Study Galatians 4: 4-7

Hello Everyone,

I trust you all had a Merry Christmas!! We had a great time at our house, over the course of the week-end each of our adult children, dear friends and our grandchildren spent time together. There was much food, laughter, gift giving and praising God for His gift of Jesus.I haven’t sent out a Bible study in a few weeks. This is the study for the text I will be preaching this Sunday. May the Lord speak to all of us through it.

Many Blessings, Nancy

Galatians 4: 4-7

THE MESSAGE   ^{4 -7}But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

NIV  ⁴But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, ⁵to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. ⁶Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." ⁷So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

KJV  ⁴But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, ⁵To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. ⁶And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ⁷Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The Letters (Epistles) of the New Testament

      If you went into someone else’s home and started reading their mail, what kind of response do you think you might receive? It might not be very nice…

       When we are reading the epistles of the New Testament (Galatians being one) we really are reading other people’s mail. While this is true there is no evidence that these letters were intended for only the original recipients; there were intended to be passed around and read by all, us included. But we must remember we are reading a letter. In these documents we will find timeless truths but we will also find specific information to a specific people at a specific place in a specific time. Therefore, these letters in the New Testament demand that we know as much as possible about both the sender’s and the recipient’s lives. When reading the epistles of the Bible for personal growth it requires more background information than some of the other genres of the Bible.

    Here are some GREAT guidelines for being spiritually formed by any of the New Testament letters.

1.      Read the whole epistle in one sitting to get the big idea of the letter and its main contours.

2.      Think in terms of the paragraphs being the main units of thought. BEWARE of isolating verses from the context of their paragraph!!!

3.      Do some background reading in order to understand better the letter’s main concerns and its historical and cultural setting.

    No part of the Bible seems so directly applicable as these letters. The struggles of the early church and its community are still very much the struggles today. Playing with Fire by Walt Russell

 

Galatians

     By the middle of the first century, although the early Christian movement was still connected to Judaism, and increasing number of its members were Gentiles (non-Jew). The relationship between these new, non-Jewish converts and Jewish Christians, became an issue of importance. One crucial issue concerned the status of the Law of Moses. Should Gentile Christians convert to Judaism in the process of becoming Christians? The letter to the Galatians gives Paul’s view of this controversy. The letter is Paul’s defense of his Gentile mission as a whole and the particular understand of the law on which it is based.

   The exact date of the letter’s composition is not known, but it was written presumably some time between the late 40 and 50 A.D. The address of this letter are “the churches in Galatia” (1: 2), a Roman province in central Asia Minor where, according to Acts, Paul preached. (Acts 13: 14- 14: 23; 16: 6; 18: 23).

 

4: 1-5  As I was researching I found a great explanation of this particular passage by Bob Deffinbaugh in an article entitled “The Inferiority of Immaturity.” I’ve copied it below.

    In chapter 3 Paul has established, on biblical and theological grounds, the superiority of grace over law, of receiving the blessings of God through faith as opposed to the curse which comes through the works of the Law. He now seeks to illustrate and apply this truth by turning to a well-known practice in the ancient world, that of an heir coming of age, so as to enjoy all that he has legally possessed, but which has been beyond his personal control.             Here Paul refers to a Roman legal process, well known to himself and his readers. According to Roman law, the heir was under the control of a tutor until the age of 14. This tutor was named by the father and placed in his will. From the age of 14 until the heir was 25, he was under a curator, at least sometimes named by the father. The tutor and the curator were not necessarily intended to be synonymous with Paul’s “guardians” and “managers” (4:2). It may be that the “guardian” was in charge of the child, while the “manager” was in control of the assets of the child. When the heir reached the age of 25 (or the age stipulated by the father), he then entered into the full privileges of his possession. Until that time, the heir was in the frustrating predicament of legally owning his father’s inheritance without actually enjoying its possession.                                                                         Our legal system places an estate in the hands of a trustee until the child reaches legal age, with a certain amount of funds provided during childhood as established by the father. We can hardly imagine the confinement of the “heir” of Paul’s day who had someone to tell him what to do and not to do and another to spend his money for him. The restrictions on the heir of ancient times were far greater. Can you imagine what it must have been like for a young man to be, as it were, a millionaire, and yet not be able to do as he wanted with this money? For all intents and purposes, the heir was no different from the slave, for he received only what the “guardians” and “managers” determined to give him (4:1).                            In verses 3-5, Paul makes the analogy to the status of the Jews who lived under the Law. The “heir” under Roman law had legal ownership of his father’s wealth; he did not actually possess it or enjoy it. So too the Jews had the promises of God to Abraham, yet they were not yet realized or enjoyed. Just as the Roman “heir” was under the dictates of the appointed “tutor” and “curator,” the Israelite was under the Law, with all of its restrictions and mediators. The time for both preparatory periods to end was established by the father. For the “heir,” it was the age determined by the Roman law or specified by the father. For the believer, the Law’s tutelage ended at the appointed time when the Father determined for the Son to be sent to the earth to redeem mankind.                Paul seems to speak specifically here of the Jews as implied by the term “we” in verse 3, which is paralleled in verse 5 by “those under the Law.” Christ was sent to the earth as one “born of a woman” (4:4). This was necessary to fulfill the promise of Genesis 3: 15. And was a necessary part of the incarnation, so that Christ could die for man as man. In addition, Christ was born “under the Law” (4:4) so that He was able to bear the curse of the Law to enable men to receive the blessings which God promised to Abraham’s offspring (2:13-14). The “adoption as sons” (4:5) is that enjoyment of the promises of God to Abraham, and the passing from the restrictions and confinement of the Law to the fullness and freedom of grace.

