The Preached Word

Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:9-13

I. Introduction

II. Marring of Discipleship

A. Easy-Believism

B. Legalism

C. Apathy

III. Discipleship is calling from:

A. Satan

B. Sin

C. Self

IV. Discipleship is calling to:

A. Christ

B. A life in Christ

C. A mission for Christ

V. Conclusion

• “The Master has come, and he called us to follow”

• “This is the way the Master trod, should not his servants tread it still”

• “Discipline yourselves for the purpose of godliness” 1 Tim 4.7

Scripture Reading: Ezra 10:1-17

Introduction

II. Dealing with Sin Starts with the Right Heart Attitude (v. 1,6)

III. Dealing with Sin Requires a Plan (v. 2-8)

IV. Dealing with Sin can be Messy (v. 3, 9-11)

V. Dealing with Sin Requires Accountability (v. 12-17)

VI. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Genesis 16

Introduction

1. We learn that human life is full of challenges and we must accept

God’s sovereignty over our lives regardless of how hard it is (vs 1-2).

• There will always be a challenge, a challenge to trust God that He can keep His promise and make it happens without our help and interference.
• Sarai’s plan was very common, very normal for the culture of her day. It was culturally legal (Nuzi Tablets).
• However, it was in direct violation of the one flesh principle which God had set down in Genesis, Chapter 2:24.
• Sarai’s action is a mistake. Galatians 4:22,23 − “For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.
• But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.”
• Such a drastic mistake, obviously, is not without dire consequences. Why then God did not stop Abram doing this foolish thing?

2. When it appears that God has been preventing what we have been seeking, we should wait and be hesitant to “work” and take matters into our own hands (vs 1-2).

• Sarai’s words, in verse 2, betray a reluctance to accept the fact that God sovereignly prevented her from having a son.
• Sarai wanted to remove the cultural pressure to have children, especially sons, in those days.
• As for Abram, the pressure to have a son was even greater: (i) his name means “exalted father” or “father of nations” and Abraham means “father of multitude;” (ii) God’s repeated promise to give him a son is a burden.
• It is always a bad idea to try to accomplish God’s plan in your own way and your own timing, especially when it appears that God has prevented it from happening.

3. We should only do our part when our motivation is right before God and out of faith (v 2).

• We may do things rightly and legally according to the law of the land, but when we are scheming to achieve what we are seeking for, we have sinned.

4. We should never work with the wrong method (v 3).

• Derek Kidner: “This chapter marks another stage in eliminating every means but miracle towards the promised birth.” God has intended the promised birth must be a miracle.
• God’s plans come complete with His methods and His timing, and when we try to tamper with that in the power of the flesh, it messes everything up.
• Union with Hagar attempts to accomplish God’s work with the world’s methodology.

5. Running away from problems is not the solution (vs 3-10).

• Problems that resulted from Abram’s passivity by going along with his wife, Sarai’s schemes: (i) Competition between Sarai and Hagar; (ii) False pride on Hagar’s part; (iii) Conflict between Abram and Sarai; (iv) Sarai mistreating Hagar.
• “Where have you come from?” Did God allow that trial for some reason?
• Running away does not change relationships, nor does it remove responsibility.
• “Where are you going?” seems to be intended to bring Hagar back to reality. Did Hagar think that going back to Egypt, her home country, after 10 years and with Abram’s child would solve the problem?
• God requires Hagar and all of us to be submissive to those in authority and that He will take care of the rest.
• 1 Peter 2:18-20

6. There are negative consequences for taking matters into our own hands (vs 11-12).

• The four family problems mentioned in point 5.
• Beyond family problems: conflict in Middle East
• Psalm 83:5–6

Conclusion

• It is very tempting to try to “help” God to make clear His will for our church by following the step of some of us who have left us.
• What is the purpose we are here in this church? Is our purpose here only to seek to be served? Therefore, when we feel we are not fed, then we leave?
• Pastor Doug Van Meter: “faithfully wait upon the Lord through fervent prayer, faithful proclamation of the Word, fidelity to our responsibility to the local church and faithful living out of the truths of God’s Word. If we will do so patiently then we can be assured of a harvest from and for God in His good time.”

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13

1. Without love we are nothing (vs 1 - 3)

2. What true love is ( vs 4 - 7)

3. Love in light of the end. ( vs 8 - 14)

Scripture Reading: Psalm 30

Sermon Outline

Introduction

1. Psalm 30 is made up of 2 stanzas. 30:1-5 give an overview of David’s story

while 30: 6-12 unpacks the story with more important insight or details.

2. The song describes David's near death experience, its cause, his plea for

deliverance, the reversal of his circumstances, and his response of

thanksgiving.

II. When we live as if our strength and not God’s favour is our security, we

live in danger of losing our souls (1-3, 7-9)

A. David nearly died (3, 9a)

B. David's heart was heavy (7)

III.We can easily be misguided by our prosperity and ease to become self-

sufficient (5-6,7)

A. David acknowledged that for a time he boasted of his prosperity (6)

B. He had to be woken up by his Father’s discipline (5,7)

“God whispers to us in our pleasures; he speaks to us in our work; he shouts

at us in our pain.” C. S. Lewis

IV. Our cries to the Lord distinguishes us as those who by faith endure

affliction even at the hand of God. (2,8,10)

A. David believed the Lord was yet present to hear his cry (30:2, 8)

B. David humbly reasoned and argued with God (9)

V. When we acknowledged God’s favour overshadow our affliction, we are

compelled to give thanks and praise to Him FOR EVER. (1-2, 4-5, 11-12)

A. The LORD answered David’ prayer (11-12)

B. David’s great turnaround was because of an even greater turnaround that

David’s greater Son, Jesus experienced

C. David acknowledged that the LORD’s discipline is brief but his favor lasts a

lifetime (4 - 5)

D.David exalted the Lord (1–2) for lifting him up

E. David cannot be silent in his joy (4-5, 11–12)

VI. Conclusion

1. We can frequently become self-sufficient, until God wakes us up with a

thunderclap.

