Category Archives: Old Testament

Psalm 51-The Confession of Completion

Gallery February 6, 1994 David

Dancing with Broken Bones-A Series on Psalm 51-The Confession of Completion
February 06, 1994	Sermon by DRW	Passage Psalm 51.3-5

OUTLINE

Introduction

We learned in verses 1 and 2 David’s confession of knowing God’s grace and his own sin. In these three verses, David confesses that he knows his sins. Both of these are necessary for true repentance: knowing I have sinned and that God will forgive them (1 John 1.9). It is in knowing the reality and “lethality” of our sin that brings us sorrow that leads to repentance. And, it is knowing that God does forgive through His loving kindness that leads us to repent. That should show you why there is not as much repentance today as in years before. Its not that God is less kind, it is that we have lost sight of the reality and “lethality” of our sin. If is like the snake pit at the San Diego Zoo. I trip out when I go to it. There are snakes in it that look stuffed. So you get real close to them, then they move and scare the stuffing out of you. The apparent reality, harmless; the true reality, lethal.

We do the same thing with sin, thinking we can handle it, thinking that it is mundane and harmless and then the Snake from the pit of Hell lurches out bites you and then, and only then, do you see how lethal it really is.

Let us look into David’s personal diary and watch as he shows his remorse and completes his confession of sin.

1. Remorse

1. The Ghost that Haunts Him (3)

This is an ever present tension which is the source of his shame, despair, fear and his ultimate hope. For it is like the ghosts in Scrooge: A Christmas Story that brought him through the shame of yesterday, the despair of today and the fear of the future into his ultimate hope. So did David’s and so do ours.

There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Everywhere he went there was someone there to remind him of his sin. One year had passed from the adultery to the confrontation by Nathan of David’s sin. All during this time he lived with these reminders and the guilt that they brought.

1. The people who remind him

1. Uriah

1. memory

2. the general and husband of Bathsheba

2. Bathsheba

1. everything about her from her presence to her perfume, from her breath to her body

2. if the blood of bulls and goats couldn’t cover his sin, a wedding ceremony couldn’t either

3. His dead son

1. Bathsheba was pregnant

2. Six or seven months after their wedding she had a son, a few days later he died

1. watching her grow full with child

2. watching and hearing the birth

3. watching and feeling the death

4. Joab and the army

1. these are the ones whom he commanded to make sure that Uriah died.

2. Joab was his major military man

5. His very soul

2. The Holy Spirit reminds him

1. John 16.5-11

The very Spirit whom he prayed not to leave him in Psalm 51.11 is the one who reminded him of his guilt, shame, and despair.

A side note to be developed in a later message: In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit came and went as He pleased; in the New Testament He abides forever in the believer because of Jesus Christ.

transition 1. The truth of daily existence that reveals it

2. He knows it and feels it as God does (Isaiah 59.12)

1. no excuses, there are none, for God knows our sin

1. why confess? to admit to ourselves that we have stepped over God’s line and to restore fellowship with Him

2. David’s sin was always before him, oppressing him (Psalm 32.1-5). His request is that God will take it away from both his and God’s presence (Psalm 103.7-14).

2. he had to make a choice

1. repentance or

2. judgment

He chose repentance but still received earthly judgment (seen in the death of his son) for he was God’s man doing Satan’s work.

We need to remember: God is not mocked, whatever a man sows he shall also reap whether here or in eternity. Paul tells us if we sow corruption (adultery or whatever your particular sin may be) we shall sow corruption.

2. The Guilt that Horrifies Him (4a)

1. Known by God for it was against God only (emphatic) and it was before Him

All human relationships are established and upheld by God. Anyone who disrupts that relationship has sinned against the one who established it. As one author points out: “sin against man is not the infringement of rights which are man’s by nature, but the infringement of rights which are his because God willed that they should be his” (Rowley, 1945) (see Proverbs 17.5).

1. Prodigal Son in Luke 15.21 tells us this truth when he returns home to the father (representing God the Father) and tells Him, “Against You I have sinned.”

2. Psalm 139.7-10

1. have you ever had to face someone whom you have offended?

2. When we sin, the God whom we offend is present and sees our sin (omniscience and omnipresence).

1. Illustration of the one who sinned in front of her husband but didn’t know he was there. Both knew the sin but no fellowship ensued until forgiveness was sought and given.

2. tense

2. Deep sorrow and repentance

1. not remorse merely for the consequences

1. Saul wept because

1. he knew his kingdom was to be taken away from him

2. not because

1. he was sorrowful over attempted murder

2. and idolatry

2. Judas wept and committed suicide because

1. he felt pity for himself and was ashamed that Christ was to die;

2. not because he betrayed his Master and assisted in shedding innocent blood.

