Sermons To Class. Material

Transcription

1 Sermons To Class Material

2 Introduction: The following outlines are abbreviated sermons of mine and there is hopefully going to be good participation and discussion resulting in mutual edification. Sermon #1 - How To Criticize Without Being Critical Introduction: Read Matt 7:1-5. Judge not is not absolute but regulated. Prov. 27:6 - "Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Romans 15:4 - "Admonish one another." Prov. 12:1 - "He that hates reproof is stupid. Prov. 12:15 - "He that hearkens unto counsel is wise. Prov. 23:12 - "Don't refuse criticism. Prov. 13:18 - "if you refuse criticism you will end in disgrace. ALL OF US ARE IMPERFECT...in need of help...in need of criticism from time to time. We all have room to grow! And what I am about to discuss has application to every relationship. Husbands & wives...parents & children...brothers and sisters...fellow Christians...neighbors and friends, etc. We tend to shun it but we need it! What?? Criticism. Have you ever tried to proofread your own work? We all need help from others who periodically shed light on our blind spots. Self-deception is the worst kind. The Problem then is not criticism, but destructive criticism. Too often we don't know how to do it right so we avoid it all together. D.L. Moody once said... The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or to spend time denouncing it; but to lay a straight stick along side it. I) How To Give Constructive Criticism A. Get any beams you have in your own life out FIRST...any obvious faults of your own. Now, this does not mean perfection...otherwise none will ever be criticizing. Christ is NOT saying, when you are sinless, you can criticize another. Sermons To Class Material - page 2 Sermons To Class Material - page 39

3 Comments. But, what does He mean? III) Overcoming Feelings Of Guilt Face the sin - Acknowledge the wrongdoing - I John 1:9-10; Proverbs 28:13 Confess the sin to another (James 5:16) Make amends - repent, turn away - Peter a prime example Accept forgiveness - I Timothy 1:15; realize what forgiveness means (blotted out, penalty satisfied, debt fully paid; and forgotten (Hebrews 8:12) B. Choose your SETTING carefully For example: a general rule Criticize in private...praise in public! There is no need to publicly humiliate or even embarrass. But, even at home in private, be aware of little ears and eyes. In the church...go aside. Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside it says and corrected his teaching. - Acts 18:24-26 Proverbs 15:23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! - Elaborate on what the bible means by in season. Obey God - Baptism is an answer of a good conscience (I Peter 3:21) and so is all obedience to God s commandments Pray daily - Philippians 4:6-7 Serve meaningfully - Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5) Comments. Conclusion: The Old Testament could not clear the conscience (Hebrews 9:9) but the new covenant can (10:22). Praise God! The key is allowing our guilt to drive us nearer to Jesus, accepting his forgiveness, putting more trust in Him and less in us. Sermons To Class Material - page 38 C. Don t OVERDO It A common failure when criticizing is to pour it on! The result? THE MOTIVATION TO CHANGE is killed! Beware of this - Galatians 5:14-15 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. What do you make of the Spirit s words choice: bite and devour? Sermons To Class Material - page 3

4 D. Couple Criticism With COMPLIMENTS Rev 2:1-4 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lamp stands. I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. This pattern Jesus follows throughout. "The bitter pill of criticism can be swallowed much easier if first sugarcoated with the medicine of sincere Praise." someone once said. That reminds me of Mary Poppins... "A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down. Comments. E. Do Not Be HARSH Don t be harsh, judgmental...condemnatory in tone. We are in the saving business, not condemning. Romans 14:10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. James 3:9-10 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Read and discuss Proverbs 15:1 & 25:15 against him. But how does one overcome the often debilitating feelings of guilt that seem to not go away? I) Guilt: A Gift Of God Guilt is an uneasiness of conscience; a bothered conscience that helps regulate our behavior. Thank God for it! Imagine if you had none. Two extremes: 1. Guilt dismissed, ignored, suppressed, minimized - not allowed to move us to repentance - II Cor. 7: Overwhelmed with grief after forgiven - II Cor. 2:6-8 Comments. II) Consequences Of Lingering Feelings Of Guilt Non-productivity - so preoccupied with failings, that we fail to do good; effectiveness is neutralized; do not feel worthy Worry - Can t forget, we fret and agonize over it continually Mental illness - Guilt complexes develop; emotional turmoil; robbed of joy (Ps 51:10-12) Bitterness - Esau became profane (Hebrews 12:14-17) A crusty disposition can evolve Physical health ailments - Psalm 32:1-4 Beat ourselves up - Do severe things to the body (Col. 2:20-23) Judas is a prime example Fear death - Insecure about eternal destiny; the very reason Christ came (Heb. 2:14-15) Sermons To Class Material - page 4 Sermons To Class Material - page 37

