Introduction

• Matthew 13:9-17

• Q: What are parables? 

• A: short stories from everyday life illustrating spiritual truths.  "Earthly stories with heavenly meaning",  making complex ideas accessible  and encouraging listeners to reflect and discover deeper significance.  

• Matthew 12:24

  
  

Parables will...

Show us our camp (belief or unbelief)

• Matthew 13:10-12

• Kingdom of Heaven is a...

  • Spiritual Kingdom

  • Present and future hope

  • Inclusive and exclusive

    • Matthew 7:21-23

Show us fulfillment of prophecy

• Matthew 13:13-15

• Psalm 78:2

• Matthew 7:13-14

Show us the blessing of following Jesus

• Matthew 13:16-17

• 1 Corinthians 2:14

• Matthew 13:24

• Matthew 13:31

• Matthew 13:1-2

  
  

Application

1.  Make a Decision about Jesus?  Belief or Unbelief 

2.  If Belief?  Then Follow Him.  Where is the Fruit?   

• Galatians 5:22-24

Worship with Great Joy!

Matthew 2:1-12

The Child Demands a Response

Herod responded with all the wrong emotions.

• Matthew 2:1-4

• Matthew 2:5-8

  
  

The Scribes and Priests responded with apathy.

• Matthew 2:4-6

• Micah 5:2

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"It gets to be mere mechanical habit to attend public worship; you become accustomed to sit through such a part of the service, to stand and sing, and to listen to the preacher with an apparent attention during the discourse; but to be really interested, to long to know what it is all about, to know especially whether you have a part in it, whether Jesus came from heaven to save you, whether he was born of a virgin, to make such personal inquiries with deep anxiety, is far from being a general practice." - Charles Spurgeon

The Magi responded with exceeding joy and worship.

• Matthew 2:1-2

• Daniel 2:48

• Numbers 24:17

• Matthew 2:9-12

• Isaiah 60:1-4

• Isaiah 60:5-6

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Worship (proskyneo) - stoop and kiss, prostrate oneself, bow to a higher authority in complete reverence and submission

Matthew 4:8-10

Application

• Do you respond to Jesus with all the wrong emotions?
• Is your response to Jesus indifferent or apathetic?
• Is your response to Jesus filled with exceeding joy and worship?
• We must respond to Jesus with worship and exceeding joy!

Introduction

• 25 Psalms about the Messiah

• 1 out of ever 6 Psalms

• In those 25 Psalms there are approx. 70 references to the messiah that are fulfilled by Jesus

  
  

The Voices of Psalm 2

The Voice of Resistance

• Psalm 2:1-3

• Genesis 3:1-2

• Genesis 3:6-7

• Romans 5:17

The Voice of the Father

• Psalm 2:4-6

• Galatians 5:1

• Psalm 2:4-6

• Luke 1:35

• Luke 2:10-11

The Voice of the Son

• Psalm 2:7-9

• Acts 13:32-33

• Psalm 2:7-9

• John 14:6

• Mark 2:16-17

• Matthew 11:28-30

The Voice of the Holy Spirit

• Psalm 2:10-12

• John 16:7-8

• John 16:13

• Psalm 2:10-12

• 1 Kings 19:18

• Luke 7:44-48

• Psalm 2:10-12

  
  

Application

Which voice is getting your ear? The World or God?

The Psalms of Christmas

Introduction

• 25 Psalms about the Messiah

• 1 out of ever 6 Psalms

• In those 25 Psalms there are approx. 70 references to the messiah that are fulfilled by Jesus

• Genesis 3:15

  
  

The Birth of the Messiah

• He comes from the line of David

  • Psalm 89:3-4

  • Matthew 1:1

• He is God in the flesh

  • Psalm 2:7

  • Matthew 3:17

  • Luke 1:35

The Nature of the Messiah

• He is God

  • Psalm 45:6-7

  • Hebrews 1:8-9

• He is Lord and King

  • Psalm 110:1

  • Matthew 22:41-45

    
    

The Ministry of the Messiah

• His children will praise Him

  • Psalm 8:2

  • Matthew 21:15-16

• He will teach in parables

  • Psalm 78:2

  • Matthew 13:34-35

• He will calm the storms

  • Psalm 107:28-29

  • Matthew 8:24-26

    
    

The Death and Resurrection of the Messiah

• He will be pierced on his hands and feet

  • Psalm 22:16

  • John 20:25

• He will rise from the dead

  • Psalm 16:8-10

  • Matthew 28:6

    
    

Application

You Can Trust God for your Days.

