08 August 2018

Sermon Outline James Chapter 1

I won't be teaching Sunday School for awhile, because I resigned from teaching, so I thought I would post some sermon outlines I have done over the years.

The Epistle of James will be looked at for a few weeks.


A1 Chapter 1

B1 Introduction
C1 Self-description
D1 Servant of God
D2 Servant of Lord Jesus Christ
C2 Writing to the 12 tribes of Israel (the Christian, believing Jews, but it is applicable to all of us)
B2 Testing/Temptation (these are the trials of the Christian faith; but it may refer to the solicitation to sin, which is a trial)
C1 Attitude in: Joy
D1 Joy = cheerfulness, calmly happy
E1 An opportunity to see firsthand God's help in trouble
E2 Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience.
D3 This world/life is one of trouble, for the world is cursed because of sin.
D4 Testing/Temptation comes in many different forms
E1 Spiritual temptation: to deny Christ, to make someone bitter and blame God, etc.
E2 Emotional: to depression, to be lead astray by "voices" (in reality, demonic influence), false guilt, recurring bad memories
E3 Physical: to seek pleasure, appetites, food, sleep, sex, money
E4 The three most popular gods in the world: Honors, Riches, and Pleasures
D4 References:
E1 Matthew 5:11 HCSB You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me.
F1 Comment: This is a temptation to leave the faith and deny Christ.
F2 Three persecutions mentioned:
G1 Insult
G2 Persecute, which may be verbal, financial, economic (as in our occupation), physical, spiritual, emotional, etc. or all the above
G3 Lie in every form it might be possible to lie
F3 These come against us because we are Christians
E2 1 Peter 1:6-7 GNB92 Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed.
F1 Comment: The results and rewards are when Jesus returns.
F2 This type of testing is not good to experience but does reveal if our commitment is genuine. Remember persecution is not just physical.
C2 James 1:2 Works Patience
D1 Happily awaiting deliverance, thus a test of faith. This is a showing of faith and hope. Faith = "God will deliver me." Hope = "I hope it will be today."
D2 Don't get in a hurry.
D3 God has a purpose waiting for God’s deliverance: James 1:4 WPNT but let that endurance have a complete work, so that you may be perfect and complete, falling short in nothing.
D4 God’s grace is always sufficient to endure: 2 Corinthians 12:9 NRSV but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
C3 James 1:5 Wisdom: lack wisdom; don't know what to do; unsure of everything? Pray for wisdom. God will not belittle us for asking. There are no stupid questions. If we need to ask God for wisdom 100 times a day, it will not make God angry.
C4 James 1:6-8 Prayer
D1 In faith (God can do this)
D2 We cannot manipulate God with a formula, self abasement, etc.
D3 Don’t doubt.
D4 There is no guarantee to answered prayer. 1 John 5:14 NKJV Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
D5 Asking for wisdom is pleasing to God. He is the source of wisdom. Colossians 2:2-3 NKJV that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
C5 James 1:9-11 Be glad if you're poor
D1 Riches can disappear quickly.
D2 Don't put your trust in riches.
D3 This is a temptation, for we should put our trust in God, himself.
C6 James 1:12 A reward for endurance: the crown of life.
D1 There are two different crowns mentioned in New Testament Greek
E1 The first is στεφανος, stephanos which is similar to a trophy. It is given for victory or efficient service. In our case for the Christian life. This is word used in James 1:12.
E2 The second is διάδημα diadema and is a crown signifying the right and authority to rule. Thus, a king or queen would wear a diadem. This is the word used in Revelation 12:3, 13:1, and 19:12.
D2 The Crown of Life is specific for endurance, steadfastness, faithfulness in persecution of any sort. It is also in Revelation 2:10.
C7 James 1:13-15 God does not tempt people.
D1 The principle of sin is in us.
D2 That principle is "Everything is for my comfort and pleasure." This is happiness, not joy. Happiness is not a fruit of the Spirit, joy is.
D3 The cure
E1 Repent and trust in the Lord Jesus who suffered for our sins and paid our penalty
E2 Humility: God help me
E3 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
C8 James 1:20 Our anger does not do the will of God.
D1 Anger often comes from bitterness from injustice
D2 We seek revenge. Vengeance is up to God.
D3 Need to forgive
E1 Forgiveness does not mean that God lets them off the hook
E2 It means to turn the person, situation, to God to deal with it
F1 That person may repent
F2 You can have peace and rest
C9 James 1:21 Stop sinning. (God help us).
D1 The word "lay apart" means put or lay aside and leave it.
D2 Place yourself under God’s authority, that is, God's way is the right way. I will do this with the help of God.
D3 Engrafted is to place into or plant, which might mean the Gospel, so it brings salvation, but it could also mean a remembering of a Bible verse applicable to the present situation, which if we obey, we will be delivered.
D4 Another version James 1:21 GNB So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.
E1 God implants a verse from the Bible in our mind. "Ah, that verse—O yes, I remember."
E2 We obey that Bible verse (with discernment).
E3 We will have deliverance.
C10 James 1:22-25, If only a hearer of the Bible, then it is nothing. It is the doer who is doing the will of God. Words are cheap; actions speak louder than words.
C11 James 1:23-27 One test of a true Christian
D1 Mouth control
D2 Visiting the needy, the fatherless and the widow.

