Zeal of Thine House (2)

Service Notes

Video from Stephen Cofield

“A family who loves you and loves church because of how they have treated our dad” - Cofield

Not just their dad but “one another.“

John 17:20 Jesus prays for disciples “for these alone, but for them also”

I am part of the group that has been greatly influenced by decisions made at this alt

See Ryan Hayden here.

- We benefit from having married ladies who learned ministry in a church that has a zeal for the things of God.

Rarely find my self in a scenario where Stephanie doesnt have an opinion on what we should do.

Never had to explain to her why I would go to the hospital late at night even though i was not sick or a doctor

20 years ago wbc would help me go to Peru. Same testiminony

You are a people with a zeal for the things of God.

every aspect of our life should be in submission to Jesus

We should even follow His example in our zeal

Let’s turn to Luke 19

Intro Bible Reading

Quick Overview of Luke

Orderly account of eye witness testimony Luke 1:1-4 “1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”

Why: Luke wants to show how the story of Jesus fulfills the story of God for Israel and the whole world

There is a great emphasis on the fulfillment of Scripture.

Unlikely promises of children with John the Baptist, the messenger, and Jesus, the Messiah

Anna and Simeon speak of their great anticipation for the day the Messiah would come

After baptism by John Jesus goes to the temple and reads from Isaiah. Luke 4:18 “18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”

Deliverance: refers to the year of jubilee when all slaves were released and debts cancelled

Large block of stories (ch.4-8) Jesus sharing good news with the poor (blind, prostitute, tax collector)

Preaches about the “upside down Kingdom” on the Sermon on the plain

Mount of transfiguration Jesus, Moses, and Elijah speak of Jesus exodus that will take place in Jerusalem

Ch. 9-19 was Jesus journey to Jerusalem

Jesus is coming to Jerusalem on the week of the passover. The week they celebrate their great deliverance from captivity.

Write down Luke 24:47 - you will see that after the resurrection Jesus teaches the disciples how He was the fulfillment of Scripture.

Review this chapter

Jesus entered into town with upwards of 200,000 people

Jesus makes a statement while fulfilling Scripture

Some people rejoiced and others said “turn the music down I am trying to save myself over here”

This Week: Jesus’ estimation of the worship of His own people in God's temple

Please stand with me for the reading of God’s Word

Luke 19:41–48 (KJV)

41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

We come to the end of the day. Mark 11:11 “11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.”

Look at the temple at night.

Went out onto Bethany to sleep

Home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

Jerusalem was a “tent city” People were staying everywhere they could

In His mind, as He walked in the darkness, in His mind, as He went to sleep, must have been what He had seen in the temple.

45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;

46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

48 And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

Introduction

Let’s start out by playing some fill in the blank, ready? Leonardo, Raphael, and Donatello and? Michaelangelo, right! Yes, they are the four most famous artists of the Renaissance, of course! What, did you guys think I was talking about someone else?

Michelangelo painted Sistine Chapel. Sculpted David. Was known to be radically given to his cause.

Teacher to Michelangelo: So he gazed deeply into young Michelangelo’s eyes and said, “This will cost you your life!” Without a moment’s hesitation, Michelangelo responded, “Yes, I know, but what else is life for?”

We all love to hear a story of great zeal.

However, the direction of our zeal is much more important than the degree of our zeal.

Today we Jesus consumed, eaten up, with a zeal for His house. We see zeal according to knowledge.

Zeal for thine house

Phrase not found in this passage or this story

Found the first time Jesus came into a Temple in this manner

John 2:17 “17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.”

And His disciples remembered that it was written

Psalm 69:9 “9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.”

second time, not much has changed at the Temple

second time, His zeal had not faded

He didn’t go to the governmental houses to the Romans

He had paid his temple tax / remember his fish story

He didn’t go to the sin of the back aisle

Jesus walked into the place or worship and said this is completely unacceptable

There were things in that nation that only soldiers could make right.  There were things in that nation that only righteous leaders could make right.  There were things in that nation that only compassionate philanthropists could make right.  There were things there that demanded social reform if they were to be altered, but none of that matters.  That is just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic – because what matters is a person's relationship to God.  As Peter put it, “Judgment must begin at the house of God.” -MacArthur

Jesus the refiner that the Old Testament had said would come

Malachi 3:1-2 “1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:”

Refining meant removing what did not belong

John 2:13–16 (KJV)

13 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;

16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

In Mark we learn Jesus didn’t even allow them to carry their things with them. Mark 11:16 “16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.”

