Increased Intensity

Increased Intensity Increased Intensity Michael Morse / General CrossFit / Discipleship; Ministry; Equip; Faith; Dependence; Evangelism / Luke 9:1-10 In order to increase either strength or stamina one must increase intensity as they workout. Increasing intensity of a workout challenges one to grow physically. If one desires to grow spiritually they too must increase their intensity as they workout spiritually. Introduction 1. Intensity is used to challenge the body physically a. Increase in intensity is necessary when gains stop being made or when you want to reach new fitness levels i. Top signs for needing intensity increase 1. Stopped losing weight 2. Heart isnt reaching its target zone 3. Not pushing yourself - muscles arent tired and your lungs arent winded 4. Havent increased intensity in a while ii. Why does increasing intensity help? 1. Burns Fat a. Fat does nothing but weigh us down and keep us inactive 2. Builds muscles - strength and endurance 3. Builds cardiovascular fitness as well b. Increasing intensity is how you challenge your body to grow physically i. Lift heavier weights ii. Increase time under tension iii. Decrease rest periods iv. Supersets, Circuits etc v. Mentality 2. You need to increase intensity spiritually to challenge yourself to grow in spiritual fitness as well a. Luke's Gospel drops us off at a point in Jesus discipling the apostles for their first missions trip without Him i. Talk about an increase of intensity in their training! b. As we look at Luke's account of it lets learn about the increased intensity and how we might learn to challenge ourselves to grow spiritually fit › SLIDE Luke 9:1-3 CSB 1 Summoning the Twelve, he gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2 Then he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 "Take nothing for the road," he told them, "no staff, no traveling bag, no bread, no money; and don't take an extra shirt. › SLIDE Luke 9:4-6 CSB 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 5 If they do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." 6 So they went out and traveled from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere. › SLIDE Luke 9:7-9 CSB 7 Herod the tetrarch heard about everything that was going on. He was perplexed, because some said that John had been raised from the dead, 8 some that Elijah had appeared, and others that one of the ancient prophets had risen. 9 "I beheaded John," Herod said, "but who is this I hear such things about?" And he wanted to see him. › SLIDE Luke 9:10 CSB 10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus all that they had done. He took them along and withdrew privately to a town called Bethsaida. › SLIDE Increase Workload › SLIDE Luke 9:1-2 CSB 1 Summoning the Twelve, he gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2 Then he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 1. Jesus summoned the Twelve and equipped them to do the work a. Jesus called them together and prepared them to do the work by equipping them i. Equipped through the giving of ability and authority › SLIDE Being given the power to do something is being given the ability to do that something ii. Jesus was calling them to do the "lifting" in ministry and he gave them power and authority 1. This is the truest sign of one having ultimate power and authority - bestowing the same power and authority upon others. b. Jesus equipped them to do what He is commissioning and commanding them to do i. There are 3 observations from this that I want us to see and take to heart › SLIDE - 3 slides 1. Jesus give us the power to accomplish and do what He calls us to 2. We do not go out in our own strength but in His strength 3. God does not call the equipped rather He chooses to equip the called in His might ii. Equipping may not be observed before ministry but rather is revealed after ministry begins c. Luke also as a physician mentions both demons and disease - separately and then verse 2 only mentions sick i. Do they all mean the same thing? ii. Or can sickness be from both disease and demons? 1. Power and authority over demons 2. Power and authority to heal diseases 3. Both are needed to heal the sick 2. Jesus sent them to do the work - without Him a. Do you know the scariest part of training is - when you have to go solo i. Do you know what the best part of training is - when you go solo ii. Apostles are "Sent Ones" and Jesus sent them - sent is apostello) - solo to do the work solo 1. I believe this was used to increase the intensity of their spiritual training for crossfitness 2. Its easy to follow one who does all the heavy lifting and all the preaching - but will you continue to follow Jesus when its you called to do the work? b. After giving the Twelve power and authority Jesus sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom and heal the sick › SLIDE Jesus does not give power and authority for us to have - it is for us to use i. In fact Jesus gives a parable - the parable of the talents to illustrate that talents are not to be kept unused › SLIDE Christian Standard Bible Chapter 25 14 "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one's ability. Then he went on a journey. › SLIDE - While the two servants doubled their talents - this one did not Matthew 25:24-25 CSB 24 "The man who had received one talent also approached and said, 'Master, I know you. You're a harsh man, reaping where you haven't sown and gathering where you haven't scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.' › SLIDE - The master responds to the servant Matthew 25:26-27 CSB 26 "His master replied to him, 'You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven't sown and gather where I haven't scattered, 27 then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned. › SLIDE - the lesson is to use what you have been given Matthew 25:28-29 CSB 28 " 'So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. ii. While Jesus gave the apostles power and authority over demons and sickness - today we have been similarly empowered through the Holy Spirit › SLIDE 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 CSB 4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God produces each gift in each person. 