man-made rules, or asceticism, or worship of angels…or whatever…and he says… - Colossians 2:23 - These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. - you have something far better than that – your union with Christ in His resurrection… - he picks that up again in verse 3 when he says you’ve also… C. Died with Him. - Colossians 3:3 - For you have died… - now, you might say – I would have thought that would have been stated in reverse order…and that’s true…but for whatever reason…Paul stated it in the order he did without explaining why… - but we know this…the moment you place your faith and trust in Christ…there’s a death and a resurrection…there’s the creation of a new person and a new union… - you die to sin and you’re raised to new life in Him… - you die to your self-righteousness and you’re clothed in the righteousness of Christ… - as we saw earlier in this book -- Colossians 1:13 - For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son… - and this is taught in some very pivotal places in Scripture…Romans 6:3–4 - Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?  Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. - Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. - now, Paul makes one other observation about your position in verse 3…what is it?... D. Your life is hidden. - Colossians 3:3 - For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. - in what sense is that true?...John MacArthur offers three answers to that question… 1. You share a common life with the Father and Son. 1 Corinthians 6:17 - But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 2 Peter 1:4 - …you may become partakers of the divine nature… - so you are hidden with Christ in God…you share a common life… 2. This new life is concealed from the world. - Paul says clearly – this is hidden… 1 Corinthians 2:14 - But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be… - and also that… 3. Christians are eternally secure, hidden protectively from all spiritual foes. John 10:28 - …and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. - so how is it that many followers of Jesus Christ can live in a way that is appropriately heavenly minded?...or at least headed in that direction?... - it’s because of the power of their position in Christ and their increasing recognition of the implications of what God has done and seeks to continue to do… - see, they’re united with Christ, and they’ve been raised with Him, and they’ve died with Him, and their life is hidden with Christ in God… - so what does that look like?...in short, it looks amazing… - let me describe for you what I often observe on a Sunday morning around here… - when I arrive there are usually members of the sound crew at either of our campuses…and members of our worship teams… - why would they be here so early?...it’s because they want our worship to be sweet and honoring to the Lord…they want to lift all of our hearts to heaven and help us place our burdens and challenges there… - but it’s not forced or raw duty – it’s something far more delightful…it’s the natural result of living for / through / by / to the Person to whom they’re united… - and sure it doesn’t make sense to the lost and dying world…because those values and passions are hidden and they wouldn’t make sense to someone who isn’t alive in Christ… - then you have Pastor Trey and his entire group of nursery workers and children’s workers…there are hundreds of them…what could explain their willingness to study and prepare their lesson throughout the week…and then make whatever sacrifices in their schedule in order to teach the word of God to the children of our church and community?...and in some cases…people who have been doing that for decades?... - that’s not raw duty…it’s the power of their position… - the week before last I had been in FL teaching at WOLBI, then I traveled to MN for one of our OTR training events…I returned Saturday evening and since Brent and Rob were speaking I was able to enjoy worshipping with our church family…and it was so delightful to see this very passage in action… - I enjoyed, for example…watching some of our dear single men and women in our church…some of them were serving joyfully out in the coffee ministry…others enthusiastically singing…because they have died to themselves and have been raised to a new life in Christ… - it was moving to see some of our dear widows and widowers…some rather new in that position…and no one is saying it’s easy – we’re not going to sugar coat it… - but their minds were on heaven…they were worshipping our Savior…to One to whom they are united… - it’s so great to have our young ladies from Vision of Hope as part of our church family…and now young men from Bethany Farms…followed by a few skateboarders and college students in flip flops and on and on… - something had to happen to us positionally to make that possible…and it’s a beautiful thing… - but you undoubtedly noticed this too – Paul didn’t just talk about your present position…he also emphasized… II. Your Purposeful Pursuit - embedded in these statements about our position is two clear commands…two imperatives…what are they?... A. Keep seeking things that are above. - Colossians 3:1 - …keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. - zeteo – continuous action – keep seeking - it’s just like Jesus said on the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 