2. remorse for the sin itself and the deep rooted passion that set it aflame

To the one who has seen his sin, it is not a casual thing to encounter or write-off, but is intense. This intensity leads to repentance. Remember, its His kindness that leads to repentance and sometimes kindness is found at the end of a whipping post (Hebrews 12.4-11). David’s sorrow came not from a heaven to lose or a hell to gain–for he knew his God would not forsake him–but the sorrow came because in his heart he knew he had grieved God.

* Peter wept because

1. he knew he betrayed his Master

2. his was remorse for the sin and the passion that led to sin

3. this is true repentance

TRANSITION/ILLUSTRATION: My tree in Torrance, easy to cut but hard to remove because of the deep root system. Such is the root system of sin.

2. Completion of the Confession (4-5)

His was a completion of the confession, not an excuse for his sin.

1. He knew he was stained to the core

1. Original sin

1. nothing in man that can commend him to God

1. Romans 3.23

2. Ephesians 2.1

3. Ephesians 2.8,9

2. tainted to the core

* dead and rotting meat

2. Universality of sin

1. we all have it and only Jesus can change it

2. Only Jesus can take us out of this miry pit

* septic tank illustration

1. in rural areas a septic tank is used

2. an area of the tank caved in creating a massive whole in it

3. a dog fell into it

4. the owner had three choices

1. let the dog die there

2. put a ladder down and see if the dog will climb out

3. go in after him

5. God had three choices

1. let us die in our sin

2. send an angel (wouldn’t do)

3. go in after us (He did)

3. while God desires faithfulness in man, man dwells in sinfulness [broken with Jesus]

1. that is lies, deceit and murderer of victory and fellowship and intimacy

2. sounds like John 8.44

2. that God was just in disciplining him

1. He knows us

1. John 2.25

2. 1 Samuel 16.7

2. He wants us to grow into His Son (Ephesians 4.12-13; 1 John 3.1-3)

1. sin breaks the growth (no fellowship)

2. sin destroys victory (Achan)

3. He wants us to know Him

1. John 17.3

2. know intimately

* no one knows Pastor Chen like his daughters do

CONCLUSION

David went through a lot, but no more than we have. How many here have never sinned? . . . I’ll make it easier, how many here have not sinned this year? . . . I’ll make it easier, how many here have not sinned this weekend? We all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3.23). To say we haven’t is to call God a liar (1 John 1.5-10).

David confessed a lot, he didn’t offer excuses but confessed and repented of his sin; have we? If we don’t turn from our sins we destroy fellowship (read the thought for the week) and freedom in Christ and we destroy our souls.

Allow me to expand Psalm 32, David’s other confession for this sin, from personal experience.

You are free when your sins are forgiven,

Because your sins don’t separate you from God.

You’re dying when your sins are kept hidden,

Because your sins do separate you from God.

The most trying times of a man’s soul is when he attempts to live in fellowship with God and maintain his sin. His soul becomes downcast, his outlook becomes bleak, his desire to really live has left him, he becomes overwhelmed with guilt; he endlessly repeats the cycle of sin, repent, sin, repent, sin; his very reason for living is gone for he has denied his God; and he is without hope in this world. He feels in his heart that it would be better to forsake God and continue in his sin or commit suicide thinking this will relieve the pain and everything else. He tries to do what Saul and Judas did. He listens to the accuser and tempter, Satan. Every time he listens to that hissing sound he believes a little less truth and is less free. His soul is in bondage. When he believes and lives the lie he will walk a living death. The truth is what David says in Psalm 32.5: acknowledge your sin (admit what you have done) for God wants you to see as He sees the heinousness of your sin against Him; turn from it. God will forgive, restore fellowship, give hope, declare “not guilty,” and give victory in His time.

Will you today take hold of the cleansing flood? Will you today allow God to make you whole in His Son? Will you today allow God to search you and let you see the sin that is in you? Will you today be released from the ghosts and guilt that haunts and horrifies you? Will you be set free and complete the confession? If you will, come up here and pray with me.

Jesus says, “Come unto me all who are heavy burdened and I will give rest to your souls.” God bids you to come and confess (Romans 10.9). The Spirit seeks and finds and cleanses (John 16). Come.

Father, this is the first step You’ve given. Help us to seek forgiveness of those we have sinned before. Thank You for forgiving us, restoring us, and cleansing us. We thank You for the kindnesses You’ve bestowed on us in Jesus. We thank You for allowing us to come to You. Amen

Those of you who would like to be held accountable to your repentance to bear the fruit of repentance, please talk with me or a trusted brother or sister in Christ. Allow us to fulfill Galatians 6.1-4.

Doxology

Read Jude 24 and add: “May He lead you into the way everlasting. Amen.”

Please be seated.