2. But we are to hang on amid our afflictions because weeping may stay for a

night but joy comes with the morning. Our affliction is for a moment, but

his favour lasts a lifetime. So hang in there!

3. God delivers us from our troubles so that we might give thanks and praise to

Him FOR EVER. It is not that God needs our praise. It is because worship

filled with praise and thanksgiving invigorates our souls. Give thanks in all

circumstances, Apostle Paul reminded in 1 Thes 5:18; for this is the will of

God in Christ Jesus for you.

Scripture Reading: Titus 3:1-8

Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

• Grace triumphs when all seems lost and hopeless.

• Being reminded of God’s grace that changed us will motivate us to show

His grace to others through our good deeds.

II. Reminder One: How we are to act towards the ungodly world vs 1-2

A. Submissive, obedient, and ready to do good to rulers and authorities

B. Speak evil of no one

C. Peaceable and Gentle to all

III. Reminder Two: You were once just like the people of the world vs 3

A. We were foolish and disobedient

B. We were deceived

C. We were enslaved by our passions and pleasures

IV. Reminder Three: Salvation is of the Lord vs 4-7

1. We were saved by God’s grace and mercy

2. We were saved by Christ our Saviour

3. We were regenerated by the Hoy Spirit

II. Conclusion

• The doctrines of Grace must be preached in season and out of season

• The doctrines of Grace should motivate us to excel in good works for

God’s glory

Scripture Reading: Titus 2:11-15

Sermon Outline

Introduction

II. Grace Definition

III. Grace Saves v11

IV. Grace Sanctifies v12

V. Grace Gives Hope v13

VI. Grace Empowers v14

VII. Conclusion

Introduction

• The threat of false teachers and teaching can only be countered by the sound doctrine.

• Right doctrines shape and strengthen right living.

II. Graces and Character of the Christian Man vs 2,6

• Older men begin to exemplify sound faith, love, and steadfastness.

• Younger men learn to be self-controlled rather than being driven by their passions.

III. Graces and Character of the Christian Woman vs 3-5

• Older women seek opportunities to train up the next generation rather than point out their failures and wag their fingers.

• Younger women begin to love their husbands and children more than their careers.

IV. Graces and Character of Christian Servant vs 7-10

• Church workers are to be exemplarity and walk the talk of the Christian faith.

• Employees are to adorn sound doctrine with a submissive and industrious demeanour.

Conclusion

• The more we understand sound teaching the more we will practice sound living.

• If we’re ever going to see a reformation of deeds, it must begin with a recovery of our creeds.

Scripture Reading: Titus 1:10-16

Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

· The Eldership must be above reproach, godly and Spirit-gifted to

serve Christ and his church

· The Elders must guard the flock by refuting false teachers and by

correcting believers who have followed false teaching

II. The Eldership must guard the flock by refuting false teachers

· First, false teaching always damages

· Second, the greatest danger for false teaching always comes from

within the church.

A. Refute false teachers by teaching sound doctrines vs 9

B. Refute the false teachers by exposing their false teachings vs 14

1. False teachers add works to salvation by faith in Christ alone vs 10
2. False teachers focus on baseless speculation vs 14
3. False teachers promote legalism vs 14

III. The Eldership must refute false teachers by exposing their sinful

behavior

A. Bad doctrine always results in bad behavior vs 15

B. False teachers are not usually so honest as to say that they are atheists or

the antichrist vs 16

IV. The Eldership must guard the flock by correcting believers who have

followed false teaching

A. Correct by warning of bad cultural and social norms vs 12

B. Correct by convincing strongly of the importance and narrowness of the

truth vs 13

Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Titus 1:5-9

Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction

II. Necessity of Godly Eldership vs 5

A. Every church without Elders is incomplete

B. Every church requires a plurality of Elders

III. Qualifications of Godly Eldership vs 6-8

A. A goodly man

B. A graceful man

C. A godly man

IV. Purpose of Godly Eldership

A. Feed the flock

B. Protect the flock

V. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Titus 1:1-4

Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

a. Paul wrote and instructed Titus and the church down the ages on church

ministry; on how to do church.

b. Worldly principles and practices are preferred because they can bring in the

crowds.

c. God helping, we shall learn, relearn, and come face to face with the biblical

principles and practices of church ministry we glean from the Letter to Titus.

d. The first principle of church ministry is servanthood

II. Definition of Servanthood (v. 1a)

a. The word doulos for servant should be more accurately be translated as

bondslave.

b. The bondslave or doulos means that we have been chosen deliberately to serve

God and that we are God’s property

c. There’s a secondary sense in which we like being servants or slaves of God, that

we can also be His ambassadors.

III. Purpose of Servanthood (v. 1b-3)

a. Evangelism

b. Education

c. Sanctification

d. Expectation

e. Proclamation

IV. Passing on the Baton of Servanthood (v. 4)

a. Mentoring

b. Mimicking Christ

V. Conclusion

Scripture Reading: Psalm 95

Sermon Outline

I. Introduction

• Divided into 5 books, the psalms trace the ebb and flow of a life through the lens

of 3 main psalm types : hymns, laments and thanksgivings.