5 Yield Not To Temptation - Each victory will help you some other to win. Give your thoughts. 7. Do Not Let Your Defenses Down - Romans 13:11-14; II Corinthians 2:10-11 Not so strong as to be above temptation - Jesus was not, Paul was not. You either. Constantly be alert to potential pitfalls. Do not be ignorant of the devil s devices Give your thoughts. Conclusion: Be faithful! (I John 5:4). It is that which overcomes the world. That faith comes from hearing God s word (Romans 10:17). Jesus always answered each temptation with It is written. We would do well to do the same. F. In love - I Corinthians 16:14 Desiring only good to result...not vindicating myself...proving me right, them wrong not to save face...not to get back at...not to repay...not to lord it over...not to micromanage other people s lives but only out of love for them to be the best they can be. Now that is going to require a lot of soul searching...just WHY are you feeling it needful to criticize. Self examination of motives is going to be so needful. Talk about this G. Humbly Titus 3:2 says to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. We can help a lot by prefacing our criticism...saying things like... I don t want to come across as a know it all...i sure hope you don t think I am meddling or out of line in saying this...i want you to know that this is just my two cents...i am still going to be your friend if you disagree...in fact...please feel free to disagree with me...i will not be offended. Now, that is humble that is courteous. What say ye? 6. Overcoming Lingering Feelings Of Guilt Introduction: In this lesson we will not primarily be dealing with overcoming actual guilt, but the lingering feelings that often handicap the forgiven. Actual forgiveness of sins is overcome in the blood of Christ, when the non-christian believes the gospel and is baptized (immersed) or when the Christian repents of his sin, confesses such sin to God in prayer and as he forgives those that sin Sermons To Class Material - page 36 H. As you would have them do unto you - Golden rule This is a good place to mention tactfulness - Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Any time you feel it necessary to criticize another, always be graceful...seasoning it with salt. What is that?! It is applying things to your speech Sermons To Class Material - page 5

6 such as forethought, wisdom asking yourself how will this be best received. Maybe you might consider writing...that s what Paul did...ii Cor. 13:10 For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. or in our day it might be a phone call or ...but it is a little less direct. 3. Develop Good Desires - Philippians 4:8; Matthew 12:35 Overcome evil...with good. Much temptation is brought on ourselves due to a defiled mind. Clean up the mind...sin begins there anyway! Some influences of the world cannot be avoided...but some CAN! Give your thoughts. Discuss how the golden rule is so needful when criticizing. II) A Special Word About Rebuking Church People There is a sense in which we are NOT to treat all people the same; especially when correcting them. Parents teach their kids to not speak to them or other older adults in the same way as one of their playmates, and so ought we to learn that lesson in the church especially. In I Timothy 5:1-2 we read, Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger as sisters, with all purity. Discuss each of these four. Older brothers - Our peers other younger men - Older ladies in the church - 4. Pray - Matthew 6:13; 26:41 A good defense is on your knees. Difficult to sin while praying...ha! Give your thoughts. 5. Put Yourself In A Good Environment - Psalm 1 Lot s choosing Sodom may have contributed to his troubles. Put yourself in a good environment, not simply avoid bad ones. Be especially careful that leisure time is wholesome. The apostle Paul warns about evil companions (I Cor. 15:33) Give your thoughts. Younger women - III) HOW TO RECEIVE CRITICISM CONSTRUCTIVELY? Sermons To Class Material - page 6 6. Practice Self Control - I Corinthians 9:24-27 Practice self control on other things - food, bedtime, studies, etc. Do it! Control yourself. Just say no. Turn it off. Walk away. Song: Sermons To Class Material - page 35