Jesus attacks a system

Incredible show of power and authority

This is a miracle. It is unparalleled.

Preview of Jesus power to judge.

His Father was being dishonored by what they were doing.

It did not need reforming it needed refining!!

I am aware this building here is not the temple. But I also know this is the place that those indwelt by the Spirit, believers, meet for the purpose of worship and hearing from God.

Let us pray that Jesus would never need to come to this place, among us, and tell us to stop. May He receive the glory that is due unto His name

Jesus was moved to tears

Luke 19:41-42 “41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, 42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.”

Jesus wept over the city because its people did not understand the significance of what was going on that day.

We often pray Psalm 90:16 “16 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.” .

The glory was hid from the children.

Transitional Statement: Do we see this world as God would have us to see it. There are religious systems today that keep people blinded to the gospel. If we as a church aren’t able to identify them, be moved to tears, what keeps us from believing we are not building them ourselves.

On occasion preach about missions at other churches. What really seems to be understand that if this church is not helping people “find and follow Jesus” then you better pray a church in this community in the years to come will help our grandchildren “find and follow Jesus”

Greatly convicted about my lack of tears for those who captive to sin.

Yes, we have programs.

Yes, we meet to hear and proclaim the gospel.

We even have ministries dedicated to studying the world, people groups, the differences in the next generation.

But where are the people who are moved to tears.

Jesus should have found a house of prayer

Luke 19:46 “46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

Court of Gentiles

Temple contained four “courts,” separated from one another and each designed for a different purpose:

the Court of the Women,

the Court of Israel (or the Court of Men)

the Court of Priests.

the Court of the Gentiles, referred to as “the outer court”

Paul will be accused in the book of Acts of bringing a gentile into a forbidden courtyard. Acts 21:28 “28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.”

So much to learn about God’s love for all people from the design of the temple

In the Old Testament ceremonial law, foreigners — were excluded from the holy precincts of the temple.

Isaiah's predicts a day when Gentiles like you and me, will be brought into the presence of the Lord in worship. Isaiah 56:6-7 “6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”

And by quoting this passage, Jesus is indicating that He is the one who has accomplished that.

House of Prayer

The Temple was always designed and intended by God to be a place of prayer, a sanctuary of worship.

Think back to when Hannah came into the Temple to pray. Her prays were heard by others. They is to what is happening in the temple.

Think about what Solomon prays at the dedication of the first temple. 1 Kings 8:27 “27 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?” 1 Kings 8:29 “29 That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place.”

Jesus has a design for this place But so does Satan

Thieves liked to hole up in caves. 

Jeremiah 7:11 “11 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD.”

Jesus stands in the same portion of the temple and says what Jeremiah had said. This was not lost on them.

History says that 10 years from this passover 260,000 lambs were slain,

“Well why don't they bring their own animals?”

System was set up to take the privilege and responsibilty away for the family at a cost.

Many currencies. They had to exchange the money at a high premium.

The temple had become their hiding place.  It had become a cave for thieves, a refuge for robbers rather than worshipers, a place to protect blasphemers.

Every generation has those who would like to do this.  

Next week in NYC. The confusion John has experienced from those he has met. / Participating McDonalds / churches that do not teach the Bible

America has enough “non participating churches” in the Great Commission. Let us pray this is never one of them.

Transitional Statement: What keeps the courtyard open for prayer and worship? The teaching of God’s Word

The people were very attentive to hear him.

Luke 19:47-48 “47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, 48 And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.”

Matthew tells that Jesus is changing lives as he taught. The lame and the blind came to Him.

They were hearing the Words of God from God Himself. Can there be anything more captivating in all of the world?

