Ministry127 | Sermon Helps

Life Principles from the Book of Proverbs

Dr. Tim Cruse — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:43:38 +0000

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Title: Life Principles from the Book of Proverbs

Introduction: God’s Word was written for our instruction. As one must dive deep for pearls and dig deep for precious stones, so must we delve deep into God’s Word if we are going to uncover its powerful principles.

I. Let Not

Proverbs 3:3
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart.

Mercy, truth, sound wisdom and discretion are to be grasped. In order to take hold of them, we must turn loose of pride, error, simple-mindedness, and human folly.

II. Lean Not

Proverbs 3:5–6
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

We must trust God in all things and never demand an explanation for what He is doing in our life.

III. Lust Not

Proverbs 6:25
Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

Lust causes one to lay aside reason at the expense of reality. The first step to fornication is rebellion against authority (Proverbs 5:11–13). The reality of lust and its consequences is that one must surrender his honor, accomplishments, health, and eventually his life. When one gives himself over to lust, he sins against his own mind, emotions, and body (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:13–20; 1 Thessalonians 4:17).

IV. Love Not

Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.

I heard a poem once that said, “You better work while you can, be a diligent man. You better get up and work and not sleep. Work and hoe, watch them grow. As ye sow, so shall ye reap.”

V. Labor Not

Proverbs 23:4–5
4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Earthly riches are temporal and fleeting. Live not only for time, but for eternity. As the songwriter said, “One short life will soon be past only what’s done for Christ will last.”

VI. Look Not

Proverbs 23:31–35
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

Alcohol is the number one drug in America. There are more deaths attributed to alcohol than experienced in all our nation’s wars combined.

Conclusion: Take the Challenge

Read a chapter of Proverbs each day. There are 31 chapters to correspond to the days of the month.

Proverbs 4:7
With all thy getting get understanding.

Life Principles from the Book of Proverbs.doc

Preaching the Resurrection

Dr. Paul Chappell — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:03:12 +0000

Over the last several years, I have noticed a trend of pastors getting clever with Easter Sunday. Rather than making this Sunday themed on the resurrection itself, they center it on an effect of the resurrection—emphasizing a set of psychological or relational topics.

Although I understand the thought process here, I believe it is a mistake.

Churches today have a tendency to neglect the core doctrines of the blood atonement, the resurrection, and the transforming power of Christ in our lives. To take these key weeks surrounding the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and, rather than emphasizing major Bible themes, to preach messages of a more shallow substance is to trivialize one of the most significant seasons of the year.

In this growth points podcast, I share a few thoughts on why I believe that we need to seize the Easter season to lift up Christ.

Make sure you get all future Growth Points videos by subscribing to the Spiritual Leadership Podcast.

This article was originally posted on The Pastor’s Perspective.

Preparing Bible Saturated Messages

Kurt Skelly — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:08:21 +0000

Where do you begin when studying for a message?

The origin of my messages is always the text. I like to preach through a series because the people are not only hearing a message, but they are getting the entire context of several passages. For instance, I recently preached through the life of David. Each week, the background for that week’s message came from last week’s message.

What do you first do in your studies?

In preparing the message, I saturate myself with the text. Before I would ever preach a series, I will have saturated myself with the larger context. For instance, I read through 1 and 2 Samuel multiple times for our recent series. I want to know those books intimately before I preach the chapters separately.

What role do commentaries have in your preparation?

I never start preparing for a message by going to a commentary, and when I do use a commentary I never rely on one author. There are authors who I might refer to at the end of a process for supplemental information. The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible. When you saturate yourself with the Scripture, other verses will come to mind.

After saturating yourself with the Scripture, what is the next step?

I’ll start with a sheet of legal paper (or blank Word document), write out the first verse of the text, and jot down all the thoughts I have from that verse. Remember that this process is made profitable through reading, rereading the verse, paying attention to the sentence structure, and getting the main idea. This is a process I call gathering. I’m not trying to force the thoughts or make the Bible say something, I’m just gathering what it has to say and writing it down.

When do you develop the outline?

When I’m gathering, I’m still not developing an outline. In the gathering stage you will have a million thoughts, and you will never be able to preach them all. But a theme will begin to emerge. The outline is just a way to organize your thoughts.

How do you develop individual points?

Let’s say that the message has three or four main points and a couple sub-points for each. It’s imperative to explain every point, and immediately connect that point to where you found it in Scripture. This builds in accountability for the preacher.

I’ve found that sometimes my good thoughts have nothing to do with the Scripture. Throw those out! Tether your thoughts and points to the Scripture.

Then illustrate the points. The best way, of course, is to use another Bible story. Sometimes personal illustrations are appropriate as are illustrations from books. I’m certainly not against illustrations. They are windows to let the light shine in.

Thirdly, apply it—how can I make this a part of my everyday life? This is where you have to think about your audience. There might be one application for a teenager but a different application for a nursing home. Consider your audience and try to make those applications readily accessible to the listener.

What do you do when you have more than you can preach?

