Send Me That I May Build It :: 6/28/15 PM

Send Me That I May Build It

Neh. 1, 2:5

I. Nehemiah’s Awareness of the Condition – 1:1-3

                A. The Reproach of the Remnant

                There was a remnant, but they were in pitiful shape.

                No organization, no leadership, no boldness, no government, no army, no

                B. The Walls are Broken Down

                                1. A picture of Identification – a real wall, made out of real stones, in a real place (no abstracts)

                                2. A picture of Separation

                                3. A picture of Protection

                                4. A picture of Information – it was on top of the wall where the watchmen could keep lookout

                C. The Gates are Burned

                                This was the entrance into the city; the place where outsiders had to present themselves.

                                This was also the exit to the city; this is where those wanting to leave had to present themselves.

Without any gates or walls, people could come and go without any accountability.

NOTE: The men of the city sat in the gate; there was oversight and there was authority at the gates.

Without the gates, there was no oversight, no leadership, no authority, no accountability.

II. Nehemiah’s Affirmation to the Cause – 1:4-11

                A. Notice his Response – vs. 4 I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed

                B. Notice his Realization – vs. 5 he realized that it was not God’s fault that the walls had been destroyed

                C. Notice his Repentance – vs. 6, 7 – we have sinned against thee; we have dealt corruptly against thee…

                D. Notice his Remembrance- vs. 8 – he knew the Scripture; he called God into remembrance of His word

III. Nehemiah’s Availability to the Construction – 2:5

                A. Notice his Occupation – 1:11 For I was the king’s cupbearer. He wasn’t an architect or a builder!

                B. Notice his Opposition – 2:1, 2

NOTE: It was Artaxerxes that had stopped the building of the walls and the temple. SEE EZRA 4:11-24

Nehemiah was troubled and very sore afraid because the very man that had stopped the building of the wall was asking him why he was sad.

                C. Notice his Offer – 2:5 …”send me… that I may build it”

Kicking Against the Pricks

Kicking Against the Pricks

Acts 9:5

Intro: This one statement Jesus made caused Saul to tremble and to be astonished.

It’s high time that the Word of God made the child of God to tremble and to be astonished!!

This statement tells three stories.

This statement was three very private and very personal revelations.

I. It is a Story of a Secret Difficulty – it is hard

HARD: hard, harsh, rough, stiff; violent, rough, offensive, intolerable

Saul’s life appeared to be prosperous.

He was a Pharisee. – they were highly respected and regarded as the leaders of their day

He was a member of the Sanhedrin. – this placed him in the highest echelons of society and prosperity

He was of the tribe of Benjamin. – a well documented history and heritage; rare in those days.

He was schooled in Tarsus at the feet of Gamaliel – the most influential man in the Sanhedrin’s learning circles.

He was sanctioned by the authorities to arrest Christians.

He was a leader, very well educated and very respected.

BUT….

His life had become HARD – difficult; intolerable (and nobody knew it but him and God!!)

When he was working, he looked successful – but he was struggling.

When he was at the synagogue, he looked powerful, but he was struggling.

When he was carrying out his sanctioned duties, he looked prosperous, but he was struggling.

He struggled all day – it became intolerable.

Nobody knew it, but God knew it.

This public revelation of a private and secret life was what caused Saul to tremble and to be astonished.

A lot of people have succeeded in putting on the face and pretending to be happy.

People have learned how to go through the motions and mask their frustration and their hurt.

The day that Jesus Christ revealed to Saul and to the world that his life was hard was an astonishing revelation.

·         Proverbs 13:15  Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

·         Isaiah 48:22  There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

·         Isaiah 57:21  There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

This statement that was heard all around by those traveling with Saul was devastating to Saul.

This statement was as powerful as the statement was that Jesus made to the woman at the well when he asked her to bring her husband.

God specializes in pulling the masks off.

The woman at the well’s testimony was “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”

II. It is a Story of a Stubborn Defiance – Saul’s actions toward Christ was a backward kick with the heel

The statement “kick against” is the picture of an animal that is protesting with a violent reaction.

For example: A cow that is being branded will kick backwards.

A horse that is being saddled that doesn’t want to be ridden.

