Bakersfield First Assembly

The Hands of Jesus

The Hands that Hold Everything

John 3:31-36 (NIV) – [31] “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. [32] He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. [33] The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. [34] For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. [35] The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. [36] Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

“John’s statement revealed his attitude about Christ’s superiority and preeminence over him… Christ’s heavenly origin gives him superiority over every person.” (Life Application NT Commentary)

John 16:28 (NIV) – [28] “I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

John 6:46 (NIV) – [46] “No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.”

1. He holds heaven is in His hands.

Hebrews 1:10 (NIV) – [10] He also says, “In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.”

Romans 3:3-4 (NIV) – [3] What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? [4] Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.”

John 3:11 (NIV) – [11] I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.

“…John was looking at mankind in general and simply stating that the Savior’s teachings were rejected by the majority. Jesus was the One who came down from heaven, but comparatively few were willing to listen to Him.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary)

2. He holds the truth in His hands.

John 14:10, 14 (NIV) – [10] “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work… [24] He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

“All of God’s former messengers received a limited ‘measure’ of God’s ‘Spirit.’ The Spirit came on the Old Testament prophets only for limited times and purposes. However, God gave His Spirit to Jesus without limit. This guaranteed the truth of Jesus’ words.” (Thomas L. Constable’s Notes)

3. He holds the gift of the Spirit in His Hands.

Luke 3:16 (NIV) – [16] John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

Acts 1:4-5 (NIV) – [4] On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 3:16-17 (NIV) – [16] As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. [17] And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

4. He holds love in His hands.

John 13:3 (NIV) – [3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God.

5. He holds the universe together in His hands.

Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV) – [15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

6. He holds you together in His hands.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) – [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

7. He holds all authority in His hands.

Bakersfield First Assembly

The Hands of Jesus

The Hands that are Scarred

John 20:24-29 (NIV) – [24] Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. [25] So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his HANDS and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” [26] A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [27] Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my HANDS. Reach out your HAND and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” [28] Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” [29] Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

“Who was Thomas’ twin? We do not know, but sometimes you and I feel as if we might be his twin! How often we have refused to believe and have insisted that God prove Himself to us!” (Bible Exposition Commentary)

1. Doubting Thomas is our identical twin.

John 11:16 (NIV) – [16] Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

“Why was Thomas not with the other disciples when they met on the evening of Resurrection Day? Was he so disappointed that he did not want to be with his friends? But when we are discouraged and defeated, we need our friends all the more! Solitude only feeds discouragement and helps it grow into self-pity, which is even worse.” (Bible Exposition Commentary)

2. Doubt is due to self-pity.

John 20:21-22 (NIV) – [21] Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” [22] And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

3. Doubt demands proof.

“Consistent with his character elsewhere in the Gospel, Thomas was skeptical toward his friends’ report about seeing Jesus. He epitomized hardheaded realism by insisting that seeing and touching Jesus for himself would be the only proof that would satisfy him.” (Life Application NT)

John 20:19-20 (NIV) – [19] On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [20] After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

4. Doubt makes us double-minded.

James 1:5-7 (NIV) – [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. [6] But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

5. Doubt is the easy choice.

6. Doubt denies us God’s blessings.

1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV) – [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

“We have no right to require God to prove himself; but he has every right as our Creator to expect our belief and obedience. The fact that God blesses those who believe is simply an added gift of his grace.” (Life Application NT)

7. Stop doubting and believe!

“The surest evidence is the Word of God. If God says a thing, we honor Him by believing it; but we dishonor Him by demanding additional evidence. We should believe simply because He said it and because He cannot lie or be mistaken.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary)

Stand Firm in Your Freedom

In Conclusion…

Galatians 6:11-18 (NIV) – [11] See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! [12] Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. [13] Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. [14] May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. [15] Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. [16] Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. [17] Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. [18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

I. Paul’s Signature

A. The first part of the letter may have been dictated by a scribe.

B. Paul uses his own handwriting to authenticate the letter, as he did on other occasions. (1 Corinthians 16:21; Colossians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:17)

1 Corinthians 16:21 (NIV) – [21] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

Colossians 4:18 (NIV) – [18] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 (NIV) – [17] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

C. The “large letters” may indicate the theory that Paul had problems with his eyesight (Galatians 4:13-15), or it may have been to emphasize the points he is about to make.

