OWNING OUR WEAKNESS

 2 CORITHIANS 12:8-10 & HEBREWS 5:1-10

 

 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

[8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (ESV)

HEBREWS 5:1-10

[5:1] For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. [2] He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. [3] Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. [4] And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

 

[5] So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,

            “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;

            [6] as he says also in another place,

            “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

[7] In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. [8] Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. [9] And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, [10] being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

 

 SERMON NOTES

 

I.      FAITH IN OURSELVES IS THE OPPOSITE OF THE GOSPEL

 

        A)  WE ARE WEAK

 

 

        B)  WE ARE SINFUL

 

  

 

II.        FAITH IN JESUS ALONE IS THE GOSPEL

 

           A)  HE IS STRONG

 

 

           B)  HE IS HOLY

 

 

 

 III.   APPLICATION OF OUR FAITH      

 

 

        A) HIS POWER

 

 

         B) HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

 

 

         C) HIS FAITHFULNESS

 

 

         D) HIS FINISHED WORK

  

SEEKING ANOTHER CITY

HEBREWS 13:5-16

5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we can confidently say,

 "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15  Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 

 

SERMON NOTES

 

I.      He is Not in the Temple   (Empty Religion)

        A)  Superior Altar

        B)  His Blood

        C)  Strengthened By Grace

II.     He is Not in the City   (Safety)

        A)  Bear His Reproach                 

        B)  Leave What is Comfortable

        C)  Leave What is "Smart"

III.    He is Not of This World   (Earthly Pleasures)

        A)  Jerusalem

        B)  New Jerusalem

        C)  In Between

 

“IS GOD REALLY IN CONTROL?”

 Genesis 50:14-26

 

[14] After he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone up with him to bury his father.

[15] When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” [16] So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: [17] ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. [18] His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” [19] But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? [20] As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. [21] So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

 

[22] So Joseph remained in Egypt, he and his father's house. Joseph lived 110 years. [23] And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation. The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were counted as Joseph's own. [24] And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” [25] Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” [26] So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. (ESV)

SERMON NOTES

 

[MAIN POINT #1]                 When Bad Things Happen (God is in control)

        1) WHAT THINGS?  

 

        2)  GOD’S HIGHER PLAN

 

 

[MAIN POINT #2]                 How God Redeems It (God is in Control) 

        1)    OUR SANCTIFICATION

 

        2)    OUR FAITH GROWS

 

        3)    OUR TRUST GROWS 

        4)    HE IS GLORIFIED

 

        5)  IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE

 

 

A Majestic Vision - Part II

PSALM 145:1-21

[1] I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.

[2] Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 

[3] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

[4] One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

[5] On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

[6] They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.

[7] They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

[8] The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

[9] The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

[10] All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!

[11] They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,

[12] to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

[13] Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

       [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]

[14] The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

[15] The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.

[16] You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

[17] The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.

[18] The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

[19] He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

[20] The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

[21] My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

 

SERMON NOTES

I.                      God’s Greatness (1-6)    

II.                    God’s Goodness (7-10)

III.                   God’s Glory (11-13)

 

IV.                   God’s Grace (14-21)

 

A MAJESTIC VISION - PART 1

PSALM 145

        

[1] I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.

[2] Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 

[3] Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

[4] One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

[5] On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

[6] They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.

[7] They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

[8] The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

[9] The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

[10] All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!

[11] They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,

[12] to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

[13] Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

       [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]

[14] The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

[15] The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.

[16] You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.

[17] The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.

[18] The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

[19] He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

[20] The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

[21] My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

 

SERMON NOTES

 

TRUTHS THAT WE SEE:

 

1)  HE TAKES HOLD OF US 

 

2)  HE PRESERVES

 

 

3)   HE IS GOOD

 

 

4)  HE IS WORKING IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES 

 

5)  HE IS SEEKING TO HUMBLE US 

 

"SHINING"

Phil 2:19-24

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.  20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  21 They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.  23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

 

SERMON NOTES

 

I.        SINCERE

          A.   THE MEASURE

          B.   THE PRACTICE

II.       SELFLESS

          A.   THE DEFAULT

          B.   THE NEW STANDARD

III.      STEADFAST

          A.   TRUSTWORTHY

          B.   SUPPORTIVE

 

The Gift Of God

John 4:1-11

 

Jesus and the Woman of Samaria

1Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.)9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?

In One Accord

Philippians 2:1-8

Christ's Example of Humility

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

 

 

SERMON NOTES 

I.        Be United

II.       Be Loving

III.      Be Selfless

 

Humble Obedience

Phil 2:8-13

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9  Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

 

SERMON NOTES

 

I.        OBEYING GOD

          1)        OBEY CONSISTENLY

          2)        OBEY WITH  INTEGRITY 

          3)        OBEY NO MATTER WHAT 

 

II.       FEARING GOD

 

 

Traditions and Commandments

MARK 7:1-13

7:1 Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups & pots & copper vessels & dining couches.  5 And the Pharisees & the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat w/ defiled hands?” 6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

 

“‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;

7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”

 

9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God) — 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

 

SERMON NOTES

Pharisees WRONG in 2 WAYS:

 

1)        Pharisees mad about Disciples not washing hands

 

2)        Pharisees concerned about man-made rules & not what God has spoken

           I.        DISHONORS GOD

 

           II.        FOCUS IS ON MEN