It is an action that is taken when there is a conflict of wills; an attempt to impose one’s will on another

Though Saul’s actions appeared to be in conjunction with God and His work, it was contrary to it.

Saul’s every step, every action, every word, every thought, every accomplishment was IN DEFIANCE to Christ.

Saul’s life was one of fighting AGAINST God – not fighting FOR or WITH God.

Every bit of truth he’d heard or known was buried deep in his heart and mind.

He’d succeeded in deceiving himself that he was doing right when he was in fact doing wrong.

His very life was described as “persecuting Jesus”.

PERSECUTEST: in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one; to persecute; to be mistreated,

III. It is a Story of a Sovereign Desire – God was pricking him – God was after him.

God had his number.

Stephen’s death was no accident.

This trip to Damascus was no accident.

God was on his trail.

This “way” he had heard about was God’s way. (vs. 2 that if he found any of this way…”)

His way was in direct conflict with God’s way – and God wanted him to get out of the way and get in the way!!!

And God knows the right way to get you in the way!!!

God had a plan for Saul, and it involved Saul surrendering to God’s way.

Notice Saul’s response in verse 6.

                A. It brought about a Soberness – he trembled and was astonished

                B. It brought about a Surrender – Lord…

                C. It brought about a Service – what wilt thou have me to do

One of the Servants :: 6/21/15 PM

One of the Servants

I Samuel 9

Introduction notes:  In this story, we see that...

            A. Saul is a type of the Saviour

                        1. He was sent by his Father vs. 1

                        2. He was described as: vs. 2

·         a choice young man

·         goodlier than all the children of Israel

·         higher than any of the people

                        3. He was sent to seek and to save that which was lost vs. 3

                        4. He made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant

                        5. He manifested a strong love for his Father vs. 5

                        6. He was anointed to be the captain over Israel vs. 16 ( see Heb. 2:10)

                        7. He was anointed to save his people vs. 16

                        8. He went from 'Searcher' to 'Sovereign' in just 3 days! (resurrection) vs. 20

                        9. He was very humble, in spite of his Father's mighty power vs. 21 (see vs. 1)

            B. Servant is a type of the Saint  (see following outline)

I. The Servant was Chosen – vs. 3 And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.

            Thoughts: Unlike Kish, God knows where every lost person is.  But he sent his Son to seek and to save them. That Son has chosen us to help him find them.  In this story, no doubt Kish and Saul had many servants.  But Saul hand picked this one.  We don't even know his name.  You know why?  He wasn't chosen because of who he was!  He was chosen because the son needed help!  He just happened to be in the right place at the right time, and heard the son calling for somebody to help find the flock.  And notice that he didn't send him out alone.  He went with him!  Actually, the verse says 'Take now one of the servants with thee" which tells me that Jesus is not with me, I'm with him!  He's searching for the lost; where are you at?  Serving God is not a chore; it's an honor.  We should be thankful for the privilege to serve such an awesome God!

1 Timothy 1:12  And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

• 1 Corinthians 1:27,28  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
• 2 Corinthians 5:18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (we are to bring together the lost flock and the Father!)

II. The Servant was Committed – vs. 6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.

            Thoughts: By the way, the word 'Zuph' in verse 5 means 'honeycomb'.  They were in a good place to park!  They were in a great place to sit down and take it easy!  But they didn't. Most Christians stop working when God starts blessing. They get their eyes off of the need and succumb to the greed.  He could have stopped in vs. 5, but he didn't.  Besides, it was just dumb, stupid donkeys.  They really weren't worth the trouble.  That's what they get for leaving in the first place.  Serves 'em right.  Whatever happens to them is what they deserve. Of course, the Father cared for them.  Vs. 5. So whatever the Father cares about, we should care about.  No, we can't stop searching for the lost, because it's a major priority to the Father.  After all, he sent his Son to look for them, and the Son chose us to help him.