Galatians 4:13-15 (NIV) – [13] As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. [14] Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. [15] What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

II. Paul’s Warning

A. The true reasons for the Judaizers’ emphasis on circumcision:

1. They wanted to impress people.

2. They were fearful of persecution.

3. They wanted to boast about their own righteousness.

B. These three vices will always try to lure a believer into compromise:

1. The praise of man

2. The fear of man

3. The pride of man

C. The ulterior motive for their overemphasis on circumcision:

1. They wanted to boast about the number of circumcisions.

2. To “fit in” with the culture, they compromised the grace of God.

a. Most people can accept Jesus, but it is His sacrificial death on the cross and His bodily resurrection that they have the greatest difficulty accepting.

b. Most religions recognize Jesus as a teacher; it’s His divinity they have a problem with.

c. This truth always humbles people. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Ephesians 2:8-10 (AMP) – [8] For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; [9] Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] [10] For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

3. May our only boast be in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins.

4. Through the death of Jesus, the world in us has been crucified and we have been crucified to the world.

The Hands of Jesus

The Hands that Bless

Mark 10:13-16 (NIV) – [13] People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him TOUCH them, but the disciples rebuked them. [14] When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” [16] And he took the children in his arms, put his HANDS on them and blessed them.

1. We are blessed when we bring people to Jesus and not rebuke them.

Rebuke (epitimao) means to express strong disapproval or to command with the implication of a threat. (Louw and Nida Lexicon)

Mark 10:46-47 (NIV) – [47] When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” [48] Many REBUKED him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” [49] Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

Matthew 18:5-6 (NIV) – [5] “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. [6] But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Indignant (aganakteo) means to feel irritation, to be vexed, annoyed, angry, discontented. (Liddell and Scott Lexicon)

Matthew 21:14-16 (NIV) – [14] The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. [15] But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were INDIGNANT. [16] “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?”

“The phrase ‘much displeased’ is too tame. Our Lord actually became indignant as He openly rebuked His disciples for standing in the way. Then He announced that the children were better kingdom examples than were the adults. We tell the children to behave like adults, but Jesus tells the adults to model themselves after the children!” (Wiersbe Commentary)

2. We are blessed when we help and not hinder.

“Jesus was often criticized for spending too much time with the wrong people—children, tax collectors, and sinners. Some, including the disciples, thought Jesus should be spending more time with important leaders and the devout, because this was the way to improve his position and avoid criticism. But Jesus didn’t need to improve his position. He was God, and he wanted to speak to those who needed him most.” (Life Application Bible Notes)

3. We are blessed when we just receive the Kingdom and not reject it.

Matthew 18:1-4 (NIV) – [1] At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” [2] He called a little child and had him stand among them. [3] And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

“Jesus explained that little children have the kind of faith and trust needed to enter the Kingdom of God. Anyone of any age who exhibits their kind of faith and trust is promised access to Jesus and to the Kingdom. Children represent the essence of discipleship, coming to Jesus in humility and receiving his blessing as a gift. Unless we can completely trust in God, we will never get into the Kingdom of God.” (Life Application Commentary)

4. We are blessed when we are child-like and not childish.

“We enter God’s kingdom by faith, like little children: helpless, unable to save ourselves, totally dependent on the mercy and grace of God. We enjoy God's kingdom by faith, believing that the Father loves us and will care for our daily needs. What does a child do when he or she has a hurt or a problem? Take it to Father and Mother! What an example for us to follow in our relationship with our heavenly Father! Yes, God wants us to be childlike, but not childish!” (Wiersbe Commentary)

1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) – [11] When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

1 Corinthians 14:20 (NLT) – [20] Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind.

Stand Firm in Your Freedom

The Harvest Principle, Part 2

Galatians 6:7-10 (AMP) – [7] Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. [8] For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. [10] So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers].

I. Two Universal Spiritual Principles

A. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.

B. Do not be deceived: A man reaps what he sows.

1. The principle of sowing and reaping is a universal spiritual law that holds true in every context.

2. The principle of sowing and reaping can apply either in a positive or a negative way.

a. Sow to please the sinful nature and you will reap destruction.

b. Sow to please the Spirit and you will reap abundant life and eternal life.