[go sit down and pray]

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Old Testament, Psalms, Sermons

Psalm 51-The Nature of Sin

Gallery January 30, 1994 David

Dancing with Broken Bones-A Series on Psalm 51-The Nature of Sin
January 30, 1994	Sermon by DRW	Passage Psalm 51.1-2

OUTLINE:

Introduction:

There exists today an interesting tension. It isn’t really a new phenomena but is felt as though it was. It is the tension for immediate quality at minimal cost. This transcends the spiritual but we shall merely peer into the spiritual. We desire immediate godliness, revival, fulness, holiness and we want it at a minimal cost. We exist in this extreme tension. It is a tension for we know there must be more to the Christian life than we are now experiencing. It is an extreme tension for we know that the more, which we seek, will cost us our very lives, and we aren’t willing to give that. Allow me to read Hebrews 12.1 and explain a little bit here.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

I would like to point out two things from this:

1) We need to work at throwing off sin, transgression and iniquity (that which entangles and hinders us).

2) There is hope in doing this. The verse begins with: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses . . .” This cloud of witnesses is the list from Hebrews 11. Those great saints are testimony for us that we too can live through rough times. These saints are not standing over watching us to see if we will make it, fall or fail; to applaud or hiss. I have a tough time preaching in front of other preachers because I feel they will judge, criticize, and tell me where I blew it with no encouragement. This is not what the witnesses of Hebrews do. I find it a great relief to preach to a group of pastors when they tell me beforehand that they are rooting for me and they too have gone through some tough times. That is what the witnesses are saying to us. We know we can throw off sin, transgression and iniquity because we have these witnesses who testify to its truth.

And so, relentlessly drawn to the riches in Christ but fearing the light of discovery on our soul, we grope for shortcuts and techniques. Examining the externals rather than our own heart is indeed less painful, but also less illuminating. In the end, too many of us stack our hopes on Band-Aid solutions to problems of the magnitude of spiritual cancer. To keep what we should throw away, although it is comfortably killing us, and to do so at the expense of all Christ wants us to be, is a blind man’s bargain. (p. 11) and the tool of Satan.

There are many Christians today who believe that as long as we are visible we are doing okay. If this is true, then why is it that with so many Christian radio stations, TV stations, album labels, musicians, writers, books, publishing houses we do not have a greater impact on the world? Could it be we are only talking to ourselves? Could it be that we have grown so comfortable with our Christianity, and haven’t dealt with the tension we exist in, that the world has decided that what we say is no longer of importance or valid because it doesn’t seem true for the Christian? Could it be that in becoming experts in techniques and methods we have become amateurs in practice? Could it be that we only speak the language and have forgotten the walk? Could it be that we have forgotten what God desires more than anything else? Have we forgotten holiness? Have we become like Adam and Eve who tried to hide their spiritual nakedness with fig leaves, only our fig leaves come as the “ten” or “twelve” steps to maturity or holiness or whatever, which can only hide our barren and superficial lives? To some extent I say yes.

Yes, we have not come as far as we should be. Yes, we have forgotten some of the basics in search of the greater (forgetting that God only blesses with the greater when faithfulness to the lesser is practiced). Over the next several weeks we will be discussing a lot of what the church has forgotten or neglected. Our text for these few weeks (six or seven) will be Psalm 51. I ran across an interesting title and decided this was to be the series title: Dancing with Broken Bones. We will cover many things from today’s message on sin to the final message on revival. We will touch bases with things like the nature of the heart, the confronting of sin before it steals our joy, evangelism and salvation, and life as worshiping God. I am excited about this series–please join in my excitement as we pray.

Father, direct our heart, soul, mind and strength to Your desires. Teach us today about You. Teach us today about how lost we are without You. Teach us today more of Your love. Show us today where we are in relationship to You. Open our eyes that we may see the great Truths Your Word has for us today. Amen

The background for Psalm 51 is David’s sin with Bathsheba, murdering of Uriah, confrontation by Nathan, and repentance by David. We all now the story, maybe it has become too familiar and we have forgotten the gist. Just in case this is so, allow me the time to explain what happened with David. He was king of Israel. A man who could have whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. As God’s king, he knew he had to be obedient to his God first and foremost. The Scriptures call David a man after God’s own heart. He was no spiritual sissy. It came about one day that he was not doing what he was supposed to do–he was supposed to be in battle but he was at home. One thing led to another, and he should’ve known better (and did), but he glanced at Bathsheba in a bath and committed adultery with her. That is as tantamount to when we look squarely at the Cross and say, “I know all that You did for me, but I want to indulge my desires at this moment, just this once; no one else will know; I want to.” We do, he did. He got Bathsheba pregnant and then killed his most trusted general, her husband, to hide his shame.

Nathan comes in and calls him on the spiritual carpet. David was confronted with his sin. He recognized it, repented of it and begged for mercy to the very One whom he betrayed. This is the result of that case. Our text for today is Psalm 51.1-2:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my <transgressions>. Wash me thoroughly from my <iniquity>. And cleanse me from my <sin>.

1. Three Steps Backward

One note: these three descriptions for sin are not necessarily a catalogue of what David did, rather they are the acknowledgment of how deeply moved David was over his sin. To him, his sin was so heinous in order to show its completeness he used these three descriptions. It also shows, as we shall see, that David knew only God could renew such a one.