Galatians 4: 6-7     Paul has previously taught that sonship has not only come to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. While the particulars are not identical, the process of the Gentiles coming to faith is similar to that of the Jews, and thus similar to the analogy of the “heir” under Roman law which Paul has given in verses 1 and 2. In verses 6-11 Paul compares the sonship of the Gentiles to that of the Jews, stressing the foolishness of seeking to place themselves under the Law as the Judaizers urged. In verse 6 Paul broadens his reference to the benefits of sonship which belong to the Gentile Galatian Christians. The “you” (4:6) refers specifically to the Galatians just as the “we” (4:3,5) referred to the Jews. The evidence of sonship is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, which causes us to respond and relate to God as Father. This ministry of the Spirit was not present under the Law in the Old Testament. Since the Galatian Christians possessed the Holy Spirit (cf. 3:1-5), the spirit of adoption (4:6; Rom. 8:15-17), they were just as certain of their sonship as the Jewish saints. Since they were sons, they could no longer be slaves. Better still, they were also “heirs” of the promises to Abraham (4:7).

 

Prayer Study 1

Lesson 1 – Breath Prayer

     I am pleasantly surprised at the response of so many to want to deepen their prayer life. Here’s what I’d like to do, weekly there will be a teaching then each of us is to practice that teaching, journal on it. Then individually we will, through email, talk about how that particular prayer practice is affecting us. Of course, there may be a week for me or you where a crisis happens (by the way busy-ness is not a crisis nor an excuse) where I am unable to get the study out or you cannot participate. If that happens we’ll just trust the Lord that He knew we needed more time for whatever exercise was the week before.

     This is not a head activity, this is a heart activity. That means you can’t just read these emails and do NOTHING… If I read all about J. but never get intimate with him our marriage will soon be in trouble! We can know all there is to know about Jesus but not know Jesus and soon be in trouble! Prayer is giving all of oneself to God through Christ by the Spirit.

     Lord, I am so inadequate for this task. Your disciples asked You to teach them to pray and You did so. Now, these precious brothers and sisters ask the same of me. I really can’t do this without you, so please help me, guide me and impart to them you sweet Spirit that when none of us know what to say, the Holy Spirit cries out for us. We beg this in Jesus name. Amen.

     Starting points – Begin a journal. Yes, you can keep it simple (please do). It can be a school spiral notebook or whatever. No, you don’t have to do it everyday, but I do ask that you would make an entry once a week (at least while we are learning something new) AND anytime the Lord really speaks to you. I will be using as a resource the book “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook” by Adele Calhoun (don’t let the title scare you). J As well as my own personal walk, experience and whatever grain of insight the Lord has given me. If the lesson during any particular week is a means of prayer you are already using. Then continue to do so, sharing your insights with me and if not intensely private I will share with the others. We want to learn from each other. I do want to assure you anything really private will not pass through me.

     Prayer is a word that describes a relationship. It is a dialog with God. Prayer is not a duty it is a desire to connect and grow in intimacy with the Trinity. There are multiple ways of entering into prayer. We will work on a variety of different types of prayer, we will discuss them then practice them with one of the exercises listed with each prayer. Some exercises may not appeal to you but please practice at least one of them anyway. After a week of practice we’ll talk about them again.

 

Breath Prayer

     Breathing is an unconscious thing and breath prayer reminds us that just as we can’t live on one breath, we can’t live on one breath of God. God is the oxygen of our soul, and we need to breathe him in all day long. Breath prayer reminds us that each breath we are given is God’s gift and that God’s Spirit is nearer to us than our own breath. This is a type of prayer you can do many, many times a day to keep you focused and aware of God’s presence.

     Breath prayer (or sometimes called “prayer of the heart”) has been practiced in the church for over one thousand years. The Eastern Orthodox Church in particular has seen breath prayer as a way of living out Paul’s instruction to “pray without ceasing.”

Examples of Breath Prayers

Breathe in “Abba,” breathe out “I belong to You.”

Breathe in “Healer,“ breath out “speak the word and I shall be healed.”

Breathe in “Shepherd“ breath out “bring home my lost son, friend, etc.”

Breathe in “Holy One“ breath out “keep me true.”

Breathe in “Lord,“ breath out “here I am.”

Breathe in “Lord Jesus“ breath out “have mercy on me.” (This one is known as the “Jesus prayer”) or sometimes done breathe in “Lord Jesus Christ” breath out “have mercy on me a sinner.”

Before you begin the exercises below write these questions in your journal and answer them. Then choose one of the Breath prayers from above or create your own and write it in your journal.

1. How do you currently practice the injunction from the Apostle Paul to pray without ceasing?
2. How does the thought of repetitive prayer strike you?

Exercises (Chose one)

1. Become comfortable. Breathe deeply. Intentionally place yourself before God. In rhythm with your breathing, gratefully inhale the breath of life. Exhale remembering that Jesus gave his last breath of love for you. Gently and thankfully repeat one of the breath prayers… Done, it takes one minute. Now you understand why you can do this multiple times per day. Practice it though out the day.
2. Decide to pray the Jesus prayer or which ever one you use as often as you are able in one day. If you worry about forgetting, set a clock or your cell phone every hour to remind you.

Personal things I done which have helped me with this particular prayer…

I practice breath prayer when I’m driving, currently I am using the Jesus Prayer.

I have a really good friend who is battling cancer. There are times when I cry out to God for longer periods of time for her. But I last spring I began using the breath prayer of … Breathe in “Healer,“ breath out “speak the word and Susan shall be healed”… it really helped me pray persistently and constantly for her.

Sometimes I practice this when I am confined to a waiting room or at Sonic waiting on my food J, it can be used anywhere, silently or out loud.