• Colossians 2:5  For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

III. The Servant was Conscience – vs. 6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.

            A. Conscience of the Man of God – there is in this city a man of God

            B. Conscience of the Work of God – all that he saith cometh to pass

            C. Conscience of the Way of God –he can shew us our way that we should go

            Thoughts: This servant was busy.  He was working.   He was searching for the lost flock.  But he didn't get so busy that he got out of touch.  He knew where the man of God was and he knew where to get help when he needed it!  He knew the man of God could help him in his search.  Furthermore, he realized he might not be on the right path, and could still change!  Though he was chosen by the son, and the son was with him, he still needed a man of God!!  He also said "Let us go thither."  He didn't wait for the God's man to come to him, he went to him for help.  What's more, they didn't give up the idea of searching for the lost flock.  They could have just looked up the preacher for some new wisdom and some new teaching.  But instead, they searched for the answer to the problem they were having.  They were conscience of their need for help and where to get it!

IV. The Servant was Contributing – vs. 8 And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.

• 2 Corinthians 9:7  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
• Philippians 4:14-17 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

            Thoughts: The servant could have had the attitude that it was not his problem.  The flock belonged to Kish, and that was his loss.  But not only was the servant concerned about what the father was concerned about, he was willing to sacrifice every bit of his money to find those sheep!  Where do you suppose he got that money?  No doubt from Kish.  He figured that Kish would give him some more when he needed it!  He was a servant.  A servant really doesn't own anything.  That money was not even really his!!  He didn't tell Saul to pay for it.  He was so concerned about finding those sheep that he paid for it himself!  In verse 7, the son said 'What have we?'  The servant didn't ask him if he had a mouse in his pocket!  He realized they were in this thing together! They had both been sent to find the flock, and it was his problem too!!  God forbid the Savior look at us and ask, "What have we?" and we act as if we don't have anything to give!!  He gave his life.  What have you contributed?  This servant gave all he had.

V. The Servant was Commended – vs. 10 Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go.

• Matthew 25:23  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

            Thoughts: Imagine the joy that servant felt to hear the son tell him "Well done!" That made it all worthwhile.

VI. The Servant was Compensated – vs. 22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.

            Concluding Thought: The servant searched all that time, and didn't find the lost flock.  Somebody else did!  Was he disappointed?  Of course not.  Was he mad at the son for asking to go with him and search?  Was he aggravated to think of all the time he wasted walking all over creation for a bunch of stupid donkeys?  Of course not.  You know why?  He did what he was told to do, and that is all that matters.  He obeyed with all his heart and put everything he had into it, and that is what counts. (He even spent his 1/4^th of a shekel of silver!)  But if he hadn't been committed, and been conscience and been contributing, he never would have been commended or compensated!  Bottom line: Payday's coming.  In the meantime, get to work!

• 1 Corinthians 3:7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
• John 9:4  I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

When The Time Comes :: 6/21/15 AM

When The Time Comes

Joshua 4:5, 6, 21, 22

• Joshua 4:6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?
• Joshua 4:21 And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones?

Intro: This passage of scripture speaks of:

            1. The Accomplishment of their Goal – vs. 1-11 finally reached the Promised Land

            2. The Acknowledgment of their God – vs. 23, 24 they admitted God’s role in this day

            3. The Admonishment of their Generation – vs. 21, 22

This is what I want to look at.  These father’s were given a command to admonish their children “in time to come” about what God had done.  There are at least 3 things that were required of fathers “in time to come”.

Another way of saying it would be, “One of these days, your kids are going to come to you…”

Fathers, When the Time Comes…

I. You Should be Available – vs. 21 – “…children shall ask their fathers in time to come…”

STATISTICS:

·         Children in father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor. In 2011, 12 percent of children in married-couple families were living in poverty, compared to 44 percent of children in mother-only families. Children living in female headed families with no spouse present had a poverty rate of 47.6 percent, over 4 times the rate in married-couple families.

·         Children of single-parent homes are more than twice as likely to commit suicide.

·         71% of high school dropouts are fatherless; fatherless children have more trouble academically, scoring poorly on tests of reading, mathematics, and thinking skills; children from father-absent homes are more likely to be truant from school, more likely to be excluded from school, more likely to leave school at age 16, and less likely to attain academic and professional qualifications in adulthood.

·         60 percent of America's rapists came from fatherless homes.

·         72 percent of adolescent murderers grew up without a father.

·         70 percent of long-term prison inmates are fatherless.

·         41% of all births in the USA are to unwed mothers.

A man that makes a baby ought to maintain it!

A man that produces a child ought to provide for that child!