1. Transgressions

A deliberate step over the line challenging God’s right to be God. It is being a rebel and revolting against God. “Even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God.” (Romans 1.21)

1. A Wilful Sin (Psalm 19.13)

Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great <transgression>.

1. It was a wilful sin that Satan took as he tried to usurp God’s throne.

2. It was a wilful sin that Adam and Eve took as they tried to usurp God’s throne.

2. Spiritual Death (Ephesians 2.1-5)

As for you, you were dead in your <transgressions> and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in <transgressions>–it is by grace you have been saved.

1. When Adam and Eve transgressed the Word of God, the Bible tells us, sin entered the world and with sin came death

2. that’s why Paul tells us that Jesus came to break the power of death which was sin.

2. Iniquities

Being warped or twisted. “Iniquity is the warped, pulsating, driving hunger of desire that makes us go blind to what is right as we go grasping for what we want. [It is the exact opposite of what Jesus did and Paul calls us to imitate in Philippians 2.] Wrong seems not only right, but desirable. Real iniquity is when the rationalizations are delivered with a practiced agility. It’s when a man can gaze on the wife of another, lust for her, sleep with her, and then murder her husband in an attempt to conceal an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Knowing what’s wrong doesn’t always stop us. In fact, sometimes it only makes our mouth water. That’s moral twistedness–iniquity. (18) This is not slipping into sin, but deliberately going in for a long slide.

1. Evil Conceit (Psalm 73.7)

From their callous hearts comes <iniquity>; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

2. Separation from God (Isaiah 59.2)

But your <iniquities> have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

* as leprosy would do

3. Blinds us to our Sin (Hosea 12.8)

Ephraim boasts, “I am very rich; I have become wealthy. With all my wealth they will not find in me any <iniquity> or sin.”

* Revelation 3.15-18

3. Sins

To fall short of God’s standard. To stumble from and fall short of God’s standard

1. Tend to justify ourselves.

1. David, from the eyes of man, never fell. Compared to all the men of Israel he was head and shoulders above them. If he desired to justify himself he easily could.

2. Comparing ourselves with others is easy (especially when we don’t look at those who are better than us).

3. This tears at the biblical norm of uplifting for in comparing to justify ourself we will naturally tear down that person.

4. There is no justification of sins in the sight of God apart from Jesus.

1. at the retreat we had one play that showed this. A person forsook God for arcade games. When he died God asked him why he should be allowed in Heaven. The guy answered: “I scored really high on Mortal Combat II.” Needless to say, God was not impressed.

2. all our justifications outside of Jesus sound as ludicrous as the one from the retreat.

2. Takes glory away from God (Romans 3.23)

TRANSITION: We need to come to the reality that most mental patients come to. I have watched many movies on the subject, did some reading on it, and come to this conclusion: Many of the mental patients in places like Camarillo are some of the sanest people on earth. They have come to grips and said: “I can’t run anymore.” This is where David is in Psalm 51 and where we need to be. We need to realize that we can’t run anymore. We can’t run from the stain of sin.

David’s mouth is shut. This psalm is sung through clenched teeth and pursed lips. Some of us know well this kind of humble silence, while others need to make its acquaintance. Sin, iniquity, and transgression are not some other guy’s problem, nor are they something we left behind after we became Christians. Regardless of appearances, we eventually come to know the bitter, convicting, ego-shattering truth in our hearts. (20)

2. Two Steps Forward

1. Repentance

1. blot out his transgressions

1. a book whose words were only accusations, wrongs,

* like the blackboard in Heaven joke I told at the Winter retreat

1. Nehemiah 13.13

2. Daniel 7.10

2. he couldn’t change his past, what was done was done

1. he was stained

2. he was like the barn with the nail holes in it (illustration)

3. he asked God to blot it out

1. He would because of His covenant with Israel (hesed)

2. Psalm 32.1

Blessed is he whose <transgressions> are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

3. Psalm 103.12

as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our <transgressions> from us.

4. Isaiah 43.25

“I, even I, am he who blots out your <transgressions>, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

5. Just in case we forgot Paul reminds us in Romans 4.7:

“Blessed are they whose <transgressions> are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

2. wash me from iniquity

1. an article of clothes that needed to be washed. So bad was its defiling that it needed to be “trampled under foot” to be thoroughly cleaned.

2. he knew that a mild detergent (human effort) couldn’t cleanse his iniquity

1. Jeremiah 2.22

2. Isaiah 59.12

For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our <iniquities>:

3. he knew only God could cleanse him and make him spotless, we know it is something greater that takes care of iniquity–the death and life of Jesus!

1. Psalm 51.9

Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my <iniquity>.

2. Psalm 90.8

You have set our <iniquities> before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

3. Isaiah 53.5-6

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our <iniquities>; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the <iniquity> of us all.

4. Micah 7.19

You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our <iniquities> into the depths of the sea.