7 Perfect your love - I Jn. 4:18 Rid your life of sin Work at living one day at a time - Mt. 6:34; Phil. 3:13 5. Overcoming Temptation Introduction: Temptation is not sinning. It is not of God (James 1:12-15). God said He will always make an escape route in every temptation (I Corinthians 10:13). What are some of these? How can one overcome the tempter? 1. Flee - I Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; II Timothy 2:22 Maybe literally (Joseph running from Potiphar s wife). Maybe in mind. A. Recognize the hand of GOD may be involved - God may be using this for your good. Do not despise the chastening of the Lord. B. Let your first words be: Thank you! - Thess 5:18. "In everything give thanks...three reasons: 1. He said it to your face, not behind your back...2. If it is true, you need to change and now you can grow...3. If false, it gives you opportunity to correct the misunderstanding. C. Ask them or yourself...how do you suggest I change? That helps them prove their motives are pure and loving and not simply getting something off their chest. D. Then take action if possible. You can't do what everyone says! However, work with the reasonable requests for small things right away as much as possible. Show you are trying. E. Don't mind criticism. If it is not true...disregard it. If it is unfair...try not to let it irritate you. If it is ignorant...just smile. But, if it is justified...learn from it! Comments. Give your thoughts. IV) WHAT ABOUT THE THINGS THAT WON'T CHANGE? 2. Count The Cost (look at the unseen; develop an eternal perspective) - II Cor. 4:16-18 Develop an eternal perspective. Count the cost. Ask Is it worth it? Hebrews 11:24-26 (Moses) Give your thoughts. Sermons To Class Material - page 34 A. I Peter 4:8 says..."love covers a multitude of sins." IF LOVE ACCEPTS MANY imperfections, and God accepts many imperfections (for God is love) then I better get on the ball doing the same thing. B. Some things you will need to learn to just accept...otherwise anger turns inward and becomes bitterness and depression...we get all riled up. Say the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to Sermons To Class Material - page 7

8 accept the things I cannot change...the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference! Conclusion: Criticism is permitted of saints, but greatly regulated. Make sure when we do it, we do it right. Sermon #2 - The Things Which Make For Peace Introduction: This lesson deals with peace among brethren, not with God...which is a very important study, too. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1). Among the things God hates and are abominable is..."he that SOWS discord among brethren. In Galatians 5:19-21, the works of the flesh include things that break up peace among the saints. -- An essential part of having a good life is seeking after and pursuing peace - I Peter 3: It is a mark of a maturing Christian - II Cor. 13:11. It is required to ultimately see God - Hebrews 12:14. Some other passages that address the subject: BLESSED are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God - Matt. 5:9. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. - Rom. 12:18. Be at peace among yourselves - I Thess. 5:13. Eph. 4:1-3...this peace is something we ought to endeavor to maintain...not simply restore. imaginary dangers; dread, dismay, consternation, panic, terror, horror. etc. This type of fear is condemned - Rev. 21:8 I) Some Questions Why did Adam hide himself? See Gen. 3:10 What is said about fear in Matt. 8:26 and 14:27-31? Can you name other Bible examples of fearfulness? II) Examples Of Fear Fear of Poverty - I Tim. 6:6-10; Mt. 6:25-33 Fear of Sickness, Suffering, and Old Age - II Tim. 1:7-8; Prov. 17:22; Lev. 19:32; Prov.16:31 Fear of People - Prov. 29:25; Mt. 10:28 Fear of Failure - Mt. 25:25; Rom. 8:28,31; Phil. 4:13 Fear of Death - Heb. 2:15; Ps. 23:4 III) Some Of The Tragic Effects Of Fear List those you can think of. IV) How To Overcome Fear Remember this sort of fear is condemned Truly make Christ Lord of your life - I Pet. 3:14-15 Things Which MAKE For Peace - Rom. 14:19 There are things we can do to promote peace and things we can avoid doing that will help maintain it. In the context, the Holy Spirit deals with at least a couple of these things which we will return to deal with later in the lesson. But, first write your own sermon with comments about the following Sermons To Class Material - page 8 Trust God - Isa. 41:10 Keep in constant contact with God Sermons To Class Material - page 33