6:33 - But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - so what does that look like?...well, you can wake up in the morning and start seeking the things that are on earth…or the things that are in heaven… - in other words…your purposes, and your pursuits, and your pleasures…or what your sovereign God desires to accomplish in and through you… - so maybe, just maybe…your kids aren’t perfectly sanctified yet… - and you’re tempted to try to manipulate them through explosions of sinful anger…or other parenting short-cuts…whatever works fastest on earth this very moment… - or, you seek things that are above…which is why you got up before them so you could spend some time in the Word and prayer asking the Person to whom you’re united for help and strength for the day… - and you asked the Lord to help you to rejoice in those weaknesses in your children because of the opportunities they would provide to try to get at issues of the heart…conversations that could have eternal consequences…the reason the One seated at the right hand of God gave them to begin with… - and then you go to your job…and you’re either seeking what you want out of that day at work…or what the One top whom you’re united wants… - a great question for all of us to ask is – are you seeking what’s above right now?...is that what’s leading to choices you’re making, and the words you’re speaking… - the second command is similar… B. Set your mind on things above - Colossians 3:2 - Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. - phroneo – think – have this inner disposition (MacArthur, p. 129) - see, Paul is transitioning us from all the great truths about our sufficiency in Christ in chapters 1-2 to what that ought to look like in real life… - for example, I would encourage you right now to consider this…what if anything would be different if you were more heavenly minded?... - in other words, if because of the power of your union with Christ…you were more consistent at… - seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God… - and setting your mind on the things above, not on the things of earth… - what if anything would be different… - in fact, can I give you a homework assignment?...find a time in the next seven days and turn off all your electronic devices…your TV, your phone, your sound system, your I-Pad, everything… - and honestly meditate on these verses and that question…and then put an action plan together to specifically change whatever needs to be changed… - how about this – how many would say, I need to worry less… - I’ve been convicted of that with this Northend Community Center project…we’ve been working on this behind the scenes for a couple of years…and the Lord has done some amazing things already… - and some of those things I had sinfully worried about…which must be pretty offensive to our Savior who is seated…seated at the right hand of God… - it is impossible to do what this passage of Scripture is commanding and sinfully worry at the same time… - and what’s worse – we’re going into a period of due diligence requirements for the next six months that is rather long and complicated…and the insidious thing is – I’ve found myself asking the Lord to forgive me for sinfully worrying about things in the past He’s now worked out…and five minutes later…sinfully worrying about the next steps… - what about the matter of contentment?...you know the Scripture says…Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or disputing; - that’s pretty straightforward, isn’t it?... - so when we’re complaining – are we seeking the things that are above (acknowledging God’s sovereignty – and His right to give us whatever He wants us to have, whenever He wants us to have it, however He wants us to have it – looking for whatever purpose He might have at the time)…so are we seeking the things that are above… - or, are we seeking the things that are on earth?.... - are we setting on minds on the things above…or the things that are on earth?... - complaining and heavenly mindedness don’t go together very well, do they?... - this principle has some very important implications to us as a church family as well…you have a handout in your bulletin about an input event after CFN this evening regarding our Strategic Ministry Planning process… - can I ask you to begin praying about that regularly?... - we actually weren’t scheduled to do this for another year…but the Lord has given us so many unexpected opportunities since we completed our last one that we really believe we needed to update it this year… - what a perfect opportunity for us as a church family to practice what this passage is calling us to… - and if we’re seeking and setting our minds on earth…that will lead to one kind of plan… - if we’re seeking and setting our minds on thing above, it will be entirely different, won’t it?... - [if time discuss – nothing to prove, not interested in a legacy, the issue is the pace at which we want to try to accomplish what we believe God has for us]… - there’s also implication of this to Serve 17 - I’m glad for the progress that has been made to be sure our children’s ministries are fully staffed…we now have 83% of the positions filled…but we still have 96 opportunities to fill… - I would ask each one of us – have you considered this through the lens of the things above…what God wishes to