Quiet Times Search

By the time we are old enough to understand, we have hurt and been hurt so many times - we need forgiveness and so do others
We can become resentful and bitter - only way out the vicious cycle is to learn how to forgive

The definition of a dysfunctional relationship: the inability to solve conflict and forgive

Hugh obstacle: We can not truely forgive until we have experienced forgiveness
Once we are forgiven by God can we forgive as God does

Once we are forgiven, we are obligated to forgive others - Matthew 18
Forgving others as in Christ God forgave you - Ephesians 4:32

Our sins against each other pale in comparison to our sins against God

1. Some good old-fashion rest
2. A timely reminder of God's true nature and heart
3. Gave him an exciting plan of action

1. Justify your sin and say it's not all that bad
2. Blame God for not keeping Satan at an appropriate distance
3. Decide to leave God because this repenting thing is not working out
4. Decide to be not to be open about your sin
5. Tell yourself how bad of person you are
6. Could trust God and his promises

• “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength..” (Jeremiah 17:5
• “…lean no on your own understanding.: (Proverbs 3:5)

• “…he Son can do nothing by himself” (John 5:19)
• “By myself I can do nothing…” (John 5:30)

• “I am not here on my own…” (John 7:28)
• “I have not come on my own…”(John 8:42)
• “…completing the work you gave me to do.” (John 17:4)

• “[God] has given him authority…” (John 5:27)
• “My teaching is not my own…” (John 7:16)
• “For you have granted him [Jesus] authority over all people…” (John 17:2)

• Came from the wrong town
• No educational credentials
• Follower were common people

Mark 2:15-17

Nonconformist

• He challenged popular thinking to inspire them to think again about how they were living.
• Are you willing to rock the boat?
• People of impact won’t accept because we have always have do it this way.
• Every great historic change has been bought by blood or the reputation of non-conformists.
• People who are unwilling to venture out into unfamiliar territory will never men of impact
• More difficult for people who feel they have achieved a great deal

Protector

• Legalism occurs when one values an easy decision over true justice.
• When Jesus gave direction, he assumed responsibility for their actions
• Jesus stood up for his disciples.
• They probably felt very safe around Him (love always protects)
• Without protection, insecurity can be seen more and in the “Me” generation.

Challenger

• To say that Jesus quietly and humbly pointed out their wrongs would be inaccurate
• He didn’t go after their ego, he went straight to the heart.

Conciseness

Mark 2:27-28 - Direct statement, only a few words.

Boldness

Mark 3:1-6 - Exposed the evil intentions of their hearts

Anger

• Gave His would–be accusers every opportunity to see for themselves their error
• When they did not respond, Jesus became angry and deeply distressed.
• He expressed anger on the spot
• Some tried to stuff anger

Amazing Speech

Mark 6:1-6

Suspicions and fear can evaporate because of love and openness

1. Deep Conviction

• Listeners who put his words into practice were wise
• How convicted are you about what you’ll be saying?
• Think about what to say instead of how it will come across

2. Passion - If the speaker isn’t moved by the message, how can he expect it to move anyone else?

3. Integrity - Speaker must take plank out of their own eye before one can challenge other on the same topic

4. Person to person

• Speak at their level mean not “to talk down to” or “to talk up to” an audience.
• Apologizing without reason, belittles himself
• Jesus was above us, but he came down to our level

5. Inspirational

• Conservative and low-key he will have no impact
• We all want our lives to count for something

6. Practical

• Message must be practical and applicable
• He specifically addressed the sins in their lives
• He gave them direction, and at times He told them exactly what to do

7. Meet the Need - Out of touch with the needs on the audience can actually make things worst then they are.

The Sending

Mark 6:7-13

• He gave them very specific instructions
• He taught them how much they needed encouragement, accountability, and support.
• It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure that those sent on a mission be adequately prepared for it.
• An unprepared person who is sent can gather discouragement more than victories.

Forcefulness

• Forceful leader gives specific direction and then fully expects his followers to carry them out.
• Jesus did not apologize for strong leadership; he promoted it
• Strong leadership is offensive to many these days
• People resist because of pride or because they simply do not want other to tell them what to do.

• Jesus gave his disciples specific instructions, which enabled them to be successful in fulfilling the responsibilities he had delegated.
• What would have happened if these instructions were vague?