9 of society is on the increase, so escalation of mistreatment by others. Proverbs 29:16 - When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases. Abusive parents - sexual, verbal, physical Abusive authority figure - eg. religious leaders, scout leaders, school teachers, etc. Neglect of parents - not around, no positive influence Criminal behavior of others - rape, assault, etc. Horrors of war, disease, poverty, etc. Destructiveness of emotional traumas - Bullying, ridicule, belittlement, being made fun of by peers or playmates as a child. The problem is NOT that it has an effect on our present behavior BUT.a victimization syndrome that some adopt Unwillingness to accept personal responsibility for present behavior (due to past) or, Justifying behavior (as acceptable) due to past, or, Failing to do right (due to the past). This is a BIG mistake! Why? God will not excuse it - Ezekiel 18:1-4 Remember: you have a freewill - you are bigger than your past. There is NO such thing as an irresistible temptation - I Cor. 10:13. You are called upon to bear YOUR cross for Jesus - Mark 8:343 Comments. 1) Pursue peace actively - James 3: ) Be less opinionated - Proverbs 18:2 3) Avoid controversy where possible - II Timothy 2: ) Concede where possible - I Cor. 6:7-9; Romans 13:10 5) Demonstrate forbearance - Ephesians 4:2; Romans 14:13,19; 15: Overcoming Fear Introduction: Christians are to overcome fear. It can have devastating results. We are not discussing the fear of Jehovah, which is awe and reverence, nor are we discussing caution, such as "fear of snakes or live electricity, etc. These fears are healthy and good. But we are discussing the mental anxieties or depression over real or Sermons To Class Material - page 32 6) Nip problems in the bud - Matthew 5:23-26 Sermons To Class Material - page 9

10 7) Avoid cliques - I Cor. 3:3 8) Restrict your speech - Proverbs 26:20-28 Not through neglect of the body (2:20-23)...Fasting, physical abuse, martyr complex, etc. Not through human philosophy (2:8) - eg. self-reliance, situation ethics, zen buddhism, self-rationalization ( just accept yourself as you are ). Sin is never excused in the Bible. There must be a desire and determination to overcome the way I am. 9) Pray for peace...thank God for it - Psalm 122: Renewal Of Mind and Knowledge (change the way you think) Col. 3:9-11; 1:9-12. Romans 12:1-2 - a metamorphosis (caterpillar to butterfly change) 10) Love your brothers and sisters fervently with a sincere heart...remember Ephesians 4...bearing with one another in LOVE, endeavoring to to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of PEACE. 3. Take Jesus Into Your Heart - Ephesians 3: Depend on Him for strength - Philippians 4:13. Much Prayer. Conclusion: May we all pursue peace and the things that make for peace; and may God then bless us with peace. Result: Inner, spiritual transformation of YOU! - II Corinthians 3:18 3. Overcoming The Bad Experiences Of Our Past Sermons To Class Material - page 10 Not discussing self-imposed bad experiences (you brought it on yourself), but those imposed on you by others. As the ungodliness Sermons To Class Material - page 31

