Sermon Notes: Mother’s Day 2022

A desire for every Mother…
Romans 15:13 NIVMay the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

  1. He is the God of Hope
    1. Expectation of a desired outcome 
    2. He can be counted on to fulfill what yet remains to be accomplished 
  2. He will fill you with Joy
  3. He will fill you with Peace
  4. He desires you to overflow with hope
    1. By the power of the Holy Spirit 

A prayer for Mothers
Ephesians 1:18‭-‬21 NIVI pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.


Always Remember
He will equip you with spiritual insight (not just intuition)

  • 1 Corinthians 2:9‭-‬10 NIV However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—  these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
  • Romans‬ ‭12:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Love must be sincere…” Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Always Demonstrates the Attributes of Christ

  • ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Never give way to worldly fears

  • Romans 12:1-2 Do not conform 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.

Never forget the Power of Love

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬8 NIV Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

Always rely on the Power of Prayer!

  • Romans 8:25‭-‬28 NIV But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

1 Samuel 1:9‭-‬18 NIVOnce when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord ’s house. In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord , weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “ Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”  As she kept on praying to the Lord , Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”  “Not so, my Lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord . Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”  Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”  She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

  • God sees you
  • God hears you
  • He knows you by name
  • You are His
  • You can depend on Him

Because you know:

  • Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Sermon Notes: Living Out God’s Plan

Background:

1 Corinthians 2:1‭-‬5 NIV And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

The Message
1 Corinthians 2:6‭-‬8 NIV 6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

The Promise

1 Corinthians 2:9‭-‬12 NIV 9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—

  • Psalms 139:13‭, ‬16 NIV  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

  • John 14:15‭-‬17 NIV “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

NOTE:
Comforter (Greek= paraklētos) and means –  intercessor, advocate, comforter

  • Intercessor = one who pleads another’s cause with one
  • Advocate = one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for the defense, legal assistant
  • Comforter = called to one’s aid, helper

This was to be ANOTHER comforter. Jesus was the comforter, intercessor, advocate however he warned the disciples he was going away and would send them another comforter. (Another of the same sort)
11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

  • Romans 8:26‭-‬27 NIV In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
  • Hebrews 4:12‭-‬13 NIV For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

  • Romans 12:2 NIV  Do not conform 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.

Sermon Notes: Doing What We Believe

Paul asked, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). This chapter gives the answer: the Holy Spirit of God. The blessings He brings make us “more than conquerors” (v. 37)


Romans 8:1‭-‬2 NIV 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Ephesians 1:13‭-‬14 NIV 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

The Work is Already Done

14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

We Say What We Believe

Romans 10:9‭-‬11 NIV9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

We Do What We Believe

James 1:22‭-‬25 NIV22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

About The Holy Sprit (3rd Person of Trinity)
Reveals The Father’s Will

  • 1 Corinthians 2:10‭-‬11 NIV these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Knows Us Better Than We Know Ourselves

  • Romans 8:26‭-‬27 NIV In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Sermon Notes: He is Risen!

Matthew 28:1‭-‬8 NIV1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.  2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.  5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”  So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Easter = Look to the East as the sun rises, new day, new beginnings

For The Believer, Easter Means:

  • God can move mountains
  • Split seas
  • Restore life
  • Roll away stones

Peter States it Well
1 Peter 1:3‭-‬9 NIV3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Note: The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit not human will (see Jn 3:3–8).

  • John 3:3 NIV. Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ”

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

  • Philippians 4:4‭-‬5 NIV Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Resurrection Results
Redemption

  • Romans 8:1‭-‬2 NIV Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
  • Romans 8:28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Identity and Purpose

  • Ephesians 2:8‭-‬10 NIV For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

We Must Always Remember

  • Romans 3:20‭, ‬23 NIV Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
  • Romans 6:23 NIV For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  • Romans 5:8 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

About Salvation Romans 10:9‭-‬11 NIV If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

Sermon Notes: Palm Sunday Message The Crowd

Matthew 21:6‭-‬11 NIV6  The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”  10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”  The crowds answered, 11 “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

  • Luke 19:41‭-‬42 NIV As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.

There were five crowds within the large crowd….

  • The Curious Crowd They followed Him on Palm Sunday because they wanted to know what He was going to do this time. They were curious about what was in it for them.
  • The Confused Crowd The confused crowd is illustrated in Matthew 21:10-11, “When Jesus came to Jerusalem, everyone in the city was excited and asked, “Who can this be? The crowd answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Of all the things Jesus did, this one-line description was all they could say. Even though they were following Him, they were still confused about who Jesus was. The confused group today refers to God as “the man upstairs” or as a higher power.
  • The Pretenders They were in the crowd on Palm Sunday pretending to be committed to Jesus. They were pretending, but they were not fully sold out.  Pretenders go through the motion, but their hearts are lukewarm. They are great pretender just to impress others and to get their approval.
  • The Opposers The fourth group included the opposers like the Pharisees and the Sadducees. For three years they had done everything they could to oppose what Jesus was doing. They rebuked Him for healing on the Sabbath and for taking an ox out the ditch. They forgot Him because His disciples ate food without washing their hands. Ultimately they conspired to have Jesus killed
  • The Committed Crowd However, this is the smallest group. A committed person is one who follows Jesus‘ instructions without questioning Him or His motives and without murmuring and complaining.
    • Matthew 21:6-7, “The disciples left and did what Jesus had told them to do. They brought the donkey and its colt and laid some clothes on their backs.”

Reflections in All Cases

  • They missed God’s timing

As Jesus ascended toward Jerusalem, a large multitude gathered around Him. This crowd understood that Jesus was the Messiah; what they did not understand was that it wasn’t time to set up the kingdom yet

  • The power of the religious blinded their spiritually

In their praise of Jesus, the Jewish crowds were quoting Psalm 118:25–26, an acknowledged prophecy of the Christ. The allusion to a Messianic psalm drew resentment from the religious leaders present

  • However, God’s plan was in motion

Some 450 to 500 years prior to Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah had prophesied the event we now call Palm Sunday: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! / Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! / See, your king comes to you, / righteous and victorious, / lowly and riding on a donkey, / on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9)
The people wanted their earthly objectives met at the expense of God’s eternal plans

  • The crowds looked for a Messiah who would rescue them politically and free them nationally, but Jesus had come to save them spiritually. First things first, and mankind’s primary need is spiritual, not political, cultural, or national salvation.

They failed to realize God’s ways are not our ways

  • They could neither see nor understand the cross. That’s why, “as [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies . . . will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you” (Luke 19:41–47).

We worship him on Sunday then reason like the world on Monday

  • It is a tragic thing to see the Savior but not recognize Him for who He is. The crowds who were crying out “Hosanna!” on Palm Sunday were crying out “Crucify Him!” later that week (Matthew 27:22–23).

We Should Remember: There is coming a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11). The worship will be real then.

  • Philippians 2:10‭-‬11 NIV that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John records a scene in heaven that features the eternal celebration of the risen Lord: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands

  • Revelation 7:9, emphasis added These palm-bearing saints will shout, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (verse 10), and who can measure sum of their joy?

We can be in the crowd that matters There is good news for everyone on Palm Sunday and on other days as well. There is one crowd we all should want to be in. That’s the crowd that will be caught up with Jesus in the air when He comes back to take us home to glory.

  • Romans 10:9-11 f you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

I want to be there…  How about you?

Sermon Notes: Our Faithful Deliverer

photo of child reading holy bible

The prophet depicts the changes God makes in the lives of those who turn from their sins and trust the Savior.

From guilt to pardon (6–7). When the sinner repents and turns to Christ by faith, God shows mercy and grants pardon. But do not delay (Prov. 1:20–33)!

From fear to certainty (8–11). God’s ways are beyond man’s comprehension, but you can be sure He is accomplishing His purposes in His times. Like the rain and snow that seem to be wasted, God’s Word accomplishes His will on the earth.

From wilderness to paradise (12–13). Sin turns the garden into a desert (Isa. 5:3–6; 32:12–15), but grace transforms the desert into a joyful and fruitful garden. Abundant satisfaction, pardon, and joy are available to all who accept God’s gracious invitation.

Isaiah 55:6‭-‬13 NIV6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

  • Jeremiah 29:13‭-‬14 NIV You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

  • 2 Peter 3:8‭-‬9 NIV But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

10 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, 11 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.

  • Matthew 5:6 NIV Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”

  • Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19 NIV “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 NIV  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Sermon Notes: Wait on the Lord

Romans 8:24‭-‬25 NIV For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.


What does it mean to “Wait” on the Lord?

  • Waiting on the Lord is one of the hardest things we’ll ever have to do.
  • As humans, our nature is to go it alone, try to accomplish things in our own strength, and take control of the situation.
  • But that’s often not in our best interest.
  • Too often I get ahead of God and try to accomplish things I’m not ready for.

Webster’s Dictionary gives a few definitions that catch my attention. “To stay or rest in expectation; to stop or remain stationary, till the arrival of some person or event.”

  • My position of waiting isn’t passive, it’s staying put and resting in expectation.
  • I do expect God to provide and I can rest in the knowledge that His provision will be better than anything I try to force on my own.
  • Hebrews 11:1‭-‬2 NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

Waiting on the Lord is Active:

  • It’s preparing my heart, being ready to serve, and expecting God to provide.
  • It’s knowing that God is already working behind the scenes so that when the time is exactly right everything will be in place for us to move forward.

It Takes Courage

  • Psalms 27:13‭-‬14 NIV I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
  • Psalms 37:7 NIV Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Know that God is moving behind the scenes:

  • Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19 NIV Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

God’s timing is different than ours:

  • Jeremiah 29:10‭-‬11 NIV This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

While we Wait

  • Romans 12:12 NIV Be
    • joyful in hope,
    • patient in affliction,
    • faithful in prayer.

Because

  • Isaiah 40:29‭-‬31 NIV  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Sermon Notes: God’s Desire for You

The indictment (1–5). God called the mountains to witness His complaint against Israel. What had He done to His people that they should despise His Word and sin against Him? (See Isa. 5.) Had they forgotten all that He did for them? It is good for us to review God’s gracious acts toward us and make sure we express gratitude to Him.
The confession (6–8). All that the people could say was, “Guilty!” The Judge did not want sacrifices; He wanted obedience (Isa. 1:10–18). Verse 8 tells us how we should live as God’s

Micah 6:1‭-‬8 NIV The Charge 1 Listen to what the Lord says: “Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say. 2 “Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. 3 “My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me. 4 I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. 5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.”

God doesn’t want to be a burden.  He want to give us rest…
The word “burden” (GK 4206) signifies to wear down, to cause someone to become impatient, or to become physically tired. The Lord asks how he has caused them to become so weary of him that they have ceased to obey him. Their impatience cannot be due to inactivity on his part, for he has done much for them

  • Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Their Response6 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

  • Psalms 51:16‭-‬17 NIV You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
  • Hosea 6:6 NIV For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

God’s Desire8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

  • James 1:27 NIV Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
  • 1 Peter 5:6‭-‬7 NIV Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

These standards have not been abrogated for Christians, for the NT affirms their continuing validity. We are still called to the exercise of true religion (1Co 13:4; 2Co 6:6; Col 3:12; Jas 1:27; 1Pe 1:2; 5:5). Christians are in a covenant relationship with God in which the law has been placed within their hearts (Jer 31:33; cf. Heb 10:14–17), not abrogated. But our obedience is inspired by the indwelling Holy Spirit, not by the letter of the law.

Sermon Notes: My Shepherd

Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 NIV1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

  • Philippians 4:19 NIV And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

  • Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

  • Psalms 51:8‭-‬10 NIV Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

  • 1 Peter 5:6‭-‬7 NIV Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

  • 1 Peter 1:13‭-‬15 NIV Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;
  • Philippians 4:7 NIV And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Sermon Notes: Living Through Tough Times

In 597 b.c., the Babylonians began to deport the Jews to Babylon. Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles helps us understand how we can make the best of a difficult situation.

  • A look at recent generations

Jeremiah 29:4‭-‬13 NIV
4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 


5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.

  • Accept it: Live as normal a life as you can and put up with inconveniences without complaining.
  • Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 NIV  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

  • Help, not Hinder: Try to be a blessing to others. Be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker. In tough times, don’t make times tough…
  • Romans 12:10‭-‬13 NIV  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
    • Be joyful in hope,
    • patient in affliction,
    • faithful in prayer.
    • Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
    • Practice hospitality.
  • Colossians 3:15 NIV Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.

  • Check your Sources of Hope:
  • The News Informs
  • God’s Word Instructs
  • Hebrews 4:12‭-‬13 NIV  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.

  • Be patient. God has the timing all worked out, and His plans never fail. He knows how long and how much.
  • 2 Peter 3:8 NIV But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

  • Trust God. Verse 11 is a powerful promise to claim when you are “in exile.” God thinks about you personally and is planning for you. His plans are for peace, not war, so you need not fear the future. His plans are purposeful, so let Him work out His will. No matter how difficult your situation may be, do not waste your suffering by resisting God.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:13‭-‬15 NIV “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.