• We do not know how to initiate boys into men
• We are not sure we really want to

• slavery stopped
• Nazis were stopped
• Who gave up their seats on the Titanic?

• Matrix – do you know what this is, Neo?
• Feeling we have all had – there is something wrong with the world
• Blue Pill – You wake up and you believe what you wan to the believe (Jewish leaders chose this one)
• Red Pill – you are only offered truth
• Without repentance, we will remain blinded
  • How could a kingdom transcend geographic boundaries?
  • How could a kingdom be within us?
  • What sort of kingdom has no capital, no government, no army, and no temple?
• Longed for a tangible kingdom rather than a spiritual kingdom

• Many Christians the kingdom of God as something the future holds
• Some wish to avoid the kingdom commitment here on earth
• Kingdom expect allegiance ahead of all others
• Any real government expects this type of loyalty

• King exerted seasonal influence
• Three levels of subjects:
  • Disciples – treated him a Lord
  • Christians – little bit naughty, gave mainly to friends and family, on rear occasions to the poor
  • Unbelievers – little bit naughty, did not believe, not Hitler or other really bad people
• Most indirectly believe in this theory of the world
• If I abandon this paradigm, I would have to admit I am wrong.

• Jesus made it a practice to be with them
  • No formal schooling
  • No periodic membership classes
  • No seminaries
  • No outlined course of study
  • No religious rituals or formulas of knowledge
• Knowledge was gained by association before it was understood by explanation
• “Come follow me” [no other explanation recorded] and learn how I (Jesus) am living
• One living sermon is worth a hundred explanations
• Ministry time lengthened in the second and third years.
• He gave increasingly more time to the chosen disciples, not less.
• Frequently He would take them with Him in a mountainous country where he was unknown.
  • Trip to Tyre and Sidon – Mark 7:24
  • Borders of Decapolis – Mark 7:31
  • Parts of Dalmanutha to SE of Galilee - Mark 8:10
  • Villages of Caesarea Philipi to the NW – Mark 8:27

• Supreme obedience was interpreted as an expression of love.
• “If you love me, you will keep my commands.”
• It was the way Jesus lived.
  • Food is to do the will who sent me – John 4:34
  • Not as I will but as you will – John 5:30
  • Gave His life for a ransom of many – Mark 10:45
  • To seek and save what was lost – Mark 15:31

• Disciples realized that they were responding to Jesus who was willing to give of Himself for them
• Examples of Jesus giving himself away
  • Gave away what the Father gave to Him - John 15:15
  • He gave them peace - John 16:33
  • He gave them despite pain and suffering - John 15:11
• Love is not love until it is given away
• Jesus – God gave away His most precious possession
• No greater love than to lay down our live for others
• Jesus impressed the deep compulsion of His eternal purpose
• It was clear that the Master considered no service too small or sacrifice too great.
• Jesus denied Himself many of the comforts and pleasure of the world and became a servant
• He continually gave His life “for their sakes”
• Disciples learned not in theory but in practice (painful and hard to accept)
• Jesus life was the measure by which they were to regard their own service.
  • To give freely as they had received – Matthew 10:8
  • Love one another as He loved them - John 13:34
  • Calvary love was the standard

• Sending of the Seventy - Luke 10:1
  • Almost the same instructions - Luke 10:2-16
  • They would be forerunners (Luke 10:1)
• Post Resurrection
  • Peter: Feed my sheep - John 21:15-17
  • I send you - John 20:21
  • Great Commission - Matthew 28:16-20
  • Repent and remission of sins - Luke 24:47-49
• Evangelism is not an option (Jesus was all about – heartbeat of why he lived)
• Tangible expression by those who are following the Savior
• He gave work assignments (made sure they carried them out)
• At first assignments started small, but grew gradually until the graduation (started the church that turned the world upside down)

• On the job training – let followers have experience or make some observations of their own
• Gave them greater awareness of their deficiencies
• Kept disciples going toward the goal He had set before them.
• He did not expect more from His disciples than they could do
• He did expect their best
• We never assume the work is done. Ask lots of question / probe.
• There are many things that can happen to frustrate, discouraged or defeated.
• The goal is world conquest.
  • Never dare to let a lesser concern capture us.
  • No further training or inspiration needed.
  • Focus can easily be on us.
• The ability of a worker is not developed if there is no supervision
• Our little efforts can be a excuse for not doing more.
• We can lose the advantage years of hard work and sacrifice.
• Disciples must be brought to maturity
• We have not been called to hold the fort but storm the heights.