11 Homosexuality and drinking disorders are being blamed on genetics; something inherited. Other sins, too. Are we predisposed to behave in some manner? There are tendencies toward quick-temperedness, covetousness, jealousy, gruffness, etc...like father - like son. Adoption questions arise - how much genetic influence do biological parents have? Can it override the adoptive parents years of influence? The Bible does seem to hint at this...exodus 20:5 -- repercussions of sin may be long lived. For good also...ii Timothy 1:5. Even general observations demonstrate good as well as bad behavioral traits may pass on to children. Extreme error: Inherited sin, original sin, total depravity of our sinful nature, etc. We must not go there. But, does God say I am excused from sin due to it being a natural inclination I received by birth? OR, is every individual personally responsible for his actions? Read Ezekiel 18:1-4, Galatians 6:5 - After discussion of being overtaken in a fault and others helping, it then says each must bear his OWN burden. Comments. Sermon #3 - Precious Promises Text: II Peter 1:1-4 Introduction: Use a few words to express your faith and heart felt feelings about the following * Exceedingly Great! * Partake in the Divine Nature * Bolsters our Faith * Enlivens our Hope * God will NOT Fail with any promises (I Thess 5:24) A) Precious Promises In This Life 1. Forgiveness Of Sins - Acts 2:38-39; Heb. 10:15-17; I John 1:7-9; Romans 8:1 2. No Temptation Above Ability To Bear - I Cor. 10:13; James 4:7 How To Overcome Desire & Determination - Colossians 3:1-2. We have a choice. Determination Alone? No! But, no more cop outs. Blaming others. Get over it! 3. Seek First God's Kingdom And His Righteousness...Necessities Of Life Will Be Added Unto You - Matthew 6:33 Sermons To Class Material - page 30 Sermons To Class Material - page 11

12 4. Anything Sacrificed For Kingdom's Sake...Repaid 100 Fold In This Life - Mark 10:29,30; Luke 6:38; II Cor 9: God Hears And Answers All Your Prayers - I John 5:14-15 ; I Peter 3:12; James 5:16; Romans 8: Seek Diligently...You Will Find - Matt. 7:7-8 ; Jeremiah 29:13; Deut. 4:29 7. Perfect Peace - John 14:27; Philippians 4: Our Labors For Christ Will Not Go Unrewarded - Gal. 6:9; I Cor.15:58; Revelation 2:10; Isaiah 55:10-11 B) In The Life To Come (Hebrews 6:11-12) 1. Jesus Will Return - Acts 1: We Will Be Raised From The Dead - I Thess 4:13-18; John 5:28,29 the impression their faithfulness is an accountability to them! We so much need to learn the lesson of Paul found in I Thess. 4:11 where he says we ought to learn to work in quietness and mind our own business. Jesus leaves us the example of this...overcoming by himself, no matter the failings of those around him. In the end, He had to overcome the ordeal of the cross all alone. All forsook him. Paul said as much when he said at his first defense, none stood with me. But, he goes on to say... but the Lord stood by me and so he will with us. IV) Overcoming Is Noble Just as we noticed in the beginning, we admire those who overcome adversity to succeed in something. It is a part of the human experience that is so admirable. And we need to join the club. Make a determination to be in that noble number. Someone has said... Out of despair comes greater hope. Out of failure comes new opportunity. Out of trials of faith comes patience. Out of patience comes maturity in Christ. Truly, things we have to overcome are blessings in disguise Conclusion: Key to overcoming: Placing our faith in Jesus Christ to help us (I John 5:4-5). I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). 3. We Will Be Given A New Body - I Cor. 15: A New Place To Dwell - II Peter 3:13; John 14: Everlasting Life - Titus 1:1,2; James 1:12 2. Overcoming Our Genes Introduction: We can live our lives as victims of bad genes and experiences, or we can seek to overcome them God would have us overcome. Sermons To Class Material - page 12 Sermons To Class Material - page 29