Copyright © 2001-2018 by Len Gane. All Rights Reserved.

01 August 2018

The Christian and Truth



Truth you can count on

Theme: Absolute truth

Scripture: Psalm 119:89, Psalm 119:142, Psalm 119:160, John 17:17, John 8:31-32

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)
Know: Absolute truth exists because God exists.
Think: I can live confidently, basing my life on the absolute truth of God’s Word.
Do: Read and study Scripture daily to learn what is true.

B1 Truth
C1 Simplistically, there are 4 theories of truth
D1 Correspondence = reality
E1 Facts = a thing that exists or happened
E2 Belief = acceptance of facts
D2 Coherence = agrees with a set of beliefs or concepts
D3 Pragmatic = truth is what works
D4 Narcissistic = what I believe is truth
C2 The correspondence theory in its simple form, that is, reality. Pain is reality. Some cheats us out of money is reality. Someone lies to us; it is reality. Though there are philosophical arguments against it, we live in reality. Words have meaning. Statements are typically taken in their plain, normal sense. Any book on philosophy will have a section on truth and will discuss other theories.
C3 The Bible is meant to be understood in its plain, normal sense in context.
D1 God is omnisapient, that is, perfectly and completely wise.
D2 God is omniscient, that is, perfectly and completely knowing everything.
D3 It can be reasonably believed that God knows how to communicate perfectly.
C4 Some verses on truth
D1 Psalms 119:89 NKJV Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. In another translation: Psalms 119:89 GNB Your word, O LORD, will last forever; it is eternal in heaven.
E1 Whatever God says, thinks, or has written never changes.
E2 If God says adultery is wrong, it is always wrong.
E3 If God says murder is wrong, it is always wrong.
E4 If God says lying is wrong, it is always wrong.
E5 If God establishes a doctrine, then it does not change.
E6 Why is important to know God never changes?
E7 Why is it important to know God’s word never changes?
E8 How are we to explain the differences between the Old Testament and the New?
F1 God does not change:
G1 Malachi 3:6 WEB “For I, Yahweh, don’t change; therefore you, sons of Jacob, are not consumed.
G2 Isaiah 46:9-10 WEB Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.
F2 A change in New Testament compared to Old
G1 Hebrews 7:12-14 NKJV For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
G2 God explained why.
H1 Foretold. Note this priesthood was before the Law. Psalms 110:4 NKJV The LORD has sworn And will not relent, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."
H2 Explained: Hebrews 7:15-21 GNB92 The matter becomes even plainer; a different priest has appeared, who is like Melchizedek. He was made a priest, not by human rules and regulations, but through the power of a life which has no end. For the scripture says, “You will be a priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.” The old rule, then, is set aside, because it was weak and useless. For the Law of Moses could not make anything perfect. And now a better hope has been provided through which we come near to God. In addition, there is also God's vow. There was no such vow when the others were made priests. But Jesus became a priest by means of a vow when God said to him, “The Lord has made a solemn promise and will not take it back: ‘You will be a priest forever.
B2 Psalms 119:142 NKJV Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth.
C1 The law spoken of here in the Laws given at Mt. Sinai.
C2 It is conditional law.
D1 If you, Israel, do this, then I will bless you these ways. See Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
D2 If you, Israel, do not, then I will curse you these ways. See Deuteronomy 28:15-68.
C3 Why is God’s law truth?
D1 God is truth.
E1 God cannot lie. It is impossible for Him to lie. It is not His character. Titus 1:2 WPNT in hope of eternal life —which life God, who cannot lie, promised before the ages of time. See also Hebrews 6:18.
E2 Humans are liars; God does not. Romans 3:4 GW That would be unthinkable! God is honest, and everyone else is a liar, as Scripture says, "So you hand down justice when you speak, and you win your case in court." See Numbers 23:19.