3. cleanse me from my sin

1. like leprosy that defiled a man on the outside, his sin defiled him on the inside

2. he knew that his sin had separated him from God much as the leper is considered unclean to man

3. he knew that only God could heal him

2. Acceptance

1. erased

2. cleansed

3. healed

Conclusion:

Like the wicked queen in Snow White, we’ve grown to love the narcissistic mirrors in our hearts that tell us, “You’re the fairest of them all.” But truth is an iconoclast that delights in smashing those mirrors. [Just as the mirror eventually told the truth to the queen that there was another fairer, so go will send a Nathan to tell us that we fall short.] It is a persistent nag that refuses to go away just because its revealing message may be socially unpopular and morally inconvenient.

From David’s lips, the truth finds us defiantly rebellious, morally and spiritually twisted, falling short of both God’s standards and our own. That’s us–you and me. But there’s hope. The first step in the healing of a problem is admitting our need. A man or woman who confesses no curse certainly feels no need of a cure. A remedy, one older than time itself with its genesis in the mind of the Creator of the Universe, is ready at hand. But first we must sing a bitter song along with David. We must soberly admit that, left to ourselves, our souls are terminally ill.

We must not deceive ourselves. There aren’t a vast number of gods to choose from. Our options are narrowed down to one: a holy God who confronts our evasive patterns at every turn. We must face Him! There is nowhere to hide, nowhere to run away. For He pursues us, He finds us everywhere. But He chases us in order to save, not to judge; to help, not to destroy. The deep inner healing we all need can come from no other source. It must come form Him alone. (21-22)

Today we have seen that we are truly poor people without God. We are ravaged with sin. If it were not for the grace and mercy of God none of us would go to heaven. Take this time to ask God to show you where you are falling short of His glory. Repent of it and then come forward and stand with me as we show to the congregation that we accept the truth of His cleansing.

2 Peter, New Testament, Old Testament, Psalms, Sermons

Remember

Gallery November 27, 1993 David

Remember
November 27, 1993	Sermon by DRW	Passage 2 Peter 1.12-18 and Psalm 77

OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION

EXPLAIN THE MOUNT EBAL AND GERIZIM STORY IN DEUTERONOMY.

DEU 11:26-29

See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a <curse>–the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the <curse> if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known. When the Lord your God has brought you into the land you are entering to possess, you are to proclaim on Mount Gerizim the blessings, and on Mount Ebal the <curses>.

Remember:

KEY TO CURSES/REMEMBERING

DEU 27:26 “<Cursed> is the man who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

DEU 28:15 However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these <curses> will come upon you and overtake you: use you did not obey the Lord your God and observe the commands and decrees he gave you.

DEU 28:45 All these <curses> will come upon you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the Lord your God and observe the commands and decrees he gave you.

To receive blessings remember.

THE KEY TO RIGHTEOUS LIVING IS REMEMBERING

MIC 6:5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.”

ISA 64:5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?

To receive curses forget.

RESULT OF NOT REMEMBERING

JDG 8:33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and JDG 8:34 did not remember the Lord their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side.

WE SIN WHEN WE DON’T REMEMBER

PSA 106:6 We have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. PSA 106:7 When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. PSA 106:8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known.

ISA 46:8 “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. ISA 46:9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

Remember things like:

2CO 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

EXO 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

EPHESIANS 2

EPH 2:11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)– EPH 2:12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

DEU 5:15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

DEU 15:15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.

DEU 16:12 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and follow carefully these decrees.

DEU 24:18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.

DEU 24:22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.

THE NAMES OF GOD AND WHY REMEMBERING THEM

PSA 119:55 In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law.

1. Forgetting

a. CURSES (GENERAL)

DAN 9:11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. “Therefore the <curses> and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you.

i. FALLING

PSA 119:21 You rebuke the arrogant (PRIDE), who are <cursed> and who stray from your commands.

(1) SIN–transgressed your law

(2) PRODIGAL–and turned away

(3) PRIDE–refusing to obey

ii. RESTORING

REV 2:5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

REV 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

(1) SIN TO CONFESS–the transgression

MAT 26:75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

(2) PRODIGAL TO RETURN–to His way

(3) PROUD TO BE HUMBLE–to do His Word

b. FALSE PROPHETS

i. 1 TIMOTHY

ii. 2 TIMOTHY

iii. ACTS

c. LIBERTY AND OBEDIENCE

They knew it all, of course: the twin themes of faith and works, grace and effort, were not new to them or to any of the early Christians. But they needed to be put in remembrance of these things, particularly in their present situation when the grace of God was being used as a cloak for license (ii.19; cf. Rom. vi.1) and the knowledge of God as a substitute for obedience (cf. 1 Jn. ii.4).

i. 2 PETER 2.19 AND ROMANS 6.1

ii. 1 JOHN 2.4

2. Remember

CONCLUSION TO NEGATIVES

REV 22:3 No longer will there be any <curse>. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

PURPOSE OF REMEMBERING

NUM 15:39 You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. NUM 15:40 Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.

a. PRESENCE

i. CONFIDENCE

EXO 32:13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I <promised> them, and it will be their inheritance forever.'”