If you have really saturated yourself with the text and meditated on each verse, the message becomes more about what you choose to take out. If you have to throw something out, you have a choice to simply not say it, or decide to preach more than one message from the passage.

The preacher needs to decide how deeply he is going to deal with a particular passage of Scripture. Truths of the Bible are limitless–one could preach an entire lifetime on John 3:16 alone. The idea is to cover the material in a systematic way, and to derive from scriptures the points you are making to your audience.

Preparing Bible messages is something that anyone called to teach or preach can do. It involves saturating yourself with the Bible, gathering thoughts from the passage, organizing them into a structure, and presenting the message in a powerful way.

The First Book of Revelation

Dr. Jeff Redlin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:17:52 +0000

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Genesis 45:4

Title: The First Book of Revelation

Introduction: The Book of the Revelation is one where mystery and the hidden things are revealed to John. It is a story of how wrongs are made right. It is the ultimate picture of justice. The final chapters in Genesis are also ones of great revelation.

There are times when people are revealed for what they really are. We may have some indication, but trials—and often time treasures—reveal the real person.

The work of bringing Joseph’s brothers to a place of true repentance had been accomplished. Now, they were prepared to see him for who he truly was.

I. The Revelation of His Person

II. The Revelation of His Purposes

A. To pardon

B. To provide

C. To praise

D. To be personal

III. The Resources of Joseph

Conclusion:

Genesis 45:24
So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.

Joseph is now sending them on a mission. He wants them to return to bring their father to him. The journey will be long, the temptations will be real, but his provision is more than sufficient. He reminds them, “fall not out by the way.”

Today, our reminder is the same. Jesus has well provisioned us for all that we stand in need of. If we are lacking, He will readily supply. He has all we need (remember, He’s loaded). So, He reminds us as well to “fall not out by the way.”

Where are you today? Have you been restored to your Father in Heaven? Or, are you still living with the guilt that you have brought upon yourself because of your sin. Jesus has been patiently orchestrating the circumstances of your life to bring you to a point of restoration. He longs for fellowship with you. Are you ready to be restored?

The First Book of Revelation.doc

The Awakening of Joseph’s Brothers

Dr. Jeff Redlin — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:55:40 +0000

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Genesis 42:11

Title: The Awakening of Joseph’s Brothers

Introduction: The idea of an “awakening” implies a preceding slumber or passivity. The Great Awakening in America occurred in the mid 1700s and was fueled with the fiery preaching of George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards. The Grain Awakening occurred when Jacob’s family got hungry and was fueled by the providential working of God through Joseph.

The word repentance in Scripture means “to change one’s mind.” The corresponding Latin word means, “to recover one’s senses.” Joseph’s brothers were about to have their spiritual senses awakened—recovered—and true repentance was about to take place.

For many years, the consciences of Joseph’s brothers slumbered under the surface of everyday life.

I. The Bewilderment of Joseph’s Brothers

A. An undeserved feast

B. Unconcealed fear

C. Understandable formality

D. Unrevealed feelings

E. Uncanny familiarity

F. Unusual favor

G. Unrestrained fellowship

II. The Brokenness of Joseph’s Brothers

A. The question—What would they do with Benjamin?

B. The confrontation—Who would they protect?

C. The confession—God knows me.

Conclusion:

2 Corinthians 7:9–11
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

What does true repentance produce:

1. A new carefulness

2. A new confession

3. A new concern

4. A new characteristic

5. A new compulsion

6. A new commitment

7. A new conscience

The Awakening of Joseph's Brothers.doc

Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out

Dr. Jeff Redlin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:33:21 +0000

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Genesis 41:56–42:3

Title: Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out

Introduction: No man seeks to be filled until he is first aware of his hunger. And, the deeper his hunger, the more diligently he seeks to be satisfied.

There are 13 recorded famines in the Bible. Without a doubt, God was about to use the withholding of natural resources to bring about a spiritual feast.

In Egypt, if the Nile failed, Egypt failed. For seven years, all of Egypt rejoiced that the Nile had been full. They had never experienced such bounty. The twenty-percent levy on grain, imposed by Joseph, was nothing at all to an Egypt so filled with grain. What was twenty-percent when so much remained?

But now, the years of famine had begun. Now, the Nile failed to rise. The life giving, nutrient rich flood that had come so powerfully for the previous seven years now was painfully absent. Year after year, those who gave the report of the Nile offered no good news. It would be another year of famine.

God was using famine to deepen, not only an awareness of physical need, but of spiritual need as well.

I. Denial & Deception—vs. 11

II. Remembering & Remorse

Conclusion: Some have suggested that Joseph was cruel to his brothers because he did not reveal himself to them immediately upon their arrival. However, Joseph in his great wisdom, was doing something of far greater importance. He was accomplishing something of far greater value—more valuable than reunion—he wanted restoration.

God, in His power, could remove the famine in your life. He could again cause the Nile to flow. But He is working something of far greater worth. He longs to be more than just your supplier, but to be recognized as your Saviour. He’s waiting for more than remorse, He is waiting for true repentance.

We often say that reputation is what others think us to be, but character is what God knows us to be. What does God know you to be that is seen by no one else? Before He judges you, He offers you this opportunity to judge yourself.