accomplish in and through you and in the lives of the children of our community…or on the things on earth – the sacrifice and inconvenience it might mean to you… - see, do we really find our sufficiency in Christ…or do we find our sufficiency in our convenience?... - so Paul talks about your present position, and your purposeful pursuit, and lastly… III. Your Future Presentation - we’re going to have to decide this as a church family…we’re congregationally governed so we decide things like our future plan together…and it is very much a grass-roots, ground up process… - but if the past is any indication of what we’ll decide – it’s likely the plan will be fairly aggressive…with all sorts of sacrifice involved, perhaps even financial sacrifice… - and much of that will make very little sense to those around you, and those around us who don’t know the Lord…and don’t really understand us… - but what does this passage promise?... - Colossians 3:4 - When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. - see, that’s what many just can’t understand… - this isn’t a religion for us…or a set of rituals…or rules… - Jesus Christ is our life…He’s the way, the truth, the life – no man comes to the Father by Him… - so when we think about what we’re to do today, and what we’re to do in the days ahead…we seek the things that are above…that’s where we set our minds… - and a lot of that is not going to make a lot of sense until we are revealed with Him in glory… - the announcement was made about the new NCC during the week of our BCTC…because we had just learned that our project had been selected for the final funding stream we needed to make it all possible… - so that Friday the paper asked me to come down to the project site and talk about the project and they took a picture that was on the front page of the Saturday paper… - then I headed down to FL to teach at WOL and that week we had a couple of input opportunities for folks and businesses in that part of town… - and it was almost entirely positive…but there was a person or two that was upset because the north end had been portrayed in a negative light… - and those who were actually at the meeting know that the speaker was actually talking as much about the way the media talks about the north end as anything else… - but by time that hit the paper the article gave the impression that there were all sorts of north end neighbors bristling… - so how do we respond to that?... 1. Well, ultimately that’s a leadership failure on my part because the buck always stops here…Pastor Goode used to say that the major problem is often with the major prophet…and I need to find ways to discuss challenges without it being perceived as overly negative or some kind of personal attack… - so I’m quite certain I have some growing to do…and this passage would instruct me to view that article through the lens of heaven… 2. It’s also true that a few folks in town don’t like us because we are a Bible believing church so there will be criticism of whatever we say or do…that’s why we shouldn’t worry too much about the approval of man on earth…don’t seek or set your mind there… 3. At some point these are spiritual realities because our adversary likes to tear things down – including people and lives and relationships and buildings and businesses and everything else a community… - and He doesn’t like it when something might be encouraged or built up…especially in the name of the One seated at the right hand of God… - something that helped me that very week was reading More Than a Bird by Liz Huntley - it’s the story of a woman who grew up in poverty in Clanton, AL…she was abused in ways that are heartbreaking… - but because of a number of social service agencies and a local church…Elizabeth Huntley was able to graduate from Auburn University and then the Alabama School of Law… - [read from pp. 33-34]… - I really believe the Lord wants us to find, love, and serve boys and girls in the north end, and all over our community – just like Liz Huntley…that’s what Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God, is concerned about… - let’s seek and set our minds on that

Colossians 2:8-23 Watch Video Listen to MP3 Download Handout Download Manuscript → Click to view the Sermon Outline Colossians 1:9-10 - For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…  3 ways that we can be fulfilled in Christ Alone I.  Beware that you do not accept false teaching of any kind (v. 8) Colossians 1:8 - …and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. A. The origin of false teaching will be human tradition rather than God and Christ  B. The content will not be consistent with the sufficiency, supremacy, and sovereignty of Christ C. The motivation will serve self rather than Christ II. Be confident in Christ and His Word in you (vv. 9-15) A. Christ is fully God (v. 9) Colossians 1:9 - For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form Philippians 2:6-8 - …who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. B. Christ made you complete in Him (v. 10) 1. By making us a part of the people of God (v. 11) Colossians 2:11 - …and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ 1 Peter 2:9-10 - But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 2. By making us spiritually alive (vv. 12-13a) Colossians 2:12-13 - …having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him… 