     Lord, I ask that you would help each of us pray continually, giving you thanks in all circumstances. In the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Resource: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

 

Study Matthew 24: 36-44

BS Matthew 24: 36-44

Before we even look at this scripture we must learn terminology, for some it will be new and to others old hat, BUT it is necessary to understand this passage.

Apocalyptic Literature – A type of Jewish and Christian religious writing that means “revelation” or “unveiling” and is applied to writing that contains alleged revelation of the secret purposes of God, the end of the world, and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth. NIV Bible Dictionary

Apocalyptic literature typically includes a number of concepts: 1) time is divided into two ages – the present age is ruled by Satan, the age to come will be ruled by God, the transition will occur very quickly, the end of the present age will happen in the very near future, the transition will include wars, plagues, famine, earthquakes and other natural disasters. 2) There will be a general resurrection of the dead. 3) There will be a final judgment. 4) Satan’s supporters will be annihilated. 5) God’s supporters will enter a period of peace and happiness. We find Apocalyptic Literature in both the Old and New Testament. In the Old it is found interspersed in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Micah and Daniel. In the New Testament we find it in Mark, Matthew, Luke and Revelation. Paul does touch on the subject matter in 1 Corinthians 15: 20-28; 2 Corinthians 5: 1-3; 1 Thess 4: 15-18; and 2 Thess 2: 1-12. Internet - 11/27/07 “Religious Tolerance.org http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_ntb5a.htm

NIV    ³⁶"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³⁷As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ³⁸For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; ³⁹and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ⁴⁰Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. ⁴¹Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. ⁴²"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. ⁴³But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁴So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

The Message   ³⁶"But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven's angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows. ^{37 -39}"The Arrival of the Son of Man will take place in times like Noah's. Before the great flood everyone was carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ark. They knew nothing—until the flood hit and swept everything away. ^{39 -44}"The Son of Man's Arrival will be like that: Two men will be working in the field—one will be taken, one left behind; two women will be grinding at the mill—one will be taken, one left behind. So stay awake, alert. You have no idea what day your Master will show up. But you do know this: You know that if the homeowner had known what time of night the burglar would arrive, he would have been there with his dogs to prevent the break-in. Be vigilant just like that. You have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up.

The primary point of this passage (along with the three parables following) is THE IMMINECE OF HIS RETURN. The point is … Jesus is coming back, it’s really going to happen. The exact time is not important, what is important is we are ready and waiting.

 ³⁶"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Jesus begins with the truth that no one knows when his coming will happen. The expression “day or hour” is used throughout scripture to indicate a GENERAL reference to time.

We see here some of the “emptying” of Christ in this passage. This emptying or in Greek kenosis (found in Philippians 2: 7) contends that when Jesus became flesh he limited the use of his divine attributes so that he could experience the full human life. While He did not in any sense give up his deity, Jesus voluntarily limited the use of these characteristics (Hebrews 4: 14-16).  He voluntarily limited himself and remains uninformed to the time about “that day.”  

³⁷As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. ³⁸For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; ³⁹and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

Jesus uses a familiar story with his audience, the story of Noah. The people in the days of Noah did not heed the warnings of judgment that were given to them. They continued to carry on in the every day activities. Although in Genesis 6: 11-12 the people of Noah’s day were identified as evil, Jesus’ main point in this passage is not necessarily that the people are evil. They were just so wrapped up in everyday living they were caught off guard because they had no concern for righteousness and spiritual realities.  Ouch, does that sound familiar???? By contrast, Noah and his family went through with the preparations for the coming flood, even though they could see no specific signs and did not know the time.  That is Jesus expectation of us…regardless of whether we know the time or not, can see signs or not, we are to be ready and waiting.

⁴⁰Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. ⁴¹Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

Jesus gives two other regular daily examples for the people of his time, folks in a field and grinding with a hand mill. The way Jesus relates is amazing. Here he is teaching about future events but he makes it easy, in our day he could have just as easily said, “two people sitting at their computers in an office” or “two people shopping at Wal-Mart.” The point is that the Son of Man gathers his people at his return to enjoy the fullness of his Kingdom, while those left behind experience his judgment.

⁴²"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. ⁴³But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁴So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

“Watch” implies not only to keep looking but also to be prepared. Ultimately the human race is divided into two groups – those who watch for Christ’s coming and those who do not. The principle of separation is illustrated here graphically. The keynote for this passage is “Watch” literally “stay wide awake!” For no one knows when Christ may come. To live without watchfulness invites disaster! A home owner must be vigilant or the thief will rob him. We must remember that the watching of the Christian for the coming of Christ is not that of terror-stricken fear and shivering apprehension, it is the watching of eager expectation for the coming of glory and joy. The spirit which leads to disaster is the spirit which says there is plenty of time, it is a delusion. Watching here is NOT a passive term.

Here’s an example, a fireman. Firemen are really intentional about being ready at any given moment, to the point of having their fire pants fixed perfectly over their boots - so as to simple step into the boots, pull up the pants and run. When on duty they live in this state of complete readiness, they prepare for it, they plan it, they think about it, they strategize about it, etc. So we must ask ourselves what does it look like for me to be watching, ready, prepared? What does it look like for the community of faith I belong to be ready? I think I won’t answer that, because for each of us the answer may be different. BUT I’d like for you to think about it and email me back one statement about what this “watchfulness” could mean for you or for the body of believers you know. Resources: NIV Bible Dictionary, NIV Application Commentary, The Gospel of Matthew by William Barclay, Beacon Bible Studies – Matthew by Ralph Earle, Commentary by Matthew Henry

 

 