• Books 1 to 3 (Ps. 1-89) of the Psalms, trace this rise and fall of the Davidic

monarchy. At end of Book 3, the crisis of faith arises. Books 4 to 5 (Pss. 90-150)

provide insight into how to respond to this apparent failure of the promises made

to David and his descendants.

• Worship is not an add-on to our lives. It is the heart-beat of our spiritual lives. It is

not incidental. It is primary and it is fundamental. Not only is worship more

important than evangelism, fellowship, edification, discipleship or church planting,

but it is really the means to these things. (Deffinbaugh, B)

II. When things don’t turn out the way we like, we tend to stray away from

coming into God’s presence (8-11)

• As people who have experienced God’s blessings, we enjoy coming into the presence of the Lord

• But hearts can be hardened as we question and quarrel with God’s ways over our

disappointments. (8-9)

• God denies rest to those who stray from coming into His presence and acknowledging

Him as God. (10-11)

III. God is still great and still our covenant God even when we don’t

experience the promised Christian life at every point of our life. (3-5,7)

• God revealed Himself that He is a great God (3-5)

• God revealed Himself that He is our God (7)

IV. Because God is great and is our covenant God we find rest and

blessings worshipping and submitting to Him even when times are

challenging (1,2,6)

• Because God is great, He is worthy of all our worship (1-2)

• Because God is our God, He deserves all our submission (6)

V. Conclusion

• Today and whenever, if you hear God’s voice, God calls you to come and worship Him.

• Will you take heed to God’s voice even in challenging times.

• Worship exposes our hardness of heart and softens it to make way for the Lord’s

kingship. Often, He removes one blessing only to bestow another and a greater. We are His and He is ours.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 15

Sermon Outline

I. The context

a. “After these things.” Abram’s response to God seems to show a sign of his

doubt on God’s promise. God understood and confirmed His promise.

b. In confirming His promise, God has simply acted consistently with Himself, as

He always does and always must.

II. The means of justification (v. 6)

a. Romans 4:1-5, “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather

according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has

something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture

say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the

ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”

b. How can Abram be just before God? Paul answers: “It is not by works but by

faith.”

c. Works mean conformity to the moral law and obedience to the ceremonial law

(see Rom 4:10).

d. Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a

place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing

where he was going.”

e. John Calvin: The circumstance of time it is recorded in the Scripture that God

counted Abram’s faith as righteousness is very important and critical.

f. Faith is not the ground but the means of his righteousness.

g. Westminster Confession of Faith: “Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ

and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification.”

III. The faith that leads to justification is the faith in the personal promise

of God regarding the Messiah or Christ (v. 5,6).

(i) Abram believed in the promise of God concerning his offspring – Jesus Christ.

1. Galatians 3:16, “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, ‘And to offsprings,’ referring to many, but referring to one, ‘And to your offspring,’ who is Christ.”
2. Genesis 22:18 “and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” Only through Jesus Christ, there will be many who will be blessed.
3. John 8:56, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”
4. Galatians 3:8, “[T]he Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’”

(ii) Abram showed faith in the promise as made to him.

a. Galatians 2:20, “[He] loved me, and gave Himself for me”.

IV. The faith that justifies will persevere to the end (v. 18).

a. The faith that counts has the seal of the covenant.

b. God made a unilateral covenant with Abram in which He took full responsibility

for the fulfilment of these promises.

c. Abram's assurance is also our (every justified believer) assurance.

d. Luke 22:20, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My

blood.”

V. Conclusion

a. How can a sinful person like me be right before a holy God? Can you settle that

question by trusting God’s Word concerning Christ?

b. Do you know Jesus Christ has saved you?

I. Introduction

II. Purpose of Christ’s Coming vs 1-3

• To judge the unbelieving and sinful world
• To save the believing and blessed elect

III. Preparation for Christ’s Coming vs 4

• Remember the law of God
• Observe the law of God

IV. Program of Christ’s Coming vs 5-6

• Preaching of the gospel throughout the world by the church
• Perilous times shall come upon the world and the church 2 Tim 3.1

V. Conclusion

• “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 John

3.3

• “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as

the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2.14

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home

his father saw him, and his heart went out to him; he ran and hugged his son and

kissed him.” – Luke 15:20

1. Our Rebellion

2. Our Sinful and Wasteful Life

3. Our Misery in Sin

4. Our Repentance and Restoration Through Christ

Passage: Romans 15:17-21

I. Introduction

· It is frustrating to buy and use fake products as it would not stand the

test of time.

· Malachi’s sixth message to the people of God of old addresses the core

of the matter; Genuine faith in contra to Fake faith.

· Fake Believers will not stand the test of time. Genuine Believers will

persevere to the end because Christ preserves his people.

II. Contrary to Genuine Faith vs 13-15

A. They speak hard things about God

· Ungrateful to the Lord’s blessing

· Oblivious of their bad attitude towards God

B. They serve the Lord for material blessings

· Vain to serve the Lord when it is unfulfilling.

· Unprofitable to walk and worship the Lord when the material blessings

are not forthcoming.