3. By forgiving our sin (v. 13b) Colossians 2:13b - …having forgiven us all our transgressions… 4. By cancelling our debts (v. 14) Colossians 2:14 - …having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 5. By giving us victory over our enemies Colossians 2:15 - When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. III. Embrace the freedom you have in Christ alone (vv. 16-23) A. We have freedom from legalism (vv. 16-17, 20-22) Colossians 2:16-17 - Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:20-22 - If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? B. We have freedom from self-righteousness (vv. 18a, 23) Colossians 2:18a - Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels… Colossians 2:23 - These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. C. We have freedom from mysticism (v. 18-19) Colossians 2:18b-19 - …taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. Outlined Manuscript Two weeks ago, during the BCTC my schedule was full with not just teaching, but with meetings, eatings, and greetings. The eatings portion of my day normally did not conclude until 9:30 pm. One particular evening, I was having a delightful time engaging with people and I kept eating and eating and eating. Then it was time for dessert. I was done … no more needed! But the table was convinced that my wife (who was not with me) and I needed to have dessert when I got home. So at 10:00 we were each eating this massive dessert. Mind you …they were good. But after I finished I thought I was going to explode. I could see the headline in the paper. “Pastor explodes after conference guests encourage him to eat too much.” I was completely and utterly fulfilled! Do you know that God wants you to be completely and utterly fulfilled in your relationship with Jesus? Do you know that God wants you to be so satisfied, so confident, and so comforted by Jesus that you do all things to please him? That is one of the reasons our annual theme is “In Christ Alone.” We want everyone in our church absolutely convinced that satisfaction, confidence, comfort, and fulfillment is found in Christ. This morning our session is titled “Fulfilled in Christ Alone.” With that in mind please turn in your Bibles to Colossians 2:8. That is on page ___ of the back section of the Bible in the chair in front of you. As you are turning there, I would like to emphasize two things we have learned so far in Colossians. Paul is writing to a church that has accomplished many great things. This church has a reputation. He did not know them personally, but he knew them by their work. He heard of their faith (1:4), their love for one another because they understand the glories of heaven yet to come (1:4-5), and that they have love in the Holy Spirit (1:8). Not a bad reputation. But Paul then prays … as he normally does in his letters … for something that is very important to that particular church. This is no generic prayer. This is a prayer addressing the needs that they have. Colossians 1:9-10 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;   Paul wants them to understand God’s will with all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Requests like these in the Bible are normally focused on the revealed will of God. He wants us, for example, to be sexually pure, to give thanks in all things, to live for the glory of Christ among others. So Paul prays that the Colossians would be Word centered, obedient Christians. By focusing on Christ, all that he is and all that he does and all that he has done specifically for them, then they will please him in all respects. There were also false teachers. They were alive and active. Enough of the church was following the false teachers that Paul decided to write about it. Let’s read the text. Colossians 2:8-23. Not only are we going to study this text, but we also have the privilege of celebrating the Lord’s Table in our morning service today. It is my goal that we leave this morning fulfilled in Christ. Almost like I was that evening … filled up to the max. Let’s consider three ways that we can be fulfilled in Christ Alone. I.  Beware that you do not accept false teaching of any kind (v. 8) We have spoken several times about the false teaching or heresy present in the church. But nowhere in Scripture does anyone tell us exactly what that false teaching was. Maybe one of the reasons is that false teaching would be present until the day Jesus returns. Thus, God’s people reading God’s Word must be on guard against all false teaching regardless of its source. Thankfully, the Bible says some things about false teaching that really help us. We can say that the prayer in Col 1:9-14 encourages people to move in the opposite direction as the false teaching. If you want to know what a NT book is about … read the prayer. Paul almost always prays at the beginning of the letter and then explains further the issues raised in his prayer. So whatever the heresy was it moved them away from being obedient to the will of God and whatever it was it moved them away from being pleasing to Christ. From that description and from the wording of v. 8 we can surmise a series of tests. We need the tests because we need to beware! The phrase in v. 8 is “beware that you are not kidnapped.” What happened to those girls from Delphi is horrible. We pray for God’s justice for those