Study 1 Samuel 17

NIV    ¹ Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Socoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Socoh and Azekah. ² Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. ³ The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them. ⁴ A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet tall. ⁵ He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels ; ⁶ on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. ⁷ His spear shaft was like a weaver's rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him. ⁸ Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "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." ¹⁰ Then the Philistine said, "This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." ¹¹ On hearing the Philistine's words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.          Now, this is a battle scene I would think you would see on an old movie. Soldiers lined on the side of one hill, a valley in between and then the other army on the opposite hill. But unlike a Hollywood movie, instead of running down the hillsides into hand to hand combat, one huge, 9 foot warrior steps out wearing about 150 pounds worth of armor. He’s a crusty, war hardened soldier, “Killing is his business and business is good” to quote Damon Wayans from the movie “Major Payne.” This one warrior challenge would not have been a strange sight in the days of David and Goliath. It was acceptable for one chief warrior to challenge another, then the army of the loser submit. In this particular passage, we note that the Philistines sent their largest warrior. We know from I Sam 9: 2 that Saul was Israel’s tallest and was their envied warrior. But Saul is terrified and all Israel knows it. This brought incredible humiliation to the people. In those days people really believed when they won a battle it was because their god was stronger. Sooooooooooo, when no one from Israel steps out, then the Philistines conclude that Israel’s God is weak and their gods are supreme. So this was not just a challenge for the nation of Israel but a challenge for Israel’s God.

 ¹² Now David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse, who was from Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse had eight sons, and in Saul's time he was old and well advanced in years. ¹³ Jesse's three oldest sons had followed Saul to the war: The firstborn was Eliab; the second, Abinadab; and the third, Shammah. ¹⁴ David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, ¹⁵ but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father's sheep at Bethlehem.  ¹⁶ For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. ¹⁷ Now Jesse said to his son David, "Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. ¹⁸ Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them. ¹⁹ They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines."                                                     Often in the Old Testament we find repeated information about heritage and families. We do find statements here about David’s background that has been given in prior chapters, this was a common practice. I don’t think it’s really that uncommon today, often I hear people repeat information when they tell a story, especially if that have what I call part-timers. J  David is sent on a servant’s errand. This is truly a story of an underdog becoming the hero. David is obedient, Jesse could have sent one of his servants but he sends David as a servant. I sometimes talk to Christians who think they are not doing anything for God’s Kingdom because they aren’t a missionary, a pastor, a singer,  they “only” make sure the building is clean and ready for service; they teach five year olds; they empty trash or take meals to the sick – they are “only” servants. Oh, how I wish they could realize what heros they really are. 

    ²⁰ Early in the morning David left the flock with a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. ²¹ Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. ²² David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and greeted his brothers. ²³ As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it.                                      David was not a part of this battle and was oblivious to what was happening. Vs. 16 says that every morning and evening for forty days Goliath repeated his challenge and David missed it, simply because he was somewhere else. How much do we miss because we are not at the front lines of the battle? How much do we miss when we are apathetic to what’s happening with God’s Kingdom and His people. When David takes food to the front lines he hears the challenge. He sees the fear, he hears of the reward, he gets in on all that’s going on. And he becomes involved. Are you on the front lines…

²⁴ When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear. ²⁵ Now the Israelites had been saying, "Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel. The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his father's family from taxes in Israel." ²⁶ David asked the men standing near him, "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?" ²⁷ They repeated to him what they had been saying and told him, "This is what will be done for the man who kills him." ²⁸ When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." ²⁹ "Now what have I done?" said David. "Can't I even speak?" ³⁰ He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before. ³¹ What David said was overheard and reported to Saul, and Saul sent for him.                                                                                                                                                                                  David when he hears Goliath is angered because he trusts God. Maybe it takes someone fresh and new to join the front lines to help remember who’s Almighty. Seeing conversions of sinners ignites a church and a passion to do God’s work. David’s brother gets angry at him. The brother has been there fighting, the brother knows what’s going on, knows who the soldiers are and how they should respond, and David’s not a soldier, how could he possibly make comments! Could folks who have been in the church take this stance with new Christians when they come in with new ideas. David ignores the brother and continues to ask why, why, why? Finally, it gets to the top soldier, Saul. Saul attempts to explain the situation and why they are in fear, the magnitude of the consequences, the strength of the enemy and the inexperience of David. David is right on top of that, unknown to anyone in the world God has been preparing David for battle with his own experiences. How often do we discount new Christians from being part of the “leadership” because of their lack of training or experience or whatever? David has confidence in the preparation God has given him. We see a rare glimpse into the sane Saul, here as he gives permission and blessing. Saul was staking the nation on this boy and his faith in God. Are we courageous enough to stake our church on maybe some of the new believers, or new ideas and bless them?

    ³⁸ Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. ³⁹ David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off.                                                                                                                                                                              Saul attempts to give David what Saul thinks he needs. How often do I attempt to cram all of my years of walking with Jesus to a new Christian, instead of patience, love and time? David tries to use the armor but can’t, David must rely on what God has equipped him with and Saul has to trust that. David learns he can’t be another person. And Saul, maybe part of the reason he wanted David to wear his armor was because it was suppose to have been HIM fighting Goliath. Could it be that we want others to shoulder our burdens… surely not.

