The Evidence of True Repentance [2]

Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance.  Matthew 3:8 

God’s Word and our commitment to studying it and submitting to it should be the focus of our – referring to the believer’s – should be our life.  That’s the evidence or the fruit of true repentance.

It’s Godly sorrow that brings on repentance.  Repentance is not sorrow for sin; it’s sorrow for committing the sin.  We can’t repent without being sorry for the sin we committed.  Our tears mean nothing without some action behind them!

“Let the wicked forsake his way…let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him…for He will abundantly pardon” Isaiah 55:7 

In repentance, we have to first acknowledge that we’ve sinned, feel sorrow for the sin, and then stop and turn away from that sin.  Repentance includes a change of heart and a change of mind and a change of direction.  We make up our mind to stop living life our way and start living it God’s way.  It’s making up our mind that we’re going to serve God with all our might and do everything He says.  It’s a commandment:  . . . love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."  Matthew 22:37

In the very beginning, way back in the garden, the first sin was committed and Gid gave them the opportunity to repent.  To Adam, God asked:  who told you that you were naked?  Right there, Adam could have confessed and asked for forgiveness.  God turns to Eve and asked:  what did you do?  Another opportunity to confess and ask for forgiveness.  But no, they knew that they did wrong but they wanted to play the blame game.  And then their son, Cain – after he killed his brother, God asked him:  where is your brother?  Another missed opportunity to come clean before God!  The need to get right with God should always be greater than the fear of punishment, the loss of face, status, position, money and fame.  The call to repentance is a central theme of the bible:  Joel 2, Jeremiah 18, Ezekiel, Jonah 3, 1 Samuel 7, Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 5, Acts 2:38, Acts 17, all the way to Revelation.

We must do it with all of our being.  This takes total faith in God.  It takes trusting that God is real, alive and His word is true.  To show our repentance – that’s what we’re talking about today:  Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance.  Matthew 3:8 

Repentance as an inward decision or change of mind 
that results in the outward action of turning or returning from sin 
to God and righteousness.  

So far, we’ve covered the fruit or evidence of true repentance by:

*    Exhibiting a Commitment to God’s Word [knowing & submitting]
*    And a commitment to Fearing God [Reverence/respect]

We’re going to continue adding to those fruits today.  Still looking at the children of Israel in the account found in Nehemiah; chapters 8-10

√         A Commitment to Holiness

Another focus of the believers’ life and evidence of true repentance is the practice of holiness. Discipline is a major aspect of our sanctification, as we confront temptation and opportunities to sin.  Where do we see this commitment in Israel? Look at what they committed to:  The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand…

We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons. When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts.   Nehemiah 10:28, 30-31

This holiness was seen in two ways.

ü    They wouldn’t intermarry with the neighboring nations, and

ü   they wouldn’t sin against God by buying and selling from the foreigners on the Sabbath or any other holy day.

Israel lived amongst neighboring nations that wanted to interact with them spiritually by drawing them to worship their gods. They wanted to interact with them socially through marriage and the practice of other cultural norms. And they wanted to interact with them economically through trade, which was often done on the Sabbath.

But God had called Israel to be holy and separate from the neighboring nations primarily so they wouldn’t acclimate to the standards of the world and be led into sin.                     

ü  Exodus 34:11-16: Warns against making treaties or intermarrying with the inhabitants of the land, as their practices would become a spiritual "snare".

 ü  Joshua 23:11-13: Joshua cautions that mixing with the remaining nations will lead to spiritual ruin.

 ü  1 Kings 11:1-8: Highlights how King Solomon’s foreign wives led his heart away from God.

 ü  Deuteronomy 7:1-6: forbids intermarriage - "They will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods".

Listen to the command about not marrying that was given to the Israelites: “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same.  Exodus 34:15-16

The call to not interact or marry with the surrounding nations was never racial, it was spiritual. They were called to be separate and holy in order to not be drawn into sin with them or to worship their gods. This is what happened with King Solomon, who led the kingdom of Israel into God’s judgment. Solomon’s compromises through his unfaithfulness; by taking foreign wives and adopting their religious practices, undermined the spiritual foundation of the nation of Israel.