God intended for the Daddy to be available!

·         1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

These kids were approaching dad as they were older; not babies.

Daddy was in their life; a pillar; an anchor.

·         Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

~ Definition of ‘glory” – means to glory or boasting of rank or position

This means that the dads had cultivated a LIFELONG relationship with their children.

Many parents can’t wait until their kids are out of the house.

When your kids are married and have kids of their own, they still need parents!

A dad should be available to his kids so they can glean his wisdom and knowledge.

Children should be able to glory in their father; this means that Daddy is not…

·         Not some washed-out has-been for God that’s backslid as a goat and out of God’s will.

·         Not some sorry loser that walked out on his wife and his kids to have his own life.

·         Not some man that spends more time in a deer stand than he does with his kids.

·         Not some man that is more interested in making money than he is in making memories.

·         Not some man that cheats on his wife and flirts with other men’s wives.

·         Not some man that spends all his money on his own hobbies and desires.

These kids had a daddy that was available when they got old enough to realize how bad they needed a daddy!!!

II. You Shall be Asked – vs. 21 – “When your children shall ask their fathers…”

            A. Means there was a Choice

Most kids today ask their peers when they have a question. Or Dear Abby. Or some teacher at school, or maybe their pastor.  I’ve dealt with many young people that chose NOT to talk to their father or could not talk to them.   They come to me because they have no one else to talk to.

Your children should know that they can talk to you anytime about anything and you’ll listen.

As Opie used to say, “You can’t win in a man-to-man talk if you’re a kid!”

If your children approach you with questions, listen to them.  They are very enlightening.

            B. Means there was a Curiosity

A father that has cultivated a hunger and desire for truth is a blessing.

These young people wanted to know what this altar stood for.

They were interested in the spiritual past of their parents.

They knew those rocks must mean something to their parents, so they wanted in on it.

Daddy – are your kids the least bit interested in what you’ve got? Or are they turned off by it?

            C. Means there was a Confidence

Two tribes didn’t cross over Jordan. Numbers 32 (Gad and Reuben)

Their kids never saw the stones; never got to ask.

The stone altar was set up on CANAAN side of Jordan.

Never saw their father’s go all the way with God. 

NOTE: In Joshua 4:4, it says every tribe carried a stone across.  That means that 2 of those tribes crossed Jordan, put down a stone and left it there for somebody else’s kids and went back across! Imagine their bumper sticker – “Canaanland – Been There, Done That, Toted a Rock.”

Ever wonder how those men that entered into Canaan on dry ground (3:17) got back into the wilderness?  It’s harder to get back into Canaan once you ever leave it.  Forget your kids going!

But to the 10 tribes in Canaan that carried those stones carried them 5 miles to Gilgal.

Speaks of stamina, strength, stickability.  Their kids knew they had gone all the way with God.

III. You Should have Answers – vs. 22 “…Then ye shall let your children know, saying,…”

            A. Their Answer reflected the Facts – “then shall ye let your children know”

God wanted them to be able to give their children the TRUTH about Him and His working.

Not fairy tales; not hearsay, not rumors, not personal opinions, but FACTS.

KNOW YOUR BIBLE!  Be ready to give an answer to your children when they ask.

Don’t muddy the water with your philosophy or your past beliefs – give them BIBLE!

God didn’t command us to pump our kids full of our ideas and opinions and interpretations;

He wants us to tell them what He said, and what He did and what He wants.

• …then shall ye let your children know…

We don’t need to let our children wonder, or guess, or speculate, or imagine – but KNOW!

            B. Their Answer reflected their Focus – “that the hand of God is mighty”; not theirs

Let’s make sure we instruct our children about how wonderful God is – rather than us.

We will let our kids down, but God never will.

We are not perfect, and we are not invincible.

Your kids do not expect you to be superhuman – they just want you to be real.

Admit it when you’re wrong.  Let them see how great God is, even when you’re not.

            C. Their Answer reflected their Fear – “that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.”

Teach them to fear God – not you.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Teach them to live by principles – not personalities.

Your legacy and your name and your reputation is not what is important; it is raising children that fear God and follow God and honor God.

Conclusion: Daddy’s, one of these days your children will need you.  The kind of Daddy you are today will pave the way for that day.