involved. We pray for healing for the parents, friends, classmates, and the entire town. Someone took those girls captive. That is the kind of imagery used in the text. Pay attention … there are teachings that want to capture you. As is often the case, false teaching does not say, “Come, listen to me so that I can destroy you.” False teaching is far more subtle. How do we believers recognize it? How do we become aware of its presence? Sometimes, a teaching will pass one part of the test but fail miserably at the others. Unless teaching can pass all three, it is false and we must not accept it. The origin of false teaching will be human tradition rather than God and Christ  The language of the text is “according to the tradition of men.” Sometimes false teaching comes in the form of research. Sometimes it comes in the form of opinions. Sometimes it comes in the form of history. The argument seems compelling. It seems to make logical sense. But the person never opens their Bible and proves the validity of their comments. The content will not be consistent with the sufficiency, supremacy, and sovereignty of Christ. The language of v. 8 is that the content of this false teaching will be philosophy and empty deception. These words in the NT are pretty broad. They function as umbrella terms for systems of thought and the implications of that system. During the BCTC Phil and Robin Byars were speaking. Shortly after their daughter was killed there were people who encouraged them to curse God. Curse God for what the Lord allowed to happen to your daughter. With power in his voice Phil said, “I will not curse God.” I don’t know what to do, I don’t know how to feel or what to think right this moment. But I know this … I will not curse God. Do you see what he was doing? These were well intentioned people and yet Phil was able to run the words (the content) through the truth of Scripture that he already knew. While Phil confessed that he did not know what he should be doing right now, he knew what he couldn’t do. Curse God … no way! Cling to God … yes Run in God’s direction … yes Confess his hurts to God … yes But Curse … that’s what Job’s wife wanted Job to do False teaching gives itself away. Sometimes, the teaching does not come with an open Bible. Other times in comes in content that does not scream out Jesus. It leaves people stuck in this sin cursed world rather than transporting them to the feet of the glorious savior who died for them. False teaching gives itself away because sometimes it does not come from an open Bible, sometimes its content is not consistent with the supremacy, sufficiency, and sovereignty of Christ. Then, it gives itself away because … The motivation will serve self rather than Christ According to the elementary principles rather than Christ is the language of v. 8. The elementary principles is a difficult subject. Some translations differ on the English words they put into the text. However, what is very clear is even the motivation behind such teaching is that we will receive the benefit. Imagine completing these sentences … I will be happy if _________” I have a right to _____________” I will earn favor from God and others if I ________” I will be blessed if ____________” Biblical motivation is about Christ. If he decides to grant us favor and blessing then that is his decision. If he wants to give us a particular thing then that is his decision. But what I do is put my focus on Christ. False teaching does not come from an open Bible, with content straight from Scripture, and with our motives set on pleasing Christ. When those moments come … we must beware that we are not captured by that teaching. Song … “All I have is Christ” And it is awesome to have Christ! II. Be confident in Christ and His Word in You (vv. 9-15) I wish I had a whole sermon for this section by itself. Because it is loaded with awesome truth. You could camp here for an entire week. The reason that you can be confident is … Christ is fully God (v. 9) Colossians 1:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form If you have been attending an ABF then you know we have been working through the gospel of Mark. The first 8 chapters are dedicated to the question, who is Jesus? One answer, given in several different ways and different sections is Jesus is God. He is full deity in bodily form. Philippians 2:6-8 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. We can happily sing All I have is Christ. Because it is in him that I have so many blessings. Christ Made You Complete in Him (v. 10) Paul is doing something really clever here. Why is it that you would need to listen to false teaching that leads to focus on statements outside the Bible, that are not consistent with the Bible, and do not lift up the name of Christ? You are already full! That night during the BCTC, I did not need any more food. In fact, I did not even need breakfast the next day. I was complete … I was filled up. Paul uses that idea to describe believers. We have all we need in Christ. In him, the fullness of deity dwells. When I say things like “All I have is Christ” people should not feel sorry for me, they should be jealous! After all … notice what Christ offers. The only thing I have is Christ … that sounds like bad news. All you have is Christ? But the reality is that when I have Christ … I have all that I need