II. Three Exhortations for Doing Good

A. Do not become WEARY in doing good.

1. Weary (ekkakeo) means “to be weak, to fail in heart; to be utterly spiritless, to be wearied out, exhausted; to lack courage, to lose heart, to be fainthearted.” (Ephesians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 4:1)

Ephesians 3:13 (NIV) – [13] I ask you, therefore, not to be DISCOURAGED because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

2 Corinthians 4:1 (NIV) – [1] Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not LOSE HEART.

2. Good (kalos) means “beautiful, magnificent; good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends; beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life; praiseworthy; morally good, noble, honorable.”

B. We will reap a HARVEST at the proper time if we do not give up.

1. The promise is that we will be rewarded for our faithfulness. (Matthew 25:21; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

Matthew 25:21 (NIV) – [21] “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’”

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (NIV) – [11] For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, [13] his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. [14] If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. [15] If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

2. There are two qualifiers for reaping a harvest:

a. The first is that we will reap a harvest at the PROPER TIME.

b. The second is that we will reap a harvest if we DO NOT GIVE UP.

1) Give up (ekluo) means “to loose or unloose as a bowstring; to weaken, to relax, to exhaust; to have one’s strength relaxed, to become feeble through exhaustion; to grow weak, to grow weary, to be tired out; to become despondent.” (Matthew 15:32; Hebrews 12:3)

Matthew 15:32 (AMP) – [32] Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, I have pity and sympathy and am deeply moved for the crowd, because they have been with Me now three days and they have nothing [at all left] to eat; and I am not willing to send them away hungry, lest they FAINT or become EXHAUSTED on the way.

Hebrews 12:3 (AMP) – [3] Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow WEARY or EXHAUSTED, LOSING HEART and RELAXING and FAINTING in your minds.

2) We cannot give into the temptation to coast or to let down our guard or to become complacent and apathetic.

C. Therefore, let us take every OPPORTUNITY to good to all people, especially other Christians.

1. Because we know that all good that we do will be rewarded by God, then we should be encouraged to continue to take advantage of every opportunity to do good to all people.

2. A person is to provide for the needs of his own household first before he meets the needs of others. (1 Timothy 5:8)

1 Timothy 5:8 (NIV) – [8] If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

3. In the same way, while we are to be willing to help anyone in need, the priority must first be for those who are fellow believers. (Romans 12:13; 3 John 5-8)

Romans 12:13 (NIV) – [13] Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

3 John 5-8 (NIV) – [5] Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. [6] They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. [7] It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. [8] We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.

The Hands of Jesus

The Hands that Open Blind Eyes

Mark 8:22-26 (NLT) – [22] When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. [23] Jesus took the blind man by the HAND and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his HANDS on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” [24] The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” [25] Then Jesus placed his HANDS on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. [26] Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.”

1. There is physical blindness, and there is spiritual blindness.

Matthew 15:12-13 (NIV) – [12] Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” [13] He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. [14] Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

2. Sometimes our healing requires help from others.

Mark 2:3-5 (NIV) – [3] Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. [4] Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.

3. We can’t heal anyone ourselves.

Isaiah 42:6-7, 16 (NIV) – [6] “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, [7] to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness… [16] I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

4. Sometimes the setting is not conducive to our healing.

Matthew 11:20-22 (NIV) – [20] Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. [21] “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [22] But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

5. If you need a miracle, surround yourself with believers not doubters.

6. Jesus heals His way.

7. Sometimes, healing is a process.

“Why did Jesus touch the man a second time before he could see? This miracle was not too difficult for Jesus, but he chose to do it in stages, possibly to show the disciples that some healing would be gradual rather than instantaneous or to demonstrate that spiritual truth is not always perceived clearly at first. Before Jesus left, however, the man was healed completely.” (Life Application Bible Notes)

8. If we haven’t received a healing, we must persist in prayer.

9. Our handicap will make us appreciate our healing even more.

10. When we are healed, we should never go back.

Stand Firm in Your Freedom

The Harvest Principle

Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV) – [7] Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [9] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

I. Two Universal Spiritual Principles

A. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.