ILLUSTRATION

Judy Chang and her court case Wednesday.

If God is in control and you know what He has promised, then you can rest in Him with confidence.

PSA 78:35 They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.

ii. BOLDNESS

DEU 11:25 No man will be able to stand against you. The Lord your God, as he <promised> you, will put the terror and fear of you on the whole land, wherever you go.

DEU 31:23 The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I <promised> them on oath, and I myself will be with you.”

ILLUSTRATION

Paul the Apostle and his preaching.

1 Timothy 1.7

b. PROMISE

Annie Johnson Flint’s “What God Hath Promised”

JOS 21:45 Not one of all the Lord’s good <promises> to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

KEY TO PROMISES AND OUR RESPONSE TO THEM

2CO 1:20 For no matter how many <promises> God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

2CO 7:1 Since we have these <promises>, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

1 JOHN 3.1-3

2PE 1:4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious <promises>, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

2PE 2:19 They <promise> them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity–for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

2PE 3:4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he <promised>? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”

2PE 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his <promise>, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2PE 3:13 But in keeping with his <promise> we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.

1JO 2:25 And this is what he <promised> us–even eternal life.

i. IN DARKNESS

That state where we are seeking after God but there seems to be no direction, no confirmable direction He wants us to go. Which school does He want you to attend? What major? Who should you marry? Where should I go to work? When we seek after the will of God for our lives, in these areas, He seems to turn of the lights and asks us to trust in Him and His promises. To remember what He did for us in the light and allow that to guide us through the dark.

(1) Sarah

GEN 21:1-2 Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had <promised>. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had <promised> him.

HEB 11:11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age–and Sarah herself was barren–was enabled to become a father because he* considered him faithful who had made the <promise>.

(2) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

GEN 50:24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he <promised> on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

HEB 11:13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things <promised>; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.

EXO 33:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I <promised> on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’

DEU 34:4 Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I <promised> on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

ROM 4:20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the <promise> of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ROM 4:21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had <promised>.

ii. IN LIGHT

(1) Paul the Apostle (his ministry–Philippians 1.20-21)

(2) Peter the Apostle (his death–John 21 and 2 Peter 1.12-15)

ACT 3:21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he <promised> long ago through his holy prophets.

ROM 1:2 the gospel he <promised> beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures

c. PASSION

i. EMMAUS DISCIPLES

1TH 1:3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

2TI 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2TI 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

PSA 106:12 Then they believed his <promises> and sang his praise.

PSA 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your <promise> preserves my life.

PSA 119:76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your <promise> to your servant.

PSA 119:140 Your <promises> have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

PSA 119:148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your <promises>.

PSA 119:162 I rejoice in your <promise> like one who finds great spoil.

PSA 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his <promises> and loving toward all he has made.

SCRIPTURE READING

PSA 77 I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

Ecclesiastes, Old Testament, Sermons

NOTHING EVER CHANGES . . . UNLESS YOU LOVE THE LORD

Gallery April 30, 1991 David 1 Comment

NOTHING EVER CHANGES . . . UNLESS YOU LOVE THE LORD
April 30, 1991	Sermon by DRW	Passage Ecclesiastes

NEED: WITHIN EVERY CHRISTIAN’S LIFE THERE COMES A TIME OF DOUBT (WHETHER GOD IS FOR REAL, ETC.).

AIM: THE AIM OF THIS SERMON IS TO INFORM THE CONGREGATION THAT QUESTIONING WHAT WE BELIEVE IS NOT WRONG AND HELPS TO ANSWER A LOT OF DOUBT.

BIBLICAL TEXT: ECCLESIASTES

TITLE: NOTHING EVER CHANGES . . . UNLESS YOU LOVE THE LORD

THEME: THOUGH ALL APPEARS TO BE BARREN AND FUTILE GOD HAS A PLAN FOR OUR LIVES.

INTRODUCTION: Let’s travel back in time, not too far, to August 1971. I have just accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour. This was indeed the greatest day of my life. My family was in Germany at the time for my father was in the Air Force. A few months later we are shipped to El Segundo, California in the heart of Los Angeles. My father sends us: my mom, older sister and two younger brothers, and me; ahead of him. It is now May 1972. My father gets in the family car–the 1967 Mustang, not the 1969 Towne and Country Station Wagon–and drives away. After two months we realize that he is not coming back. He files for divorce. My mother, who hasn’t worked since 1960, has to get a job. We barely survive. It is 1976 and after 4 years of this lifestyle I begin to doubt God. After all, I am a Christian and things are not supposed to happen this way. When I became a Christian the pastor said that things will be wonderful because I had entered into the family of God. How come he didn’t tell me this: my father would leave, my mother will almost die from working so hard to support her family, my sister and youngest brother would get hooked on drugs, and life would become difficult. It’s not supposed to happen this way. Is God in a coma? In the Summer of 1976 I became perplexed over life and asked the ever earnest question “Why?” to God above. Why do these things happen? Aren’t You in control? The conclusion I had come to is that following this god is not what I want to do, that this god was not good–I threw the Bible away.