and more. From vv. 11-15 we see 5 ways that you and I are complete in Christ. By making us a part of the people of God (v. 11) Colossians 2:11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ In the OT, we know that physical circumcision was a sign that a male was a member of the covenant community of Israel. It was a big deal. In fact, circumcision is a practice that still occurs today because of the OT practice and the significance that it was for God’s people. But beginning with Moses he spoke about a circumcision of the heart. He recognized that it would be possible to have physical circumcision but never adopt the practices and concerns of the Lord. He recognized that an outward behavior would never change the workings of the human heart. Only God could do that. Paul uses that same imagery to remind us that one of the ways we have completeness in Christ is that he made us part of his people. Peter would also write along this theme … 1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. What better status symbol could we ask for? We were once not a people … but now you are the people of God. All you Bible scholars know that is from the book of Hosea. Where the marriage of Hosea and Gomer was an illustration of the relationship between the Lord and the nation. Peter selects that wording to celebrate what we have now in Christ. We are selected among the people of God because our hearts have been circumcised by Christ. By making us Spiritually Alive (vv. 12-13a) Colossians 2:12-13 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him … We know that we were once dead in our trespasses and sins. Yet, God through the work of the Holy Spirit made us alive together with Christ. I understand that I am, in some ways, rebellious and hard-hearted before the Lord. There are areas that I do not want to change. So I can relate to that experience. But I also know this… I respond differently to the Lord’s word than some others. There is a sensitivity, there is an alive and awake condition that not all people share. The Lord’s Word finds it way in my mind. Even if that word does not bear fruit immediately it is there. But some … the Lord’s word goes in one ear and out the other. Friends, if you are struggling to relate to this experience. It may be that your heart has never experienced the circumcision of Christ. It might be that you have never been made alive together with Christ. It might be that you remain in your spiritually dead condition. Can I please urge you to understand the significance of your sin? Can I encourage you that the wages of sin is death? Can I encourage you that there is an answer in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ? I urge you to repent of your sin and trust in the finished work of Jesus for your salvation. Not only has he made us part of the people of God, not only has he made us alive together with Christ, but also By forgiving our sin (v. 13b) Colossians 2:13b having forgiven us all our transgressions What a blessing to know that our sin is removed as far as the east is from the west. What a blessing to know that my sin has already been paid. So when I sing “All I have is Christ” it reminds me that I have forgiveness of my sin. By Cancelling our debts (v. 14) Colossians 2:14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. I hate being in debt. The characteristic of debt is that debt is hostile to us. Man alive, is that true. If you are out of debt praise the Lord. May your tribe increase. But when you have debt it is hostile. It says to you… you owe me … every month. It says to you … I own what you are driving. I own what you are living in. I own you. That is why the Proverbs explain that the debtor is the lender’s slave. I have to ask my mortgage company for permission … that is because I have to write them a check every month for a certain amount of money. I am tired of writing them checks and asking them permission to buy, to invest, or to give. Our sins put us in debt. We were in debt to a holy God for refusing to live a perfect life before him. We refused to follow his word and his commands and chose to do things for ourselves and that put us in debt. The debt we owed was eternal punishment from a Holy and Angry at sin God! Hallelujah … God be praised. He’s risen from the grave. Oh that rugged cross my salvation … now my soul cries out Hallelujah praise and honor unto the The last way given in this section is … By giving us victory over our enemies Colossians 2:15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. We know that we have enemies. Satan and his host are opposed to all that is Christ and for Christ. But why are we complete? Why does our confession of Christ mean that we have everything we need and more? Because God disarmed them and by virtue of the cross demonstrated that through Christ believers enjoy victory. This table represents so much. We have a perfect passage to celebrate it. We see reasons why we should be confident … we are part of the people of God, we have been made spiritually alive, we have had our sins forgiven, we have had our debts erased, and we have been given victory. Praise the Lord. Men, would you please come so we can celebrate the victory we have in Jesus through his sacrifice. We practice what we call open communion. In this church, that means that you do not have to be a member to participate. Instead, you have to meet two basic requirements given in Scripture (1) that you know that you are follower of Christ … if not, we would encourage you to let the elements pass by (no one will judge you) … and then talk to one of us about how you can become a follower of Jesus and (2) that you have examined your life and looked for sin and disunity in the body. Scripture wants us to celebrate this in a worthy manner. 