13 II) How Will We Approach Challenges? (As a carrot, egg or coffee bean?) Place all three in boiling water for an hour...the result?...the carrot is soft, maybe even mushy...the egg...it s soft center has now become a hard boiled egg...but, the coffee...it had changed the water into something more delectable. Right?...The objects had faced the exact same adversity...boiling water...but each reacted differently. Which are we going to be most like? When adversity comes along (and it certainly will from time to time), how will we respond? Are we a carrot, an egg, or coffee bean? Will we let the trial make us weak and soft?...like a carrot...or will we become hardened and tough?...like an egg...or will we seek to change the situation into a positive?...like coffee. When Paul was informed that his thorn would be remaining, he said he changed his outlook to see it as a plus. Through this tribulation he was made to lean upon the Lord more and that is a good thing. (II Cor. 12) III) When Others Are Involved Some problems needing overcome involve others. How do we deal with that? Revisit the 7 churches of Asia...all seven say to HIM who overcomes. To Him who has an ear to hear, let him hear. It is not a church thing, but individual. There might be many of your local congregation who fail to overcome as they should, but the promised reward is given out individually. It may be family...it may be friends...it may be co-workers...but we have got to have a singular devotion that does not let others weigh us down. Look at John 21: We so often can be caught up more in the affairs of others than ourselves. We become hung up on what others are or are not doing...jesus reply goes out...what IS THAT TO YOU?!!. I am reminded of Romans 14 where the Lord said who are you to judge another man s servant...he stands or falls before God, not you. Some Christians can so act as to leave Sermons To Class Material - page Everlasting Bliss - Revelation 21:4-6 Sermon #4 - Coping With The Valleys Introduction: Life is comprised of ups and downs. Everyone experiences both hills and valleys...even Christians! The valleys come in many forms: frustrations, disappointments, rejection, failure, desertion, persecutions, etc. I) God s Greatest People Experience Valleys 1. Elijah - I Kings 19:4,9,10 2. David - Psalm 35:1-4, Jesus - "Will you also go away?" His sweat was like great drops of blood. 4. Paul - "At my first defense, none stood with me? All deserted him. 5. Discouragements may be Satan's most effective weapon against good men. II) Some Causes of Valleys Illness, death of loved ones, loss of wealth, anxiety for the future, brethren and friends shortcomings, mistreatment by others, blighted hopes and dreams, handicaps, etc. III) Coping With The Valleys (Write or be ready to speak a few words about the following) 1. Do Something For Someone Else - Find your life in losing it. Sermons To Class Material - page 13

14 2. Remember The Promises Of God - eg. No temptation above ability to bear; Never forsake us; Able to deliver; more than conquerors 3. Remember: There Are Blessings In Burdens And Sufferings - chastisements, evangelism, lessons learned, etc. 4. Use Burden As A Bridge To Success - make good of bad situation 1. Jesus Has Overcome; So Must We! Introduction: Jesus Has Overcome; So Must We! (Revelation 3:21). The admiration we have for those who overcome. It is maybe for those who have overcome great odds against their success, overcoming handicaps, overcoming various prejudices or hurdles, but whatever, we understand the nobility in doing so. Many are the famous examples: Abraham Lincoln - little formal education; Helen Keller - deaf and blind; Franklin Roosevelt - polio; etc. Many are not so well known, but you know them. I personally admire so much those who have overcome a bad childhood environment (no godly influences, dysfunctional upbringing), terrible church experiences (or maybe just a small struggling congregation), a family loss (eg. divorce, death of parent, spouse or child) Comments. 5. Come Apart From The World For Rest And Meditation - eg. Jesus before day goes to mountain; garden of Gethsemane alone. 6. Talk To Yourself - (positively) eg. woman with flow of blood, If only I touch the hem of His garment, I will be healed." I) Overcoming Is The Only Option We Can Entertain Ultimate victory in heaven is for them that overcome (Rev. 21:4-7). All 7 churches of Asia have a promise held out to those who overcome (Read 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12,21). IF they overcame. The Bible does not try to hide the fact that we are expected to overcome any obstacle to our faithfulness to God...Let this cup pass...no!...remove my thorn in the flesh...no!...take up your cross...yes!...all those who live godly shall suffer persecution...yes! Proverbs 24:10...If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. We must with many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22) Sermons To Class Material - page 14 Sermons To Class Material - page 27