This is why I would rather hear 3rd grader try to explain the Bible than listen to a professional give a Ted Talk on themes that are covered in the Bible but make no reference to it. When we go to God’s Word we are going to hear from God.

Satan will always be looking to destroy the place where God’s Word is being heard and lives are being changed.

Religious leaders were sorely displeased.

Sadly, in a few days, the crowd thins out, screams for His blood. 

Fulfillment of Isaiah 53. Jesus will be despised and rejected.

All they needed was a way to get to Him.  Luke 19:48 “48 And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.”

They found it eventually in Judas and in the manipulation of the crowd who, by Friday, were unfulfilled in their expectation of what they wanted Jesus to do.

Desire for personal gain is so strong.

One of the saddest profiles on our selfishness. Matthew 28:11-15 “11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”

Transitional Statement: The message will run from person to person. Until it finds itself at a person who can be bought by the things of this world. Have you just taken the money and done as you are taught?

We live in a world that is good at programming people to be silent about Jesus. It even offers financial compensation for playing by its rules.

Zealous according to knowledge

Zeal is not sufficient

We do not pursue zeal, we pursue Jesus, we pursue the glory of God. [repeat]

You can have zeal and be lost. Romans 10:1-2 “1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.”

Example of zeal not according to knowledge. Luke 19:47 “47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,”

There is a right conception of God, and there is a right affection for God.

Zeal matters

Love and not just belief is a defining characteristic of us as believers. 1 Corinthians 16:22 “22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.”

“Anathema Maranatha” simply means, “withdraw or separate from all who love not the Lord Jesus Christ, for that same Lord Jesus Christ is coming.”

Let us be fervent not slothful concerning the things of God. Romans 12:11 “11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”

Fervent: It means that you should boil. We should be aglow.

If your theology hasn't transformed your life, it's not very good theology.

We have been transformed into people that love God.

Love is not equal to emotion nor is it less than emotion. It’s more, not less.

Example of those who did not have a zeal for God’s house

Haggai 1:2 “2 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD’S house should be built.”

Haggai 1:5-6 “5 Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. 6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.”

The prophet was saying, in essence, “God delivered you and set you on a mission to build His house. But you’re so busy building your own homes, you’re neglecting His. The Lord’s concerns are no longer your focus. You’re all wrapped up in your own interests.”

So what does that have to do with us? There’s no Temple anymore.

There’s no building that is the Temple, but there is a temple. We are the Temple.

This is the where the judgement starts.

Judgement begins at the house of God so it begins with us. 1 Peter 4:17 “17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

Paul in teaching concerning about the Lord’s table 1 Cor 11:31 “31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”

Transitional Statement: If we were standing the courtyard that day. Would we part of the distraction or those who go and sit and His feet as He teaches. It will really be determined by our understanding of who He is.

Conclusion

There are individual decisions to make

But as a church we are so much more than a collection of individuals

Let us respond to this together

What do we learn from Jesus about true zeal for His glory.

We see Jesus moved deeply to tears because of the blind condition of this city. Zeal should move us to tears for those who have been blinded to God’s glory.

We see a desire for His people to be a people of prayer welcoming all nations to worship Him. We should desire to be a people of prayer and not just a people of activity. Zeal should be expressed in a desire for prayer over meaningless activity.

When His Father was dishonored Jesus felt the pain. Zeal should cause our heart to be broken over the things that grieve our God.

Would you bow you head and pray with me.

In a moment and I will ask you to stand and respond to God’s Word.

To those who come here today and recognize your lack of zeal for the things of God is a result of not knowing Him, may I speak directly to you for a moment.

If you know what needs to be done, come to the altar and give your life to Jesus.

If you would like to learn more, if you have question, let me encourage you to go to the Next Steps table in the back and someone will help you find and follow Jesus

Fellow believers, does our lives demonstrate a zeal according to knowledge?

Zeal should move us to tears for those who have been blinded to God’s glory.

Zeal should be expressed in a desire for prayer over meaningless activity.

Zeal should cause our heart to be broken over the things that grieve our God.