Becoming – Intentional
1 Kings 2:1-9
Blessed= to be given wealth, success, prosperity (world)
to be given the ability to live successfully or prosperously or as God intended(biblical)
Life & Love
How you live your life reveals your love.
What does yours reveal?
John 14:15 – obey
John 15:17 – do
Deuteronomy 11:13-15
David's Last Words to You
Be intentional in solidifying your worldview
Be intentional in living out your worldview
Be intentional in seeking out the love of your life in every moment
The Conclusion
To be a man or woman after God's heart is to be a man or woman whose heart has been transformed by Him.
God can transform you. He can bless you with the ability to become okay, ready, functional, honest, free and intentional in loving and living out a relationship with Him. The choice and next step is yours.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Epic fail =
Completely forgetting to post on your blog when you said that you would.
If you've been following along you will notice (as a couple of people have graciously brought to my attention ;)...Leslie!) that I forgot to post this past Sunday. I humbly apologize and promise to make it up to you with a double helping next week...and it will be next week. As I'm moving this weekend and have been furiously packing and tying up loose ends in Davenport this week is shot. This Sunday's lesson will post on Sunday and I will put up some final thoughts by Wednesday of next week. No really I promise!
:) Travis
If you've been following along you will notice (as a couple of people have graciously brought to my attention ;)...Leslie!) that I forgot to post this past Sunday. I humbly apologize and promise to make it up to you with a double helping next week...and it will be next week. As I'm moving this weekend and have been furiously packing and tying up loose ends in Davenport this week is shot. This Sunday's lesson will post on Sunday and I will put up some final thoughts by Wednesday of next week. No really I promise!
:) Travis
Today's Lesson Outline 2/8/09
Becoming- Free
2 Samuel 12:13-25
13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." Nathan replied, "The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die."
15 After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." 19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead." 20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him; (NIV)
One of the hardest things in life is to accept God's forgiveness and move forward when our lives have been devastated by the consequences of our sin.
Why do we have such a hard time with moving forward after sin?
Guilt People
Consequences Hurts
Shame Fear
Get it out in the open or accept it when it gets out in the open.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)
Take God at his word.
With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.' Luke 24:47 (NLT)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)
Return to your relationship with God.
Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38a (NLT)
From then on, Jesus began to preach, "Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near Matthew 4:17 (NLT)
Accept help and accountability.
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. 11 And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)
Don't try to earn your way back.
The law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Romans 8:3 (NLT)
Grace stands in opposition to works, which lack the power to save; if works had the power the grace wouldn't be needed. Rag p.38 (Rom. 11:5ff; Eph 2:5,7ff; 2 Tim 1:9) Brennan Manning: The Ragamuffin Gospel
Remember that Jesus came for and spent most of his time with people involved in sin.
Make a clean break with your mourning and move forward.
So get rid of all immoral behavior and all the wicked things you do. Humbly accept the word that God has placed in you. This word can save you. 22 Do what God's word says. Don't merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. 23 If someone listens to God's word but doesn't do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, 24 studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 However, the person who continues to study God's perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don't merely listen and forget; they actually do what God's teachings say. James 1:21-25 (GW)
Then he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:3 (NLT)
2 Samuel 12:13-25
13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." Nathan replied, "The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die."
15 After Nathan had gone home, the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate." 19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead." 20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate. 21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." 24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him; (NIV)
One of the hardest things in life is to accept God's forgiveness and move forward when our lives have been devastated by the consequences of our sin.
Why do we have such a hard time with moving forward after sin?
Guilt People
Consequences Hurts
Shame Fear
Get it out in the open or accept it when it gets out in the open.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)
Take God at his word.
With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.' Luke 24:47 (NLT)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)
Return to your relationship with God.
Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38a (NLT)
From then on, Jesus began to preach, "Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near Matthew 4:17 (NLT)
Accept help and accountability.
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. 11 And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)
Don't try to earn your way back.
The law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Romans 8:3 (NLT)
Grace stands in opposition to works, which lack the power to save; if works had the power the grace wouldn't be needed. Rag p.38 (Rom. 11:5ff; Eph 2:5,7ff; 2 Tim 1:9) Brennan Manning: The Ragamuffin Gospel
Remember that Jesus came for and spent most of his time with people involved in sin.
Make a clean break with your mourning and move forward.