D2 Because God is true, His words are true. John 17:17 WPNT Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth.
D3 Righteousness and truth are related in that any lie or even mistake would indicate unrighteousness. Psalms 145:17 GNB92 The LORD is righteous in all he does, merciful in all his acts.
C4 Truth is very important to God, He demands truth from us.
D1 Zechariah 8:16 GNB92 These are the things you should do: Speak the truth to one another. In the courts give real justice—the kind that brings peace.
D2 Ephesians 4:25 GNB92 No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ.
D3 God hates liars, and remember a person can lie in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds: Proverbs 12:22 GNB92 The LORD hates liars, but is pleased with those who keep their word.
B3 Psalms 119:160 NKJV The entirety of Your word [is] truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments [endures] forever.
C1 Everything God does in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds are true.
C2 They never change. Never changing is part of true.
C3 Remember prophecy is true, promises are true, judgment is true, blessing is true, God’s warning is true, God’s comfort is true, God’s love is true.
C4 How does knowing this verse help us in our Christian walk?
B4 John 17:17 WPNT Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth.
C1 Sanctification is a separation from what is not approved by God to something approved by God. Righteousness is approved by God. Truth is approved by God. Obedience to God’s rules is approved by God. Holiness is sanctification.
D1 God sanctifies.
E1 God the Father: Jude 1:1 NKJV Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.
E2 God the Son: Hebrews 10:10 WEL By that will we have been sanctified from the guilt of sin through the one time sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ.
E3 God the Holy Spirit: 2 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
C2 We cannot do and be sanctified on our own self or actions.
C3 Sanctification has three parts.
D1 Complete and instant sanctification. When we are born again, we are a new creation. This is a result of justification. 1 Corinthians 1:2 NRSV To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.
D2 A lifelong process for the Christian in this life. This is the subject of Romans 6. For example: Romans 6:19 NRSV I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.
D3 Final, which is glorification. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 NRSV May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
C4 How does truth sanctify?
D1 This is God’s truth, so it is complete in every way.
D2 Truth crowds out the lies and other sins in our life. That is why we must read and study the Bible, the only source of 100% truth. That is why the pastor must preach Bible truth. The more truth we know and practice, the more sanctified we become, thus, we become more and more Christ-like and less like the world. The lifestyle that God wants is more and more consistent, and the lifestyle of the world fades.
B5 John 8:31-32 WPNT So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed Him: “If you abide in my word, you really are my disciples; and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free.”
C1 This is somewhat related to John 17:17.
C2 How to we abide in His word?
D1 We have to know it, believe it, and live it.
D2 We have to be taught it and teach it.
C3 How does truth set us free?
D1 We are set free from lies.
D2 We are set free from heresy.
D3 We are set free from wrong life choices.
D4 We are set free from our sinful self.
D5 We are set free to serve God better.
C4 What is my and your motivation?
B6 Next week:
C1 Truth given by God
C2 Theme: Divine truth
C3 Scriptures: Romans 1:20, Hebrews 1:1-2, Jeremiah 29:12-14, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, Hebrews 4:12, and John 10:27

25 July 2018

Safety Success and Waiting



A reason for hope

Theme: Songs of Worship

Scripture: Psalms 121, 127, 130

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)
Know: The Lord alone is our source of help, hope, and forgiveness.
Think: I am always conscious of the fact that I need God in every area of life.
Do: Look to God for help in all areas of our lives.