This doesn’t mean total isolation from the world.  They were not to be totally separated from the Gentiles but to be separate in the sense that they wouldn’t be influenced to sin; drawn into the standards of the world.  We’re to be the light to draw the world out of darkness.  This is evidenced through Ruth and Rahab who were both Gentiles, they both married into Israel and were put into the lineage of Christ. However, they both were converts to Judaism—they worshiped the God of Israel.  And then there was Jonah who was sent to prophesy to the Gentiles in Nineveh.

It’s no different for us. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says to not be “unequally yoked,” and James declares that this practice of not being polluted by the world is the religion God accepts . . .as pure and faultless   . . . to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” James 1:27

We talked of not blending, compromising, or bending to the ways of the world.  The Bible says, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” [1 Peter 1:16].

A religion God accepts is one that keeps itself unspotted from the world. We should careful of the music we listen to, the TV shows and movies we watch, what we watch and listen to on social media and the friendships we cultivate. We shouldn’t adopt the ideals and practices of the world.  We can’t condone or accept as right what we know does not align itself with God.

Scripture says that in the same way that the neighboring nations were seeking to lead Israel astray by getting them to acclimate to their ways, the world today does the same with us.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2

We’re being pushed and cajoled into the image of the world. We’re being pressured into having the same passions, the same desires, and the same worldview, rather than that of the kingdom of God and His perspective.  But Scripture commands us   Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  1 John 2:15

There’s a principle in the world system working to draw us away from the love of God.  So yes, our priority must be holiness. Are we living out a life of separation from the world? Or are we trying to love God and love the world as well?  John says that if we haven’t committed to holiness and are still living in sin, we’re not truly born again. It’s a genuine fruit of repentance and if we lack this desire and practice of being holy, then we’re not truly saved.   It’s tight but it’s right:  If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth  1 John 1:6

Israel committed to being separate from the nations in order to be holy unto God. We have to make this same commitment as well. Separation is necessary so that we don’t become or remain influenced by this world, and separation is also necessary for us to influence the world:   You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.  Matthew 5:13

 

We have to be different in order to influence the world.  We must discipline our self to commit to Holiness.

Sermonette

The Evidence of True Repentance

 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.  

Joel 2:12-13  

True repentance is truly a gift of God.  It’s what He equips us with to help us stay in perfect alignment with Him.  “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” 2 Timothy 2:25  

In the dictionary repentance is defined as the action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse.  

ü It’s also defined as the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings. 

ü It’s also defined as a summons to a personal, absolute and ultimate unconditional surrender to God as Sovereign. Though it includes sorrow and regret, it’s more than that.

Our tears, though they may be sincere is not the action that God is looking for when it comes to repentance.  If it’s not crying or sobbing, what are marks or evidences of true repentance in our, the believers’ life?  We’ve all seen people who claim to follow Jesus but are lacking the fruits that prove the reality of their faith.  They do and say things that are not God-worthy.

Repentance is "an inward decision or change of mind that results in the outward action of turning from sin to God and righteousness."

It’s easy to make a claim or to have a profession of faith – we just open up our mouth and speak it – but how does one know if it’s a reality? We may not always know, but God does.  Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 that many would come in his name claiming to have a relationship with him but He replied, “Depart from me you workers of iniquity I never knew you.” They had the talk but not the walk!  And even if they have the walk, it doesn’t match the inner motives of their heart.  Tainted fruit is being developed.

We can see this with John the Baptist’s and also with Apostle Paul’s teaching. John the Baptist said regarding repentance: . . . when he saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them . . . “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.  Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we’re descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. . . every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3:7-10

Notice, John the Baptist, in commanding repentance, didn’t say just simply “confess” or make a declaration; prove it through your actions. True repentance always has the corresponding fruits. Apostle Paul said the same thing:

. . . that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.  Acts 26:20

Apostle Paul preached the need to repent, but like John, he also preached the necessity of proving one’s repentance. It’s not enough just to confess; confession has to be followed by the proper works.  

