HAGGAI 1:4 Good Stewards Demonstrate Good Stewardship!

TOPIC: Stewardship; Consecration, Giving, Tithing

TITLE: STEWARDSHIP - Good Stewards Demonstrate Good Stewardship!
TEXT: Haggai 1:4

"Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?"

INQUIRY: What principles of stewardship are provided to the church?

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Jesus turned the concept of devotion to God on its ear when He ignored the Ten Commandments in favor of “the two greatest commandments”:

“And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And He said to him, ‘“YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.” This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” On these two commandments de-pend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”

Matthew 22:35-40

Take close note that “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

But the question remains, “How do we do this?” One way is in our stewardship!

Like it or not, the local church is the outward representation of the Temple of God in our world … through it we give testimony of our devotion/consecration to our Lord. When that testimony suffers due to a lack of attention, or when our homes receive more attention than the House of God, something is wrong in Zion!

Christians in this country seem to feel it’s wrong to preach on money. But the church runs on money.

Some feel money should be discussed at business meetings or on Sunday evenings or in Deacon’s Meetings but … you don’t come to Business Meetings or to Sunday Evening services and deacons aren’t elders.

[SAGA OF LAURA MAY] This is Laura May the church lawn mower (I actually brought the machine in). In reality, I am the lawn mower; I use this machine to mow the church grounds (and it's not my job).

Laura May is a unique model: she’s a three-wheeled, oil-leaking, grass-clogging, backbreaking, hard-starting, pigeon-toed, 7 year old hag that is too old and too expensive to fix. And my family gave the money to the church to buy her in the first place.

Laura May is only one thing that is broken down around here. We have two doors over at the Annex that need repairs; a parking lot that’s hurting; a room divider that needs to be refurbished; painting; etc.

You say, “How am I to know something is needed?” Well, through stewardship! GET INVOLVED!

INQUIRY: What principles of stewardship does the Bible provide to the church?
EXPANDED OUTLINE
I. PRINCIPLE #1: The quality of His house is paramount to God! [Haggai 1:4 (3-6)]

"Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?"

A. Poor stewardship results in a poor return on investment.
B. Implied is God’s jealousy.
C. E.g., the Tabernacle and the Temple were both works of art and expensive.

II. PRINCIPLE #2: The quality of His family is paramount to God! [Matthew 10:37 (34-39)]

"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”

A. Oh, yes it does!
B. But men, we are not to neglect our families. [1 Timothy 5:8]

III. PRINCIPLE #3: The quality of our devotion is paramount to God! [Luke 12:21 (16-21)]

"So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

A. You plan for your retirement in vain.
B. You calculate your rewards in vain.

IV. PRINCIPLE #4: The quality of our gifts is paramount to God! [Malachi 1:6 (6-9)]

"'A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?' says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name.”

A. Old Testament priests are NT saints believers.
B. God is not referring to tithes but offerings.

V. PRINCIPLE #5: The quality of our hearts is paramount to God! [2 Corinthians 9:7 (6-15)]

“Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

A. Giving in tithes and offerings is to bring joy.
B. I did a favor for a neighbor but he was determined to give me something for doing so … it took the edge off my joy.

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: Is your home in good condition and repair while His house lies desolate? Do your relatives receive more of your time and devotion than the Lord does? Where is your treasure laid up? Is the Lord honored and respected by your offerings? Do you give as you have prospered?

Did you notice that there is an implied promise with each of these passages?

Other principles are taught in the Bible but the Lord wanted you to remember these.

I am unaware of any member, past or present, who has planned a part of his or her estate to go to this church; there may be, but I am unaware of any. This church ought to be an heir of your estate.

Your giving is not to be the tithe alone. Giving is from all the blessings of God: financial, material, time, talent, and prayer.

Giving is one of the great joys of life in Christ!

Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Outlines, Preaching, Sermons, Stewardship

1 CHRONICLES 9:33 - DAY AND NIGHT – Don’t Stop Singing!

TOPIC: Praise; New Year, worship

TITLE: DAY AND NIGHT – Don’t Stop Singing!
TEXT: 1 Chronicles 9:33

“Now these are the singers … who lived in the chambers of the temple … who were engaged in their work day and night.”

INQUIRY: Just what did they find to sing about day & night?
CONCISE OUTLINE

I. THEY SANG OF HIS PERSON …
II. THEY SANG OF HIS WORKS …
III. THEY SANG OF HIS CHARACTER …
IV. THEY SANG OF HIS GREATNESS …
V. THEY SANG OF HIS GRACE …

TRUTH/CONTEXT: Our text is from a section of the historical record concerning the duties of the temple servants … in particular, “the singers.” They were residents of the temple/tabernacle, and “free from other service.” We suppose so they could commit themselves wholly to the singing of praises to God, “day and night.”

Of note is that these were heads of household, fathers of Levites (aka: priests) … all of this is a picture of our heavenly realm.