I did come to that conclusion and I confess it to you: Life is difficult and it is hard to understand. I imagine this is how Solomon felt. After all David, his father, had recently died and all that his father told him seemed to be untrue. So, let’s go back a couple thousand years to 980 BC. Solomon has seen his older brothers try to take away his father’s kingdom. He saw Adonijah’s rebellion (1 Kings 1.5) and Absalom’s as-well (2 Sam 15).

Solomon’s father soon died (~970BC) and the reign of all Israel was given into his hands. We read that he was the wisest of all men

And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt (1 Kings 4.30).

How he obtained this wisdom is of importance as we seek to understand the book of Ecclesiastes [please turn there as we continue]:

5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as [it is] this day.

7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.

8 And thy servant [is] in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.

9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

(1 Kings 3)

God had given this wisdom to Solomon. What did Solomon do with this wisdom? From the world’s perspective he greatly enhanced the political and social life for the Israelites and the people’s around him. From a religious position he built the Temple of the Living God and greatly enhanced the religious life for the Israelites. In the eyes of Solomon, however, he greatly enhanced the life of futility.

PROPOSITION: TODAY WE SHALL LOOK AT THE BOOK OF ECCLESIASTES AND DEAL WITH LIFE FROM TWO PERSPECTIVES: THE WORLD’S AND GOD’S.

OUTLINE:

I. THE WORLD

How have we done Socially?

To some extent Solomon reminds me of our generation, as we saw in the introduction. He reminds me of me. He reminds me of you. He reminds me of us. Solomon sought after things, money, pleasure, and accomplishment. Most of us have pursued the same products. We have done as Solomon. He sought after materialism.

A. Materialism

1. 2.12-23 (especially v 19)

2. I have a friend who has amassed a great many gadgets and doohickeys. His desire is to have the best of the best, as did Solomon, as do we at times. His whole life was manifest around that which he could get and keep. He has the finest car, the most up-to-date sound and video systems. Yet he lives a morally bankrupt life for his trust and desire is found in these things. For him the last word is given by what he owns: “I want the very best.” If any other force than God has the last word, then that force is a god. We do the same as my friend and as did Solomon. There are times when the last word comes not from God but from what we want. EX: poor folks and clothes. Anything that controls life (even a dream) is materialism for it is a possession that possess.

QUESTION: Anthony Campolo’s question: Would Jesus drive a BMW? Would He earn 100,000 a year?

Solomon sought after wealth as-well.

B. Wealth

He pursued these things for he became disappointed in who or what he had as a god.

1. 2.1-11

2. 5.8-17

3. In order to maintain the very best Solomon and my friend had to earn monies and amass wealth.

I am constantly reminded what a delicate balance there is between accepting and engaging in the good gifts of life, and valuing those gifts more highly than the One who gives them.

The question is one of value. Matt 6.19-21.

We own things at the risk of them distracting us from other values and loyalties (Ecclesiastes 5.10).

Our values are like eyes (Matt 6.22-23). They affect our perceptions and direction. If you own a house, the grass owns you to a certain extent.

Consider Matt 6.24. “Keeping one eye on God and one eye on your wallet will not work.” Both eyes must be on God, He’ll take care of the wallet.

Solomon also sought after pleasure.

C. Pleasures like sexual pursuits and comfortable living. He didn’t see, until the end, that the only truly fulfilled life is doing God’s will as He calls you, not another.

*. 2.1-11

Solomon had all that money could buy and build. His pleasure was in the works of his hands. His works benefitted mankind greatly and this was pleasurable in the eyes of man.

D. Work

Americans tend to work only for money–to feed basic human selfishness. They live from one coffee break to another. The Christian view of work should be different. The Bible supports work with at least four basic truths:

1) Work is God-ordained (Gen 1.28).

2) As a result of fundamental human rebellion against God, work no longer brings the fulfillment God intended (Ecclesiastes 2.4-11).

3) For Christians, work is done as a service to Christ (Col 3.22-24).

4) Work not only brings glory to God, it has moral benefits as well (Eph 2.48).

Work is part of the nature of God, without work we are not completely fulfilled.

Solomon’s pleasure was in his work and according to the text and history his works were magnificent.

1. 4.4-12

2. Obsession with one’s work is not a healthy attitude. The symptoms of such obsession might include:

1) no leisure time or activities,

2) compulsive perfectionism,

3) fatigue, tenseness, poor sleep, physical ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, back pains, ulcers,

4) a lack of friends or social life, and deteriorating relationships,

5) single mindedness, (to amass wealth through work thinking that this will alleviate problems)

Rather than succumb to workaholism, try to work more effectively by prioritizing tasks, dropping or delegating those you can, allotting time for play and quiet, and time with loved ones.