⁴⁰ Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. ⁴¹ Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 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. ⁴⁴ "Come here," he said, "and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!"  ⁴⁵ David said to the Philistine, "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."    ^{48 -49} That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. David reached into his pocket for a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine hard in the forehead, embedding the stone deeply. The Philistine crashed, facedown in the dirt. ⁵⁰ That's how David beat the Philistine—with a sling and a stone. He hit him and killed him. No sword for David! ⁵¹ Then David ran up to the Philistine and stood over him, pulled the giant's sword from its sheath, and finished the job by cutting off his head. When the Philistines saw that their great champion was dead, they scattered, running for their lives. ^{52 -54} The men of Israel and Judah were up on their feet, shouting! They chased the Philistines all the way to the outskirts of Gath and the gates of Ekron. Wounded Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road all the way to Gath and Ekron. After chasing the Philistines, the Israelites came back and looted their camp. David took the Philistine's head and brought it to Jerusalem. But the giant's weapons he placed in his own tent. ⁵⁵ When Saul saw David go out to meet the Philistine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, "Tell me about this young man's family." Abner said, "For the life of me, O King, I don't know." ⁵⁶ The king said, "Well, find out the lineage of this raw youth." ⁵⁷ As soon as David came back from killing the Philistine, Abner brought him, the Philistine's head still in his hand, straight to Saul. ⁵⁸ Saul asked him, "Young man, whose son are you?" "I'm the son of your servant Jesse," said David, "the one who lives in Bethlehem."                                                                         The story of David and Goliath are so well know sometimes we can miss very important points.

1. The Philistine was defying God when he defyed Israel, taunting God, in fact. Such arrogance was bound to meet divine punishment eventually; and this gave David a source of faith and courage.
2. David was already well able to protect his father’s flocks from predators. The present situation was not different in kind: the nation of Israel was the flock of God and Goliath was no more than a predator. It is symbolically appropriate that David killed Goliath with a shepherd’s weapons.
3. David did not underestimate the danger, but he saw it in the perspective of God’s purposes and goodness.
4. In the whole episode there is a lesson that God brought the right man on the scene a the right time.
5. David put his whole trust in God; though it is important to note that this did not mean that he would fail to use his own weapons and the skills he had acquired.

The enemy does attack, the enemy will attack. David runs to meet him head on, using what God has given him. He totally finishes the job that God gave him. I wonder how often I have embedded the stone only to leave the head in place of the enemy so that later he can get back up. All of us stumble in our walk with Christ, but we can be defeated if we don’t kill the enemy. Example: if I have battle with gossip and the Lord speaks to me and I repent, then immediately I need to let those whom I talk with most know of my battle and repentance, so they can help me be accountable, kill the enemy. Once the enemy is completely overthrown, the rest of the army scatters. Remember David did this in full sight of everyone, no secrecy in overcoming the enemy. Do we often attempt to keep things secret while we battle? If so we will probably loose, or fail repeatedly. Kill the giant, whatever it may be.

 

Sermon Luke 19: 1-10

Sermon         Luke 19: 1-10  “From a Tree to a Table”

Collaboration of Steve Estep, Nancy Cantrell, Jimmy Skeen

 

     Grooms and grade-school kids. One of the things they have in common is they need someone to tell them where to go. (Be careful).  Example: In most weddings, the groom has needed all the help he can get. Seeing the bride in her gown is enough to cause him to lose his senses. Most get so nervous they don’t even know where to stand. That’s why preachers make them repeat things…  The same thing happens when kids in a Christmas program step onto a platform in front of a crowd, stage fright takes over. They forget what they’re supposed to say, and where they are supposed to go. But we in the pastoring/teaching world have developed a remedy helps both grooms and grade-school kids.

     (Hold up roll of masking tape) Two pieces of masking tape make all the difference in the world. A little X on the carpet marks the spot for a groom to stand if he wants to be in the right place at the right time. When you’re in a wedding, you do not want to be in the wrong place.  A little X on the stage marks the spot for any young actor to be in the right place at the right time. When you are in a Christmas program, you do not want to be in the wrong place.

     When he got word that a celebrity was coming to town he wanted to be in the right place at the right time to see him.

He was used to always having the best seats with the best view. World Series, Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, Opera (although I must say I’m not sure who would want front row opera tickets) – he never had to worry about not being able to see because his seats were always in the front row. You can do that when you’re filthy rich. He could make money at the drop of a hat.  So what if other people were getting poor, he was getting rich. He was rolling in it. So on this particular day if he could have paid for a seat it wouldn’t have been a problem but there were no tickets for this event. No special treatment.

     The crowd had already formed and there was no room at the front. The same people he had cheated out of their taxes were standing in front of him. And in no mood to give him a free pass to the front. The vertically challenged tax man had a view that consisted of backs, arms, and elbows. More than once he got an elbow on his chin; a heel ground into his toe or a shove from the side.  Those in the crowd weren’t overly obvious, but they did take advantage of the pressing bodies to conceal a well placed jab in the kidneys. How they hated him. It didn’t take much of that for the tax man to be bruised up and looking for a way out. It was totally unlike him to subject himself to that kind of humiliation anywhere, but there was something compelling him to see this particular celebrity.  Somehow he was willing to pay a much higher price for this view than he’d ever paid before.

     Finally, he squirmed out of crowd ran ahead, anticipating the place where the celebrity might cross.  He located a tree, climbed it and found a comfortable place to sit with his feet dangling and his mind racing, he waited to catch a glimpse, not sure of what he would see or even why he wanted to see it.  But he knew this was one day when he wanted to be in the right place at the right time, no matter what.

     Now, this particular celebrity could have gone to the temple and hob-knobbed with the Billy Graham of his day. He could have stopped at the home of the mayor for a fancy sit-down dinner.  He could have just kept going and not stopped anywhere else in Jericho, but He didn’t. When Jesus neared the place where the tax man was perched, he didn’t hesitate. Like a groom on his wedding day or a kid in the Christmas program he was drawn to it. On the ground beneath Zacchaeus he saw it. An “X” marked the spot of an encounter with a short tax man with a fat wallet who was hungry to find more than he could pay for, who was ready for a life-change. Somehow Jesus knew. He always does. He can always tell when people are ready for an encounter with Him.  
     Jesus stopped at the base of the sycamore tree, looked up through the leaves, and called out. “Zacchaeus, come down. I must come to your house today.” Zacchaeus shimmied down the tree like a little kid going down a slide. My house? My house? He’s coming to my house!  Zacchaeus didn’t know what all it meant but he did know this – Jesus wasn’t afraid to go home with him. In fact, He insisted on it. Of course Zacchaeus could have said no, but why on earth would he have done that? It never makes sense to say no when Jesus wants to come home with you.