15 3. Rejoice in the sweetness of unity...how pleasant and sweet it is for saints to dwell together - Psalm 133:1 7. Refuse To Admit Self-Pity - We must crucify our self with Christ. 4. Actively be a peace MAKER...Blessed are the peacemakers...matthew 5 8. Remember: You Are Valuable To God If No One Else - I Corinthians 12: Rather than sowing discord...sow peace...james 3: If we are all in the one Spirit and the one body, we will work together, and we will show the world that we are the children of God, the true followers of Christ. 9. Pray Always - Philippians 4: Confess Your Faults One To Another - James 5:16 Conclusion: Phil. 2:1-5 Sermon #8 - Overcoming With Jesus" A Series Of Lessons: 1. Jesus Has Overcome; So Must We! 2. Overcoming Our Genes 3. Overcoming The Bad Experiences Of Our Past 4. Overcoming Our Fears 5. Overcoming Temptation 6. Overcoming Those Lingering Feelings Of Guilt Sermons To Class Material - page Count Your Blessings - It may surprise you what the Lord has done. In comparison, how can I complain? 12. Remember The Faithful Of Old - Hebrews 12:1-4 Sermons To Class Material - page 15

16 13. Clearly Blame Satan - Do not falsely accuse God. 5. Through quarreling - II Tim 2:24...immediately following verse 23 he says this. 14. Praise God Vocally - Eg. Paul and Silas in prison singing. * Remember: It is not just discord that is wrong and abominable...but SOWING discord...doing that which contributes to it. III) What Are We Going To Do? 15. Go To God's Book And Let Him Speak To You - The source of all comfort. 16. Associate With Saints A Lot - Attend all the assemblies; get together as much as possible socially; confide in them. It is easy to divide. It is easier to take a clock apart, than to put it back together so it will operate effectively. It is easier to disassemble something, than put it back together. It is easier to tear down, than it is to build up. I have noticed with little children how easy it is to be destructive than constructive. They have to be taught to put things back when through with them...don t leave a mess others have to clean up. So what are we going to do to avoid being guilty of this terribly disgusting sin Stop it early - Prov. 17: Be Optimistic - Love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things 2. Heed the implorings of the Lord - Phil. 4:2...notice how Paul pleads with each one separately...i implore Eudodia...I implore Syntyche...each has to be willing to do what he or she can to get along. Each needs to heed the pleadings of the Lord. 18. Remember: All Valleys Are Temporary - This too shall pass. A hill may be around the corner. Read Psalm 30:5 Sermons To Class Material - page 16 Sermons To Class Material - page 25

17 10. It is Often Linked to Envy - Romans 13:13; I Cor. 3:3; Phil 1:15...people sow discord because they are insecure or paranoid about what others have or are...and want to bring them down to better secure themselves. 19. Remember: Depression Is Contagious - Don't spread it! 20. Remember: In All Valleys God Is With Us - Psalm 23 II) How Is Discord Done? 1. Whispering...gossiping...Proverbs 16:28; 17:9 Those who talk behind people s backs...speak quietly what they would not wish to be stated openly...are sowing discord. Sermon # 5 - Depending On God More Introduction: Old Testament - Deuteronomy 8:11-18; Judges 7:2. New Testament - II Corinthians 12:7-10. God Has Always Been Concerned About Man's IN-dependence of Him! 2. Debating some religious topics gender strife...and do not build up. - I Tim. 6:4; II Tim. 2:23...The one sowing discord needs to cut it out...and if he won t the others are told to avoid him. I) Why Should I Depend On God More? A) GOD sustains my physical life - Acts 17:24-28; Psalm 104:10-35 B) GOD gives me my daily bread - Luke 11:3; II Cor. 9:10,11 3. Some preach out of strife - Phil 1:15...sad, but true. C) GOD opens my heart with His word - Acts 16:14 D) GOD saves me...i am HIS workmanship - Ephesians 2: Through scoffing or belittling others and their ideas - Prov. 22:10 Sermons To Class Material - page 24 E) GOD makes me stand as a Christian - Romans 14:4 II) For What Things Should I Depend On God? (briefly comment on each) Sermons To Class Material - page 17