1. Deceived (planao) means “to cause to stray, to lead astray, to lead aside from the straight way; to wander about, to roam from safety, truth, and virtue; to lead away from the truth, to lead into error.” (Matthew 18:12; 24:4-5; 1 Peter 2:25)

Matthew 18:12 (NIV) – [12] “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them WANDERS away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?”

Matthew 24:4-5 (NIV) – [4] Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one DECEIVES you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will DECEIVE many.”

1 Peter 2:25 (NIV) – [25] For you were like sheep going ASTRAY, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

2. Mocked (mukteerizoo) comes from the root word for “nose” or “snout” and means “to turn up the nose at; to sneer at, to deride, to treat with contempt.”

Galatians 6:7 (AMP) – [7] Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.]

B. Do not be deceived: A man reaps what he sows.

1. The principle of sowing and reaping is a universal spiritual law that holds true in every context.

2. The principle of sowing and reaping can apply either in a positive or a negative way. (Hosea 10:12-14; 2 Corinthians 9:6)

Hosea 10:12-13 (NIV) – [12] Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. [13] But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception.

2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV) – [6] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

a. Sow to please the sinful nature and you will reap destruction.

1. Destruction (phthora) means decay, ruin, corruption, perishing; it is the physical, moral, and spiritual decay or rottenness that results from the sins of the flesh. (Romans 8:20-21; 2 Peter 1:4)

Romans 8:20-21 (NIV) – [20] For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to DECAY and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

2 Peter 1:4 (NIV) – [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

2. If we continue to practice the acts of the sinful nature, we will suffer the consequences in our bodies, in our souls, and ultimately, in our spirits. (Romans 7:4-5; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5)

Romans 7:4-5 (NIV) – [4] So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. [5] For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 (NIV) [4] When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, [5] hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.

b. Sow to please the Spirit and you will reap abundant life and eternal life. (Isaiah 32:17; Mark 10:29-30)

Isaiah 32:17 (NIV) – [17] The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

Mark 10:29-30 (NIV) – [29] “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel [30] will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.”

The Hands of Jesus

1 - The Hands that Heal

Luke 13:10-17 (NIV) – [10] On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, [11] and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. [12] When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” [13] Then he put his HANDS on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. [14] Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” [15] The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? [16] Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” [17] When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

1. The Hands of Jesus bring healing and wholeness to body, soul, and spirit.

Luke 4:40-41 (NIV) – [40] When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his HANDS on each one, he healed them. [41] Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ.

2. Healing happens on God’s time frame, not ours.

Matthew 9:20 (NIV) – [20] Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for TWELVE YEARS came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak.

John 5:5 (NIV) – [5] One who was there had been an invalid for THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS.

John 9:1 (NIV) – [1] As he went along, he saw a man BLIND FROM BIRTH.

“If I had been crippled for eighteen years, I wonder if I would be faithful to worship God week after week in the synagogue. Surely this woman had prayed and asked God for help, and yet she was not delivered. However, God’s seeming unconcern did not cause her to become bitter or resentful. There she was in the synagogue.” (Weirsbe Bible Commentary)

3. Your healing may make others indignant.

“The ruler of the synagogue indignantly told the people that they should come for healing on the first six days of the week, but not on the seventh. He was a professional religionist, with no deep concern for the problems of the people. Even if they had come on the first six days of the week, he could not have helped them. He was a stickler about the technical points of the law, but there was no love or mercy in his heart. If he had had curvature of the spine for eighteen years, he would not have minded on which day he was straightened out!” (Believers Bible Commentary)

4. Where there is hypocrisy, there won’t be healing.

Mark 6:4-5 (NIV) – [4] Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.” [5] He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.

“The synagogue leader could not see beyond the law to Jesus’ compassion in healing this crippled woman. Jesus shamed him and the other leaders by pointing out their hypocrisy. They would untie their animals and care for them, but they refused to rejoice when a human being was freed from Satan’s bondage.” (Life Application Bible Notes)

Matthew 23:1-4 (NIV) – [1] Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: [2] “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. [3] So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. [4] They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

“The bondage of the ruler of the synagogue was worse than that of the woman. Her bondage affected only her body, but his bondage shackled his mind and heart. He was so bound and blinded by tradition that he ended up opposing the Son of God!” (Wiersbe Bible Commentary)

5. The Healing Hands of Jesus set people free.

Bakersfield First Assembly