B1 Psalm 121
C1 Setting: people were traveling to Jerusalem to go to the Temple. The had to climb up to Jerusalem. Whether the people feared what was in the hills or looked to the hills for safety doesn’t matter.
C2 Points to know: Safety comes from the Lord.
D1 He can provide spiritual safety for us in good doctrine, faith, and hope: 2 Peter 2:9 WEL The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of trials and to reserve the unrighteous for punishment on the Day of Judgment.
D2 He can provide emotional safety: Luke 4:18 MKJV The Spirit of the Lord is on Me; because of this He has anointed Me to proclaim the Gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, and new sight to the blind, to set at liberty those having been crushed.
D3 He can provide physical safety: 2 Timothy 4:17-18 MKJV But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, that through me the preaching might be fulfilled, and that all the nations might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me to His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
D4 He does not promise immunity from trials but deliverance. This deliverance may come quickly or wait until our death and carriage into heaven by the angels.
C3 More points to know
D1 Psalm 121:2 God helps us to remain steadfast and faithful. Psalms 62:1-2 NKJV TRULY my soul silently [waits] for God; From Him [comes] my salvation. He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [He is] my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
D2 Psalm 121:3-4 God doesn’t need sleep and doesn’t sleep. He is alert to everything that happens. Jude 1:24 WEL Now to him who is able to protect you from falling and to present [you] without blame before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.
D3 Psalm 121:5 God is always with us. Hebrews 13:5 ESV Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
D4 Psalm 121:6 God is able to protect us day and/or night: 2 Corinthians 1:10 WPNT He did deliver us from that deadly peril, and still delivers; in whom we trust that He will keep on delivering.
D5 Psalm 121:7-8 God is able to protect our soul: Psalms 32:7 HCSB You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah
C4 Questions:
D1 Who is our guardian, our protection?
D2 Why does He do this?
D3 What does this tell us about God’s character?
D4 How can we help others?
B2 Psalm 127,
C1 Setting: this is a song of ascents just as Psalm 121. Solomon wrote this under inspiration of God. Since it is a song of ascents, it is written about God’s house. There are many applications of needing God’s help and blessing for everything we do.
C2 Points to know:
D1 Psalm 127:1 Perfect success only comes from God. John 15:5 WEL I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains attached to me (and I to him) will bear much fruit, for you can do nothing without me.
D2 Psalm 127:2 A workaholic might get more money, but he/she loses much.
E1 Proverbs 15:16 GNB92 Better to be poor and fear the LORD than to be rich and in trouble.
E2 1 Timothy 6:10 WEB For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
D3 Psalm 127:3-5
E1 Children are better than money.
E2 This blessing is particularly towards Israel: Deuteronomy 7:13 NASB77 “And He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock, in the land which He swore to your forefathers to give you.
E3 If someone does not want children, they do not sin.
E4 If someone cannot have children, they are not being cursed by God.
D4 Questions
E1 How should we define success?
E2 Why is God’s blessing necessary for real success?
E3 Why are children a blessing?
E4 What about those that do not or can not have children?
B3 Psalm 130,
C1 Setting: this is another song of ascents. As the people travel closer to Jerusalem and the Temple, people need to think about their standing with God. They need to ask, “Are there any sins I have committed?”
C2 Psalm 130:1 Despair is present from personal, family, or national sins in Israel. Psalms 71:20 NKJV You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
C3 Psalm 130:2 The Psalmist is serious and pleads for God to listen to him, forgive him, and restore him. Psalms 28:2 GNB92 Hear me when I cry to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your holy Temple.
C4 Psalm 130:3 Sin, breaking God’s law, must be punished. It is either Messiah Jesus or me. Colossians 2:14 NLT - He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
C5 Psalm 130:4 Only God can forgive sins. Psalms 51:1-2 NKJV HAVE mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.
C6 Psalm 130:5 Waiting for God’s counsel, blessing, forgiveness, wisdom, etc. is always a good thing.
D1 Lamentations 3:25-27 GNB92 The LORD is good to everyone who trusts in him, So it is best for us to wait in patience—to wait for him to save us— And it is best to learn this patience in our youth.
D2 We must watch and wait. Micah 7:7 GNB92 But I will watch for the LORD; I will wait confidently for God, who will save me. My God will hear me.
C7 Psalm 130:6 If we are troubled at night, we eagerly wait for the morning. A Christian does not want darkness. He/she wants light to come—God’s light.
D1 Psalms 90:8 GW You have set our sins in front of you. You have put our secret sins in the light of your presence.
D2 John 1:4-5 GNB92 The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.
C8 Psalm 130:7 In this passage, we see confidence and hope in God.
D1 Hebrews 6:17-19 GW God wouldn't change his plan. He wanted to make this perfectly clear to those who would receive his promise, so he took an oath. 18 God did this so that we would be encouraged. God cannot lie when he takes an oath or makes a promise. These two things can never be changed. Those of us who have taken refuge in him hold on to the confidence we have been given. 19 We have this confidence as a sure and strong anchor for our lives. This confidence goes into the holy place behind the curtain.
D2 Psalms 42:5 GW Why are you discouraged, my soul? Why are you so restless? Put your hope in God, because I will still praise him. He is my savior and my God.
D3 Romans 5:7-10 NRSV Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. 8 But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. 9 Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.
C9 Psalm 130:8 Forgiveness of ALL sins Titus 2:13-14 WEL Looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a special people, zealous for good works.
C10 Questions
D1 When should we ask God to forgive our sins?
D2 Why does God forgive our sins?
D3 What are some blessings for forgiveness of sins?
D4 Why is waiting good for a Christian?
D5 Why is confessing and asking God for forgiveness so difficult for a non-Christian?
B4 Next week
C1 Truth you can count on
C2 Theme: Absolute truth
C3 Scripture: Psalm 119:89, Psalm 119:142, Psalm 119:160, John 17:17, John 8:31-32