You Can Trust Him for Salvation.

Introduction

• Psalm 80:1-3

• Isaiah 43:15

• 2 Samuel 5:1-2

• Psalm 23:1

"lack nothing" - haser (khaw-sehre’) = This is absolute. David declared that he lacked nothing essential for covenant life with YHVH!

This sentence shapes and colors the whole song.

• Psalm 34:10

• Philippians 4:19

  
  

The Good Shepherd (King) Provides...

1. Comfort - vs 2

"Makes me lie down" - yarbiseni (yar-bi-tseh’-nee). Sheep only lie down when: free from fear, free from friction, free from pests, free from hunger.

• Psalm 23:2

• Ezekiel 34:15

• 2 Corinthians 1:3

2. Rest - vs 2-3

• "Green pastures" - surprising abundance. God provides more than expected.

• "Still (quiet) waters" - Literally waters of rest and refreshment

  • Psalm 62:1

  • Matthew 11:28-30

• "Restores my soul" - Revival, restoration

  • Psalm 19:7

  • 1 Peter 5:10

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God's rest completely restores the soul! This includes revival (return to vitality) and retrieval (bring back from wandering).

3. Guidance - vs 3

• "right paths" - Hebrew literally means "paths that lead to the right destination". In this case, David talking about paths that lead to shalom (peace, rest, refreshment, restoration) under God's care.

  • Proverbs 3:5-6

  • John 10:3-4

• "His name's sake" - God faithfully acts in line with His character.

  • Psalm 23:3

  • 2 Timothy 2:13

  • Psalm 36:5

4. Protection - vs 4

• "Rod" - (sebet: shevet was a short, heavy, club-like weapon) symbolizes protection, discipline, authority, and kingship.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3

  • John 17:15

• "Staff" - (Mish’-enet: literally something to lean on). Staffs were used for guiding, drawing close, and rescuing.

  • Isaiah 40:11

  • Ezekiel 34:12-13

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David is saying YHVH is present, close, and attentive to both his enemies and his direction (path, walk). Therefore, he is comforted. His heart is settled because YHVH protects and guides in dark valleys where enemies hide and where danger is.

5. Victory - vs 5

• "Prepare a table" - YHVH is now the "Host" in the song.

• this is an ANE picture of hospitality (protection, honor, and covenant)

• a place of threat (enemies) has been turned into a place of feasting.

• this is a  commitment of protection (Genesis 19 - Lot).

  • Colossians 2:15

  • Romans 8:31

6. Blessing - vs 5

• "Anoint my head with oil" - This is hospitality anointing (not royal or priestly anointing).

• For cleansing, healing, cooling, joy (greeting), and celebration

• For a man who lived on the run and in battle, being "anointed with oil" signified God tending to David's wounds and restoring him.

  • Psalm 103:2-5

• "My cup overflows" - Unrestrained, overflowing superabundance. In ANE banquets, an overflowing cup meant the host had no intention of ending the feast any time soon!

  • 2 Corinthians 9:8

  • Ephesians 3:20

7. Fellowship - vs 6

• "I will dwell in the house of the LORD"

• David walked with God his whole life.

  • 1 Kings 11:4

  • John 6:47

  • 1 John 5:11

  • Psalm 37:23-24

• David's fellowship with YHVH would continue forever.

  • Psalm 25:4-5

  • Psalm 16:9-11

Introduction

Psalm 100

What does being thankful look like?

1. Shout and sing joyfully.

• Psalm 100:1-2

2. Serving the LORD with Gladness.

• Psalm 100:2

• Matthew 20:28

3. Worship with God's people.

• Psalm 100:4

4. Give thanks to God.

• Psalm 100:4

Why should we be thankful?

1. Because an All knowing All powerful God knows you.

• Psalm 100:3

2. Because God is good.

• Psalm 100:5

3. Because God is patient and loving.

• Psalm 100:5

4. Because God is faithful.

• Psalm 100:5

Introduction

Hebrews 13:15

1.Anchors to a secure Love (1-3).

