All The Counsel of God

 Text: Genesis 28:10-22
 Intro:
o God often leads us through great trials in preparation for some greater service or blessings.
o Whenever bad things happen to a believer, God can bring good things out of them.
o Almost every person whom God used greatly, was first put through a wilderness experience in preparation and training for the best plan God had for them.
o God brings good out of evil for the person who loves God and seeks to do His will. – John 12:23-26
• In our sorrows, there are joys;
• In our crosses, there are crowns;
• In our miseries, there are mercies;
• In our losses, there are gains;
• In our disappointments, there are God’s appointments;
• In our contradictions, there are compensations.
o Question:
• What can we learn from Bible characters who went through wilderness trials and testings?
• Consider these Bible characters to see how good came out of trials so as to encourage us in difficulties:
 1. JACOB.
o After Jacob had fled from his home and his murderous brother Esau, he slept on a stony pillow (Genesis 28:11).
• In Jacob’s stony pillow he saw the Lord on top of a ladder leading to heaven. He received 5 promises from God.
• He called it the House o God, Bethel (v.17) and the Gate of Heaven.
• He made a four-fold vow and promised to give one-tenth of all that God gave him to God.
 2. JOSEPH.
o After spending about 10 years in jail, Joseph found that God was preparing him for the palace to do a mighty work of saving many people’s lives.
• Genesis 50:20; Psalm 105:17-22)
o He became second-in-charge of Egypt.
• Pharaoh changed his name to Zaphnath-Paaneah (Genesis 41:45) meaning ‘Revealer of secrets and Saviour of the world’.
o Joseph’s sufferings and exaltation became a wonderful prophetic picture of Jesus Christ’s future suffering and exaltation.
 3. MOSES in the wilderness in Exodus 3:1-4:13.
o Moses spent 40 years learning to be great in Pharaoh’s palace;
o Moses spent 40 years learning to be a nobody in the wilderness;
o Moses spent 40 years serving God doing a great work of delivering Israel from Egypt, receiving the 10 Commandments, writing Scripture, seeing God, and learning God’s Name ‘I AM’ (3:14,15).
 4. DAVID.
o David turned the taunts of Goliath into a great triumph.
• Goliath humiliated the Israelite army for 40 days.
• God used a little boy, David, to humiliate the Philistine army and win a great victory for God and Israel. (I Samuel 17:43-50).
• David experienced great suffering in being chased by Saul for many years through the wilderness.
• One day, God turned David’s suffering to great joy when he was crowned King of Israel.
o Question:
• What giants such as Goliath and Saul do we need to conquer by faith?
 5. ELIJAH.
o Elijah fled into the wilderness after being threatened with death by Jezebel.
o God encouraged Elijah by sending an angel to encourage him, giving him a new ministry and a new friend in Elisha to carry on his work, as well as a chariot ride to heaven without seeing death.
 6. PAUL.
o Paul’s two wilderness experiences led to great blessing:
• a) Paul spent three years in the Arabian desert, studying to get his doctrine clear (Galatians 1:17), which helped him in his preaching, his letters to the churches and his missionary journeys in the years to come.
o Lesson: Years spent in studying God’s Word and in learning to be a nobody are laying solid foundations for future service.
• b) Paul spent many years sacrificing, suffering and being persecuted on his missionary journeys and in jail (2 Corinthians 11:21-30), which led to:
 – many churches being started;
 – writing much of the New Testament which has blessed millions of Christians;
 – becoming a great example who inspired much soul winning, missionary activity,
 and was a model for future missionaries.
 7. JOHN.
o While banished to the isle of Patmos, John was given a glorious revelation of heaven, of the end of the age, and of eternity future. (Revelation 1:9).
• God sent him away from people, to give him the visions of Revelation.
• What seemed like a bad thing (his exile on Patmos), led to a very good thing of the book of Revelation being written.
o This book has given blessing and hope to millions of Christians’ lives.
• It has greatly informed believers on Christ’s return.
• It shows us the ultimate defeat of Satan and victory for believers at Christ’s coming.
 8. JESUS.
o Jesus had two main wilderness experiences:
• a) In Luke 4:1 the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil for 40 days.
 The result of His victory over Satan here was fame, power, glory and teaching God’s Word with power. (Luke 4:14,15,31,32).
• b) Jesus knew that the valley of suffering on the cross that He was to endure, would lead to the glory of His resurrection, ascension and final victory over sin and Satan.
 Conclusion:
o Question:
• What wilderness experiences or valleys are you going through?
o Answer:
• These can be the precursors to great blessings. (Romans 8:28).
• The way to cure despair is to give yourself to prayer, for prayer is the great cure of every ill.
• Sufferings and wilderness experiences for God’s best servants are part of our training for a bigger work for God.
o Question:
• Will you see wilderness experiences as being for your learning and future blessing?