18 July 2018

Psalm 118


Past, Present, and Future

Theme: A song of God’s love

Scripture: Psalm 118

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)
Know: God’s love for us is neverending.
Think: I let God’s great love for me guide the way I think, choose, and act.
Do: Praise God for His unfailing love and call on Him for help.

B1 Notes
C1 Psalm 118 is a hymn of joy. Some understand there is a soloist who sings a part and a choir responding.
C2 The Hebrew word for love, mercy, lovingkindness, etc. found in the first 4 verses is חֵסֵד chêsêd. It means kindness. This kindness implies mercy, love, kindness, etc.
D1 Kindness defined: Having or showing a friendly, generous, sympathetic, or warm-hearted nature. (Source)
D2 2 Samuel 9:1 NKJV Now David said, "Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
D3 Joel 2:13 GNB Let your broken heart show your sorrow; tearing your clothes is not enough." Come back to the LORD your God. He is kind and full of mercy; he is patient and keeps his promise; he is always ready to forgive and not punish.
D4 Everyday examples:
E1 "A couple of months ago, an elderly lady asked me to walk her home because she was scared she was going to slip on the ice. We've become friends and now I walk her home almost everyday." (Source)
E2 The paramedics who took an elderly man to the hospital and then came back and finished shovelling his driveway for him. (Source)
E3 What examples do you have?
D5 Remember God is kind.
C3 Those encouraged to be thankful.
D1 All people: Psalms 118:1 NASB Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
D2 Israel: Psalms 118:2 NASB Oh let Israel say,"His lovingkindness is everlasting.
D3 High priests (the house of Aaron): Psalms 118:3 NASB77 Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.
D4 All who fear God: Psalms 118:4 NASB77 Oh let those who fear the LORD say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.
D5 God does not need thanks, praise, or anything. What He is teaching, however, that it is the polite thing to give thanks.
C4 In Psalm 118:5, for what is the psalmist thankful?
C5 Psalm 118:6 belief in God yields courage. God’s grace gives us courage because of His kindness. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 GNB May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, 17 encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.
C6 Psalm 118:8-9, why is it better to trust in God than anything else?
D1 Proverbs 3:5 NKJV Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.
D2 Proverbs 20:22 GNB Don't take it on yourself to repay a wrong. Trust the LORD and he will make it right.
D3 Proverbs 28:25 GNB Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the LORD.
D4 Proverbs 29:25 GNB It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the LORD, you are safe.
C7 Psalm 118:10-14, how can we apply this teaching to our lives?
D1 He is the only savior: Isaiah 45:21-22 NASB77 Declare and set forth [your case;] Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me. “Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other.
D2 Salvation is part of His character: Revelation 12:10 GNB Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, "Now God's salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused believers day and night has been thrown out of heaven.
D3 He can save us from anything: 2 Timothy 4:18 GNB And the Lord will rescue me from all evil and take me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
C8 Psalm 118:15-16, why all the shoutin’?
D1 God gives us victory: Proverbs 21:31 GNB You can get horses ready for battle, but it is the LORD who gives victory.
D2 Victory over ALL enemies: Philippians 1:28-29 GNB Don't be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win, because it is God who gives you the victory. 29 For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him.
C9 Psalm 118:17-18, why does God discipline us? How is God’s discipline different for the believer from the unbeliever?
D1 Moses in his summary to Israel states: Deuteronomy 8:5 GNB Remember that the LORD your God corrects and punishes you just as parents discipline their children.
D2 As a test of faithfulness. Remember, Adam’s test was a piece of fruit and Abraham’s the order to sacrifice his son. We will be tested. James 1:12 NKJV Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
D3 A difference: Proverbs 10:24 NKJV The fear of the wicked will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted.
D4 For the unbeliever: Matthew 10:28 NKJV And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
C10 Psalm 118:19-21, who enters God’s gates to give praise?
D1 Not evil people: Romans 1:20-21 NKJV For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
D2 Giving thanks as evangelism: Psalms 18:49 NKJV Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name.
D3 As testimony to the congregation: Psalms 35:18 NKJV I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.
D4 For victory in our Christian life: 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
C11 Psalm 118:22-24, who is this great cornerstone?
D1 Isaiah prophesied, too. Isaiah 28:16 GW This is what the Almighty LORD says: I am going to lay a rock in Zion, a rock that has been tested, a precious cornerstone, a solid foundation. Whoever believes in him will not worry.
D2 Jesus claims fulfillment: Matthew 21:42 NKJV Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
D3 Different to believer and unbeliever: 1 Peter 2:7-8 GW This honor belongs to those who believe. But to those who don't believe: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 8 a stone that people trip over, a large rock that people find offensive." The people tripped over the word because they refused to believe it. Therefore, this is how they ended up.
C12 Psalm 118:25-29,
D1 God gives success! Psalms 118:25 GNB92 Save us, LORD, save us! Give us success, O LORD!
D2 We have many, many reasons to give thanks to God.
D3 We are to tell others, both believer and unbeliever: Psalms 118:28 GNB92 You are my God, and I give you thanks; I will proclaim your greatness.
C13 Psalm 118:29, Why do YOU give thanks to God?
B2 Applications
C1 A challenge: sometime take the time to think of 100 things you are thankful for.
C2 Another challenge: think of 10 kindnesses God has done for you.
C3 Another challenge: tell someone about God’s kindness.
C4 Another challenge: compare your life here with your life in heaven.
B3 Poem:
Thank You, Lord, for Everything
Dear Lord,