• David loved the LORD - love = Hebrew word raham (rah’-hehm) = This word is deeply related to the Hebrew word for womb. It is a deep heartfelt compassion - a love that feels like it comes from the inmost being. What is striking about this is this word is almost always used of God’s compassionate love toward us, not our love toward Him. Here are some examples:

  • Isaiah 49:15

  • Psalm 103:13

  • 1 John 4:19

• “LORD” YHVH is God’s Covenant name (Abraham, Moses, David)

  • Exodus 3:15

  • 2 Samuel 7:8-9

  • 2 Samuel 7:15-16

• David used these words to describe God’s covenant love = Rock, fortress, refuge, stronghold

Application: Unbeliever - See God's love for you (Romans 5:8). Respond to God's love for you (Romans 10:9-11). Believer - See God's love for you (Romans 5:8). Anchor to God's love (Ephesians 3:16-19).

2.Focuses on our Heavenly Deliverer (Read 18:4-19).

• YHVH was the “horn of David’s salvation” - verse 2

  • Luke 1:69

• YHVH rescued/delivered David

  • David called to the LORD (Psalm 18:6)

  • The LORD rescued David (Psalm 18:16-17)

  • The LORD gave David peace (Psalm 18:19)

  • The LORD put David in a “spacious place” - vs 19, 36

  • The LORD gave David sure footing - vs 33

Application: Only God can save you (Isaiah 43:11; Acts 4:12)! Only God brings peace/comfort (John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

3. Flows out of a faithful walk (Read Psalm 18:20-24).

• This isn’t pride or works salvation language

  • Romans 4:1-5

  • Romans 4:22-25

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

• This is covenant language

  • Psalm 18:25-26

Application: Live out of a response to God’s love (1 Peter 1:6-9). Live according to God’s Way/Word (Psalm 18:30; Psalm 19:7-9; Psalm 18:49)

4.Shrinks Enemies (37-42).

• Psalm 18:37-42

• 1 Samuel 17:45-47

• Romans 8:31-34

5.Proclaims Publicly (46-50).

• Psalm 18:49

• Psalm 40:10

• Psalm 96:3

  
  

Application: Publicly praise God! Sing praises to God!

Introduction

Paul's Team:

Artemas, Tychicus, Zena, Apollos (v.12) Priscilla and Aquila (Rom. 16:3) Prisca (1Cor) Urbanus (Rom 16:9) Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Clement (Phil 4:3) Aristarchus, Mark, Justus (Col 4:10-11) Demas,  Luke ,  Apphia and Archippius (Philemon) Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25) Others mentioned in Acts...

Philippians 1:5

What does a spiritual team look like?

1. They minister together.

• Titus 3:12-13

• Philippians 4:3

• Ephesians 6:21

• Colossians 4:7

• 2 Timothy 4:12

• Titus 3:12

2. They challenge each other.

• Titus 3:13-14

• 3 John 5-8

• Titus 3:13-14

3. They encourage each other.

• Titus 3:15

  
  

Application:

• Who is on your team?

• Do you challenge each other?

• Do you stir up each other for good works?

A Faith that Works

Titus 3:8-11

Introduction

• Titus 3:8
• Titus 3:4-7
• Titus 3:8
• Titus 2:10

Faith that works...

Avoid foolish people.

• Titus 3:9

• 2 Timothy 2:14-16

• Titus 3:9

• Titus 2:11-12

• Romans 3:19

• 1 Timothy 6:3-4

Reject Divisive People.

Application

• Be careful who you fellowship with - 1 Corinthians 15:33
• Study the Word for the purpose of loving God and loving people. - James 1:22

Introduction

• 1 Corinthians 2:14
• James 1:22
• James 2:14

How to have a faith that works

Remember actions speak louder than words.

• Titus 3:1-2
• Matthew 22:21
• Romans 13:1
• 1 Peter 2:13
• Acts 5:29
• Titus 3:1-2
• Titus 2:10

Remember by grace who you are.

• Titus 3:3-7
• 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Titus 3:3
• Titus 3:4-7
• Ephesians 2:1-3
• Ephesians 2:4
• Titus 3:4-7
• Titus 3:5
• Isaiah 64:6
• Titus 3:6
• Ezekiel 36:25-27
• Titus 3:6
• Titus 3:7

1.  Love God and Love People (turn off your reels for a while)

2.  Volunteer on Sunday and around the community

3.  Seek accountability in these areas