Let’s look at what was going on with the children of Israel after their exile In the book of Nehemiah, there was a revival happening they were not just returning to their homeland, they were also being reacquainted to God. In chapter 8, the people listened and responded to Ezra’s reading and teaching of the Word of God. In chapter 9, the people put on sackcloth and ashes and repented of their sins and the sins of their fathers. They repented by renewing their covenant with God and committing to prove their repentance by their deeds. They started by acknowledging the sovereignty of God:

Now therefore, our God, The great, the mighty, and awesome God, Who keeps covenant and mercy: Then they openly confessed their sin:  But we’ve done wickedly.  Neither our kings nor our princes, Our priests nor our fathers, Have kept Your law, Nor heeded Your commandments and Your testimonies, With which You testified against them. For they have not served You in their kingdom.  They spoke of bondage to their captors: Because of our sins; Also they have dominion over our bodies and our cattle At their pleasure; And we’re in great distress.   And lastly, they recommitted themselves to God:  And because of all this, We make a sure covenant and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.” Nehemiah 9:32-38 

They made a commitment to God by renewing the Mosaic covenant. Eighty-four leaders of the community signed a document—a binding agreement. This document showed the priorities of their commitment to God. Even though we’re not a part of Israel’s Mosaic customs and traditions, we, as believers, should have the same commitments to turn back to God. These same fruits will prove the reality of our repentance and relationship with God.

So what are the fruits; the marks of true repentance? What commitments did Israel make in this chapter as a fruit of their repentance? Read Nehemiah 9:32-38

How can we practice true repentance in our lives?  One of the things they did was hear the word of God, as should we, and commit it to our hearts and then apply it to our lives.  So #1 is:

√       True Repentance Includes a Commitment to God’s Word

And the rest of the people, -  separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;  They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;  Nehemiah 10:28-29

What is the primary focus of this covenant community as seen in the signed document? The primary focus was to submit to the law of God. Israel had disobeyed God’s covenant.   

So in this document, they renewed their commitment to God’s Word. They had faith to believe in God and His word and they committed to follow God’s Word.

Faith as part of the bearing fruit action is a very important aspect of true repentance.  Jesus taught that practicing God’s Word is proof of true faith in the Sermon on the Mount. He taught that there are two types of people who listen to his words. The one who listened and built the foundation of his house on these words, and his house stood in the storm. But, the other one didn’t build his house on Jesus’ words, and his house was destroyed. He said:  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it didn’t fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  Matthew 7:24-26

It’s very easy for us to look at the Scripture and say with awe, “No one ever spoke like this” as those in John 7:46 did, when listening to Jesus, and yet not submit to Him. It’s also possible for us to pick and choose what we like about the Scriptures instead of submitting to the whole counsel of it.

Apostle John said the same thing as Jesus [John 14:15]:  “We know that we’ve come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, ‘I know him,’ but doesn’t do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him” 1 John 2:3-4

If we’re not committed to God’s Word and following it, we’re not truly saved and our repentance is false.

Faith and true repentance recognize Scripture as God’s Word and commits to studying it and submitting to it. This should be the focus of the believer’s life, and it’s evidence or the fruit of true repentance.

Israel renewed their covenant to follow the laws of God which demonstrated true repentance. Do we need to renew our covenant to God’s Word as well?

Here’s a look in the mirror question:  What are your thoughts about commitment to knowing and obeying God’s Word as a proof of genuine repentance?  #2:

√       True Repentance Includes a Commitment to Fearing God

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;  Nehemiah 10:29

Not only did they commit to following God’s Word but they also put themselves under a curse if they failed to follow it. In those days when people made covenants, they would often slay an animal and walk through the parts of the animal. By doing this they were saying, “Let this happen to me if I don’t fulfill what I have committed to.” This is what God did in confirming his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15. He walked through the cut-up bodies of animals, committing to fulfill his covenant with Abraham.