So get rid of all immoral behavior and all the wicked things you do. Humbly accept the word that God has placed in you. This word can save you. 22 Do what God's word says. Don't merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. 23 If someone listens to God's word but doesn't do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, 24 studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 However, the person who continues to study God's perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don't merely listen and forget; they actually do what God's teachings say. James 1:21-25 (GW)
Then he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:3 (NLT)
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Today's Lesson Outline - 2/1/09
Becoming- Honest
Two acts-
ACT I
The sinful act
2 Samuel 11
Defining sin – Sin is when we take something that was made to be a blessing and experience it outside of how God intended.
Genesis 3 – Good for food, pleasant to the eyes, desirable to make you one wise
Matthew 4 – Command stone to become bread, all will be yours, test God
1 John 2 – Bodily lust, lust from what we see, pride
The consequence of sin-
Guilt – loss of innocence & fear
Corruption – loss of security and purpose
Death – loss of life spiritually and physically
ACT II
The act of honesty
2 Samuel 12:1-13a
The act of becoming honest is the first step in dealing with your sin and living through it's consequences.
Two acts-
ACT I
The sinful act
2 Samuel 11
Defining sin – Sin is when we take something that was made to be a blessing and experience it outside of how God intended.
Genesis 3 – Good for food, pleasant to the eyes, desirable to make you one wise
Matthew 4 – Command stone to become bread, all will be yours, test God
1 John 2 – Bodily lust, lust from what we see, pride
The consequence of sin-
Guilt – loss of innocence & fear
Corruption – loss of security and purpose
Death – loss of life spiritually and physically
ACT II
The act of honesty
2 Samuel 12:1-13a
The act of becoming honest is the first step in dealing with your sin and living through it's consequences.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Today's Lesson Outline - 1/25/09
Becoming- Functional in Dysfunction
David & Saul- A Lesson in Dysfunctional Relationships
Some lessons that we can learn from David
David confronted Saul with his issues.
1 Samuel 24:8-22
1 Samuel 26:17-25
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV)
David tried to live in peace even while Saul hated him.
1 Samuel 27:1
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:16-21 (NIV)
38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:38-48 (NIV)
David never tried to subvert Saul.
1 Samuel 24:6-7
1 Samuel 26:8-11
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. Ephesians 6:5-7 (NIV)
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)
Learning to live and love in dysfunction-
Be honest
Love beyond what you see
Learn to set boundaries
Live lives of respect for the authorities over you even when their actions may not deserve it
Seek peace in your relationship with God instead of others
David & Saul- A Lesson in Dysfunctional Relationships
Some lessons that we can learn from David
David confronted Saul with his issues.
1 Samuel 24:8-22
1 Samuel 26:17-25
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV)
David tried to live in peace even while Saul hated him.
1 Samuel 27:1
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:16-21 (NIV)
38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:38-48 (NIV)
David never tried to subvert Saul.
1 Samuel 24:6-7
1 Samuel 26:8-11
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. Ephesians 6:5-7 (NIV)
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)
Learning to live and love in dysfunction-
Be honest
Love beyond what you see
Learn to set boundaries
Live lives of respect for the authorities over you even when their actions may not deserve it
Seek peace in your relationship with God instead of others
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Becoming- Ready
I was talking to a friend of mine the other night on the way back to Davenport about this sermon series (he found this blog) and he brought up a valid point that I'd like to spend a few minutes on.
In the drive to become better Christ-followers I think that many times we are guilty of perpetually focusing on "becoming" rather than "being." One of the points to this weeks lesson was David's readiness for action.
I have certainly been guilty of spending more time questioning what and how God wants me to act then actually acting at times. There is this fine line that we have to walk as Christ-followers between seeking the will and timing of God and carrying out the action.
Jesus was perfect at this. He constantly spent time seeking God and keeping his relationship with God healthy and yet he never missed an opportunity to act.
What if Jesus had spent time questioning the crowd about the details of how they found the woman in John instead of having compassion on her, saving her and teaching them.
What if he had decided that the rich guy in front of him was more important and had passed by the woman with the bleeding problem in Matthew 9.
What if Jesus had decided that God wasn't giving him a clear enough answer in the Garden of Gethemane and had put off his sacrifice until God gave him a sign.
While "becoming" the person that God created us to be we have to make sure that we don't pass by the opportunitiies that He puts in front of us to "be" like Him.
I know that I have missed way to many opportunities in my life. Sometimes I even have great excuses. I wonder how He'll respond to those excuses.
One of the passages that I had wanted to use this week is in Matthew 25. The entire chapter is a call for us to make sure that we stay attentive and ready for Jesus' return. At the end of the chapter He tells us that when the time comes, God will seperate out the people who have lived their lives in readiness. They will be people who accepted, obeyed and followed Christ's example. He explains the criteria this way-
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:34-46(NIV)
Now while I know that it's really PC and in vogue to be conscious, aware and active in helping those around us who have needs, it has ALWAYS been the work of Jesus' kingdom to be the hands and feet of God. It has always been the work of the church to love, to care for and to introduce people to the presence and provision of our Father.
