What is Good? Counsel for Christians, Young and old.
Notes
Transcript
1 Timothy 4:12–16 “12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.”
1 Timothy 4:12–16 “12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.”
Christians, young and old should think pure thoughts.
Christians, young and old should think pure thoughts.
Proverbs 15:25–26 “25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows. 26 The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.”
Proverbs 15:25–26 “25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows. 26 The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.”
“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” God hates even our wicked thoughts, Have you all ever heard a friend say, “WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF WE COULD DO THIS...............? WE KNOW IT IS BAD BUT GOD EVEN HATES IT IF WE CONSIDER IT, IF WE EVEN THINK IT.
“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” God hates even our wicked thoughts, Have you all ever heard a friend say, “WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF WE COULD DO THIS...............? WE KNOW IT IS BAD BUT GOD EVEN HATES IT IF WE CONSIDER IT, IF WE EVEN THINK IT.
Last week I was reading the book of Micah when I came to the scripture of chapter 6:8-9. Then in my Bible, there is a section at the bottom of this page, a “study if you will” and I read it, the title of the study is: “What is Good.? A pretty broad subject isn’t it? This scripture is well known, many people memorize it. It answers a series of questions put forth by a confused people, the people of Israel and Judah who had lost their spiritual bearings, they literally had lost all direction in following God.
Last week I was reading the book of Micah when I came to the scripture of chapter 6:8-9. Then in my Bible, there is a section at the bottom of this page, a “study if you will” and I read it, the title of the study is: “What is Good.? A pretty broad subject isn’t it? This scripture is well known, many people memorize it. It answers a series of questions put forth by a confused people, the people of Israel and Judah who had lost their spiritual bearings, they literally had lost all direction in following God.
The people of Israel however, wanted to know what they could do to be acceptable, or to have God look on them with favor again. Do any of you ever feel that way? “Lord, I’m sorry, what can I do now?
The people of Israel however, wanted to know what they could do to be acceptable, or to have God look on them with favor again. Do any of you ever feel that way? “Lord, I’m sorry, what can I do now?
Have any of you ever asked the Lord, Father God, what is good and pleasing to you? I want to do those things. WOW. A revelation right there.
Have any of you ever asked the Lord, Father God, what is good and pleasing to you? I want to do those things. WOW. A revelation right there.
WE READ IN MICAH: Micah 6:8–9 PAY ATTENTION CHURCH, YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOOD RIGHT?
WE READ IN MICAH: Micah 6:8–9 PAY ATTENTION CHURCH, YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOOD RIGHT?
8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. 9 Fear the Lord if you are wise! His voice calls to everyone in Jerusalem: “The armies of destruction are coming; the Lord is sending them.
8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. 9 Fear the Lord if you are wise! His voice calls to everyone in Jerusalem: “The armies of destruction are coming; the Lord is sending them.
THIS ISN’T THE FIRST TIME GOD HAS SENT THIS MESSAGE IS IT?
THIS ISN’T THE FIRST TIME GOD HAS SENT THIS MESSAGE IS IT?
HUMILITY, FAITH, AND OBEDIENCE ARE PLEASING TO GOD. God told Abraham this message, Genesis 15:6 “6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” God told Moses at Mt Sinai in Exodus chapters 20-23, God told his people through His prophets, Deuteronomy 6:1–8 (NLT)
HUMILITY, FAITH, AND OBEDIENCE ARE PLEASING TO GOD. God told Abraham this message, Genesis 15:6 “6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” God told Moses at Mt Sinai in Exodus chapters 20-23, God told his people through His prophets, Deuteronomy 6:1–8 (NLT)
1 “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, 2 and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. 3 Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. and through Israel’s wise men. “
1 “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, 2 and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. 3 Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. and through Israel’s wise men. “
So you all see this morning, God has told us, instructed us over and over “WHAT IS GOOD.” ARE WE PAYING ATTENTION? ARE WE LISTENING TO THE HOLY BIBLE? WE WANT TO DO WHAT IS GOOD AND RIGHT IN THE EYES OF OUR GOD BUT WE DON’T WANT TO READ AND BECOME WISE THROUGH SCRIPTURE. IT PLEASES GOD WHEN WE WALK HUMBLY BEFORE HIM. NOT COCKY, NOT A KNOW-IT-ALL, NOT A BRAGGER OR LYER, OR SCHEMER.