C. They hold to a skewed and wrong view of God

· Go with the flow of the world

· Disillusion with God

III. Descriptions of Genuine Faith vs 16

A. They fear the Lord

· Not a slavish fear but an awe for the Lord

· Godly fear and faith in the Lord

B. They spoke with one another

· Law of God Deut 6.6

(Suggested by the Puritan Thomas Watson in his book The Great Gain of

Godliness)

· Exhortations – Preciousness of Christ, beauty of holiness, sinfulness of

sin, spiritual wellness

· Reproofs – silent in matters of faith, idle and worldly talks, sinfulness,

and waywardness

C. They esteemed God’s name

· The name of the Lord is meant his essence, his attributes, his person

· “Our mind should be steeped in holy thoughts” Thomas Watson

IV. Blessings of Genuine Faith vs 16b-18

A. The Lord pay attention and hear them

B. The Lord keep a book of remembrance for them

C. The Lord owns them as a treasured possession

D. The Lord will spare them from eternal condemnation

E. The Lord will distinguish them from the ungodly

V. Conclusion

· Thank the Lord for his manifold blessings in Christ!

· Test yourselves to see if you possess genuine faith in Christ

· Transformed by the renewing of our mind in Christ

I. Introduction

• Money is a sensitive topic in church in the light of financial scams and prosperity gospel

• The passage before us has been subjected to its fair share of Scriptural abuses

II. The Offense of Robbing God vs 6–9

• A gracious appeal for repentance
• A withholding of tithes and offerings for the House of God
• A lack of generosity towards the Lord

III. The Blessing of Giving to God vs 10–12

• An important question to ask when reading the Scriptures; what are the

differences and similarities between the biblical audience and us?

• The people of God of old is told that if they begin to bring in their tithes, thus

returning to the Lord will open the windows of heaven in blessing.

• God's promise in Malachi raises two questions we need to answer considering that Christ has come.

IV. Does God Command Christians to Tithe?

• Tithing formed the base of our giving to God
• We give as the Lord enables and enrich us 2 Cor. 9.7-8

V. Does God Promise Financial Blessing through Giving?

• The Lord bless His faithful stewards of what they own Lk. 19.26
• If you take giving as a strategy to get more money and blessing, your giving dishonours the Lord.

VI. Conclusion

• As we consider God's gracious gift in Jesus, how can we rob the Lord?
• Let us be motivated to give by the supreme generosity of Christ 2 Cor. 8.9

Apart from the Gospel, this makes no sense

Background of the Letter

I. Paul’s Reason for Writing

• Consideration #1: Paul’s Authority (v8-9)
• Consideration #2: Onesimus is Useful (v11, 13)
• Consideration #3: Paul Loves Onesimus (v10, 12)
• Consideration #4: Paul Saved Philemon (v19-20)

II. Paul’s Request (v17)

III. Paul’s Offer to Repay (v18-19) Application Questions 1. Do we love each other as family? 2. Do we forgive each other? 3. Do we think we are superior to others?

The Story So Far

I. God works out his promise to Jacob despite death (49:29-50:14)

II. God is sovereign over human evil for the good of his people (50:15-21)

III. God will work out his promise to his people despite Egypt (50:22-26; cf.

15:13)

The great gulf that begins in Genesis

1. Share one thing on how your understanding or appreciation of God has grown.

2. Share one way in which this world’s evil makes it hard for you to keep trusting God. Take some time to pray with one another.

I. Introduction

• We would make preparation to receive an important guest

• To be prepared is to be forewarned and forearmed

II. Receiving the Gospel vs 1

• Receive the Preacher of the Gospel

• Receive the Christ of the Gospel

III. Repenting of Sin vs 2,5

• Conviction of the seriousness of sin

• Cleansing of the stains of sin

IV. Responding with Sacrifices vs 3-4

• Purifying by the LORD

• Pleasing to the LORD

V. Conclusion

• Our Lord had come and He is coming again for His saints
• Are you prepared to meet the LORD?

I. Introduction

• Third message of Malachi to the people of God
• Seek to uncover the core spiritual ailment of the people of God i.e., faithlessness

II. Faithless to one another (v.10)

• May have reference to the incident of the oppression of the poor in Nehemiah 5
• Members of the covenant community are to love, be kind and bear with one another Jn 17.17, Eph 4.32, Col 3.13, instead of biting and devouring one another Gal 5.15

III. Faithless to God (vv. 11-12, 17)

• By offering polluted offerings to the LORD
• By marrying the daughters of foreign god
• By being cynical to God’s word

IV. Faithless to the wife of your youth (vv. 13-16)

• Seek to divorce their wives to marry the daughter of foreign god
• Seek to rewrite the creation ordinance of marriage

V. Conclusion

• Repent from your faithlessness Jer 3.22-23
• Resolve to serve the Lord faithfully Matt 25.21
• Rejoice in our God who is faithful 2 Tim 2.13

I. Introduction

• God’s people lived a very challenging life, it was not business as usual
• The Book of Psalms is also known as the Book of Praises, praise is the final word
• The psalm reflects a situation and sequence as 2 Chronicle 20:5-19
• The psalm provides a window into two key components of war; preparation and implementation
• “Psalm 20 was originally composed for use before some particular battle, then could have been used before any battle, and finally came to be used in the face of any threatening danger.” - Dr Mark Futato
• There are three kingdoms in WSC Q102
• God’s enemies are those who do not obey Him

II. Aspects of Preparation

Spiritual

• Pray for protection
• Pray for reinforcement

Organizational

• Plans to win

III. Attitudes of Implementation

Confidence

• God is certain to save His anointed
• God authorizes his resources to save His anointed