18 A) Deliverance from evil - II Timothy 4:18; Luke 11:4; II Peter 2:9; I Cor. 10:13 5. It Is Not Loving...we do not really care about others if we cause strife between brethren. It is a fool who separates friends and brothers. Prov. 10:12 says it is hatred. B) Words to speak about Him - I Peter 4:11 C) Ability to minister - I Peter 4:11 6. It Is Prideful - Prov. 13:10; 28:25...the one who causes dissension thinks too highly of himself. D) Increase from my labors for Him - I Corinthians 3:5-9 E) Comfort - II Corinthians 1:3,4 7. It Often Arises Out of Anger - Prov. 15:18; 29:22; 30:33...somewhere within the discord sower there are some anger issues...and this is just the way it shows itself. And the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God (James 1) G) Strength to do all He asks of me - Philippians 4:13 H) Wisdom - James 1: It is Twisted, Perverted Behavior - Proverbs 16:28...contentiousness does not spring forth from sound rational use of the mind. I) Vengeance - Romans 12:17-21 J) Making my brother stand - Romans 14:4 9. It is Joined to Transgression and Destruction - Prov. 17:19...that is not good company. Sermons To Class Material - page 18 Sermons To Class Material - page 23

19 Galatians 5: notice those sins in the middle...categorized in the midst of easily recognizable crimes against God are those such as contentions, dissensions, etc...the list is of fleshly, carnal, ungodly type behavior. I) Why Is It So Disgusting?...so revolting...such a detestable thing? 1. God Said So!!! - That should be a good enough reason. But, why does He find it so disgusting? 2. God is a God of Peace - In I Cor. 14:33 - God is said to not be a God of confusion, but of peace. When we work counter to that, creating disharmony between people...we then are going against the very nature of God. K) Perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle me - I Peter 5:10-11 L) All things - Proverbs 3:5-6; Ephesians 4:6; Psalm 37:3-6, 18-19, 23-26, Conclusion: What we need is: 1. MORE prayer 2. MORE meditation in God's word 3. MORE glory given to God in all things 4. MORE humility 5. MORE dependence on God for salvation in every way 6. MORE awareness of God's hand in everyday life. Sermon #6 - Don t Be A Fool 3. God Is Huge On Unifying - Only hours before the cross, Jesus was praying that all believers be ONE, as the Godhead is one...it was heavy on His mind. Sowing discord among brethren is working against God and His prayer and efforts. We are in a sense, fighting against God. Introduction: Not using the term in contempt (see Matthew 5:22), but as to one deficient in good judgment, prudence, and wisdom...acting foolish is not using good sense. Not having your head on straight. No one desires this. When the Bible calls someone a fool, there can be no mistake. So who is a fool? (most are in Proverbs). Be ready in class to expound on each. 1. Those Who Won t Listen To Advice - Proverbs 1:7, 22; 12:15; 23:9; 28:26 4. It Takes Away From Good Outreach - Because of all the infighting, so much wasted energy is being used in warring with saints. Sermons To Class Material - page 22 Sermons To Class Material - page 19

20 2. Those Who Pay No Attention To Warnings - Proverbs 14:16; 22:3 8. Those Who Say In Their Hearts There Is No God - Psalm 14:1 3. Those Who Believe Everything They Hear - Proverbs 14:15 9. Those Who Are Rich Toward Themselves, But Not God - Luke 12: Those Who Mock Sin - Proverbs 10:23; 14:9 5. Those Who Are Contentious & Get Mad Easily - 14:17, 29; 18:6; 27:3 Conclusion: The Bible says the person who hears the word of God but does not do it is a foolish man building a house on sand. Don t be foolish! But, be wise...understanding what the will of the Lord is. 6. Those Who Talk Too Much - Proverbs 10:19; 18:7 7. Those Who Are Deceived By Strong Drink - Proverbs 20:1 Sermon #7 - Sowing Discord Is Disgusting Introduction: The Lord hates one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6: These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren. It is a worthless, wicked man who sows discord...see 6:14...To do so is abominable...meaning it is detestable, disgusting, revolting. Sermons To Class Material - page 20 Sermons To Class Material - page 21