So you all see this morning, God has told us, instructed us over and over “WHAT IS GOOD.” ARE WE PAYING ATTENTION? ARE WE LISTENING TO THE HOLY BIBLE? WE WANT TO DO WHAT IS GOOD AND RIGHT IN THE EYES OF OUR GOD BUT WE DON’T WANT TO READ AND BECOME WISE THROUGH SCRIPTURE. IT PLEASES GOD WHEN WE WALK HUMBLY BEFORE HIM. NOT COCKY, NOT A KNOW-IT-ALL, NOT A BRAGGER OR LYER, OR SCHEMER.
II. SHOULD WE BE WORKING AS Christians to overcome temptation?
II. SHOULD WE BE WORKING AS Christians to overcome temptation?
Romans 12:20–21 “20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Romans 12:20–21 “20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
“Be not overcome of evil, don’t do evil, don’t think about evil, but overcome evil with good.”
“Be not overcome of evil, don’t do evil, don’t think about evil, but overcome evil with good.”
We read in :Micah 7:18–20 “18 Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. 19 Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! 20 You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.”
We read in :Micah 7:18–20 “18 Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. 19 Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! 20 You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.”
III. As Christians should seek to help others? Should we be praying to our Father and asking who are we to be calling, who are we to be visiting, who are we to be praying for?
III. As Christians should seek to help others? Should we be praying to our Father and asking who are we to be calling, who are we to be visiting, who are we to be praying for?
Listen to this scripture church:
Listen to this scripture church:
Galatians 6:1–2 “1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1–2 “1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
We tend to avoid these people don’t we? Why do we do that? We feel good when we help don’t we? We like to stay anonymous don’t we? Why? That way, they people won’t expect us to help again right? “IF THEY KNOW WE HELPED, THEY WILL START BOTHERING US, THEY WILL STOP AT OUR HOUSE---OH NO!
We tend to avoid these people don’t we? Why do we do that? We feel good when we help don’t we? We like to stay anonymous don’t we? Why? That way, they people won’t expect us to help again right? “IF THEY KNOW WE HELPED, THEY WILL START BOTHERING US, THEY WILL STOP AT OUR HOUSE---OH NO!
IV. Young Christians should read the Bible:
IV. Young Christians should read the Bible:
Colossians 3:15–16 “15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
Colossians 3:15–16 “15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
V. ALL Christians should BE winning souls RIGHT?
V. ALL Christians should BE winning souls RIGHT?
Proverbs 11:29–31 “29 Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise. 30 The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. 31 If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners?”
Proverbs 11:29–31 “29 Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind. The fool will be a servant to the wise. 30 The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. 31 If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners?”
CLOSE: OK, ALL OF YOU ARE HERE IN CHURCH FOR SOMETHING RIGHT? IS IT TO SHOW YOUR FAMILY? IS IT BECAUSE YOU FEEL GUILTY BECAUSE OF SOMETHING? IS IS BECAUSE YOU ARE LONELY AND FEEL THAT JESUS IS CALLING YOU INTO YOUR HEART? IT COULD BE MANY THINGS. I HAVE PREACHED TODAY ON WHAT GOD SAYS IS PLEASING TO HIM, HOW HE WANTS YOU TO TREAT OTHERS AND HOW HE WANTS US TO TREAT OUR FATHER, IS IT TIME FOR A FEW CHANGES IN YOUR LIVES?
CLOSE: OK, ALL OF YOU ARE HERE IN CHURCH FOR SOMETHING RIGHT? IS IT TO SHOW YOUR FAMILY? IS IT BECAUSE YOU FEEL GUILTY BECAUSE OF SOMETHING? IS IS BECAUSE YOU ARE LONELY AND FEEL THAT JESUS IS CALLING YOU INTO YOUR HEART? IT COULD BE MANY THINGS. I HAVE PREACHED TODAY ON WHAT GOD SAYS IS PLEASING TO HIM, HOW HE WANTS YOU TO TREAT OTHERS AND HOW HE WANTS US TO TREAT OUR FATHER, IS IT TIME FOR A FEW CHANGES IN YOUR LIVES?
AMEN
AMEN