Humility

• God's people need to call upon the Lord to battle for His kingdom's sake

IV. Conclusion

• The victory of God's kingdom is certain
• God's people are instructed to pray for the success of their church
• Christ has ensured that victory is assured for His followers
• Each member must fervently pray and courageously embrace their responsibilities within the body of Christ
• 2 Chronicles 20:17 “ .... Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
• Christ is fighting alongside you to push back the darkness of Satan’s kingdom
• John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
• We must fight for God’s reign in the lives of His people
• To worship and glorify Him, till His kingdom of glory come

I. Introduction Psalm 2 and Psalm 1 serve as an introduction to the Psalter of 150 songs.

II. With ever rising anti-Christian sentiments everywhere, Christians are left wondering if we will enjoy the happy life Psalm 1 offers. (1-3)

A. God made David and his descendants to be kings to bring blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:1-3) B. But David sees the world in a rage of a violent uprising (1-3) C. This raging attitude continues in our own day. (Acts 4:25-28; Acts 13:33; Rev. 19:19)

III. In spite of world’s raging revolt against heaven, God has the last say as the ultimate Sovereign. ( 4-6)

A. God brushed aside the world’s futile attempts to stop his eternal purposes with a laugh. (4)

B. God rebukes the nations and declares he has already installed His king over all (5-6)

IV. God shall triumph over all nations and rulers through his anointed Son, the Messiah Jesus Christ (7-9)

A. God’s Messiah speaks for himself and affirms the decree God had made concerning Him (7a) B. The decree identifies the Davidic King as the Son of God. (7b) C. The decree also announces the king’s destiny (8) D. And finally the decree ascribed to the king the authority and power to rule. (9) E. The message of Psalm 2 holds out awesome hope for those who trust in God.

V. Our true happiness is found not in futile rebelling against God but to embrace His kingship through His Son, Jesus Christ (10-12) A. The wise and the warned are invited to embrace the kingship of Christ. B. We embraced the kingship of Christ by serving the Lord and kissing the Son C. Blessed are those who find their refuge in Jesus Christ VI. Conclusion

A. Living with the tension of the “not yet” in the midst of the perils and threats of the powers at work in the present world, Christians are tempted to be afraid and discouraged and to believe that these powers are the only reality in their lives. B. Psalm 2 gives us a reason to be faithful and not give up but persevere. When Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Mat 28:18), we are hearing the fulfilment of His request in Psa 2:8: “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage” (Ps. 2:8). C. The certain coming dominion of the Christ over the entire universe assures believers of a victorious Christian life.

I. Introduction

• We had looked at the Lord’s charges against the priests (leaders) of God’s people for profaning the Lord’s altar the last time
• This morning we will see that this contempt that the priests had for God’s glory would bring God’s pronouncement on them.

II. The chastisements and judgements on ungodly leadership vs 1-4

1. Chastisements/judgements are coming and blessings withhold
2. Ill-effects on subsequent generations
3. Dishonour to their name
4. Removal from their offices
5. The reasons for the Lord’s judgements?

• To wake them out of their spiritual slumber and contempt
• To purge and purify the leadership

III. The ideals of godly leadership vs 5-7 The LORD’S description of the ideal and godly priesthood cannot be traced to any that is mentioned in the Bible, except for Christ Himself who is our perfect High Priest

1. Trustworthy and morally pure in doctrine.
2. Unswerving in his judgments
3. Pure and righteous in his conduct
4. Focused in his work for the Lord
5. Immersed in Biblical knowledge and the preserver of it
6. Messenger of the Lord of hosts

IV. The measure (in contrast) of godly leadership vs 8-9

1. Alignment with the ideal priesthood i.e., Christ
2. Example to the flock
3. Faithfulness and commitment

V. Conclusion

• The LORD had pronounced His commandment on the priests of Malachi’s day because they had broken the covenant of Levi

• We have a high standard to uphold, we must be faithful and accurate in what we teach
• We must also live our lives by the same standards that we teach by the Spirit’s empowering

Main point: Since Jesus is our superior high priest and perfect sacrifice, we can live out the priesthood and sacrificial life.

I) Introduction

• The Superiority of Jesus

II) Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to Aaron's

• Melchizedek's high position as king-priest
• Melchizedek is an immortal priest
• Melchizedek’s blessings are multi-generational

III) Jesus comes from the superior order of Melchizedek’s priesthood

• Jesus’ priesthood has the power of eternal life
• Jesus , the high priest, brings the saints close to God

IV) Jesus guarantees a superior covenant

• Jesus is not like any other priest who comes and goes
• Jesus has taken an oath with God to fulfil His high priestly role

V) Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for God’s people

• God desires to dwell among His people
• Jesus is the once and for all sacrifice at the Cross

VI) Conclusion

• Live out the priesthood and sacrificial life
• Embrace our role as multi-generational priest

Hebrews 5:11-14, 6:1-12

I) Beware of spiritual lethargy

• Deafness
• Sluggishness
• Immaturity

II) Do not presume participation equates to salvation

III) Seek growth with the full assurance of hope that comes from the gospel

• Be earnest in maturing internally and serving externally

I) Introduction

II) The High Priest of God

a) The beginning of the Levitical priesthood of Israel

b) The role of the High Priest

c) The High Priest, Aaron

III) Jesus is the High Priest of God

a) Jesus’ priesthood is in the order of Melchizedek’s priesthood

b) Genesis 14, Psalm 110:4

IV) Jesus is the Merciful High Priest

a) Jesus sympathizes with His people’s weaknesses

b) Jesus prays for His people continuously

V) Jesus is the Faithful High Priest

a) Jesus learned obedience in His suffering

b) Jesus did not sin in His suffering

VI) Conclusion

a) We must hold fast to believing that Jesus, the Son of God, is our great High Priest.

b) We are to confidently draw near to Jesus’ throne of grace to receive His mercy and help.