1 Corinthians 11:31–32
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out.doc

In His Time

Dr. Jeff Redlin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:15:18 +0000

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Genesis 41:41–45

Title: In His Time

Introduction: Joseph’s name was changed to Zaphnathpaaneah. A.W. Pink says that this name, to the Egyptians, would have meant, “savior of the world.” Joseph, like Christ, had come through his time of suffering and now becomes the human savior of Egypt, always a picture of the world.

I. Joseph’s Burden—prosperity, power, and the potential for pride

A. Prosperity—often substitutes the material for the spiritual

B. Power—seeks its own preservation rather than God’s plan

C. Pride—often sees the mirror instead of the Maker

II. Joseph’s Bride—A picture of the church

III. Joseph’s Blessing—The blessing of bread and of birth

A. The blessing of bread

B. The blessing of birth

Conclusion: You can again enjoy the wonderful fruit of the Spirit of which God’s power is the key. If you want to be fruitful and be used to help others, remember to forget.

In His Time.doc

When Dreams Come True

Dr. Jeff Redlin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:22:09 +0000

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Isaiah 30:18

Title: When Dreams Come True

Introduction: Why had God waited so long? In part, we can say, “Only God knows.” Yet, God does give us some insight into why He waits.

Joseph had been forgotten by his brothers, by Potiphar, by the butler, and apparently by all—but not by God. God had simply been waiting, with purpose, for His perfect time.

Could Joseph have ever suspected as he pillowed his head that night that, in some plush, regal palace, the Pharaoh was dreaming a pair of dreams that would change Joseph’s future, end his suffering, and begin his exaltation?

Let’s review what happened in his life:

Joseph had a dream that God was going to use him as a leader (Genesis 37:1-11).
Joseph’s brothers hated him, threw him in a pit, and sold him as a slave (Genesis 37:12-36).
As a slave, he was accused of attempting to seduce Potiphar’s wife and ended up in prison, (Genesis 39:1-20).

Now, the years of adversity were finished, and the years of advancement had come.

I. The Providential Ways of God

II. The Perfect Wisdom of God

III. The Plain Will of God

Conclusion: God had now brought Joseph to the point where adversity would not stumble him, and advancement would not spoil him.

Yes, God had waited, but not in vain.

Isaiah 30:18
And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you… blessed are all they that wait for him.

When Dreams Come True.doc

The School of Affliction

Dr. Jeff Redlin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:10:01 +0000

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Genesis 39:20–23

Title: The School of Affliction

Introduction: We remember that Joseph is a picture for us of the Lord Jesus Christ. Joseph was about to enter a period of time of great importance. And, this time of learning and “schooling” would last for years. It was the “school of affliction.” Joseph, as an early and accurate picture of Christ, begins to paint an even clearer picture for us today.

Here are five lessons Joseph learned in the school of affliction:

I. He Learned That God’s Delays Are Not God’s Denials

II. He Learned That God Doesn’t Depart When You’re in the Dungeon

III. He Learned That As He Was Granted Mercy, He Too Could Be the Giver of the Same

IV. He Learned That Glory Belongs To God

V. He Learned To Leave His Confidence in God

Conclusion:

2 Corinthians 4:17–18
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The School of Affliction.doc

Tempted and Tried

Dr. Jeff Redlin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:55:22 +0000

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Genesis 39:1–2

Title: Tempted and Tried

Introduction: As Joseph traveled deeper into the heart of Egypt with his Ishmaelite band, he began to see the wonders of this far away land. He saw the great pyramids and the Sphinx which, at the time, were already more than a thousand years old. His great-grandfather, Abraham, had seen them and now he was seeing them himself. He saw the powerful mansions of the wealthy situated next to the mud huts of the poor.

He was “checked in” at customs as a slave. His receipt was shown to the custom’s official. Soon, he was placed on the block and the bidding began. A man with a discerning eye at the sale that day. Maybe he needed a slave, or was simply “window-shopping” to see if anything was of interest to him. He was the captain of the king’s guard, and he knew men. When this 18 year old slave was placed on the blocks, he saw an air of presence about him. Certainly, if one could move past the look of betrayal that was obvious, this was no ordinary slave. He bid, and he won.

Potiphar soon recognized Joseph’s gifts. He had never known an honest slave, he knew few honest men, and he knew no honest officials, but this fellow Joseph—what a find he was!

Some of the most encouraging words that we will read in the life of Joseph are “and the LORD was with Joseph.”

No matter where we find Joseph, we also find the Lord.

I. Joseph’s Management

II. Joseph’s Morality

A. Adultery begins in the heart

B. Adultery comes from a lack of understanding

C. Adultery demonstrates a distorted view of love and commitment

D. What was the key to Joseph’s victory

1. He knew how he would answer.

2. He knew of his audience.

3. He knew of his authority.

III. Joseph’s Mistreatment

Conclusion: Remember, the circumstances of life may be the result of someone else’s sinful choices, but God wants to use them for your good!

Genesis 39:21a
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy

Tempted and Tried.doc