God had essentially promised Israel that if they didn’t obey His words, he would severely discipline them. He said:  Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them. However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. Your basket and your kneading trough will be cursed. The fruit of your womb will be cursed, and the crops of your land, and the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out. The LORD will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him.  Deuteronomy 28:14-20

By binding themselves to the curse, they recognized that God was faithful to his words and that he would curse, discipline, and even destroy them for disobedience.   What are you trying to say Pastor Candy? The fear of the Lord should still be a motivating factor in our lives. “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”   Philippians 2:12

We should fear because God is a God of discipline.  “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”  2 Corinthians 7:1

We must remember God killed Ananias and Sapphira for lying about their offering in Acts 5. God brought sickness and death to some of those who were abusing the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:26-32. God is still a God of discipline.

And ultimately, it’s good to remember that even though we’re not under the law, we’re still bound by the spiritual principle of “sowing and reaping” which God oversees. We will reap what we sow, whether in this life or after.  Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Galatians 6:7-8  

When the Israelites were recommitting, they recommitted not only to the Word of God but to fearing the Lord, which should be a sobering motivation for all believers  “the Lord disciplines those he loves.”   Hebrews 12:6

Discipline is a major aspect of our sanctification, and we should recognize this everyday as we’re confronted with temptation and opportunities to sin.

As believers, we’re called to “speak the truth in love” [Ephesians 4:15]. That means we must love people deeply, but we’re not called to redefine sin so that nobody feels uncomfortable. Understand:  

v Love doesn’t require us to affirm everything we see and hear that is wrong  

v Just as grace doesn’t require us to ignore repentance.  

v And compassion doesn’t require us to compromise conviction.

The Bible says, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” [1 Peter 1:16]. It also reminds us that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  [Romans 3:23]. So this is not about pointing at one group of people as if anyone is beyond the need of grace. This is about acknowledging that all of us need repentance, mercy, and transformation.

Truth be told, none of us can live in an unrepentant state and expect God to adjust His Word around our comfort. Jesus said, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” [Mark 1:15]. And Romans 6:1–2 asks, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”  

- continued

Presentation of Faith

 

 But as it’s written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  
1 Corinthians 2:9

We’ll never know the things that God has in store for us or the things that God has prepared for us or purposed for us unless and until we put our faith squarely in Him and take that first step of faith.  We can’t even imagine!  

 This isn’t just the blessings or the material things that come from trusting God, but this is in our spiritual journey with God, we’ll never know or experience the fullness, the weight or the depth of our purpose in God without a promotion of faith.  Despite the severity of our personal situations or the uncertainty of the current situation of this country in which we live or, indeed. the world today, we have to stick to the task and the journey at hand.  We step out as far as God directs us and then we allow Him to take over.  In other words, whatever God says do, we do it – to the T – then watch Him work.  Nothing more; nothing less.

When I read the passage of scripture found in Ezekiel 47:1-5 & 9, where Ezekiel is being lead through the waters by God, it makes me see how far the church has drifted from God and how close it has come to the world – we’re doing the exact opposite.  Sadly, the church – as a whole – has slid so far from the narrow path that we’re looking for and seeking things that God never intended.  We’re striving for fame and fortune; for our name to be in bright lights; it’s not enough to have a comfortable life style anymore, we want more and more.  There was a time when we would be distracted by ‘not enough; the lack of’ but now it’s ‘I have enough but I want more, I deserve more’; even when it comes to the things of God.  I know I’m going to lose friends and make enemies when I tell you that God didn’t and doesn’t save us for bright lights and an entourage; a mansion and 10 cars and maybe a jet, Hollywood status fame.  But in many places, that is what it’s come down to.  That mindset is not God-worthy; it doesn’t support the standards of God and it certainly does not magnify God or bring Him glory; it actually does the opposite.  People no longer see God, they see you!  We have to get back to the straight path.  We choose our way and run with it; we don’t wait for God to lead us.  We don’t read in the text where Ezekiel questioned God as to the route he was being led or suggest a different way; he followed as God led him. The best we do is hope that God blesses us along the way.  The more ‘woke’ the world becomes – blatantly giving in to what Apostle Paul refers to as the works of the flesh – it seems as if the more the church slumbers as if we don’t see what’s going on.  But as heirs to the kingdom, as God’s children – as the body of Christ – we have to wake up to God; be focused on Him and His will and promote our faith in God and His word.