Let's never forget that "becoming" doesn't mean being self-absorbed, segregated or out of touch. "Becoming" means "being ready" to act, whenever and wherever God puts an opportunity in front of us.
In the drive to become better Christ-followers I think that many times we are guilty of perpetually focusing on "becoming" rather than "being." One of the points to this weeks lesson was David's readiness for action.
I have certainly been guilty of spending more time questioning what and how God wants me to act then actually acting at times. There is this fine line that we have to walk as Christ-followers between seeking the will and timing of God and carrying out the action.
Jesus was perfect at this. He constantly spent time seeking God and keeping his relationship with God healthy and yet he never missed an opportunity to act.
What if Jesus had spent time questioning the crowd about the details of how they found the woman in John instead of having compassion on her, saving her and teaching them.
What if he had decided that the rich guy in front of him was more important and had passed by the woman with the bleeding problem in Matthew 9.
What if Jesus had decided that God wasn't giving him a clear enough answer in the Garden of Gethemane and had put off his sacrifice until God gave him a sign.
While "becoming" the person that God created us to be we have to make sure that we don't pass by the opportunitiies that He puts in front of us to "be" like Him.
I know that I have missed way to many opportunities in my life. Sometimes I even have great excuses. I wonder how He'll respond to those excuses.
One of the passages that I had wanted to use this week is in Matthew 25. The entire chapter is a call for us to make sure that we stay attentive and ready for Jesus' return. At the end of the chapter He tells us that when the time comes, God will seperate out the people who have lived their lives in readiness. They will be people who accepted, obeyed and followed Christ's example. He explains the criteria this way-
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Matthew 25:34-46(NIV)
Now while I know that it's really PC and in vogue to be conscious, aware and active in helping those around us who have needs, it has ALWAYS been the work of Jesus' kingdom to be the hands and feet of God. It has always been the work of the church to love, to care for and to introduce people to the presence and provision of our Father.
Let's never forget that "becoming" doesn't mean being self-absorbed, segregated or out of touch. "Becoming" means "being ready" to act, whenever and wherever God puts an opportunity in front of us.
Today's Lesson Outline- 1/18/09
Becoming- Ready
David & Goliath
1 Samuel 17
Goliath
“Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." 17:8-9 (NIV)
42 He looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 1 Samuel 17:42-43 (NIV)
Saul
On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. 1 Samuel 17:11(NIV)
Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth." 1 Samuel 17:33 (NIV)
Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you." 38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 1 Samuel 17:37-38 (NIV)
David
"What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" 1 Samuel 17:26 (NIV)
"Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:34-37 (NIV)
"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:45b-47 (NIV)
David, Goliath & Saul's spiritual state dictated their response to the situation at hand.
Goliath responds with arrogance.
Saul responds with fear.
David responds with trust that God would take care of things which spurs him to action.
David was able to see what God wanted him to do because he was ready.
Are you ready?
Your response to every situation in your life is going to be affected by your state of readiness.
Ephesians 6:18 - Be in prayer and stay alert
1 Thessalonians 5:6 – Don't be asleep, stay alert and self-controlled
1 Peter 5:8 – Satan is out to get you so stay self-controlled and alert
Be in continual relationship with God through Jesus.
Live a life of honest Christ-following.
Be alert and ready for action.
David & Goliath
1 Samuel 17
Goliath
“Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us." 17:8-9 (NIV)
42 He looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 1 Samuel 17:42-43 (NIV)
Saul
On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified. 1 Samuel 17:11(NIV)
Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth." 1 Samuel 17:33 (NIV)
Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you." 38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 1 Samuel 17:37-38 (NIV)
David
"What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" 1 Samuel 17:26 (NIV)
"Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:34-37 (NIV)
"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:45b-47 (NIV)
David, Goliath & Saul's spiritual state dictated their response to the situation at hand.
Goliath responds with arrogance.
Saul responds with fear.
David responds with trust that God would take care of things which spurs him to action.
David was able to see what God wanted him to do because he was ready.
Are you ready?
Your response to every situation in your life is going to be affected by your state of readiness.
Ephesians 6:18 - Be in prayer and stay alert
1 Thessalonians 5:6 – Don't be asleep, stay alert and self-controlled
1 Peter 5:8 – Satan is out to get you so stay self-controlled and alert
Be in continual relationship with God through Jesus.
Live a life of honest Christ-following.
Be alert and ready for action.
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