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: 1. We have been given power - not just to have but to use for the common good - of the church and in ministry as we proclaim the Kingdom! a. Imagine receiving power and authority from Jesus and not going out to proclaim the Kingdom and heal the sick! c. How would they proclaim the message? Do you see specific instructions here? i. I believe it is deliberate that we are never told how to preach the Kingdom - just that we are to preach the Kingdom - its full message not watered down and nothing added to it 1. The apostles might preach in open air settings - like Jesus did - lakeside, from a boat at a mountain - etc 2. The apostles may preach on a street corner or marketplace - like Jesus did 3. Perhaps they have opportunity to speak within the synagogues 4. Definitely they should preach both to crowds and to one on one or small groups gathered ii. Whatever the setting - the message should not change › SLIDE The method and media of preaching the Gospel way change but never the message of the Gospel 1. They didnt have media available that we have today - but I dont think it is a stretch at all to believe that Jesus would have used any method or media available a. Livestream/internet b. Radio c. Television d. podcast e. Newspaper 2. Jesus used the opportunities and media available and used it well and I believe that He wants us to do the same - which is why He didnt say how to proclaim - just that we must proclaim! › SLIDE Increase Time Under Tension › SLIDE Luke 9:3-5 CSB 3 "Take nothing for the road," he told them, "no staff, no traveling bag, no bread, no money; and don't take an extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 5 If they do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." Not only was Jesus sending them out but He had instructions how they should go out 1. Take nothing a. Jesus first tells them He is sending them out and then He adds this tension to it - to take nothing with them for the road i. No staff 1. Used for walking or protection 2. Also the trademark of a wanderer ii. No traveling bag 1. knapsack for carrying supplies or provisions iii. No bread 1. food iv. No money v. Dont even bring an extra under garment b. A very odd an stressful requirement - especially for those of us who travel with our spouses from time to time - or even with kids i. You pack for what you might need and bring enough in case you cant get anything else 1. Thats in the day with walmarts and gas stations 2. Even more so travelling by foot through the wilderness and desert ii. There was a belief in the day that no one is to go to the Temple Mount with staff, shoes, girdle of money or dusty feet 1. This would avoid the appearance of being engaged in other business than the service of the LORD 2. Perhaps Jesus had them do this to prevent them from giving the impression of ulterior motives a. Have you ever encountered those people who come to share a testimony - but their motive isnt the message - its to sell or collect? b. Things can get in the way of the message - c. I believe Jesus sent them out this way taking nothing - because when you have nothing to provide for your needs you have to rely on God to provide for your needs i. The apostles would have trust God to provide their basic needs - food clothing and shelter 1. We can trust God to provide these things › SLIDE Exodus 16:4 CSB 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "I am going to rain bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. This way I will test them to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. › SLIDE Exodus 17:5-6 CSB 5 The LORD answered Moses, "Go on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take the staff you struck the Nile with in your hand and go. 6 I am going to stand there in front of you on the rock at Horeb; when you hit the rock, water will come out of it and the people will drink." Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. › SLIDE Deuteronomy 29:5 CSB 5 I led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes and the sandals on your feet did not wear out; › SLIDE Matthew 6:25-26 CSB 25 "Therefore I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Consider the birds of the sky: They don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? › SLIDE - seek first the kingdom Matthew 6:32-33 CSB 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 2. It is a necessary place to be to trust God over our resources - our own or otherwise a. If the preacher cannot trust God how can we call others to trust in Him? › SLIDE Our security should be in God - not money, supplies, strength or equipping 2. Stay One Place a. This instruction seemed odd at first - but after considering it makes more sense now especially in light of the first instruction. i. Jesus is saying to the disciples - whatever house you enter stay there and leave from there 1. In other words - stay at one house and leave the town from that one house › SLIDE When you trust God to provide be satisfied with what He provides 2. We all know how bad it looks to be ungrateful or to look a gift horse in the mouth a. Lessen the value of something provided - ii. discontentment is damaging to spiritual fitness › SLIDE Philippians 4:11-13 CSB 11 I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. 