Because God gave us His spirit, we ought to do more than have a superficial relationship with Him.   It can't just be Sunday morning worship experience, a prayer here, a prayer there. Those things are good, but we

  Ø must be equipped to go deeper in God;

  Ø must have faith that defies human understanding;

  Ø faith that goes totally beyond what we think could happen;

  Ø must know when God has called us to do something He has already given us the ability              to do it or paved the way to do it.

We can’t doubt God or the ability that He places in us.  We can’t waver in our belief.  Double mindedness will keep us in the shallow place and not allow us to launch out into the deep.  Fragmented loyalty shatters our trajectory and leaves us dizzy and confused.  “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”  James 1:8

When God has complete control, we can't leave until our assignment is done, we can’t become distracted with the thoughts and ways of the world, our flesh or the enemy.

When God is leading us, He doesn't leave us where we are.  He beckons us to follow His lead.  No more can we settle for being average and mediocre, shining dull lights. 

If ever there was a time to take on His nature and characteristics especially in our dealings with situations and people, it’s now!  We have to learn to forgive even as Christ Jesus forgives us and instructs.  There’s something about being associated with God that transforms everything about us.  “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 

       √       Allow our self to grow up in God.  When we don't get to a place where we can forgive people, we limit our own growth in God.  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11

In that same manner, we need to grow up spiritually by putting away the childish things like allowing our flesh to minister to us and manage us, carnality, worldly influences and standards that stunt our growth and keep us in a child-like state spiritually.     

       √     Don't go to hell from the church.  Again, church attendance, paying tithes, being a part of ministries doesn’t guarantee our entrance into heaven.  There must be demonstration of our faith unto God by obedience to His will.

Yes, we all start in Christ as babes, we start with the sincere milk of the word as Peter tells us:  “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” 1 Peter 2:2
so that we can grow and tolerate the meat of the word.   I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, . . . 1 Corinthians 3:2
But as a babe, taking in the milk, we can be observant of those that are living by the meat.  We drink the milk and observe those that are living out the word of God.  Think about the infant; the toddler that observes the parent and begins to imitate the parent’s actions.  My prayer is that the parent is giving the child a good example to follow and likewise, those that have spiritual maturity are setting good examples for the spiritual babes behind us.   The bible says:  “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1 
       √       Don't let getting outside of God's will cause you to leave prematurely.  God is saying come on up higher, lose your control and let Him have control.  We have to be careful to be clothed in God; in His holy Spirit everywhere, we go.  Our presentation must be God-worthy at all times.

That’s promoting our faith; rather it be ankle, knee or waist deep – Lord I don’t know where you’re leading me today, but I’m ready.  Just look at Jesus, as a child; in a temple teaching for hours; doing something that had not previously been done by a child.  But the leading of the Holy Spirit will have you doing and saying things that on your own, you either thought were impossible or you just never saw yourself doing!  Things that even those closest to you may not be aware, like Jesus’ family.  The bible says about the child Jesus, having discourse on the word in the temple:  But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.  Luke 2:44-46

He did this without any acknowledgment to his parents.  We can’t be afraid to step out in faith and believe that God will work with us and through us.  Have faith to make that life altering step that will change you and cause you to spring forth.  It's hard – not impossible – It's hard to come into contact with God and still be the same.  Remember the woman with the issue of blood  [Luke 8:43-48]  - that contact she had with Jesus changed her life – made the impossible possible:  And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. 

If we believe to the point that we have all the confidence in the world in God, then we’ll do    anything and everything God tells us to do.

  

King David is an excellent example of someone launching out in faith against all of the obstacles that had beset Him.  We find this account in 1 Samuel 30.  His entire camp had been burned down, the wives and children taken.  The men that he commanded upset and thinking about stoning David.  The bible says that as distraught as he was over what had happened, he encouraged himself in God and he consulted God as to what he should do.  Spiritual maturity; he didn’t let his flesh minister to him.  God tells him to pursue but not who to pursue.  Without question, David got his men together and headed out.  When I tell you to trust God that He can and does do far more than we can even begin to imagine.  God put in David’s path a young servant that had been discarded by his master who witnessed everything that had happened and was able to tell David exactly where to find the Amalekites.  The bible says:  And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.  And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives.  And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all 1 Samuel 30:17-19

The point here is that David stepped out in faith; not knowing who he was looking for or where they were but knowing that since God said pursue, He was going to be victorious.  God doesn’t set us up for failure!

