June 8, 2008
Faith is so powerful, it only takes a little.
Luke 17:6
“And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulbery tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and i would obey you.
What Motivates and increases Faith?
Matthew 15: 21-28 [NASB]
I. “[F]aith is motivated and increased by GOD’s mercy and not our “works.” It is GOD’s mercy that motivates “faith” and not the “works” of “faith.” Faith comforts itself wih the mercy of God, ad not its works...”(The First Helvetic Confession, 1536)
How?
a. The first way “faith” is increased, God’s “mercy” motivates me to keep “crying out.” (v.22)
Matthew 15:22
Just then a Canaanite woman from that region cam and kept crying out, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is cruelly tormented by a demon.”
“cry”: of a “raven”
Matthew 5:26
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? [NASB]
a. GOD’s “mercy” means HE is attainable: HE is not too busy for us!
i. She went to where JESUS was... How about us?
ii. “faith” makes us hungry!
She was asking for something that matched JESUS’ character
Psalm 145:8
The LORD is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. [NASB]
A silent anser is not always a no answer! (v.23)
i. It is an opportnity to “persevere.” (Blomberg)
B. The Second way “faith” is increased, GOD’s “mercy” allows me to know JESUS personally. (v.22)
She used the correct title: “ Lord, Son of David!”
Blomberg: “... reflects the messianic tradition of a king from the liineage of David who would rule Israel. ...these people are often those who he religious authorities despise as outcasts yet... display better insight into JESUS than their leaders...”
Others called him “Rabbi.”
ii. “title used to address... teachers” (NASB Greek Lexicon) ( A title of “honor”)
Knowing JESUS is merciful means HE is not cruel. (“cruelly” v.22)
God’s “mercy” allows me to get close! (vv.24-25)
iii. Illus: When I know someone, even if they are a superstar, the don’t see me as using them, but appreciaing hem for who they are!
C. The Third way “faith” is increased, GOD’s “mercy” motivates humility. (vv. 25-27)
JESUS is attracted to humility. Why?
i. Humility places JESUS in HIS proper position-master!
ii. Humility brings the realization that we need “help” (v.25)
iii. Humility brings us close to JESUS. (v.25)
iv. V.26 “Jesus apparently wants to demonstrate and stretch this woman’s faith.” (Blomberg)

June 15, 2008
"[P]ride" is a "faith" killer.
Hardships can weaken "faith" if our "faith" is dependent on everything going well.
"Christianity offers power to endure weakness in love." (Piper)
I would like to change it to say, "Christianity offers power to endure weakness [demonstrated by 'faith']"
2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 [NASB]
I. Through my "weaknesses" that Paul has in mind here when writes JESUS's words,
"My grace is sufficient For You,for power is perfected ["made perfect"] in weakness?"
1. Read v.10, Then Piper (p,3)
2. "weaknesses are not sins but experiences and situations and circumstances and wounds that are hard to bear and that we can't remover either because they are beyond our control or because love dictates that we not return evil for evil." (Piper)
How I view my "weaknesses" directly relates to my "faith."
Philippians 1: 21-24
[21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [22] But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. [23] But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; [24] yet t remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
2 Corinthians 12: 2-5, 7
What was Paul's "thorn in the flesh?" (v.10)
"thorn"= "carries 'the notion of something sharp and painful which sticks deeply in the flesh" (H.R. Minn)
"The phrase 'in the flesh' seems to imply, however, that this thorn afflicts [Paul's] physical body...." (David Garland)
Garland: "Since Paul prays so fervently to have the stake removed, it was probably something that he felt interfered with his ministry."
Through the "stake...[Paul] recognizes that through it the grace of GOD operates more effectively."
Where did it come from?
V.7: Shows "a messenger of Satan"
"Satan afflicts the children of GOD through his angels or messengers.
His aim is destruction... death and misery.
Piper: "It is not that simple... Satan is not the only one at work here... This thorn is not just the work of Satan to destroy. It is the work of GOD to save."
i. "Paul describes the purose for the thorn in terms of preventing pride. But Satan's whole design is to produce pride not prevent it." (v.7)
ii. V. 8-9: "weakness"= "want of strength" (NAS Greek Lexicon)
1. God has "a purpose in what is happening to you."
2. "God thinks humility if more important than comfort."
B. "What is the purpose of [these] weaknesses?"
ii. David Garland: (v.9) " Paul learns that the stake will not hamper his calling."
iii. "perfected": "is made fully present" (David Garland)
iv. v.9: "GOD's design is to make [us] a showcase for JESUS' power." (Piper)
v. Ultimately, "weaknesses" make "room for GOD!"
"faith" is weakened when I depend on my strength.
1. Pride does not allow for me to reveal weaknesses!

1 by John Piper. Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org All other quotes from Piper will be from this website unless otherwise noted

June 22, 2008

Galatians 3:1-14 (NLT)
1. First benefit of "faith," we "receive the Spirit." (vv. 2-5, 14)
a. Who is "the Spirit?" HE is the presence of GOD on this earth 10 days after JESUS' ascension.
b. "Why 'the Spirit?'"
i. "the Spirit" "is central to ... he life of freedom and love... which every believer is called." (Timothy George)
2 Corinthians 3:17 [NASB]
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
ii. "The HOLY SPIRIT leads believers... may be grieved by their sin... reveals the mystery of the gospel... intercedes fore the saints in prayer... baptizes, indwells, seals, fills, and empowers CHRISTians to live a life pleasing to GOD." (George)
1. "Above all, the HOLY SPIRIT enables the church to confess JESUS as LORD." (George) Praise gets me through hard times!
1 Corinthians 12:3 [NASB]
Therefore I make know to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of GOD says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
2. In other words, HE brings life to words and meaning to my speech. (Gen.1)
iii. "sonship" (George)
Galatians 4:6 [NASB]
Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying "Abba! Father!"
iv. The only way for the HOLY SPIRIT to be in my life is to "receive" HIM! (vv.2, 14)
1. "receive": "does not refer to... taking but rather... a grateful reception of that which is offered." (George)
a. (v. 3) George explains, "you have received the Spirit as a gift and not as a reward... being saved through your ears... and not by your hands!"
b. Illus: Receiving my wife's hand in marriage
c. The HOLY SPIRIT is "offered" in any situation!
2. "faith" drives me to joyfulness! (v.14)
3. Martin Luther wrote "the only organs of a Christian man are his ears."
4. "awakening of faith. ... approaching GOD" (George)
2. Second benefit of "faith," "God" declares us righteousness." (vv.6-9)
a. What is "righteousness?"
i. "righteousness": "condition acceptable to GOD"
ii. George: "When reason would have counseled doubt and despair, Abraham 'was fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."
Romans 4:21 [NASB]
And being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
iii. "the Law is ... righteous because it demands righteousness" (Schrenk)
iv. "righteousness" "sets [us] in the power of the righteousness of GOD."
b.
3. Third benefit of "faith," justification. (v.7)

June 29, 2008
Ephesians 3:12-21 [NIV]
( A sermon continued from Galatians 3:1-14)

I. A fourth benefit of "faith," "we may approach God with freedom."
a. "boldness" (nasb): "freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech, openly, frankly" [NAS Greek NT Lexicon]
i. "openness towards GOD and also towards men. ... includes openness in the Gospel (Eph. 6:19)...."
ii. "implies and uncovered face which men can see as Israel could not see the covered face of Moses...." [Schlier]
2 Corinthians 3: 12-18 (***NASB)
iii. "He who lifts up his face uncovered to GOD also turns uncovered to men."
b. How can I have that "boldness" or "freedom" when I don't right with GOD because of my sin?
i. First, don't lose the conviction of unworthiness because it will keep us humble.
ii. Second, following JESUS perfectly is not what gives me confidence. It is what JESUS did that gives me confidence ("faith in Him")
II. A fifth benefit of "faith," "we may approach God with freedom and confidence."
a. "confident" [NASB]: "trust... reliance" [NAS Greek NT Lexicon]
i. "single out from ["faith"] the element of trust or confidence within it... full of confidence" (Bultmann)
Psalm 56: 3-4
When I am afraid I will put my trust in You. [4] In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?
b. But this "confidence" WILL BE TESTED!
i. Illus: Oliva's death and funeral
ii. Seeing her in the casket w/ the pacifier in her left hand.
iii. One family friend said to me... "I see someone in the back who has Alzheimer's... so why not take that person? Why take Olivia? And this has happened to them twice... it makes be question. Yet, I know Olivia is in a better place.
iv. The best funeral sermon I have heard from John Piper officiating the funeral of a young man who committed suicide

John 11:
"First observation, 'Lazarus' was ill... mortally ill." (v.1)
"Second observation, the family 'sent' for JESUS." (v.3) JESUS, if you don't come, she will die!
"Third observation, 'Jesus' intentionally waited." (v.6) "Jesus did not come the way we asked! HE withheld HIS mighty healing hand."
"Fourth, JESUS calls this shocking behavior of HIS love." (vv.5-6)
"He delayed because HE loved him." JESUS "let him die."
"It was love. HE did not come the way we asked because He "loved.'"
'How can this be?'
"Fifth observation, JESUS said that this sickness was 'for the glory of God,'"
"must mean that the manifestation of the glory of GOD that satisfies our faith is greater act of love than preventing Lazarus' death.'"
"aim for not coming was the 'for the glory of God.'"
Olivia did not die in vain. "GOD's glory will be seen in more ways than we will ever know [this side of heaven.]"
Sixth observation, in spite of Jesus' choice to let Lazarus' die, he wept." (v.33-36)
"JESUS is not a simple person." I love this statement!
"HE chooses to bring about an unspeakably painful situation and then shares in the suffering!"
"Our Sovereign CHRIS is a sympathetic Hitch Priest."
Its is "an anchor!"
There are questions that seem to threaten... the text.

One counter observation, Lazarus was raised from the dead. This story is not good for you. It doesn't work for you. It doesn't apply.
Do you believe in heaven? Is it the happiest place because of being in communion with GOD?
Do you believe the story about the wicked man and the poor man? The "thief?"
If you do, then you have a problem on your hands with this text because Lazarus was in "paradise."
For love's sake, for unbelievers, for love of you GOD stripped him of his heaven and made him come back and get sick again, lonely again, face death again, for you and me!
From infinite joy to frustration and a second death
If you believe love triumphed for Lazarus
Which is more painful, leaving heaven to show the power of Christ over death, or losing [Olivia] to show the preciousness of Christ over life?
Olivia did not die in vain. "The glory of GOD is being revealed through her death."
Hebrews 11: 32-38




1By John Piper. Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org All quotations will be from the aforementioned unless otherwise noted.

August 17,2008
What happens when “worship” is connected to every part of my life?
Nehemiah 1:1–11

First result, “worship” restored causes me to do the unthinkable. (i.e., take risks) v. 3
What keeps me from doing the unthinkable?
First, the task can seem mundane. I mean building walls…come on!
Why not rally troops and take over militarily?
That was going on during this time. Instead of taking this route, Nehemiah asked for help.
Just because something is mundane doesn’t mean it is not valued! Example: setting the table, cooking Thanksgiving dinner!
I must start in something that matters to me! (They started rebuilding the walls in front of their homes. Just image, stone by stone!)
Doing the unthinkable means “lead[ing] in matters that matter to GOD!” (G. Haugen) “Justice, mercy, and faith” (Haugen)
“Sacrifice adds value to your life.” (Hybels)
“…his energy, unselfishness….brought new life to the dying Jewish community” (Pfeiffer, IDB 3:534, cited in Anchor Bible Dictionary, vol. 4, K–N)
Second, I’m in no position to help. Nehemiah could have thought the same thing. He could have reasoned, “I am not the king.” But, he knew the king!
His position didn’t matter because his GOD was so large!
Third, I might fail!
It appears there were previous attempts at rebuilding the walls (see Ezra 4:7–23). In fact, this was the third “return of exiles.” (Archeological Study Bible, 687)
Without a “wall” and “gates” Jerusalem is “vulnerable.” (John Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, 472)
Show Michael Jordon Video: Nike, Failure (or Nike Wheelchair Basketball ‘No Excuses’ advert, Time: 1:02)
Second result, “worship” restored gives me super strength. (vv. 4–5, 10–11)
How? It is built on “love!” See 1 Peter 1:8)
Mom lifting a car off of her child!
True “love” is total dependence on someone else!
Mother Teresa: “If GOD imparts HIMSELF fully to us, how can we give [HIM] a fraction of ourselves.”
What will make me “raise the white flag of surrender?” (Bill Hybels) “Love!”
Gary Haugen: “JESUS didn’t come to make us safe, but to make us brave…. If I want to ignite passion in people, lead them into a more unsafe climb.”
> Illus: Bodybuilders w/so much power, but just for posing?
Hybels: “Callings are holy things and sometimes you only get one in a lifetime.”
“Danger [in getting] GOD’s assignment and weighing it.” (Hybels)
“Even though I don’t feel HIS presence…I will seek to love HIM like HE has never been loved.” (Mother Teresa)
Intro: Getting ready to get out of the car at my son’s baseball practice and spilling my whole cup of ice water all over me. My son just went “Oooh.”
felt like a failure…. It was unthinkable!

August 24,2008
How do I connect “worship” (i.e., “worship” restored) to every part of my life?
Psalm 61:1–5
First way, let GOD be my only source of direction! (vv. 1–2)
The author is desperate. “cry” (v. 1) “expresses a shrill, piercing cry” (G. Rawlinson, “The Book of Psalms,” The Pulpit Commentary, vol. 8, eds. H. D. M. Spence and Joseph S. Exell (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1950, third reprinting 1958), 17.
“listen” (v. 1): “hear and answer” (G. Rawlings)
Psalm 61:1 (The Message)
God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer.
Why is David desperate for direction? (v. 2 “From the ends of the earth I call to you”)
I am about as far as I can get from you LORD! (I feel so far away!)
There is nowhere else David can go. In addition, he can’t get there on his own.
Where David has to go is up! “lead me to the rock” (v. 2)
Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
GOD takes me above my circumstances. GOD calls for trust during tough times.
Illus: Flying on an airplane w/Lynette sick and the lady next to me whose husband died in a plane crash
Eventually we will know why (1 Cor. 13:12b)
A call for Total Dependence

Second way, let GOD be my only source of strength! (v. 2)
“I call as my heart grows faint”: I must admit I am weak! The very core of who I am is hurting (i.e., “my heart”). And, I am getting weaker. (“grows faint”)
The situation is bearing down on me.
David could not bring anything to the table. I wasn’t like “Hey GOD! Give me a shot of strength. If YOU add what I bring to the table, we will get something done.”
GOD and i are not a team!
Why do I think GOD is my “co-pilot?” That is terrible theology! (cut out the “co” and give GOD the dough!..just kidding)
I must become desperate for GOD! Am I?

Third way, let GOD be my only source of security (i.e., safety)! (vv. 3–4, 7)
GOD is safe! (v. 3) “refuge” / “shelter from rain or storm, from danger” (The New American Standard Old Testament Lexicon)
“a strong tower against the foe” (v. 3): See v. 7
Notice “love…protect[s].” So should it protect the brethren.
Outline of Psalm “prayer (vers. 1, 2)…expressions of trust and confidence (vers. 3 –7), and by a burst of praise…(ver. 8).” (G. Rawlinson)

Hillsong Video

August 31, 2008
[W]orship” restored means having CHRISTian “humility.”
Matthew 25:31–46
What does CHRISTian “humility” look like?
I. The mark of CHRISTian “humility” is not how I see others, but how I see myself!
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
How can I do what GOD’s Word teaches me? I mean, people get on my nerves, they drive me crazy, and frustrate me to the nth degree.
First, I must see myself as a “servant!” (vv. 34–43)
…“humility” is not how I see others, but how I see myself!
V. 40: Position or circumstance does not define relationship!
Latin: from the root word meaning “ground.” “…understood as submissiveness before God….”(F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone, eds., The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1957, third edition 2005), 809.
R. E. O. White says, “Thus, from humility toward GOD followed humility toward others….” (R. E. O. White, “Humility,” Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Walter A. Elwell, Ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1984), 537.
“[John] Calvin insisted on being buried in an unmarked grave.” (Ibid.) (like Moses)
Beware of false “humility!” What is it?..a “sacrifice” w/no “mercy.” (see 1 Cor. 13:1–3) (trying to get saved based on “works.”)
Matthew 9:13
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Notice, we are not “saved…by works!”
Ephesians 2:8–9
[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of GOD—[9] not by works, so that no one can boast.
Then I don’t see others as a business owner, mother, student, grandparent, coach, athlete, pastor…. I just see myself as a “servant.”
ii. Second, at the bottom where “humility” resides, we encounter “grace.”
“Humility is ‘aptness for grace,’ the essence of faith.” (R. E. O. White)
1 Peter 5:5–7
[5] Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [6] Humble yourselves therefore, under GOD’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
“[Martin] Luther regarded it is the joyful acceptance of GOD’s will… (A. Ritschl)…unconditional dependence on GOD.”
Thomas Aquinas saw “humility” as “essentially submission to GOD…. In this sense, humility has been seen as an aspect of truthfulness….” (Cross and Livingstone)
Both the saved and the unsaved were in the same position—to serve!
Notice, the way I love JESUS is to serve others, and by doing so in some beautiful way I serve JESUS!

September 7, 2008

Intro: Have you ever hoped something changed, but it didn’t? (Ex. Looking into the refrigerator and then looking some more)
“[W]orship” restored brings hope!
Ephesians 3:17–21
How?
Because GOD “is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine….”
Connecting “worship” to everything we do means GOD will work “in” us to see and do something greater than “we [can] ask or imagine.”
(v. 20): “more” = means “more” (“beyond” [NASB])
Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (“on behalf of…(his) goodwill” The Interlinear NIV)
Riesenfeld: “Who fashions a will and work in you beyond your own will”

Illus: 12-14 yr. olds growing a couple of inches over the summer
How does this work happen?
V. 16: This is why verse sixteen is so important! It explains where the work is taking place! (“through his Spirit in your inner being”)\
GOD “strengthen[s] [us] with power through his Spirit in [our] inner being….”
Ephesians 1:13–14
The result of this strength—“power through his Spirit….”
This means when I am not walking with and in “his Spirit” then I don’t have “his” “power!” If I don’t have “his” “power” then I cannot do “immeasurably more….”
Psalm 71:18
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, you might to all who are to come.
B.There is “evidence” of walking in the HOLY “Spirit[’s]” “power. (see v. 17)
C.“[F]aith” is what opens “the door.” The reason for “Christ may dwell in your hearts” is our relationship with JESUS is “rooted and established in love….”
D.That “love” unites us not only with JESUS, but also with “all the saints….”
E.“[P]ower” is not only for individuals, but also corporate!

Why will GOD do “immeasurably more” for us? (Ephesians 2:19–22)
Why do we need GOD to do this?


1Harald Riesenfeld, “huper,” Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, vol. VIII, Gerhard Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich, eds., Georffrey W. Bromiley, trans. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1972), 508.

September 14, 2008
The Transformational Power of “worship”
Philippians 1:12–26
First mark, “worship” brings meaning to any situation. (vv. 12–18) *2 Questions
Have you ever asked the question why or “what has happened to me?” (v. 12)
To answer the question I must look outside myself!
Ultimately, any situation committed to GOD can “advance the gospel.”
When we live for JESUS “it” will “become clear” to everyone that we have been put here for JESUS. (v. 13)
Everyone knew why Paul was imprisoned! Does everyone know why I am here?
Being stuck can help others! In other words, “what has happened to me” can help others!
2 Timothy 2:10
[10] Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
V. 13: When we serve JESUS, there is a rhyme and reason for everything.
People who don’t know JESUS see HIM and believers are “encouraged.” (v. 14)
Can people say they have been “encouraged” because of my circumstances?
“encourage[ment]” produces courage and fearlessness! (v. 14)
Illus: Cars and how Lightning McQueen helped the town.

Second question, why I am here or rephrased what am I doing here? (v. 16: “I am put here for the defense of the gospel.” (vv. 15–18)
If I don’t defend “the gospel,” and I am a believer, then I am confused and one of the most miserable people to be around!
“defense”: apologia = “a reasoned statement or argument”
(an argument has logic…it is not logical for someone to claim CHRIST as SAVIOR and not live like HE is SAVIOR!)
We are part of the message!
Even when people are doing things for the wrong reason GOD still gets proclaimed! (vv. 15–18)
While serving GOD sometimes we feel trapped, but the good news is that GOD isn’t!
2 Timothy 2:8–9
[8] Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, [9] for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
GOD shames the mockers by the message doing its work in spite of the speaker.
Where I am doesn’t mean that’s where I will stay! (vv. 20–21)

Second mark, “worship” brings a sense of urgency. (vv. 19–20)


Philippians 1:20 (***NLT)
For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die
True worship motivates! It motivates me to honor HIM while simultaneously understanding time is short!
V. 20: “eagerly expect”: “anxious and persistent expectation” (Ibid.)