     The two of them walked side by side, the crook and the Christ, all the way to Zacchaeus’ house, while the bewildered crowd wondered why on earth Jesus would go to the home of a sinner like Zacchaeus. He was a liar, a cheat, and a traitor. But curiosity got the best of them and they kept following. Sometimes curiosity gets us to a place where we can see something Jesus wants to show us about himself. That’s the way it was with this crowd.  They followed all the way to the house and got the surprise of their lives. 

     After a few minutes inside with Jesus, Zacchaeus came out with a wheelbarrow full of money. He told the people to line up, just like the lines they had formed to come and pay their taxes.  Only this time instead of demanding money from them, Zacchaeus was giving his money away, ½ of his money to the poor. He repaid everyone he had cheated 4x the amount he has stolen. You should have heard the crowd then. Instead of saying, “Little sawed-off, thieving weasel” they were saying

“Can you believe this? I sure didn’t expect to walk away with any of Zacchaeus money in my pocket! Amazing! What’s happened here?”  Zacchaeus spends a little time around a table with Jesus and all of sudden his whole attitude towards money changes. Instead of grabbing more of it, he’s giving it away.

The guy spends a little time at a table with Jesus and all of sudden the way he treats other people is radically rearranged. He doesn’t just say,”I’m sorry,” He shows “I’m sorry.” If Jesus can change a guy like Zacchaeus, He can change anyone. He spends a little time at a table with Jesus and his actions cause other people to notice the change! If Jesus can change Zacchaeus, He can change anyone.

Read the text: Luke 19: 1-10 NIV    ¹Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. ²A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. ³He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. ⁴So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.  ⁵When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." ⁶So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.  ⁷All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' "  ⁸But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." ⁹Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

     Zacchaeus made a little journey that day - from his home, through the town, past the crowd, and beyond all the barriers, to a sycamore tree. Jesus walked through Jericho past the synagogue, the businesses, the priests, the people, to a sycamore tree. Jesus saw an X that marked the spot where He wanted to transform the life of Zacchaeus.

     This morning you and I made a little journey as well - from your home, through town, past the crowd and beyond all the barriers until you arrived here. This morning I believe if you look close enough right between your feet you might be able to see it - an X that marks the spot where Jesus wants to have an encounter with you.  Right here and right now is the spot; the spot where your journey toward Jesus and His journey toward you come together. It’s an encounter waiting to happen, and it’s a lot more than a one-time good feeling or emotional high.  If it’s anything like the encounter Zacchaeus had with Jesus, it can be the beginning of relationship changing everything.

For him, it started at a tree and moved to a table – a table where life was shared and a relationship built. I guess as far as Jesus is concerned, there is no way to come to a person’s heart without going to their home.  Can you hear Him? “Come down from that tree, I’d love to come to your heart today, I’d love to come to your house today.” It doesn’t matter if this is your first encounter with Jesus or a renewing, a refreshing, a healing, a restoring encounter. It’s change all the same.

     (Move to communion table) This is another place where we move from a tree to a table – from the Tree of Calvary, to the Table of grace where Jesus invites us to have life with Him.  More than just remembering, we believe we encounter Him here, here in this sacrament (Break the bread) of love, love that left his body broken, (Hold up cup) his blood shed.

At this table Jesus gives grace –

Grace that accepts sinners; grace that forgives;

Grace that has the power to change the way we handle our possessions;

Grace that has the power to change the way we see and treat people.

That’s the kind of thing that can happen when we spend a few minutes at a table with Jesus. And here, at this table, we’re all invited to a front row seat. 

     Here at this table all are welcome. If you have never been to this church before it doesn’t matter you are welcome. All we ask is that you desire an encounter with Christ, to stand on the X and allow Him to have a relationship with you.

If you would move to the two center aisles tear off a small piece of bread and hear the words, “The body of Christ broken for you.” Then dip it in the cup and hear the words “The blood of Christ which was shed for you.” Then partake right there, knowing you are in the right spot at the right time, experiencing a relationship with Jesus who is already there.

 

BENEDICTION

“Come down out of that tree, I’m coming to your house.” Go forth with God’s blessing. Follow the journey with joy. Walk with Jesus side by side. Share your encounter with the world. Amen

 

Study Isaiah 43: 14-25

Study Isaiah 43: 14-25

 

What is prophecy? The popular stereotype of the prophetic books of the Old Testament has sometimes been misleading. While the prophetic writers do employ wild images when expressing what God revealed to them, these pictures are only a small percentage of the whole. The scholars Fee and Stuart give us these statistics: less the 2% of the O.T. prophecies speak about the Messiah; less than 5% speak about the new covenant era; and less than 1% predict events that are yet to come. These statistics show that the prophetic books are something quite different that what is commonly thought. The Prophets are really forthtelling of God truths and will rather than foretelling the future. Resource Playing With Fire by Walt Russell

 

What was a prophet? Israel’s prophets were recipients of a special call from God to undertake a special mission for Him. Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel give us the record of their call and commission. The call compelled them to deliver messages that were often contrary to what their audience wanted to hear. The prophets were passionately concerned about Israel’s election, destiny, and mission to the world. The goal of their preaching was to remind the nation of its identity and relation to God. The message of the prophets was grounded in the historical and theological traditions of Israel. Prophetic books make reference to the mighty acts of God and covenant with Abraham, the Exodus, the Sinai covenant, etc.  The message of the prophets was about Israel’s relationship to God. They called the nation to show forth devotion to God through obedience, repentance, and life-transforming worship. The prophets challenged the people to respond to their moral, ethical, and social obligations to others. Resource Discovering the Old Testament, editor Alex Varughese