Get a desire for the things of God.  Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.  Psalms 37:4-5

Despite what our inner man may tell us, because we savor the things of God, we’ll do what He asks of us, we’ll obey His commandments as written in His word.  We’ll do that instead of what we choose to do, we’ll do what God tells us to do.  This includes doing those things that may not be popular to our friends, family or acquaintances – those things that show us as peculiar treasures of God! 

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: Exodus 19:5

Remember, there's nothing wrong with being peculiar. Peculiar is not strange; peculiar is being uniquely different because we have something on the inside working in and through us.  So, it’s okay to present our faith and be that peculiar treasure that God called us to be.
Remember, if we refuse to be as God calls us to be, we’re no different than those people that we read about in the bible who believed in God but because they feared the Pharisees, they kept it secret, so they wouldn’t be ostracized by the assembly of the Jews. They loved the glory that men could give them rather than the glory that came from God!
 
"Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."  John 12:42

But, when we savor the things of God above the things of this world or people’s opinions, we can freely move forward.  Not only that, our focus should be on the eternal things of God and not the temporal things of this world.  Yes, we know that the world is in a horrible state but we should set our focus on the eternal things of God and not the temporal things of this world.  We know that the world is in a horrible state but we should not be surprised about it.  The word of God expressly informs us of end time behavior of this world. 

Just as there is end time behavior upon us, we need to be in end time behavior through our prayers, praise, worship and faithfulness to do the will of God. Talk about understanding the times; the world has most definitely upped it’s evilness, and likewise so must the body of Christ up our presentation of faith toward God!  We can’t get so caught up in the things of the world that we lose focus on who is sovereign.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.   Colossians 3:2

Sermonette 

Wherever You Are, Begin There

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming 

the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, 

but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:15-17

No matter where you are in your walk, lets focus on remaining or beginning to be encouraged in God to run this race as a good soldier. 

Remember David, after returning home from a battle, King David and his soldiers encountered a horrific scene; their campsite had been burned and all the women (including their wives) and children had been taken.  King David could have easily become discouraged but instead he encouraged himself in God.  

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.  1 Samuel 30:6

I’d like to encourage everyone today, no matter where you are in you walk with God to keep your mind focused on God, in perfect peace; allowing Him to quiet the storms in our lives and refresh our spirits as we continue to consecrate and draw nearer to Him and to do the things of God; even as we continue to focus on our purpose in God.
Apostle Paul encouraged the body of Christ in Philippi to:

v know Jesus and to experience the power of his resurrection and to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death,
v be raised from death [the kingdom of darkness] to life,
v strive to win the prize   
v forget what is behind and do your best to reach what is ahead.
v run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above. 

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:10-14

Lets focus on verse 13; forget those things which are behind you and focus on those things ahead of You.

With this mindset, we come to know that there is peace for our soul that comes directly from above and the world can’t take it away!  That peace is Jesus, let Jesus be the lover of your soul.  

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

In Him we can find a place where our soul can be at rest and the peace of God will flood our soul and keep us at ease and blessed.

We don't have to live a dejected, depressed, oppressed or overcomed life, Jesus said this:  

The thief cometh not, but for to steal , and to kill , and to destroy : I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10:10

In Romans, Apostle Paul lets us know that all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.  Note that all things work together for THE good; not necessarily what we might call our good but for the good thing that God has purposed in our life according to HIS will.  This lets me know that sometimes God will allow things in our life that will bring us to the purpose that He has designed for our life.  Consider Joseph who was enslaved in Egypt!  It seemed like a bad thing, a horrible thing.  But look how that worked out.  Joseph was able to save not only his family but the all the children (his family) of Israel.  And on top of that He was blessed of God beyond his wildest imagination.  That’s a perfect example of how God will work things out for the good so that the glory goes to Him, but we’re blessed in the process.  So, it may not always feel good, it may not always look good, it may be painful in the process and you may think you will never see the light of day again, but what we don't see while we are going through difficult times is God working behind the scene orchestrating things on our behalf.