1. Christ strengthens us for contentment in all circumstances 2. Be satisfied with the first accommodations you receive do not continue to look elsewhere or jump around looking to better your situation or comfort b. Ministry is not to be an opportunity for personal gain i. If you set out to proclaim the Gospel to make a name for yourself - you have the wrong motive in mind - the Gospel is to bring everyone to the name of Christ and Christ alone! ii. Be careful not to rob one of a blessing from God to be hospitable in His name just because you prefer something else 3. Shake off the Dust a. Jesus I believes gives this instruction in the hopes to remind them of the goal of their mission i. All Jesus is asking and sending them to do is to proclaim the Kingdom and heal the sick 1. He is not making it their mission to change anyone and He is not going to hold them responsible if they are rejected and unwelcome ii. Dont try to force them to believe - just leave that town for the next town 1. Jesus says it will be a testimony against - THEM - how important for us to remember › SLIDE Matthew 10:40 CSB 40 "The one who welcomes you welcomes me, and the one who welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. › SLIDE John 13:20 CSB 20 Truly I tell you, whoever receives anyone I send receives me, and the one who receives me receives him who sent me." b. Like the disciples we too run the risk of forgetting the goal of our mission - our objective i. Our job is not to change hearts - we cannot change hearts - only God can change a heart › SLIDE Our commission by Jesus in Matthew 28 is to proclaim the message of the Gospel with persuasion of course - we are not responsible if the message is received or not › SLIDE Results › SLIDE Luke 9:6-7 CSB 6 So they went out and traveled from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere. 7 Herod the tetrarch heard about everything that was going on. He was perplexed, because some said that John had been raised from the dead, › SLIDE Luke 9:8-9 CSB 8 some that Elijah had appeared, and others that one of the ancient prophets had risen. 9 "I beheaded John," Herod said, "but who is this I hear such things about?" And he wanted to see him. 1. So they went and did what Jesus commissioned them to do a. They went from village to village - proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere i. They were healing both physically and spiritually b. In their faithful work the message was going out i. Be aware as you work for the kingdom - it may seem insignificant and it may look like nothing is happening but when we are proclaiming the good news and ministering to the people as needed - word goes out and gets around ii. Often times the word goes beyond the people you personally minster and preach to › SLIDE As you share the gospel and minister to people know that the message and ministering has an effect that goes to an unknown audience not currently present 2. The Lord moves in our faithfulness - to go beyond what we could ever do on our own a. These apostles would never have an audience with a king - especially not Herod Antipas i. While they were busy working in the mission for Jesus though - their works and His name came before the king ii. The message of Jesus - reached the kings ears from the people experiencing the miracles and the ministry b. These things he - Herod heard perplexed him i. John possibly raised from the dead???? ii. Elijah appearing??? iii. Ancient prophet risen?? c. All these things led him to ask the single most important question of his life i. Who is this I am hearing about? ii. Herod wanted to see him - Jesus 1. Now I dont for a second think Herod planned to humble himself before Jesus › SLIDE Luke 13:31 CSB 31 At that time some Pharisees came and told him, "Go, get out of here. Herod wants to kill you." › SLIDE Luke 23:6-8 CSB 6 When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 Finding that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. 8 Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see him because he had heard about him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by him. › SLIDE Luke 23:9-12 CSB 9 So he kept asking him questions, but Jesus did not answer him. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated him with contempt, mocked him, dressed him in bright clothing, and sent him back to Pilate. 12 That very day Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously, they had been enemies. iii. But remember we arent responsible for the reception of the message - just the proclamation of it 1. Herod is a reminder that not all curiosity for Jesus is due to seeking salvation or to know Him 2. Herod thought could make Jesus do miracles for Him - performance and entertainment like - He thought he might mick Jesus › SLIDE The results we look for is our trust and faith in God and that we faithfully fulfill our mission to preach and minister for Him › SLIDE Rest › SLIDE Luke 9:10 CSB 10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus all that they had done. He took them along and withdrew privately to a town called Bethsaida. 1. The apostles returned and report to Jesus all they had done a. Excitedly telling stories of lives touched - their ability to heal and boldness to proclaim i. I can see Jesus just beaming with excitement as they shared - not because Jesus didnt know these things (He is omniscient) but because Jesus was watching them grow as He challenged them by increasing the intensity › SLIDE Jesus was challenging them and us this morning to see that we have the power to carry on after His ascension and until His return › SLIDE John 14:12-14 CSB 12 "Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. ii. Jesus is concerned and cares about the work we do for Him and though He knows it already He will sit and listen as we share b. The disciples would have also been sharing about how they fared with being provided for - check out their testimony recorded for us later in Luke's Gospel › SLIDE Luke 22:35 CSB 35 He also said to them, "When I sent you out without money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" "Not a thing," they said. i. Jesus increased the intensity to challenge them to great spiritual crossfitness and see that they and we could trust and rely on Him. 2. Those in ministry must not neglect the rest time with Jesus a. Jesus took them privately to Bethsaida i. Imagine Jesus all to yourself without the hustle and bustle of business and ministry Him or them ii. We have that everyday if we could just find time to be with Jesus in our alone time - at night or early morning 1. There will be times where ministry - (family is ministry, raising kids yep ministry and work - yep ministry) is busy - we need to learn to relish the times where there is a lull or break within ministry and just get close to Jesus b. Bethsaida - house of provision - Jesus takes you to the house of provision - His House Page . Exported from Logos Bible Software, 11:56 AM May 16, 2020.