Thank you for the breath to say
Thank you for another day

Thank you for the eyes to see the world of beauty surrounding me
Thank you for the ears to hear your message of hope loud and clear
Thank you for the hands to serve and far more blessings than I deserve
Thank you for the legs to run the race of life until it's won
Thank you for the voice to sing
Thank you, Lord, for everything

Amen
--Submitted by Keith (Source)
B4 Next week
C1 A reason for hope
C2 Theme: Songs of Worship
C3 Scripture: Psalms 121, 127, 130

11 July 2018

When We Can't Find God

When we can’t find God

Theme: A song of Distress

Scripture: Psalm 44

Objectives: (From the D6 Fusion Sunday School Lesson book)
Know: No one is exempt from troublesome times, but we can cry out to God for help.
Think: I will condition my thinking to trust God even when going through unexplained difficulty.
Do: During difficulty, remember God’s past blessings and cry out to Him for help.

Psalm 44
B1 Outline
C1 Psalm 44:1-8: Israel’s past deliverance
C2 Psalm 44:9-16: God is questioned why He doesn’t deliver any more.
C3 Psalm 44:17-26: An appeal to God for deliverance now
B2 Distress
C1 Images
C2 Defined
D1 Stress is from stressors. A stressor is a some demand on the body. So, a deadline can be a stressor, so can pain, allergic reaction, shock, illness, etc. It usually has a solution.
D2 Distress is when someone can not adequately respond to stressors. So, chronic stressors can be deadlines, pain, allergic reaction, shock, illness, etc. Many times there is no solution, there is no easy solution, or there is no solution that seems possible.
D3 Sometimes distress is worse when you know of others who have been delivered, while you haven’t. In Psalm 44, the psalmist knows of past deliverance for Israel, but sees no deliverance now.
C3 This is distress: Matthew 27:46 NRSV And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
C4 But: Psalms 30:5 NRSV For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
C5 And: Romans 8:35-39 NRSV Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
C6 Finally, Isaiah 65:24-25 NRSV Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the LORD.
B3 Psalm 44:1-8,
C1 Why should we pass on to our children how God helped us in distressing times?
C2 What specific deliverances does the psalmist pray to God?
C3 The psalmist emphasizes that God delivered them? Why is this proper?
C4 How can God be our king? Why is this important?
D1 God reigns: Psalm 97:1 MEV The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!
D2 God is always and only king: Psalm 10:16 MEV The Lord is King forever and ever; the nations perished from His land.
D3 Jesus is king: John 18:36-38 GW Jesus answered, "My kingdom doesn't belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. My kingdom doesn't have its origin on earth." 37 Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus replied, "You're correct in saying that I'm a king. I have been born and have come into the world for this reason: to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to me."
D4 Jesus is King over all: Revelation 15:3 WEL They were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous [are] your works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] your ways, you King of nations.
C5 Israel’s main enemies were human, but they also had enemies of selfishness, disobedience to God and His Law, disbelief, etc. What enemies do Christians have, and how will God defeat them?
D1 Death: 1 Corinthians 15:55-58 GW Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?" 56 Sin gives death its sting, and God's standards give sin its power. 57 Thank God that he gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
D2 Overcome the world: John 16:33 GW I've told you this so that my peace will be with you. In the world you'll have trouble. But cheer up! I have overcome the world.
D3 Overcome temptation: 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
D4 Overcome fear of death: Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
C6 In summary: Psalms 44:8 NKJV In God we boast all day long, And praise Your name forever. Selah
B4 Psalm 44:9-16,