 

Who is Isaiah? Little is know except what he tells us himself. The name itself means – Salvation of Jehovah. His father was Amoz but nothing is known about him. Isaiah was married and had two children (Isa 7: 3; 8:3). He prophesied during four reigns of kings of Judah, from Uzziah to Hezekiah. The first date given is the year of Uzziah’s death (6:1), which occurred about 740 BC. The last historical event referred to is the death of Sennacherib (37:38), which occurred in 681 BC. Isaiah treats the Syro-Ephraimitic war in the days of Ahaz as nothing compared to what the Assyrians are going to do to Judah, beyond that he predicts the mightier foe, Babylon. Fortunately, Isaiah also gives hope predicting the downfall of the enemy period! Isaiah is preeminently the prophet of redemption. The greatness and majesty of God; His holiness and hatred of sin; the folly of idolatry; His grace, mercy and love; and the blessed rewards of obedience are constantly recurring themes in his writings. Resource NIV Bible Dictionary

 

Now let’s look at the specific text.

NIV    ¹⁴ This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake I will send to Babylon and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians, in the ships in which they took pride. ¹⁵ I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King." ¹⁶ This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, ¹⁷ who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: This section emphasizes the fact that redemption is by grace. The Lord Himself is the speaker here. The same God who overwhelmed Pharaoh and the army of Egypt in the Exodus promises deliverance from Babylon. Just as dramatic and just as final! I love this particular little section because of the many images of God we see here: LORD, Redeemer, Holy One, Creator and King. God is God of every area in the universal order, as well as our lives.

Moving on…What happens here is God takes the hearers into a nostalgic trip into the past. There’s nothing necessarily wrong in doing that, especially in times of turmoil, the familiar can bring us comfort.

¹⁸ "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. But God then let’s them (us) know that if we stay in the “good old days,” if it becomes a habit of mind, then it is can cause us to become spiritually forgetful, weak, and lethargic. Anytime memories threaten to tie people to the past, causing stagnation to present realities or slowness in responding to new opportunities, we must forget them.

 ¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. ²⁰ The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, ²¹ the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. God is letting them know to be watchful, creative, believing in the impossible, looking all the time for what God is doing and will do. Biblical evidence from other O.T. books indicate that there were many Israelites who had been captive in Babylon who were RELUCTANT to go back to Israel. It was an uncertain place, it would mean LOTS of work, and Babylon was pretty comfortable… This was (is) a wake up call! The people then (and us now) are presented a challenge, we must be open to the possibility of change and receptive to the opportunity to begin anew.

    ²² "Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel. ²³ You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings, nor honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with grain offerings nor wearied you with demands for incense. ²⁴ You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses. These verses are an indictment against forms of worship that serve to disguise the true character of the worshipers. In response to the God who created all that is and to whom Israel (and us) owes everything, the response is pathetic, indifferent and complaining. They tried to fulfill worship in duty but not with their heart. Here we see a loving God looking for evidence that the worshiper feels some sense of gratitude, genuine response not more sin. Soooooooooooooooooo, when we worship where is our mind? Or do we neglect worship all together and just not go at all. Do we see house cleaning, yard work, sporting events, family events, the lake as more important than worship? No wonder God gets weary. Do we see worship as something for us, or could it be about our focusing – giving praise/honor – dialoging with God communally? This is definitely a passage for today… are we wearying God with our “half way” attention, praise, offerings, etc. Let’s look at a worship service, when the scripture is read aloud are we in awe? When the singing of praise is happening are our arms crossed in front of our, our mouths shut, and wondering “when can I sit down?” When the offering plate is passed are we eager and glad to be able to give? Just some things to think about… I don’t know about you but, personally, I really don’t want to weary or burden the God of the Universe.

²⁵ "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.Everything about the hearers in Isaiah’s day and us today rest on the fact that God is merciful and pours out grace. Hope for freedom from sin lies in the love of God. I think maybe the main thing to see here is even though Israel had broken faith with God, He never breaks faith! The living God so forgives that He forgets. Let me say that again, the living God so forgives that He forgets. We are recipients of this grace. God desires us, you and I, to be His bride, His love, His companion, are we?

 

II Timothy Sermon on Study

Text: II Tim. 3:14-4:5           Title: Word Up

10/21/07 preached by Pastor Steve Estep – sent and printed with permission

 

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” Fat greasy food will turn you into a fat, greasy dude.  But that’s the kind of food we love. We’re a culture of junk-food junkies. The other day I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned. When I was kid there was like 1 flavor – orange.  It made you not want to eat an orange for about 6 months because it tasted terrible. Now it’s a whole new ball game. My hygienist Mary at Doctor Long’s office rattled off a list of flavors to choose from and I actually had (no lie) Mocha Latte! We can’t even get our teeth cleaned without the taste of candy! The things that taste good aren’t always the things that are good for us. Chocolate, pop, chips and ice cream taste good. The candy we’ll give away at the House of Hope is good. There’s a reason we give candy bars instead of broccoli spears. Candy good, broccoli bad! It’s not just the kids who enjoy it, I like I too J. That’s one of the reasons I run – so I can keep eating whatever I want! 

   What’s true of taste is true of sound.  What sounds good isn’t always what’s good for us either.  Sometimes what we want to hear and what we need to hear are two different things.  When writing to the young preacher, Timothy, Paul said to him (to me & every other preacher or teacher) don’t be giving people junk food.  Don’t give out ear candy, give the truth. Preach the Word.  People need to be formed and informed, shaped and molded by the Word of God. We know that. We want that. None of us came here today to get ear candy. We came to be fed by the Word. 

 

It happens every day in front of a studio audience and is broadcast to millions of viewers who watch from home. No topic is too personal, no subject too sacred, no laundry too dirty to air in front of a watching world.  Husbands and wives, parents and teenagers, siblings and sometimes former friends allow themselves to become spectacles on shows where they share some their sorry stories.  Pick up the TV guide. It’s a smorgasbord of dysfunctions, addictions, twisted actions and perverted motivations. In the end it just about always boils down to relationships and love or the lack of it.  Love – longed for, scorned, distorted, betrayed or forgotten. Love that can’t quite seem to find the right expression. Unloved or unloving people subject themselves to public humiliation in hopes of getting some help from the gurus of talk-show TV.  They put their trust in folks like Dr. Phil and Oprah, certain that their words of wisdom will make all the difference. Beliefs and behaviors are addressed. The goal is correction. Correct the false beliefs, correct the destructive behaviors. Sometimes I’m sure it helps. Good advice is offered. Insights for behavior modification are shared as viewers clap and cheer.  Yet a thousand episodes of top notch talk shows don’t have the power to change a whole lot. There will be another show tomorrow, another season next year. It’s not that their words are bad, but they aren’t God-breathed. They may even be inspirational, but they are not inspired. Sooner or later it happens that the words from the host begin to taste a lot like junk-food. There’s a reason for that. There’s a big difference between a human word of correction and a Divine Word that has the power to bring about what it says to the unloved and the unloving.  

I Corinthians 13:1-8a.  ¹If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ²If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.  ⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  ⁸Love never fails

 

 

They were sitting at the kitchen table for a meal that was more likely to end in indigestion than satisfaction.  Not because there was any problem with the spaghetti, but because of the hostile environment they were eating it in. The kids had been at each other since they got home from school. In fact, it started even before then with an argument about whose turn it was to sit in the front seat.  It didn’t get any better when they got home. It was almost like they were looking for something to argue about, and if they didn’t find something, then they were going to make something up.  I’m sure none of your kids have ever acted like that, but in this family, at least on this particular night, that’s what was going on.  They couldn’t pass the salad dressing without a snide comment and the parents of these two kids were getting sick and tired of it. They had about all they could stand. After a couple of failed attempts at encouraging some better behavior, both parents jumped all over them.  “What’s wrong with you guys?!” “That’s not how you’re supposed to act. If I see any more of this, in fact if I hear one more word or see one more look between the two of you, you are going to be sorry!” While they may have been motivational, these words were not “inspired” words.  Under other circumstances this would have been enough to send the kids into a retreat, silencing the fighting and if not peace, at least bring some quiet to the meal.  It didn’t happen… because the night before, the last thing these kids heard before they fell asleep was, the sound of their parents arguing with each other.  Some of the same names they called and phrases they used at the dinner table weren’t learned at school. These were names, phrases, looks and attitudes that they had seen at home, exchanged between parents who were now rebuking their kids.  While the kids still knew they had better straighten up if they knew what was good for them, the words from their parents were empty. As they continued to eat their spaghetti and salad the words of rebuke these kids were asked to eat along with it started tasting like junk food. The words might have been true. But there is a big difference between a word of rebuke from an inconsistent parent and a Divine Word of rebuke that somehow has the power to bring about what it says.

Matthew 12:33-37.

33"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

 

 

In many ways it was more than a game. Football was his life. Although his playing days were long since over everything he learned, all the games he played in, even the friends he hung around with centered on his life in football. His wife would often tease him because it seemed as though he lived life based on the motivational speeches his coach used to give him. His coach was impressive. Every word from his mouth was like Scripture to the boys on his team. “Leave it all on the field! Never give up! Push through the pain! Don’t let them see you hurt! The goal line is the only goal!” yeah those words from the coach guided him through most of life. When he went to work he “left it all on the field” when he started dating his wife he “never gave up” any time an obstacle would come he would push through the pain His life was moved by the motivational words from a mountain of a man. That is until he faced a mountain in real life. The coach guided him through a game where the rules are set and the goals are clear, but life is not like that. There are few rules and plenty of surprises. Standing at the graveside of his first and only child those previously powerful words from his coach began to taste a lot like junk food. The words that were meant to encourage now could do nothing to chase away the discouragement, the fear, and the pain. There’s a reason for that. There’s a big difference between a human word of encouragement and a Divine word that can somehow do what it says.

Psalm 23:4  “Even though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

 

There are some things only the Word of God can do. II Timothy 3: 14- 4:5

¹⁴But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 4 ¹In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ²Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. ³For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry

 

The correction of a talk show host can be a great thing.  But it will never have the same power as the Word of God.  This (Word) is our authority, and somehow it does more than just inform – it forms.  It brings about the correction it calls for. The rebuke of a parent can be a powerful thing, but it will never have the same power as the Word of God.  This (Word) is our authority, and somehow it does more than just inform, it forms.  It brings about the rebuke it calls for. Encouraging words from a high school coach can be powerful.  But it will never have the same power as the Word of God.  This (Word) is our authority, and somehow it does more than just inform – it forms.  It brings about the encouragement it calls for.

 

The Word.  The Word written is the Scripture. The Word visible is the sacraments communion & baptism. Both the written and visible Word point to the Living Word who is Jesus Christ.  We know who He is from the Written Word. We experience His presence (among other ways) through the visible Word of the sacraments.  We are a people hungry to be formed and informed, shaped and molded by the Word. By the grace of God may we never settle for what sounds good; may we never settle for ear candy when we can be feasting on the life-giving, life-changing Word.  Amen.

 

Benediction: By the grace of God may we go forth to be formed and informed, to learn, love and live out this God-breathed Word, Amen