1 Cor 11:23 says, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;” Person to my right … would you please return thanks for the body of the Lord. Ushers will not return immediately. and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” How can we be fulfilled in Christ? Just like my meal filled me to overflowing! Beware not to accept false teaching of any kind. We know that false teaching violates one or more of the following standards: it does not come from God’s word, its content does not match Scripture, and it motivation is selfish. Be Confident in Christ. If all I have is Christ I have a ton. A new community, a new life, a soul free from the power and penalty of sin, a debt that is paid, and an enemy that is vanquished. Here is number 3. III. Embrace the Freedom you have in Christ Alone (vv. 16-23) Well … it seems that if your sin is paid and your debt is erased and your enemies have been vanquished that you would not have any more problems. But, we are a challenging people aren’t we? That is one reason why sometimes we create problems with one another. Sometimes we are the false teachers… not in the sense of teaching another gospel, but in the sense of assigning commands to God that he did not make. The Lord was so gracious to give us the next section. We have freedom from legalism (vv. 16-17, 20-22)       Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day—17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:20-22 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? We have reasons that we like or dislike something. Some people are convinced that things like “forks over knives” or “Atkins” or whoever has the best approach to eating. Some are very passionate about certain days of the week or of the year. Some are really wound tight about certain types of beverages. When we focus there, we are focusing on the shadow rather than the substance. We are wound up about the food, holiday, or beverage that is consumed. We all know that we only have so much time and attention. So let’s devote it to Christ. If someone disagrees with you about how you do Christmas or Halloween or the 4th of July or someone gives an easter basket … then just relax. Christ is the substance and that person has freedom to enjoy their festival, new moon, or Sabbath the way they chose. They can eat kale to the glory of God and they can eat a steak to the glory of God. We have freedom from Self-Righteousness (vv. 18a, 23) Colossians 2:18a Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels … 23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. Maybe a greater danger is that we decide that the concept of penance is a good one. We will feel righteous when we beat ourselves up enough. Of course, the reformation leaders are screaming at us to learn from their mistakes. Martin Luther himself struggled until he rested in the righteousness available in Jesus. There is no form of self-righteousness that is going to work. God designed the world against that idea. He specifically designed the world so that if you think you can earn righteousness you will be constantly exhausted and exhausting to the people around you. Let’s enjoy our freedom from that bondage. We have freedom from mysticism (v. 18-19) Colossians 2:18b-19 taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. Some people are all excited about what seems like really spiritual. They attempt to find hidden messages in all sorts of things. You saw a vision … ohhhh … you had a dream … ahhhh.  These things are “inflated without cause in his own fleshly mind.” What a great comment. It seems that the Scripture encourages us to think carefully and some thoughts do not deserve much time in our mind. Some things take our focus from the beauty and glory of Christ We pay attention to the things that do not matter and we miss all that is of substance. I really like the song called “Man of Sorrows.” I have been referencing part of the chorus. Hallelujah … God be praised. He’s risen from the grave. Oh that rugged cross my salvation … where your blood poured out over me … now my soul cries out Hallelujah praise and honor unto thee. Men, would you please come and serve us. As they are coming do you see how this (communion) fills us? It is a celebration of what Christ did and it looks to his future return. I can be filled up because Jesus gave his life. His body was broken and his blood was spilt for you and me. 1 Cor 11:25a In the same way He took the cup also after supper Person to my left … would you please return thanks for the blood of the New Covenant shed by Christ. Ushers will not return 1 Cor 11:25b-26 This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. Friends, this is an awesome passage. It is so full of truth and passion. It is truly wonderful! You can be fulfilled (filled up to overflowing) in Christ Alone! Let’s stand together to pray and sing one final song “Christ is Risen” confessing the greatness of Christ.