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)

Intro:
o Deception is one of Satan’s devices that he uses to trip up Christians in their walk with the Lord.
o We know from the Word of God that Satan is an imitator.
o He tries to trick the Christian and the rest of the world by imitating the things of God.
o The Apostle Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 2:11 not be ignorant of Satan’s devices lest he should get advantage of us.
o Definition of deceive: 1 archaic : ENSNARE 2 a obsolete : to be false to b archaic : to fail to fulfill 3 obsolete :
CHEAT 4 : to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid 5 archaic : to while away intransitive verb : to practice deceit; also : to give a false impression
o synonyms DECEIVE, MISLEAD, DELUDE, BEGUILE mean to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness. DECEIVE implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness .
MISLEAD implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional .
DELUDE implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth .
BEGUILE stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving .
o This morning from the Word of God we want to see how a man can be deceived.

1. A man is deceived if he says that he has no sin – 1 John 1:8
2. A man is deceived when he thinks himself to be something when he is nothing. – Galatians 6:3
3. A man is deceived when he thinks himself to be wise with worldly wisdom – 1 Corinthians 3:18.
4. A man is deceived when he seems to be religious and does not bridle his tongue – James 1 :26
5. A man is deceived when he thinks that he will not reap what he sows – Galatians 6:7.
6. A man is deceived when he thinks that evil company will not corrupt good morals – 1 Corinthians 15:33
7. A man is deceived when he thinks that the unrighteous will inherit the kingdom of God – 1 Corinthians 6:9
   Conclusion:
   o Now Satan will try to deceive you to not pay attention to the Word of God.
   o The question is – Will you let him?

Yes, ” … my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 19). A promise invaluable, that riches cannot buy, and free to all of God’s obedient children, regardless of race, color, or age.
Unfortunately, the majority of His children live far beneath their privileges as a child of the King of kings, and many fail to take advantage of this promise.
“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:9-11).
His children limit Him, when all His resources are at their disposal if the requirement is met. In Jeremiah 32:27, it is written, ” … I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”
God always answers when His children pray; though the answer received is not always the way the children thought it would he. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Notice, He has promised to supply all your need. It is written, “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” (Psalm 37:4-5). There are three things for you to do: delight in the Lord, commit to the Lord, and trust in the Lord; then He will bring it to pass- that is His part after you have done yours .

The persons meeting these three requirements, however, live close to God. They live a surrendered and consecrated life, and will desire nothing that God wouldn’t approve of, for they know that as God works through them ” … to will and to do … ” (Philippians 2: 13), the thing desired must come from God. Their only will is to do the will of their heavenly Father.

Many think it irrelevant to pray for temporal needs, but all through the Old and New Testaments are numerous examples of all kinds of needs being supplied in answer to the prayers of God’s children. God never changes, and Jesus Christ is ” … the same yesterday, and today, and for ever” (Hebrews 13 :8).

A few Bible examples are:

DELIVERANCE FROM PHYSICAL DANGER

The three Hebrew children from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:27); Daniel from the lion’s den (Danie16:22); David from the paw of the lion and the bear (1 Samuel17:37); Jonah from the belly of the whale (Jonah 2:1-1 0). Other examples are Elijah, for the raising to life of the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:20-23); Hezekiah, being sick unto death, is healed and fifteen years added to his life (2 Kings 20:1-11);Paul, for the healing of Pulius’ father (Acts 28:8); Peter, for the restoration of Dorcas (Acts 9:40); Peter’s deliverance from prison (Acts 12:5-6); Paul and Silas delivered from prison (Acts 16:26).

TEMPORAL NEEDS SUPPLIED

Rain provided when there was a sore famine in the land (1 Kings 18; James 5:17-18); Jesus tells Peter to go and get money from the mouth of the fish to pay their tribute or taxes (Matthew 17:27); clothes were provided that lasted forty years without waxing old for the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 29:5); the Lord commanded the ravens to feed Elijah the Tishbite beside the brook Cherith ( 1 Kings 17: 1-6); the children of lsrael were fed daily with manna from Heaven (Exodus 16:4 ).

PRAYER FOR MATERIAL PROSPERITY

Asa’s army prayed for victory (2 Chronicles 14:11); Abraham prayed for a son, and it came to pass (Genesis 15:1-6); Isaac also prayed for children, and his wife gave birth to twins (Genesis 25:21-23). Hannah prayed for a son (1 Samuel 1:10-11); Zacharias prayed for a son (Luke 1:13); Samson prayed for a drink of water, and God clave a hollow place out of a jawbone, and there water came out (Judges 15:16, 19); Jehoshaphat for protection (2 Chronicles 20:6); Elijah for triumph over Baal(l Kings 18:36-37).

SPIRITUAL NEEDS SUPPLIED

Countless are the prayers for spiritual needs. A few examples are: “… God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13); prayer for spiritual steadfastness (Psalm 119: 133); the church at Jerusalem prayed for guidance and protection (Acts 1 :24,26); Gideon prayed for proof of his call (Judges 6:36-40); Habakkuk prayed for revival (Habakkuk 3); Joshua prayed for mercy and help (Joshua 7:6-9); Manoah prayed for special guidance concerning his child (Judges 13:8,15); Solomon prayed for wisdom (1 Kings 3:6-14); Cornelius prayed for enlightenment (Acts 10:2,30); and many, many others too numerous to mention.

There are several thousand promises in the Bible for God’s children, so why not take advantage of them? If you are not a child of God, then ask Him to save you. Make peace with your Maker, for life is uncertain, but death is sure. Those that trust in the Lord are not confounded (Psalm 22 :5).

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes …” (Proverbs 3:5-7). Remember that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1: 17). Do not forget: you do the trusting, and He will do the working to supply your needs and bring your desires to pass, for He says, “… for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). God specializes in the impossibilities!

The Gospel Standard

Text: John 8:19-32

Introduction:

One of the greatest secrets of the successful Christian life is to please God instead of pleasing ourselves or other people such as the ungodly crowd.

Jesus Christ’s autobiography can be summarized by John 8:29 “for I do always those things that please him.”

I.  Some other Biographies of Jesus Christ are:

(Luke 19: 10) “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

(John 1 :14) “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Peter at Cornelius’ house said of Jesus that He ” … who went about doing good, … “ Acts 10:38.

In eternity past the Son is saying to the Father, regarding His incarnation, life on earth, death for our sins and resurrection, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: … “ Psalm 40:8.

As a boy Jesus said, ” … I must be about my Father’s business?” Luke 2:49.

At Jesus baptism, the Father said ” … Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mark 1 :11

Peter said of Jesus that He was a “man approved of God.” Acts 2:22.

Jesus pleased His Father in life, “The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.” Isaiah 53:10

Jesus pleased God in death, “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him.” Isaiah 53: 10.

(Romans 15:3) “For even Christ pleased not himself;”.

The one consuming passion in Christ’s life was to please the Father.

Nothing else mattered.

Lesson:

The most miserable and wretched life is one that constantly tries to please itself.

Away with the selfish life. “Get all I can and can all I get” doesn’t make anyone happy.

If we want to please God, we must find out what pleases Him.

If a young man is courting a young lady, he will find out what she likes and do it.