We already know that in the will of God we’re victorious.  God is omnipotent and if He has purposed it, it will come to past.  Consider what God told Isaiah:   

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  it will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  Isaiah 55:9-11

That’s powerful because God gave Isaiah a glimpse of who He is and how powerful He is!  If God said it, you can count on it!

Sometimes we have good ideas or we may feel led by God to do a certain thing and yet it is not panning out for us the way we thought it would go.  Could it be that we forget that it is God who is in complete control and if we want to be successful in Him, we not only submit our plans to God, but we commit the works of our plans to Him.  

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.  Proverbs 16:3

Whatever we do, we do it as service to God who will guarantee our success.  Have we set God as the center of our life?  That’s a concept that we often fail to grasp and hold onto.  Many of us, including myself, are controlling when it comes to our life and won’t relinquish that hold to anyone.  Being 21+, I understand that, but God is not anybody – He is the sovereign one that is always moving and working – oftentimes – behind the scenes; the landscapes of our life.   And because we don’t realize that, we think we’re fighting the enemy when in reality we are striving against God operating in our lives – orchestrating things according to His will.

It takes faith to believe that when we put God in charge of not only our life, but our work, then what we’ve planned will take place according to His will, not ours.  The other piece to this is that even when control issues are not the problem, we come up against the feeling of unworthiness because of things we may have said, done or thought in the past.  But let me assure you God lets us know through His word:

It's because of the Lord's mercies that we’re not consumed, that his compassions fail not.  They’re new every morning: great is His faithfulness towards us.  Lamentations 3:22-23

As long as we’re breathing, don’t ever think that you’ve done so bad or waited too late to live out your spiritual desires or act on the plan that God has given you.  Sometimes we need a ‘God’ moment or an ‘aha’ moment or a ‘come to Jesus’ moment; whatever moment it may be, we should do our due diligence, like the prodigal son and repent of any wrongdoing – for not trusting God; for striving against Him – and confess and ask God for forgiveness and return back or toward our rightful place in God; that place where we got off the path in our actions or our thoughts so we can get back on the right tract.  Just think about it; if you don’t know where you went left, how can you get right?    If we know where we went left and don’t go back and correct it, we’re still not right.  As long as we’re breathing and receiving of the new mercy that God gives every morning, we have the opportunity to get on the right tract. 

You may be thinking ‘but I haven’t done anything wrong’ and yet things are not coming to fruition.  I still say hold on and wait on God; commit your thoughts to Him and it will come to pass according to His will; if it is to be.  Remember, it’s our work that we commit to God but we do it according to His will.  No time is ever lost in waiting for God to reveal or execute His plan for us when we’re sincere in our efforts, faithful and loyal to God.  By patiently waiting, by the mercy of God and the truth of His word, iniquity is purged: and in this meantime, we move further and further from ungodliness [Proverbs 16:6] and position ourselves to move forward in God.

All along the way, as we traverse this journey, leaning on God each step of the way, we stumble, we faint, sometimes we fall, we repent, we get back up, sometimes we fall again and we get back up again, but we’re transforming ever more into the image of God; that time was not wasted as God matures us in Him; as we’re being converted.  We can look at men in the bible who despite what they went through; what they experienced, how they waited on God to show up, lead and guide them in the way that they should go. 

Men like Joseph who waited in prison for two years, but then emerged to save a nation.  He was being transformed from the spoiled son of a rich daddy to a man of integrity; so that when he was set in a place of power and authority and God’s chosen was in need of help, he was able and willing to provide the necessary aid without deceit, malice or anger.
We can always look at Moses, a man who was swathed in luxury from infancy to manhood; how he fled his home and waited in the wilderness of Midian for 40 years, but emerged to lead a nation in a great spiritual exodus from slavery to freedom. 

These 2 men walked carefully before God.  They developed a relationship with God just as we should.  The bible tells us that we should 

. . . be careful how we live; to be mindful of our steps. We shouldn’t run around foolishly like the world does. Instead, we’re to walk as the wise; as those that reverence God.  We should make the most of every living, breathing moment we have because these are evil times we live in. We need to understand and be confident in God’s will so that we don’t live thoughtlessly.  [Ephesians 5:15-17]
 
We can’t and shouldn’t wait until we feel like we’re perfect in our own eyes, we should begin right now, today,

Ø   BEGIN RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE:

          √       Obey God daily in the little things of everyday life

This is what Samuel had to tell King Saul about his disobedience:  

. . . Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? 

It’s hard to obey God when we’re not clear on what He is saying but we still have no excuse because He also says 

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22) 

Hearken means to listen carefully, to give due attention, to give strict mindfulness to.
What do I get out of that in terms of obedience is this:  Religious observance (in this case, the burnt offerings) without obedience is empty before God. The best sacrifice we can bring to God is a repentant heart.  He tells us this in His word:

For thou desires not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delight not in burnt offering.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:16-17

and not only that, our bodies surrendered to His service for obedience:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  Romans 12:1

If we’re not faithful over the little things God gives us to do right where we are, He’ll not entrust a greater call or ministry to us.  That’s bible, read Matthew 25:14-30 regarding the management of the talents.

We can take that parable and apply it to our everyday life.  All we have to do is simply look around our city with "spiritual" eyes and think what God has commissioned us to do. Ask God to show us those in need of the Gospel.  This is something we, as believers, should always be doing; increasing the talents.   Be willing to go and be used anywhere by God.  A good bible study for this type of diligence is the book of Nehemiah who had a determination and a willingness to do what God had purposed for him.  He was unwilling to let anything stop him – no matter what the obstacles were; and there were many.  He didn’t stop, he continued on. 

For us, this might mean leaving our own area and going to another area to spread the Gospel. It might mean just walking down the street to share the Gospel with someone in need.  We do all this while we’re waiting on God to show up in our work.  Next,

          √       We should start or continue to study the word of God and seek Him concerning what He would have us to do. 

. . . but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  Joshua 1:8

          √       Spend daily time in prayer.  

Ask God to stir up the giftings inside you.  If you know your spiritual gifting, exercise it or them as God prompts you.  For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  Romans 11:29

Seek further training to prepare yourself.  Whatever area of your calling you feel you are lacking in, seek to improve in it.    

Ø    RECOGNIZE THE CORPORATE CALL OF GOD:
Remember no matter what our particular calling may be, every believer is called to share the Gospel with others right where they are.   Concerning the specific call on your life, there are certain principles by which we can be sure of the calling God gives us.   
 

Ask yourself these questions:
*        Does what we desire to do agree with God's universal plan as set forth in His Word? Is it Scriptural and does it contribute towards the goal of reaching the world with the Gospel?
*        Do the circumstances of our life agree with the leading of God? Let me caution you here not be led by circumstances alone, but examine these in terms of what you believe to be your calling from God.
*        Does God’s Spirit bear continual witness with our spirit that this is the will of God? Lack of peace in our spirit is often a warning sign that we are making a wrong decision.
*        Are we still "called" when there is no challenge of adventure or glamour connected with our call? If called to an insignificant task or field of service, are we willing to go?
*        Are we willing to pay any price to fulfill the call God has given us? The price may range from obtaining further education to dying a martyr's death. It may mean leaving home, family, and friends. Are we willing?
 
Ø   KNOW THAT GOD HAS ORDAINED YOU

Jesus has chosen us to be part of His plan for reaching the world with the good news. He has ordained that we bring forth spiritual fruit from the harvest fields.  As we see things from a godly perspective, we can understand what Jesus meant when he said:  

. . . I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: . . .   John 15:16

Let me conclude by saying this:  Everything that we do is for the glory of God, the promotion of the Kingdom of God and the winning of lost souls to the Kingdom.  

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.  John 4:35

Everything that we desire to do for God should be based on this premise and most assuredly, everything God has for us to do is based on this premise.  He has promised to supply anything we need to enable us to complete the task:  

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that YE should go forth and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it we.   John 15:16

Commit your ways, your plans, your very life to God and wait on Him to show up!

Sermonette