• Described himself as someone who could do nothing without God
  
• This poor man called and the Lord saved him from his troubles - Psalms 34:6
• God is his help and deliver - Psalms 40:17
• I am poor and needy - Psalms 109:22
• Modern thinkers might say he needed some self-esteem 
• God said he was after his own heart

• Woe to me, I am ruined for I am unclean - Isaiah 6:5
• Today we can go to church wanting to be told how good we are
• God forgave his sins and sent him on a life mission full of purpose

• Lift up widow for giving out of her poverty - Luke 21:1-4
• He challenges the rich young man to sell everything - Matthew 19:21
• God loved us so much, he gave up his only son - John 3:16

What occupies my mind?
What concerns me?
When I think of security, is my focus on God or money?

If we are eager and driven to gain more we will stray from the faith and be pierced with many griefs - 1 Timothy 6:10

Secret to being content, I can do everything through him that gives me strength - Philippians 4:12-13

Judas: example of someone trying to live with 2 masters:

• Expressed concern for a waste of money that could have gone to the poor - John 12:4-6
• The hold money had on Judas' heart eventually led to his betrayal of Jesus

• Children blame parents
• Spouses blame each other
• Employees blame employers
• Society blame political administration
• Present political administration blame previous one

Biblical Principles of Reconcilation:

1. Realize the urgency and importance of being reconciled - Matthew 5:23-24
   • God would rather you patch up things with your brother than worship him
   • Have you called someone on a Saturday night to talk so you can worship God acceptably  the next day?
2. Accept the obligation and possibility of reconciliation
3. Know that we cannot always have our way
   • Reconciliation does not mean that everone will agree; power of the gospel is diversity working together in harmony
4. Make every effort to work things out - Ephesians 4:3
5. Forgive as the Lord forgave you - Colossians 3:13
6. Pray for your enemies (against human nature - Matthew 5:44

In the midst of the discussion about unity, Paul continues by talking about having the mind of Jesus - Philippians 2:5-8

The only way to have unity is to be like Jesus

We were called to follow in his steps - 1 Peter 2:21

Jesus willingly because a servant
Greek literally says, "he emptied himself"'

• He poured out his diviniy for us
• He gave up his rights
• Jesus was not just playing a role, he was showing us the depths of this heart

Jesus came not to be served but to serve - Matthew 20:28

• Changed lives - the people were amazed

• Amazed at his wisdom
• Knowledge he had was above all.

• Obedience to the civil laws
• Gave Ceasar what is Ceasar's

Disciples were amazed by Jesus

Mark 6:30-44

• Reminded them what is is to be a disciple
• Mark 10:24 = 100% commited

Jesus was amazed by the people

Mark 6:4-6

• Amazed by their lack of faith
• Hand-cuffed by their lack

Luke 7:1-10

• What is needed?
  • Prayer
  • Obedience

Preached by unknown - 2004-03-21

1. Gave his one and only - John 3:16
Giving defined by God
What is your one and only?

2. He became poor for us - 2 Corinthians 8:9
Who and how are we becoming poor for others?

3. Many thanks to God - 2 Corinthians 9:11

4. God loves a cheerful giver- 2 Corinthians 9:7
Is our giving cheerfully?

5. More than enough - Exodus 35:1-36:7
Do I ever shoot to give more?
What if you changed one thing per day?
Extended yourself all the time

6. Burnt offering worth nothing - 2 Samuel 24:18

7. Rich generosity - 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
Grace is an undeserved gift Give in poor areas?

8. All she had to live on - Mark 12:41-44

9. It is more blessed to give than receive - Acts 20:35

10. Test me in this - Malachi 3:6-12

Examples of desires used for bad then good

King David - passions got him in trouble, then gave us our book of worship

Peter - was hotheaded disciple always quick with a reply
First to acknowledge that Jesus was the Messiah and became a key apostle

Paul - extremely zealous for the traditions of his fathers, killed Christians
Jesus captured his zeal for good - he worked harder than all the other apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:10

Those who killed their passion altogether would murder the very essence that makes heros of the faith
Killing our desire is like the thinking of curing our sickness by bleeding out the bad

Consencate yourself

1 Chronicles 29:5

• Who is willing to consecrate himself to God?
  • Kingdom not about men
  • What is stopping you? hurts?
    • Suffering matures us
  1 Corinthians 6:7
  • Have you been wronged?
    • Join the club!
  • God gets justice, not you!