This is the final day of a rather inauspicious (unpromising) year. It seems appropriate for the times that three men of some fame died this past week:

• First came James Brown (12/25) – the obituary said, “American rhythm and blues singer and band leader, heart failure”
• Then came Gerald “Jerry” R. Ford (12/26) – his record read, “38th President of the United States (1974-1977), natural causes”
• Lastly Saddam Hussein (12/30) – his epitaph says, “5th President of Iraq (1979–2003), execution by hanging”

What caught my attention here was the contrast of lives: one was of the flesh, the other of the world, two were of the Devil, one of God; all three woke up this week in a place which words fail to describe.

One was spoken of as evil incarnate; saw himself as a latter day Nebuchadnezzar. One was a rebel and bragged about his run-ins with the law. One obeyed the law of his land, even helped frame it.

One was labeled a butcher, murderer of women and children, wicked, and cruel. One was spoken of as the Godfather of soul (little "s"), called an adultery, drug addict, egomaniac, wife abuser, and felon. The other was said to be gentle, kind, thoughtful to all, respectful, humble, good, hardworking, loving, soft-spoken, and god fearing.

All three expected to be in the presence of God when they woke up from their sleep, only one did.

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.

Hebrews 9:27

Oh there will be a new year for all of us; I pray we are not standing on some phony resolution in our eternal hope; or on some inflated opinion of our self; no I pray each and all of you are standing on solid ground … the promises of God!

I normally don’t preach holiday homilies, other than Christmas and Easter … but let this be my message to you for the New Year (2007); let it be an encouragement that you might dig deep and reach your spiritual potential in a year which may be the worst than the one now ending.

In Joshua 1:8, we are admonished to study the word of God “day and night.” In the first psalm the “righteous man” is said to meditate “in the law of the LORD … day and night.” [Verse 2]

“… day and night (the four living creatures) do not cease to say, ‘HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.’”

Revelation 4:8 [adapted]

The House of God was so well organized (courses, orders, shifts) that its sacred singers’ songs did not cease sun or moon … at set times, “day and night,” they praised God (whose mercies endure forever; and who inhabits the praises of His people) symbolizing continuous praise. Thus, the priests lived out their lives mak-ing majestic melodies for Almighty God.

[RAIN] In the same way that the oceans, without ceasing, supply moisture for the clouds, which eventually refreshes the soil with shed tears, God’s mercy and grace never cease to flow … not by day or by night … so, neither should the heart-songs of God’s children-priests be hushed.

O beloved, your heart (which is the new temple) should learn the lesson taught by Zion's ceaseless songs: you also, like the Temple singers, are dependent upon God, so see to it that your gratefulness, like love [1 Corinthians 13:8a], never fails.

God's praise is constant in heaven, so learn to sing its eternal hallelujahs. Just as the strains of “Holy, holy, holy,” are heard without end in the halls of heaven, so should they be heard “day and night” in your heart of hearts.

[SUN] Just as the sun sheds its light upon the earth, its radiance awakening grateful recipients to begin their morning labors, so too as “day and night” navigate their course a strain of praise should ascend at all hours, wrapping the earth in a blanket of thanksgiving and worship.

Even when clouds intervene, the sun continues in its labor.

The Lord deserves always to be praised … He inhabits them after all.

INQUIRY: Just what did they find to sing about day & night?
EXPANDED OUTLINE

I. THEY SANG OF HIS PERSON …

A. Wonderful Attributes: we might say character; some inherent quality found in a person’s personality and life.

1. In Him there is no darkness
2. In Him there is all perfection

B. Wonderful Nature: the disposition or temperament of someone.

1. He so loved the world.
2. While we were yet sinners

II. THEY SANG OF HIS WORKS …

A. Power-filled creative works …

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”

Psalm 19:1

B. Tenderhearted providential works …

1. God foresaw the need of man
2. Jesus had compassion and fed the multitudes
3. Jesus provided a way of escape

III. THEY SANG OF HIS CHARACTER …

A. Lovingkindness toward his creatures
B. Protection from their enemies

IV. THEY SANG OF HIS GREATNESS …

A. Acts of deliverance (Egypt and rebirth)
B. Sustaining provisions
C. Hope-filled promises

V. THEY SANG OF HIS GRACE …

A. Which flow from our obedience
B. Which flow from our sacrifice

Paul said,

“I urge you therefore, brethren … to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

Romans 12:1

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: It’s always beneficial to praise the Lord; it brightens our days & warms our nights; it lightens our loads & softens our sorrows.

The gladness of continual praise sheds sanctifying warmth upon us … inside and out. This creates a glow which warms us from within; this glow attracts others to us as a moth to a bare bulb.

[GERRIT GUSTAFSON/WORSHIP EVANGELISM] He defines it in two simple phrases: “whole-hearted worshipers calling the whole world to the whole-hearted worship of God … [and] the fusion of the power of God's presence with the power of the gospel.”

Evangelism is what happens when our worship testifies to God's greatness, love, and faithfulness. …. In order for worship to evangelize, it needs to be more than just one hour … out of the week.

Worship that speaks to God’s majesty and transforming power is a lifestyle. It’s a 24/7 … worship.