I. Introduction

a. If God is sovereign in history, as the Bible claims Him to be (e.g., Acts 4:28), then His hand is to be seen as guiding history to achieve His purposes.

b. It is the first time here that God's plan of redemption for His people and specifically His promises to Abram intersect with secular, national history.

c. James 2:14 says, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?”

II. True faith produces love, sympathy and forgiveness that seeks to restore a brother or sister who has fallen into difficulties or sin (vv 1-14).

a. Abram demonstrates a forgiving spirit toward his nephew and seeks to rescue him despite how Lot had treated him.

b. All believers in Christ, are called to exhibit the same sort of forgiveness toward those who have wronged us and commanded to rescue those who have fallen into sin (Gal 6:1). Three principles:

1. We must separate ourselves from the love of the world (the spiritually matured).
2. We need preparation and wisdom to rescue the fallen brethren.
3. It must base on principle and not results.

III. True faith produces courage (vv 14-16).

a. Abram springs into war with only 318 of his trained men and his allies against a vast army of four powerful kings. He is not a king but just a rancher.

b. God passes no moral disapproval of Abram’s conduct in the Scripture and even awarded him with victory.

c. “I have lifted my hand to the LORD” (v 22) seem to signify a solemn oath promises the Lord that if He would give him success, he would not enrich himself by his campaign. d. It is Abram’s faith in the Lord that He will give him victory that produces his courage. IV. True faith produces humility and loyalty to God (vv 17-24).

a. It was providential that Melchizedek’s appearance interrupted the meeting of Abram and the king of Sodom.

b. It puts Abram’s victory in proper theological perspective.

c. Abram may be a brilliant military strategist and his bravery cannot be doubted but the victory was God’s!

d. Abram acknowledgment (giving a tenth of everything) demonstrated his humility.

e. Bera, though, has been humiliated in defeat, was trying to show himself as superior, generously allowing Abram to keep the goods.

f. To accept anything from a pagan king would be to give him the opportunity to suppose that his giving was responsible for Abram’s success (“I have made Abram rich”).

g. Abram also remembered his vow to the Lord (v 22) that he must honour it. h. Abram did what he did, even at a personal sacrifice, in order that he might be loyal to the LORD.

i. And Abram’s greatest victory is the victory over self-righteousness: he does not expect his Amorites allies to follow his standard of conduct but let them have their due. V. Conclusion

a. God is in control of history.

b. This chapter provides us with a divine commentary on the decisions made in Chapter 13. History weighs the decisions of men.

c. Abram’s faith is increasingly showing himself to be a faithful servant of God, like the Seed of the woman who one day would come, God’s great Servant, Jesus the Messiah, the son of Abraham.

d. As we look to Abram, may we be encouraged, but may we look beyond him to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

I. Introduction

II. The Author

• Malachi - the messenger of God

• A contemporary or late contemporary of Nehemiah the Governor 420BC

• The word of God always supports and goes with the work of God

III. The Purpose

• To show the messiness of the people of God

• To correct the messiness of the people of God

• To point to the coming Messiah who would fix the messiness of the people God

IV. The First Charge (v2-5)

• They doubt God’s love

• They left God’s love

• They spurn God’s love

V. Conclusion

Big idea: God mercifully preserves, gently speaks and graciously reassures His weary servant.

I. God mercifully preserves (v1-8)

II. God gently speaks (v9-14)

III. God graciously reassures (v15-18)

IV. Reflection Questions a. How do you reach out to a weary soul? b. In the midst of the challenges of life and ministry, what can you do to be still before the Lord?

I. Introduction

a. The text invites us to decide what we truly believe about Jesus’ historical resurrection.

II. What the skeptics did before Jesus’ resurrection

a. They prepared to secure Jesus’ tomb.

III. How the skeptics reacted to the news of Jesus’ resurrection

a. The Roman soldiers guarding the tomb fainted.

b. The Jewish leaders bribed the soldiers to spread fake news.

IV. What the followers did before Jesus’ resurrection

a. They prepared to mourn Jesus’ death.

V. How the followers reacted to the news of Jesus’ resurrection

a. They departed with reverence and great joy.

VI. Conclusion

When you believe in the resurrected Jesus,

• He will help you overcome your fears and find peace.
• He will lift you from despair and bring you great joy.
• He will empower you to triumph over death.

I. One Parade

II. Two Aspects of Jesus’ Identity

a) Jesus is the _____________ Messianic King.

b) Jesus is the _____________ Messianic King.

III. Three Responses

a) The ____________ response

b) The ____________ response

c) The ____________ response

IV. Conclusion

“Who is this?”

I. Introduction

II. Noisy lives filled with pride and over-reaching ambition often rob us of quietness our souls are privileged to possess.

a. The centre piece of Psalm 131 is the image of a weaned child in the mother’s arms

b. But this song begins with a confession of trust in negative terms – “my heart is not lifted up ...........”

c. Noise in our soul begins with our swollen pride

• Proverbs 6:16, Proverbs 8:13, James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5

d. That noise is reinforced by chasing ambitious impossibilities

• For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear. (Ecclesiastes 5:7)

e. And noise amplifies and begets deafening noise

• 2 Timothy 2:22

III. Amid our noisy lives, cultivating humility and contentment in God restore a child-like quietness in our soul for our Godward journey.

Quieting the soul takes effort

• “I have calmed and quieted my soul.”

b. Quieting the soul begins with putting aside the sources of noise in our souls and cultivating humility

• “It is one of the shortest psalms to read, but one of the longest to learn” – Charles Spurgeon

c. Quieting the soul builds trust, confidence and contentment in the Lord like a weaned child’s relationship with the mother

• Ephesians 4:22-23

d. Another way of looking at importance of quietness of the soul amid our noisy lives is a wheel revolving on its axle

IV. We are to embody and share this contented hope in the Lord for the life and ministry of the church

a. The call to hope in the Lord

“My times are in Your hand

whatever they may be,

pleasing or painful, dark or bright,

as You know best for me”.

Psalm 130:7-8

b. We are to hope now and always.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”- Corrie ten Boom

V. Conclusion

a. Amid our noisy lives, cultivating humility and contentment in God restore a child-like quietness in our soul.

b. Trust, confidence and contentment in the Lord find their home in a quieted soul.

c. Only one who is humble, hopes in the Lord

d. We are to hope in the Lord now and always by faith in the work and person of our Lord.

A. Introduction

B. Opposition 6.1-19

• Distraction
• Insinuation
• Intimidation
• Association

C. Resolution

• Resoluteness vs 3
• Forthrightness vs 8
• Prayerfulness vs 9
• Perceptiveness vs 12

D. Incompletion 7.1-4

• Completed
• Completing

E. Conclusion

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

29Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:29-31

What can we learn about God from these 7 verses?

I. He Cares for Lowly Me!

• Psalm 138:6
• Cf. Genesis 22

II. He Cares for Lowly Me with Real Needs! (v.5)

• God, in His ordinary providence, makes use of means, yet is free to work without, above, and against them, at His pleasure.

III. He Cares for Lowly Me with Real Needs_________! (v.6-7)

• How should I respond to such a God?

Our God is far greater than words can make known, Exalted and holy, He reigns on His throne. In infinite splendor He rules over all; Yet He feeds the poor sparrows, and He knows when they fall.

He rides the wild heavens, He strides thro’ the seas; The high mountains tremble to hear His decrees. His voice with great thunderings sounds from above; But to His own children He whispers His love.

His power is great and will ever endure, His wisdom is peaceable, gentle, and pure. But greater than all these glories I see, Is the glorious promise that He cares for me.

• Worship your God and have a _____ confidence in Him!

Read our 7 verses again, and what do you see?

Worship your God and have a _____ confidence in Him!

I) Introduction

• Have you ever wondered why Jesus could not be an angel?

II) The status of Angels (v5)

• Present
• Future 

III) The status of Man (v6-8)

• Present
• S____________
• Future

IV)The status of Jesus as fully Man (v9)

• E____________
• H____________

V) Conclusions

• Jesus is fully Man and _____________ to angels in the world to come.
• I am _______________ with Christ Jesus ______________ & _____________________. 
• I have Christ’s ____________, _____________, and, _______________.

FOUR SCENARIOS OF LIFE

• Scenario 1: PSALM 107:4-9
• Scenario 2: PSALM 107:10-16
• Scenario 3: PSALM 107:17-22
• Scenario 4: PSALM 107:23-32

TWO REVERSALS IN LIFE (PSALM 107:33-41)

ONE MESSAGE FOR LIFE:

• Covenant
• Redeemed

AND NOW FOR YOUR DAILY LIFE

• Cry ________________ so that you can shout _____________________!
• Aim to be _____________ grateful, not grumpily ________________!

I) Introduction (1a)

• Jesus is superior to the angels, prophets, national leaders, or priests.
• The church was facing the problem of people falling away. 

II) We must pay the closest attention, lest we drift away from the gospel (1b-3a) 

• We drift away from the gospel by being legalistic. (1, 2a) 
• We drift away from the gospel by being licentious. (2-3a) 

III) We must pay the closest attention, for the Lord and God confirmed the gospel. (3b, 4).

• The Holy Spirit has given gifts to church members.
• Each church member has gifts to help each other from falling away.

IV) Conclusion: The gift of peacemakers in the church. Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Hebrew 12:4, ‘Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.’ 

• Keep the gospel-safety in the church. 
• Stop our drift towards legalism or licentiousness. 
• Seek Christ’s peace and forgiveness with God for ourselves and others in the gospel.

I. Introduction

II. Peace in the church can be elusive.

• Paul faced such a situation in the Philippian church (4:2)
• Euodia and Synthche fell out with one another
• Tension between members affects the church’s well-being

III. We are all to help bring peace in the church (4:3)

IV. In unsettling times, we are to stop worrying but to rejoice, forbear and pray with thanksgiving (4:4-6,8)

• Again rejoice in the Lord always
• Let your reasonableness be known
• Pray, supplicate, request and give thanks

V. God promises us peace and safeguard us from anxieties when we in Christ  practice what we learned. (4:7,9)

• God promises His peace to keep out anxieties
• Peace of God and peace with God
• Practice what we learned

VI. Conclusion 

• In unsettling times, the Apostle is saying to us. Stop worrying. Instead rejoice in the Lord always. Don’t be drag down by the situation. In gentleness, forbear. Finally, pray with thanksgiving.
• But importantly, practise what you have received and the God of peace will be with us. 
• All of us have a part to play to bring pieces together and peace to the church.

Big Idea: 'Jesus is superior to angels; let us have the confidence to believe in Christ’s  name.' 

1. His name is above the angels. (4-7)
2. His nature and role are incomparable and beyond the angels. (8-12)
3. He rules over the angels (13-14)

A. Introduction 

B. The Unusual Circumstances 

C. The Peculiar Problem 

D. The Greatest Gift

E. Conclusion

1. What Christ Does (10-13) 

2. How He Does It (14-16) 

3. Why He Does It (17-18)

Introduction

Its Meaning

• Terror and Dread Deut (2.24-25)
• Veneration and Honour (Isa 6.1-6)
• It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb 10.31)

Its Movements

• See sins as God sees it vs 1 - 6
• Listen and obey His word as God instructs it vs 7 - 11
• Turn from sins as God commands it vs 12 - 13
• Love one another as God loves us vs 14 - 18

Its Maintenance

• Grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord
• Grow in communication and confidence with the Lord vs 19
• Grow in fellowship with godly Christians Psa 119.63, 1 Cor 15.33

Conclusion

I) Introduction

II) The call to believe in God with His promises (5-38) 

III) The call to believe in a Savior with God’s mercy (46-56, 67-79)

IV) The call to believe in Jesus with the Holy Spirit’s joy  (39-45, 56 - 66, 80, 2:1-7)

V) Conclusion: God calls us to the certainty of faith in Jesus

I) Introduction 

• The kingdom of God will face opposition from the enemy of the soul and his cohorts 
• The war of the ages begins in the garden of Eden Gen 3.15 

II) The Causes 

• The distinctiveness of the people of God   
• The holiness of the people of God  
• The war of the ages with the people of God Gen 3.15 

III) The Strategies 

• Mockery and Accusation vs 2-3 
• Threats vs 7-8 
• Rumours-mongering and discouragement vs 10-12 

IV) The Counterattack 

• Pray vs 4-5, 9 
• Trusting God vs 14 
• Put on the full armour of God vs 15-20

V) Conclusion

• Watch and Pray Matt 26.41 
• Fight the good fight of faith 1 Tim 6.12

Big Idea: God’s common grace for all people and Jesus’ saving grace for God’s  children. 

1. God’s common grace for the disciples and skeptics in the same boat. (27:39-44)

2. God’s common grace through the unusual kindness of humanity. (28:1-3, 7) 

3. God’s saving grace through the disciples’ gospel ministry. (28:3-6, 8-10)

I. Introduction

• We learned from Nehemiah Chapter 2 that, preparation, praying and planning are essentials for the work of faith or service to God
• There would always be opposition to God’s work
• Godly leadership and loving relationship is paramount in the Lord’s service 

II. Leadership of the Body of Christ vs 1-2, 9, 12, 14-19, 28

• Exemplary and Servanthood
• Delegation and Empowerment
• The Spirit of God gifts and empowers the Body of Christ in the service of God 

III. Service of the Body of Christ vs 1, 12, 20-27

• For the Lord
• For and with one another
• All the members of the Body are involved 

IV. Disruption in the Body of Christ vs 5

• They will be some who will not “shoulder” the Lord’s work
• The tragedy of the church is the missing gifts i.e., the missing servants of God

V. Conclusion 

• Godly leadership is essential to the well-being of the Body of Christ 
• Love and loving relationship are the glue to hold the Body of Christ together 
• The goal: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the  word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:25-27)

I. Introduction 

• By the good hand of God, 50 000 Jews have returned to the promised land after 70 years  of exile to rebuild the Temple in 538 BC 
• However the walls and gates of Jerusalem, the city of God, have been lying in ruins for  150 odd years since the exile. The people of God are in great trouble and shame too
• When Nehemiah the cupbearer in the King’s palace heard of the low situation of God’s  people from his brother Hanani, he is overwhelmed with grief. He seeks the Lord in  mourning, fasting, and praying for many days before he began the work of faith.  

II. Preparation for the work of faith vs 1-2 

1. 4 months have passed since Nehemiah received the “bad news” from his brother and his  prayerful decision to do something about it.
2. Preparation for the man of God in the work of faith in the following areas is needful –  character, graces and giftings, maturity, spirituality, knowledge
3. Waiting on the Lord before you can do anything is not new for the people of God 

III. Praying for the work of faith vs 3-8 

1. The king notices Nehemiah’s sad disposition and asks Nehemiah what’s bothering him  instead of sending him to the gallows for spoiling his chill out session with the queen 

IV. Planning for the work of faith vs 9-18

1. Nehemiah conducts a survey personally and, on the ground, to assess the magnitude of  the problem. A kind of SWOT analysis
2. Nehemiah shares the vision of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem with the people of God  through empathy. He encourages them by acknowledging the good hand of the Lord upon  him and the work ahead.

V. Plans to undermine the work of faith vs 10, 19-20 

1. The children of the world are displeased when Nehemiah comes along to seek the welfare  of God’s people.
2. They accuse the Nehemiah and the Jews for plotting a rebellion when they hear that they are going to rebuild the walls.
3. Like father like children, the Devil and the Accuser of our brothers are on the prowl to  stop anyone from seeking the welfare of God’s children by his many devices. all that he  has, and he will curse you to your face.’”

V. Conclusion

• Preparation, Praying and Planning amongst others are required for the effectiveness of the work of faith for God, so let us work on it
• Opposition to the work of faith is to be expected, so let us put on the full armour of God  to battle against it.