C1 The psalmist lists 8 (or 16 depending on what you count) claims against God.
C2 Is it permissible with God to complain like this?
C3 Why does God sometimes allow what appears to be defeat from our enemies? One reason is to get us to repent: Luke 18:13-14 NKJV And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
B5 Psalm 44:17-26,
C1 Even in the midst of distress, the psalmist does not forget God or turn against Him. He still prays and asks for God’s help.
C2 How does God know the secrets of our heart?
B6 Distress
C1 Experienced
D1 By David: Psalm 31:9 NIV - Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.
D2 King Hezekiah and Israel: Isaiah 37:3 CSB - They said to him, "This is what Hezekiah says: 'Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace. It is as if children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to deliver them.
C2 Turning to God
D1 By Asa after Azariah gives God’s message: 2 Chronicles 15:4, 7-8 CSB - "but when they turned to the LORD God of Israel in their distress and sought him, he was found by them. ... "But as for you, be strong; don't give up, for your work has a reward." When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the abhorrent idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin...
D2 By the psalmist: Psalm 120:1 CSB - In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
C3 Deliverance experienced
D1 By Israel: Deuteronomy 4:30 CSB - When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, in the future you will return to the LORD your God and obey him.
D2 By our Lord Jesus: Luke 24:34 NLT - who said, "The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter."
B7 Applications
C1 We will have hard times. Sometimes we know why; sometimes we do not know why.
C2 When difficulties arise, it does not mean God has forgotten us.
C3 Sometimes troubles happen from others bad decisions.
C4 Sometimes the enemy of our soul, satan, attacks us.
D1 Job: Job 1:11 GW But now stretch out your hand, and strike everything he has. I bet he'll curse you to your face.
D2 The saints at Smyrna (now Izmir, Turkey): Revelation 2:10 GW Don't be afraid of what you are going to suffer. The devil is going to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested. Your suffering will go on for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
D3 God delivers:
E1 We Christians from satan’s kingdom: Colossians 1:13-14 GW God has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of his Son, whom he loves. 14 His Son paid the price to free us, which means that our sins are forgiven.
E2 From satan and fear of death: Hebrews 2:14 GW Since all of these sons and daughters have flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood to be like them. He did this so that by dying he would destroy the one who had power over death (that is, the devil).
E3 From testing: 2 Peter 2:9 GW Since the Lord did all this, he knows how to rescue godly people when they are tested. He also knows how to hold immoral people for punishment on the day of judgment.
C5 We are weak, but He is strong: Hebrews 11:34 NKJV quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
C6 God’s grace is able to completely help us through anything: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NKJV And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
C7 We need to pray to God in all things. The Psalms are given to help us, comfort us, give reason for hope, and for worship of God. They are our emotional release.
C8 Trust God even in the hardest of times. Easily said, but God is able.
C9 We are a family of God. We are in this life together. Let us pray for each other.
C10 God will not leave us: Hebrews 13:5-6 GNB Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." 6 Let us be bold, then, and say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?"
C11 Praise God: Psalms 34:8 GW Taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the person who takes refuge in him.
C12 Be encouraged. Do not give up. He will deliver either in this life or the next.
B8 Next week:
C1 Past, Present, and Future
C2 Theme: A song of God’s love
C3 Scripture: Psalm 118