DAILY DECISIONS DETERMINE DESTINIES

Christians should focus on the bigger picture when evaluating the importance or impact of their daily work.

1) We have God-given resources including life, time, talent, energy, strength, and others.

2) We have constant influence on the next generation.

3) We are uniquely equipped, but each important and interdependent.

It helps to set goals and priorities to guide your daily activity.

[TRANSITION:] To the eyes of the world Solomon was a great social worker. He helped with building needed areas (the Temple and gardens, etc.). He set a good work ethic. According to the world’s standards he was indeed a success for he amassed fortunes. How did he deal in the realm of power? Was he successful in this as-well?

II. How have we done realm of power?

A. Influence

1. Solomon had the Queen of Sheba visit him and pronounce that Solomon was even greater than his reputation had stated (1 Kings 10.1-10).

2. Power corrupts if it is not controlled by God.

B. Oppression

1. 4.1-3

2. Part of the political success of Solomon was due to his hatred of oppression.

[TRANSITION] The world has proclaimed Solomon as the successful business man, the successful man of influence. The question that comes to mind now, after we have seen that Solomon is proclaimed as the success of the ancient world, what did Solomon think about all this?

IV. How have we done Personally?

A. Futility [here’s where we throw the Bible down]

1. For Solomon life was futile. Life amounted to nothing. The introduction to this book announces his view on his life (and all life): “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity! What advantage does man have in all his work which he has done under the sun?” As a matter of fact the term vanity occurs over 30 times in this book. His opinion of life was pretty bleak. When he thought of the areas where others viewed his life as successful he had this to say:

PLEASURE

I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also [is] vanity. (Ecclesiastes 2.1)

WORK

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2.11)

WISDOM

Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also [is] vanity. (Ecclesiastes 2.15)

MONEY

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity. (Ecclesiastes 5.10) NT Lillies?

MATERIALISM

A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this [is] vanity, and it [is] an evil disease. (Ecclesiastes 6.1-2)

RIGHTEOUS LIVING

All [things] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just [man] that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his life] in his wickedness. (Ecclesiastes 7.15)

LONG LIFE

But if a man live many years, [and] rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh [is] vanity. (Ecclesiastes 11.8)

2. Solomon, although successful at these endeavors, saw that they did not amount to much when all was said and done in life. If Solomon drove on our road system today and read the license plate frame: “He who dies with the most toys wins,” would probably make one of his own that says: “He who dies with the most toys…dies!” or “Dead men take no toys!”

B. Striving after wind

Another of Solomon’s favourite terms is “striving after wind.” This phrase occurs about ten times in the book and relates to futility as-well. Evidently Solomon took no stock in what the peoples of the world said of his “successes.”

C. Under the Sun

A third and popular phrase of Solomon when he viewed his life is “under the sun.” This also occurs around 30 times in the book. At times I see this as a commentary by Solomon on the futility of life for it is under the sun and the only answer to life must lie above the sun.

D. Conclusion on life [in this section look over at the Bible]

1. 2.24-26

24 [There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God.

25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten [hereunto], more than I?

26 For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit. (Ecclesiastes 2)

2. 3.22

Wherefore I perceive that [there is] nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that [is] his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? (Ecclesiastes 3.22)

3. 5.18-20

18 Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion.

19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.

20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth [him] in the joy of his heart. (Ecclesiastes 5)

E. Advice in view of all that has been said and done

1. Man is wicked (7)

2. God is (8-9)

3. Life is uncertain (10)

Today’s youth have not changed all that much; the world around them has changed dramatically. There are six trends affecting young people:

1) Choices are increasing dramatically.

2) The family foundation is crumbling.

3) Young people are investing in a fast-food society–instant gratification is the rule of the day.

4) The media influence is growing–educators and ministers are worried about a shrinking attention span and disabled imagination.

5) The world view is narrowing, focusing more on self. Young people are not only ignorant about the global community but often don’t care. In the 60’s it was the Peace Corps, today we couldn’t point out Bangladesh.

6) They are searching for meaning and a community that will nurture them.

They are pleading for a faith that has meaning and relevance for their lives.

4. Life is certain (11.1-12.8) . . . for those who love the Lord

CONCLUSION: 12.13-14 [go over to Bible and pick it up]

1. Fear God.

2. God will judge all our deeds after this life.

3. God must be kept in the center of life for it is too easy to go astray (Isaiah 53).

4. Do not overdo any interest to the exclusion of everything or everyone else.

5. Enjoy life as a gift from God

6. Do not hold to the world’s applause, hold to the Word of God and receive Heaven’s applause.

7. When this happens we will have meaning in our life and we will help establish community for the one who comes to you and asks why, who says he doubts his faith and his God. Then you can honestly say: “That’s Okay . . . I did too” and you can show him the true meaning of life.

Scriptural Truths for Today's World