  
  1 Chronicles 29:6-29

  • Where there is consecration (repentance) there brings rejoicing
  • They flat-out worshiped
  • Where was David's heart? with God
    • David thought it was amazing that he could give back what God gave him
  • Has earth become your home?

The heart is central
The need to even to be remined of this show how far we have fallen from the life we were meant to have

The heart is addressed in the Bible more than any other topic

Love the Lord your God with all your heart - Deuteronomy 6:5
Man looks at the outward appearance, Lord looks at the heart - 1 Samuel 16:7
Where your teasure is, there your heart will be also - Luke 12:34

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart - Proverbs 3:5
These people honor me from their lips but their hearts are far from me - Matthew 15:8
The Lord weighs the heart - Proverbs 21:2

The heart can be:

• Trouble, wounded, pierced, grieved, even broken
• Cheerful, glad, merry, joyful, rejoicing
• Whole or divided
• Wise or foolish
• Steadfast, true, upright, stout, valiant
• Frightened, faint, cowardly
• Wandering, forgetful, dull, stubborn, proud, hardened

The heart can be unpredictable but it is central to our being

The heart answers a lot of questions:

• Why did my relationship fail? One or both don't have to heart to make it work
• Why are some many struggling with depression and discouragement? They have lost heart
• Why can I not break free from our addiction? We gave our heart away and need to get it back

1. The Old Testament Precedent - Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 1:13-14
   1. The Israelites were commanded to give a tenth (tithe) of all their income to the Lord
   2. The Israelites had many other kinds of sacrifices (e.g. burnt, sin, grain, fellowship offerings) in addition to the tithe. The Israelites actually gave up to 33% of their income to God.
   3. The sacrifices were to be the best available. God will not accept a second rate sacrifice.
2. New Testament Examples
   1. The Widow - Mark 12:41-44
      She was commended not for what she gave, but her giving heart. She was totally dependent on God.
   2. Barnabas - Acts 4:36-37
      He sold his property and gave all the proceeds from the sale to meet the needs of the church.
   3. The Macedonians - 2 Corinthians 8:1-3
      They gave beyond their ability even though they were extremely poor
3. True Sacrifice Costs Something - 2 Samuel 24:21-25
   1. David refused to sacrifice to God something that cost him nothing.

1. Am I giving my best to God in my weekly giving? Do I give to God first out of my pay or out of what is left over?
2. What percentage of my income am I giving in my weekly contribution?
3. What am I willing to sell or sacrifice for the special contribution?

1. Giving with Joy - 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
   1. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give. Plan your giving.
   2. God does not want you to give reluctantly or under compulsion. You should feel a joy, excitement, and enthusiasm when you give.
   3. God loves a cheerful (in Greek "hilarious") giver.
2. The Privilege of Giving - 2 Corinthians 8:3-5
   1. The Macedonians urgently pleaded to give.
   2. They understood that it was a privilege because they had first given themselves to the Lord.
3. Special Times of Giving, Time of Victory, and Joy for God's People
   1. The Israelites gave to build the temple and the people rejoiced (1 Chronicles 29:1-9)
   2. The building of the tabernacle: the people willingly brought more than needed (Exodus 35:20-29,36:2-7)

1. Am I a cheerful giver? What keeps me from giving cheerfully?
2. Am I eager or reluctant to give, especially at special contribution times?
3. At what time was I the most joyful about my giving? Why?

1. Jesus' Example - 2 Corinthians 8:9, Luke 9:57-58
   1. Jesus chose to live sacrificially. He gave up heaven itself.
   2. He became poor so the world could be saved.
2. The Need for Sacrificial Living
   1. To meet the physical needs of others. (2 Corinthians 8:13-15; Acts 4:34-37)
      1. Paul wanted those who had plenty to sacrifice for those who were in need.
      2. The first century Christians sacrificed so there would be no needy people among them.
   2. To support full-time workers so the world would be evangelized. (Philippians 4:10-19)
      1. Paul commended the Philippians for the aid they had sent him.
      2. He considered their gifts to him as a sacrifice to God.
   3. There was always a purpose in the Bible for living sacrificially. It was never to sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice alone.