We can’t expect non-Christians to understand the concept of a new life in Christ if they see Christians in church on Sunday morning worshiping a holy God and then worshiping the mighty dollar and living a lifestyle … that is no different from a non-Christian lifestyle. Our worship of God has to carry over into every aspect of our lives.

Haven’t we something to sing about at this next year? Can’t we weave a song out of 1) our present joys, or 2) our past deliverances, or 3) our future hopes?

Effort still yields its harvest, golden fields still wave, the sun still tarries to bring earth’s fruit, and this goes on both day and night … if He has kept His promise so, shouldn’t we lengthen the hours we devote to worship.

For the love of Jesus (and He loved us first), let us be inspired to fill our days with songs of sanctified joy and praise!

1 Chronicles, Christianity, Expository, Homiletics,
Joy, Outlines, Preaching, Sermons, Singing

FIRST THINGS FIRST: God’s Priorities Are Not Necessarily Mine!

TOPIC: Jesus
TITLE: FIRST THINGS FIRST – God’s Priorities Are Not Necessarily Mine!
SERIES: Jesus – His Person and His Works

TEXT: Isaiah 41:14

“Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you,” declares the LORD, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.”

This morning, as we continue to look at the person and the works of Jesus, let’s hear the Lord Jesus speak to us, both individually and corporately. Jehovah has said to Jacob (aka: Israel), “I will help you.”

However, let’s notice God’s opinion concerning those He “will help.” He addresses them and says, “you worm.” He sees them not only as of nature but in nature.

He sees them as the smallest of creatures, slimy and slithering. They are useful, but not to themselves; they are garbage eaters and soil turners, walked upon, eaten by scavengers. And yet he says, “Jacob.” Is this Jacob of Hebrews 11:22? Doesn't this tell you His inner feelings for this worm?

Now (far more than ought to be necessary), we’ve taught that Jesus is Jehovah God; when we speak of Jesus, we speak of God in the flesh [John 1:1, 14]. And we know that we are the objects of God’s promises to Israel, since their promises are now in Christ, to His Bride, the Church.

The point is if He promised help to Israel, He will also help believers, and in the same way, since He is immutable (unchanging).

There have been times in my daily walk when I wonder where God is and (if He indeed is never to forsake me or depart from me) why is He not at that moment busy meeting my every need?

When I do this, Jesus says, “Do you not understand that it is a small thing for me, your Creator, to help you. Yet, in spite of this you continue to suggest I am not helping you?”

Jesus says, “Consider for a moment what I’ve already done. Did I not ransom you with My blood? What, that is somehow not enough and you still wonder if I will help you in your time of need?”

Jesus says, “Did I not die for you, even while you were yet in your sin; and if I’ve done this great thing, won’t I do the lesser things?”

He says, “I am the Lord your God, and that which I have done for you is a small feat. I’ve done greater, and will do even more.”

• “Do you not know, before the world began, I chose you and made My covenant with you?”
• “Do you not know, I set aside My divine glory and took on flesh for you?”
• “Do you not know, I freely gave My life for you. If I have done all this, will I not help you now?”
• “Do you not realize, if you were to need a thousand times as much help, that I would give it to you?”
• “Do you not comprehend, you require little compared with what I have already given and that I am ready to give even more?”

“Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

Matthew 7:9-11

APPLICATION/CHALLENGE: There is much for us to need, but it is nothing for God to give it all. He told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you."

Jesus says, “What, still you think I might not help you?” Child of God, consider ...

• Can you use more strength than the omnipotence of the Triune Godhead?
• Do you truly desire greater wisdom than already exists in you in the Father?
• Do you wish for more love than has been displayed by the Son?
• Do you desire more power than that manifested by the Holy Spirit?
• Is your thirst for more than that provided by the Water of Life?
• Is your hunger for truth not satisfied by the Bread of Life?
• Is not the Door that leads to eternal life greater than the door of opportu-nity?
• Is the Way of Christ not the only way?

Jesus says, “Bring your empty vessel! Surely, My Living Water shall fill it; you shall never again thirst”

“Hurry!” He says, “Bring your wants to Me – your emptiness, your woes, your deficiencies. My River is equal to your need. What else can you possibly desire?”

He says, “Go child, in your greatest need. I Am is your helper!”

“Fear not!” He comforts. “I am is with you. And I am is your God and I Am will give you help."
“Do not fear or be dismayed,” [Deuteronomy 1:21] brothers and sisters!

“[be] content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’ so that we confidently say, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT SHALL MAN DO TO ME?’” [Hebrews 13:5, 6]

[MOUSE] If a mouse sought nourishment at the door of an overflowing Nebraska silo, the company could not in a thousand years ruin its finances if it gave the mouse a handful of corn each day. You are nothing but a tiny worm at the door of God’s all-sufficient grace, mercy, and love. And out of this sufficiency, Jesus has said, “I will help you.”

Morning & Evening

Grace, Isaiah, Jesus, Love, Preaching,
Priorities, Sermons, Sufficiency