Just like a husband, will find out what his wife wants and do it.

Give her what she likes.

II. The Bible tells us what pleases God.

It pleases the Father when:

1) We exalt His Son.

Colossians 1:18-19.

This means that we should exalt the Lord Jesus Christ who contains all the fullness of God.

It pleases the Father when we talk about Jesus Christ.

Good songs to sing are: “What a friend we have in Jesus”, “All hail the power of Jesus’ name”, “No one ever cared for me like Jesus”, “Let’s talk about Jesus, the King of Kings is He, the Lord of Lords supreme, through all eternity.

The great I am the way, the Truth, the Life, the Door.

Let’s talk about Jesus more and more.

2) We Do Good.

Hebrews 13:15-16.

By doing good, we please God, such as when we help others, or buy things for those in need.

Don’t hoard your money all to yourself.

Use it to help others, and get the gospel out, so you can still enjoy the effects of your money when you are 150 years old, 200, 1000, 1 million years old.

It pleases God when we do something for others to help them know Jesus Christ.

This is why we emphasize soul winning, missions and tract distribution.

3) We Love One Another.

Romans 15:1-3.

If you love others you’ll exhort them to get busy serving God.

Some day you’ll have to face Jesus Christ and tell Him why you wasted so much time in laziness on earth.

I want you to enjoy heaven more and not to be ashamed at Christ’s coming.

God wants us to love one another.

Question: Do you hate anybody today?

Question: Did you criticize anyone lately?

That doesn’t please the Father.

Question: Have you stood in the way of sinners, or sat in the seat of the scornful? Or criticized some good Bible preacher?

That doesn’t please God.

God is pleased when brethren dwell together in unity.

Psalm 133:1-3

To God, it smells like ointment.

God says, “When my people love each other, it smells like sweet perfume. If they fight each other, it stinks.”

4) We are Fruitful.

Colossians 1:10

When you bear fruit by leading someone to Christ, there is much pleasure in heaven

(Luke 15:7,10).

Question: Are you bearing fruit for Jesus Christ?

5) We Praise Him.

Psalm 69:30-31

God would rather have heartfelt praise than temple sacrifices or good intentions.

It pleases the Father:

a) When you lead someone to Christ & they tell someone:’! have received Jesus Christ as my Saviour’

b) When someone gets baptised, and praises Christ for saving him.

c) When we go soul-winning, and tell sinners how good God is.

d) When we praise God in hard times.

e) When we come to church and praise God in song.

f) When we disciple people so they get back into fellowship with God & praise Him.

That pleases God

6) We pray for a wise and understanding heart to serve others, as Solomon prayed.

I Kings 3:9-10.

Question: Do you study God’s Word to become wise to serve God and people better?

7) We preach the gospel to lost sinners.

I Corinthians1 :21.

Many Christians fear soul-winning because they may look foolish before men.

God is pleased when we are prepared to look foolish for Him so sinners can get saved.

8) We seek to please God rather than men.

Galatians 1:10.

It pleases God when we are prepared to take a stand against the ungodly crowd and the ways of the world.

9) We walk with God in sweet fellowship, as Enoch did.

Genesis 5:21-24

Hebrews 11 :5.

Enoch pleased God by walking with God in the midst of an evil world.

Do you walk daily with God?

10) We do things by Faith and Obedience.

Hebrews 11 :6

It pleases God when we obey and trust Him in hard situations.

11) When we give God’s Word out to people.

Isaiah 55:11

12) When we choose the things that please God.

Isaiah 56:4-5.

These include such things as giving Sunday and our lives wholly to serving God.

13) When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, and not led by the flesh.

Romans 8:8.

14) When we don’t entangle ourselves in the affairs of this life but seek to please Christ who has chosen us to be a soldier.

II Timothy 2:4.

We are soldiers for Jesus Christ.

15) We bless Israel.

Numbers 24:1.

Genesis 12:3

16) When we abstain from fornication.

I Thess. 4: 1-8.

God avenges (v.6) those who fornicate and defraud (take advantage of) others.

Ill. Things That Displease God

1) When people kill and persecute Christians.

I Thess. 2:15-16

2) When people commit adultery.

Example: David – II Samuel 11 :27

3) When people rejoice when their enemy falls.

Proverbs 24:17-18.

4) When people complain

Numbers 11:1

I Cor 10:5,9-10

5) When people are proud of their achievements.

I Chron.21:1-8

6) When justice and judgment on sin is not done.

Isaiah 59:14-15

7) When people turn little children away from Jesus.

Mark 10:13-16

IV. Conclusion:

Do you please God or displease God?

Do you please yourself?

Do you seek to please the ungodly crowd?

What are you doing that is displeasing to God?

Get right with God today.

• 1.  “A fair woman” – Prov. 11:22
  • fair woman posses discretion.
    • Prudence, or knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; nice discernment and judgment, directed by circumspection, and primarily regarding one’s own conduct.
• 2.  “A gracious woman” – Prov. 11:16 – retaineth honor
  • gracious -Favorable; kind; benevolent; merciful; disposed to forgive offenses and impart unmerited blessings. 
• • honor – respect, regarded with esteem, reputation, good name.
• 3.  “a whorish woman’ – Prov. 6:26
• whorish – Lewd; unchaste; addicted to unlawful sexual pleasures; incontinent.
• 4.  “an odious woman” – Prov. 30:21-23
  • odious – 1. Hateful; deserving hatred. It expresses something less than detestable and abominable; as an odious name; odious vice. All wickedness is odious.

2. Offensive to the senses; disgusting; as an odious sight; an odious smell.

3. Causing hate; invidious; as, to utter odious truth.

4. Exposed to hatred.

He rendered himself odious to the parliament.

• 5.  “an adulterous woman” – Prov. 30:20
  • Acts if has done nothing wrong.
• 6.  “a brawling woman” – Prov. 21:9
  • brawling – The act of quarreling.
• 7.  “strange woman” – Prov. 2:16-19
  • characteristics – flatters with her words; forsakes what learn as child and God’s words; connected with death and hell.
    • strange – meaning not just a woman of another race or someone not acquainted with by an harlot.
• 8.  an “evil woman” – Prov. 6:24-35
  • also strange woman, adulteress, whore.
• 9.  a “contentious and an angry woman” – Prov. 21:19
  • contentious – Apt to contend; given to angry debate; quarrelsome; perverse.
• 10.  “a foolish woman” – Prov. 9:13 -18
  • clamorous –  Speaking and repeating loud words; noisy; vociferous; loud; turbulent.
  • simple – Weak in intellect; not wise or sagacious; silly. The simple believeth every word; but the prudent looketh well to his going. Prov. 14
• 11.  “a wise woman” – Prov. 14:1
• wise – Properly, having knowledge; hence, having the power of discerning and judging correctly, or of discriminating between what is true and what is false; between what is fit and proper, and what is improper; as a wise prince; a wise magistrate. Solomon was deemed the wisest man. But a man may be speculatively and not practically wise.
  • Characteristic – builds her house or home with wisdom.  “the words of God” is the foundation.
• 12.  “virtuous woman” – Prov. 12:4
  • virtuous – 1. Morally good; acting in conformity to the moral law; practicing the moral duties, and abstaining from vice; as a virtuous man. 2. Being in conformity to the moral or divine law; as a virtuous action; a virtuous life.

The mere performance of virtuous actions does not denominate an agent virtuous.

3. Chaste; applied to women.

• crown – Honor; splendor; dignity.

Our governments continue to pass laws recognizing homosexuality as a “way of life” or a “choice in life”, accepting homosexual partners as ‘normal’ married couples, allowing homosexual couples to adopt children, and making the clear Bible teaching a criminal offence. The time has come for God’s preachers  and teachers to proclaim what the Bible clearly teaches as over against the popular view of the media, talk shows, education and Government leaders. Notice carefully what God says in His Word:

2 Peter 2:6, “… turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly … “

Romans 1 :24-28, “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient … “

Jude 7, “Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”

Here in Jude we are told that God judged Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them for two reasons:

1. They were giving themselves over to fornication which indicates addiction to unclean practices.

2. They were going after “strange flesh”. This simply means they were committing the sin of homosexuality. No matter how hard our doctors and political leaders and “open mike” radio shows try to affirm that homosexuality is a disease, God says that this practice is a sin.

This “strange flesh” here means “other flesh”, as being other than what nature has appointed. When God made man at the beginning, He also made woman as a helpmate and it was never God’s intention that man and man or woman and woman, in that terrible act of homosexuality, should be ONE FLESH as man and woman together are.

Notice carefully that Sodom and Gomorrah suffered the vengeance of eternal fire, for God poured out fire and brimstone from heaven to destroy the cities. God says here that these facts are set forth for us today as examples. God warns us clearly and definitely that nations and leaders who disobey His plain teachings will suffer the consequences of His judgment.

The clearest teaching of all is found in Romans 1 :24-28 where we are told three times that GOD GAVE THEM UP for this wicked sin of homosexuality. I believe God will give our nation up and over to unclean and wicked influences unless there is national repentance and a turning from sin unto God. What a terrible thing it is to be living in a nation that God will give up.

The Gospel Standard

Text: Ephesians 1 :3

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

Intro:

Unlike the children of Israel in the Old Testament and in the future Kingdom of Heaven on this earth, the Christians blessings are primarily spiritual in nature and not physical or earthly.

Our text tells us that the believer is already blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.

However, there are some things that can hinder or block us from having access to those spiritual blessings.

Today, we want to look at some blockades to spiritual blessings.

I. Selfishness Is A Blockage To Spiritual Blessings

1. Selfish people think only of themselves; Luke 12: 17- 19.

2. Selfish people show a lack of love; I John 3:17.

3. Selfish people reap what they sow; Acts 5:2,5, 10.

II. Laziness Is A Blockage To Spiritual Blessings

1. Lazy people beg in the harvest; Prov. 20:4.

2. Lazy people come to poverty; Prov. 6:9-11.

3. Lazy people will not work for Christ; Luke 19:20-24.

Ill. Covetousness Is A Blockage To Spiritual Blessings

1. Covetousness troubles one’s own house; Prov. 15:27.

 2. Covetousness causes one to come to want; Prov. 22:16.

3. Covetousness brings God’s judgment; Jer. 8: 10.

IV. Prayerlessness Is A Blockage To Spiritual Blessings

1. Prayerless people are troubled people; Dan. 9:13,

2. Prayerless people are disobedient people; Luke 18:1; James 4:2.

3. Prayerless people shall not prosper; Jer. 10:21.

V. Worldliness Is A Blockage To Spiritual Blessings.

1. Worldliness reveals the inward life; I John 2:15.

2. Worldliness does not please God; Rom. 8:5-8.

3. Worldliness separates from God; James 4:4; Isa. 59:2.

VI. Unfruitfulness Is A Blockage To Spiritual Blessings

1. Unfruitfulness comes from not abiding in Christ; John 15:4

2. Unfruitfulness results in the loss of reward; I Cor. 3:14-15.

3. Unfruitfulness brings judgment; Luke 19:20-26.

VII. Unfaithfulness Is A Blockage To Spiritual Blessings

1. Unfaithfulness is sin; Rom. 14: 23.

2. Unfaithfulness robs of the Crown of Life; Rev. 2: 10.

3. Unfaithfulness cannot please God; Heb. 11: 6.

Conclusion:

Today, we have looked at seven blockages to spiritual blessings.

We need to do as the Psalmist said in Psalm 26:2, “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” to make sure that we are not causing a blockage to spiritual blessing in our lives due to one of the things we looked at today.

1.         Is it right? 1 John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

2.         Will this bring me near some temptation? Rom. 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

3.         Does this give place to the devil? Eph. 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

4.         Is there anything in scripture contrary to it? Isa. 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

5.         Am I trusting God or depending in my own strength? Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

6.         Is it doubtful? Rom. 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

7.         Will it cause someone to stumble? Rom. 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

8.         Does it appear evil to anyone? 1 Thess. 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil

9.         Would the Lord Jesus Christ do this? 1 Pet. 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Rom. 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Soiyihat he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

10. Will it please God? John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath n0 ft me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

11. Am I trying to impress others with my spirituality? Acts 5: 1-11 But a certain  man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it, at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was so d, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry tb.ee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

12.       Do I hope somebody notices me? Gal. 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

13.       Does it edify? 1 Cor. 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

14.       Am I being selfish? Phil. 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

15.       Am I denying the flesh? Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

16.       Am I putting Christ first? Col. 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

17.       Is it expedient? 1 Cor. 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

18.       Will it bring glory to God? 1 Cor. 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

19.       Am I deceiving myself or being deceived? 1 Cor. 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

20.       Do I know better? 1 Cor. 8: 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols.

21.       Am I searching for an excuse to justify what I want to do? Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

22.       Do I have to hide it from anyone? Sneak around? 2 Cor. 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

23.       Did I handle the word of God deceitfully? 2 Cor. 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

24.       Will this in anyway defile God’s body? 1 Cor. 3: 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Cor. 6: 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

25.       Can I sincerely thank God for it? 1 Thess. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

26.       Can I do this in Jesus’ name? Col. 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

27.       Can I go all the way with it? Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Eccl. 9: 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

28.       Have I prayed about it? Ps. 66: 18 If l regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

29.       Will it increase or hinder my prayer life? 1 Pet. 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

30.       Am I breaking one commandment in order to keep another? Jer. 48:10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.

31.       What does my pastor think about it? Hebr. 13 :7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Hebr. 13: 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

32.       What does my church brethren think about it? Prov. 11: 14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Prov. 15 :22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

33.       Would I like to be doing this when Jesus Christ returns? 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 3: 1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

34.       How will it appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ? Rom. 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 1 Cor. 3: 11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

By Steve Sturgeon

1. AN EFFECTIVE LEADER IS PROACTIVE– He is not a passive person around whom things simply “happen”. He makes things happen through being a galvanizing catalyst.

2.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER IS GOAL ORIENTED-So often church leaders just bumble along without any goal in mind, with their churches just doing things because that’s the way they have always been done. Such aimless conduct should have no place in a witnessing, gathering church.

3.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER PUTS FIRST THINGS FIRST-He doesn’t major on secondary, inconsequential matters, but ensures that his priorities are the same as those the Lord expects from him.

4.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER WANTS EVERYONE TO BENEFIT, IF POSSIBLE-He ensures that his actions and his teaching do not favor one particular group in the church, but provides milk and meat, something appropriate for all to grow by.

5.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER WORKS HARD AT BEING UNDERSTOOD– Anyone in leadership swiftly discovers that there is a continual danger of being misunderstood – even when one speaks plainly. Misunderstandings can lead to disastrous situations. How many church splits have been rooted originally in misunderstandings? How often do misunderstandings worsen already strained relationships or discussions?

6.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER WORKS AT CREATIVE COOPERATION AND LEADERSHIP THROUGH TEAMWORK– Leaders can only lead by consent at every level. They can only lead effectively by helping people to feel part of a team-effort, rather than being under a leader’s feet.

7.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER IS CONTINUALLY LEARNING– One of the very best ways that a leader can stimulate people around him to have a thirst for learning is to be an avid learner himself. “Leaders are readers.” A leader who thinks he has nothing new to learn will be the worst bottleneck possible in the life of a church.

8.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER IS NA TU RALLY SERVICE ORIENTED-A Christian leader will not see himself as a “boss” but as a servant-leader, whose work of rulership in the church (cf. Heb.13:7, 17 & 24) is a servant role on behalf of the Lord.

9.         AN EFFECTIVE LEADER BELIEVES IN PEOPLE AND THEIR CAPACITY TO DO GOOD THINGS– This can be a difficult way of thinking to fulfil. There are people whom we want to run a mile from when see them in the street; people who drive us crazy with their brattish and often boorish behavior. A true leader is one who can even see the good in the most troublesome person, and then go on to encourage it and develop it.

10.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER TAKES TIME TO ENCOURAGE AND REWARD– He doesn’t miss an opportunity to show gratitude and pleasure when work is well done. People need appreciation by nature. And nothing is more demoralizing than to feel that your achievements are of no significance. The Lord Himself rewards His people for their endurance and achievement. So should those who are the under shepherds.

11.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER WORKS AT EQUIPPING AND EMPOWERING– True leaders do not encourage dependency but always work at enabling others to develop their own abilities to stand. A teacher of the Word should not be content for people to sit at his feet open-mouthed like babies; but instead he should be providing the tools for them to study the Word effectively on their own. He takes pleasure in seeing people grow and think for themselves.

12.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER LEADS A BALANCED LIFE– He doesn’t only read one genre of literature, or listen to one kind of music, or follow one school of theology, or have a one-track mind in any respect. He is a spiritual “renaissance man”. As such, he seeks to enrich his life with many varied influences, and thus enrich the lives of many others. He knows that God “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim.6:17).

13.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER TAKES HIS WORK SERIOUSLY AND HIMSELF NOT VERY SERIOUSLY-As human beings, we often take ourselves far too seriously, and as a result our work suffers. The leader should say: “The importance of my work for Him must increase; my importance in my own eyes must decrease”. A leader who doesn’t take himself very seriously will not be so easily offended, will not push his weight around, and will tend to have an infectious sense of humor -even being able to laugh at himself!

14.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER CONTINUALLY STRIVES FOR PERSONAL RENEWAL – He is not content to languish in the same spiritual, emotional and intellectual condition all his life. Instead he expects to grow and does everything possible to encourage that process. He knows the great secret that there is no such thing as “standing still” for the true Christian. One is only ever either falling backwards or moving forwards in this life. Continuous personal renewal is his goal.

15.       AN EFFECTIVE LEADER SEES LIFE AS AN ADVENTURE-As a result, he views everything in life as an event on a great journey, rather than an end in itself. Seeing life as an adventure makes one into an adventurer. Adventurers are brave. Adventurers achieve things. Adventurers are fearless pioneers. Adventurers have no time for small-mindedness and pettiness. Adventurers are impervious to idle gossip, being far too occupied with adventure to be waylaid by such things. Adventurers are not afraid of the new. Adventurers don’t mind occasionally failing at things, seeing failure as an incentive to try harder. Adventurers even find hardship exciting and beneficial to their character (cf. James 1 :2-3).

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?” (Luke 14:28)

            Can you afford the high price of not being saved? Many times when being saved is discussed, we often speak of what we must give up to be saved. Certainly, there must be repentance of sins, and a turning from the world, but look at the other side of the story. Just what are you losing by not being saved? If you choose to live your life without Jesus Christ, it will cost you:

1.  FORGIVING LOVE

            Our Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world. Dying in our stead on the cross, He has made forgiveness a reality for us. The invitation is for you and me to come by faith to Jesus, accept Him as our Savior, and know this forgiveness. This, alone, can make us acceptable with God. Can you afford to reject His offer of love and forgiveness and go your own way, only to meet Him in judgment and go to hell?

2.  FELLOWSHIP OF THE SAINTS

            In the world of the unsaved, no man cares for your soul. Everybody lives for themselves and what they can get out of life. In Jesus, however, there is abundant fellowship. Because we have been forgiven, we have fellowship with God and with all the saints. The people of God are real friends who care for you and love you. There is the plenty of the Father’s table that is always set full and free. Can you afford to miss this?

3.  ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD

            If you die without Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will surely be “turned into hell” (Psalm 9:17). It will cost you your soul to live in sin in this world and reject God’s Son as your Savior. Where will you be ten thousand years from now? Can you afford the cost of not being saved? No. None of us can, so “flee the wrath to come” (Luke 3:7) and run to Jesus now while you can. Thank God! He said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37)