1. In what ways can I choose to live more sacrificially in order to have money to give to meet needs?
   Examples:
   • Cut food budget
   • Limit or eliminate eating out for a time to save for a special contribution
   • Use creativity during dates in order to save money
   • Stop impulse spending (vending machines, fast food, etc.)
2. Am I willing to "become poor" so that others can have the opportunity to become Christians?

• Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
• Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
• How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
• The crowd was less than delighted
  • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
  • Failed to grasp his love

• Enjoying the fellowship
• Benefiting from counseling
• Learning how to change bad habits

• Jesus is God in the flesh. He is the unique Son of God: fully God and fully man!
• God came to earth as a man in order that we could come to know him.
  
• If you were an all powerful and invisible God, how would you have tried to communicate your love to your creation?
  
• Illustration: Imagine trying to talk to an ant - How do you communicate with them without terrifying them? Become an ant yourself
  

• All the fullness of God lives in Jesus Christ.
  
• Every aspect of God’s character can be found in Jesus.
  
• Reading through any of the Gospels describing Jesus life and words will give you insight into God’s character and will for your life.
  

• Mark 1:21-22 - Jesus was an amazing teacher whose words were spoken with authority.
• Mark 1:23-28 - Jesus cast out demons, showing that the power of God was present in him.
• Mark 1:29-31 - Jesus met people’s felt needs and healed the sick.
• Mark 1:32-34 - Jesus focused his attention on others and selflessly gave of himself.
• Mark 1:35 - Jesus was dependent upon God in prayer for his strength and direction.
• Mark 1:36-39 - Jesus was consumed with his mission to preach the good news.
• Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus was filled with compassion for all people.
• Mark 10:32-34, 45 - Jesus came to serve, and gave his perfect life as a ransom for sinners. As predicted, he was rejected by his people and crucified - but he rose from the dead three days later.

Acts 2:36-38 - At baptism, we are not only forgiven by Jesus’ death to begin a new life, we are also filled
with the Holy Spirit.

John 3:1-8 - Jesus taught that we must be born again via water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.

John 7:37-39 - After Jesus’ glorification (crucifixion, resurrection and ascension), God sent his Spirit to
flow from within us like streams of running water. Previously (Old Testament), the Spirit came upon
people. Now, he dwells within us.

John 16:5-15 - One of the primary roles of the Spirit is to convict us (and the world) with regard to sin,
righteousness, and judgment. He does this in harmony with (though not exclusively through) his Word,
which he gave to the Apostles as they were guided into all truth.

• John 14:31 - do exactly what my Father has commanded me
• ~Matthew 26:36-46 - Did what was needed not what he at first wanted

• Philippians 2:6-7 - Took the very nature of a servant
• John 5:30 - Seeked to please the one who sent him

• 2 Corinthians 8:9 - He became poor so we could become rich
• Matthew 8:20 - He had no home

• John 6:51 - This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
• Galatians 1:4 - He gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age
• Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live
• Ephesians 5:2 - Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
• Titus 2:14 - He gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness
• 1 John 3:16 - Jesus Christ laid down his life for us
• John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
• Philippians 2:7- He made himself nothing
• Hebrews 7:27 - He sacrificed for their sins once for all

• 1 Corinthians 9:19 - To become what he needed to become to win as many as possible
• 1 Corinthians 9:12 - We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ
• 2 Timothy 2:10 - Endure everything for the sake of the elect
• ~2 Corinthians 11:22-33 - Endured and worked harder than anyone
• 2 Corinthians 12:15 - Gladly spends for you everything

• Romans 9:1-3 - He wish he could paid the price for them
  
• Romans 10:1 - My heart's desire for you to be saved
  
• Galatians 4:19 - Was in pains of childbirth for their salvation

• Acts 10:38 - How he went around doing good and healing all
• Mark 1:29-41, 6:30-56 - Taking care of the needs around him
• 2 Corinthians 8:9 - Became poor so we could become rich
• Philippians 2:6-8 - Taking on the nature of a servant

• Isaiah 53 - He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows
  
• Matthew 20:28 - Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve
• Galatians 1:4, 2:20 - Gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age
  
• Ephesians 5:2, 25 - Gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering