The epistle to the Philippians - the voice, vision and victory of the Spirit

 

Philippians 1 verses 1 – 11

Acts 16 verses 1 – 14

The epistle to the Philippians opens with an introduction to 2 men – “Paul and Timotheus the servants of Jesus Christ.”  Our minds are drawn to Acts 16 and Paul’s discovery of Timothy.  He became his beloved helper in the gospel.  He was possibly converted under Paul’s ministry.  In spite of much persecution he saw great fruit.  God by his matchless grace saved a young man and provided a companion to Paul.  Acts 15 verse 41.  Timothy accompanied and assisted him in founding the Philippian church.  There were many rich deposits of gold in this area as well as many fertile plains.  The gospel was first preached in Philippi on Paul’s second journey.

The voice of the Spirit.  Having accomplished much in Galatia Paul and his company of workers were eager to continue their campaign for Christ.  Asia was the next place in their mind.  God had different plans for them.  Verse 6 – “they were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.”  God stopped them preaching the word in Asia – why would he stop his servants?  Surely it is the Lord’s desire to have ambassadors to go into the whole world?  The steps and the stops of a good man are ordered by the Lord.  It is possible to be going on in the service of God and not be in the appointed place.  God’s Spirit sometimes has to restrain before he will constrain.  The place in which we serve should be by divine appointment.  It is wrong to choose the location of our service.  It should be set forth by the Holy Spirit.  He may prevail us to go on and he may prevent us from going.  We must have spiritual perception and sensitivity in order to hear the Spirit’s voice.  John writing on the isle of Patmos said “he that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”  Divine leading is a clear indication of a right relationship with God.  Those who desire after the Lord will want to be directed by him.  He will want to lead those who have a clear longing for him.  “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God these are the sons of God.” (Romans 8 verse 14)  There are far more rewards in witnessing to one soul to preaching out of the will of God to those millions of people.  The Holy Spirit selected servants in the day of his Spirit and directed them.  Their success lay in their willingness to build.  When we are ready and willing the Holy Spirit will lead us into definite way where no power will be able to resist.  Their ministry bore the stamp of divine hands.  The spirit is both a propelling and restraining force.  How we need to be those who will follow the Lord’s forbidding as well as his advance.

The vision of the Spirit.  After the voice comes the vision – verses 9 and 10 “a vision appeared to Paul in the night.  There stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia and help us.  And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.”  Some say this man was Luke, others Jesus himself.  The word of God doesn’t tell us.  It is not ours to know.  At this particular point Paul saw a vision.  Another indication of the Spirit’s leading in his life.  Each vital decision to leave Asia Minor and head for Macedonia.  At the direction of a man it became clear that this was a calling from God to continue his mission.  The large populated cities needed God’s message.  The cry from the man gives clear indication of his spiritual state.  “Help me”.  What was going on?  Heathenism has no workable or redemptive power.  That was the problem.  Heathenism with all its brilliant civilisation and culture needed what only Christ could supply.  Verse 10 – “immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia.”  Another door opened up and the place of God’s choosing has been set.  Are we hearing the crying from the human heart for help?  This land is full of needy lives who desperately need our help tonight.  Will we take to them the one message that can only save them?  Our vision of lost sinners constitutes the Macedonian call to every child of God.  Will you help those who are needed?  Those who are on the road to lost eternity.  Will we endeavour to tell them of Jesus the mighty to save?  Such a vision of the lost will compel every child to carry the gospel to the furthest ends of the earth?  Acts 1 verse 8 “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  It could not be clearer.  Everyone on the face of the earth has the right and opportunity to hear the gospel therefore it is our responsibility to spread the good news of salvation.  Is that our vision tonight?  Do we see it clearly?  It is so easy for our vision to become so blurred by the old world and its ways.  Paul had his companions in the gospel who would do nothing other than obey the Lord.  He obeyed the Lord even though couldn’t produce the results but the one thing he was certain about – he went in the will of the Lord.

The victory of the Spirit.  I am sure you have often heard it said – God is no man’s debtor.  When Paul obeyed the vision and voice the outcome was victorious and glorious.  He answered the call of God, witnessed the triumph of God over pagan idolatry.  It is a matter of waiting and being patient for the Lord to move in many ways.  When he arrived in Macedonia there was no-one waiting to help and show them around.  They were on their own.  “and we were in that city biding certain days.”  That should be no surprise to God’s servants when they arrive in some mission field – that no-one wants them.  The need is great.  The heathen don’t know their need.  Paul found a group of women gathered for prayer.  An opportunity to witness of the living Christ.  There was one woman in the group called Lydia, a business woman who sold dyed material.  She was originally from Thyatira, the leading city of Asia.  The Lord works in mysterious ways.  The Spirit restrained Paul from going to Asia, now he was speaking to open hearts.  In other words the Lord prepared her heart for the message Paul would preach.  God was in this.  There was no half hearted reception of the truth.  It is only the Lord who can make the ears to hear, eyes to see, minds to understand and the heart to experience.  We have evidence – she opened her heart verse 14.  Until the word was spoken by Paul.  What an encouragement this must have been for the apostle Paul.  Stopped by the Spirit, constrained to go where he doesn’t know.  I am sure he is probably thinking ‘what is the end result?’ Lydia’s heart was opened.  It is wonderful to think that sometimes we think ‘what is the will of God?  I want to go here and there.’  The Lord stops us.  We have to go somewhere the Lord wants us to go.  It will not end in disaster but victory.  What an encouragement this was to Paul.  What a victory for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Once I was blind but now I see

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SERMON NOTES SUNDAY 14 JANUARY 2024 pm

JOHN 6 VERSES 1 – 12

 

The earthly work and ministry of Jesus is undeniably extraordinary.  He could take the most ordinary things and use them to perform many mighty miracles.  He was the capable solver of any circumstances.  Nothing was beyond him.  Nothing was beneath him.  He was capable of doing the impossible.  He was adequate to meet any need.  He had he resources for any situation.  He turned tragedy into triumph.  To many of the commoners he was a great header.  Many were struck down with infirmities only he could cure - the blind man is an example of this.  The man was blind from his birth.  Nothing ordinarily man could do to help but one day the master saw him, had compassion for him and wonderfully healed him.  Of all the back drops that can hinder man blindness has to be the worse.  But there was one yet worse, more serious than physical blindness – spiritual blindness.  The condition is so disastrous that God saw it necessary to send his son into the world.  Not only to live a good life and perform miracles but to die on the cross and open the eyes of the spiritually blind.  There are 3 points to note.

 

The blind man’s night – verse 1.  What a serious condition this man had.  Blindness is a fatal and most deteriorating disability.  We who can see effectively have no idea of the disabling effect it can have on their condition.  Many have done wonderful things although blind.  Francis Crosby was 6 weeks old when she was blinded.  Later on in life she wrote many great hymns we still sing today.  Blindness was a great disability.  Sitting in darkness of a physical need.  The picture is one of spiritual blindness caused by sin.  Without the Lord the sinner walks in the darkness of sin.  They are unable to see or hear of the great spiritual truths from God’s word.  2 Corinthians 4 verse 4 “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the eyes of them that believe not less the light of the glorious gospel should shine unto them.”  Why you are not saved?  You are walking in sin and darkness.  The god of this world, the devil has blinded you to the great spiritual truth in holy scriptures.  Satan will try his best to put many barriers between you and the truth – pride, rebellion or even self-righteousness.  All of these things will blur your vision and hinder you from seeing the truth.  This man was blind.  This was the condition he had from his birth – verse 1.  He did not become blind later on in life.  He didn’t have an accident that deprived him of his sight.  He never had the opportunity to see the sunrise or sunset.  He never saw the extent of God’s wonderful creation.  “He that is blind has no enjoyment of the light.  He that is born blind has no idea of it.” Matthew Henry.  He had no idea of the light.  This man’s blindness was from birth.  It is a description of a sinner.  Every man and woman is born a sinner. They don’t become sinful later on in life, don’t become sinful when they reached a certain age.  Every man and woman on this face of the earth is born in sin.  They will be spiritually blind until they receive the glorious light of the gospel.  Psalm 51 verse 5 “Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me.”  It doesn’t matter our class, where we are from.  It doesn't matter who we are.  Each and everyone of us, we are born sinners.  We were born on the broad road that leads to destruction.  Unsaved friend you will continue in sin if you don’t repent and turn to the Lord who is the light of the world.  Sin is an old age problem which only the Lord can solve.  He was blind from his birth and his blindness reduced him to a beggar.  Verse 8 “is not this he that sat and begged?”  He couldn’t live a normal life therefore he was unable to work to make a living.  There was only one source of survival for this man – begging.  He was a beggar.  That is what sin does.  It robs individuals of a good quality of life and reduces them to spiritual beggars.  If you continue in sin it will make you a beggar not just for time but for all eternity.  Don’t go down the road of the prodigal and spend your substance on sinful things.  You will end up broken.  Praise the Lord Jesus is the answer to spiritual poverty.  2 Corinthians 8 verse 9 “for ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye and that ye through his poverty might be rich.”  The blind man’s night.

 

The blind man’s sight.  At this point in the narrative the Lord did something unusual but very effective.  He would heal the blind man by spitting, stirring and spreading.  He spat and used it to make clay and then it was spread on the man’s eyes.  As far as common man was concerned it was a strange and peculiar way to restore sight.  Scripture does not say why Jesus does it this way to restore sight.  He made the blind man’s eyes from the dust of the earth.  To many the gospel is strange but it is effective.  1 Corinthians 1 verse 21 “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” When he spread the clay he commanded him to go and wash – verse 7.  The promise of the blind man when he obeyed this command from the Lord.  He obeyed immediately the Saviour’s precepts.  He wisely obeyed God’s commands.  “Those who would be healed by Christ must be ruled by him.”  Matthew Henry.  He didn’t waste any time.  As soon as given the command to go and wash he went – verse 7.  This man must be commended for his prompt obedience.  An absence of promise would have delayed the blessing Christ wanted him to enjoy – why would he want to delay such a wonderful blessing?  I fear there are many blessings from the Lord delayed because of a lack of promise to obey God.  Christian friend are we delaying some blessing>  Are you reluctant when it comes to obeying the Lord? The blind man was prompt and he did exactly what the Lord told him to do – verse 7.  “Go wash in the pool of Siloam.  He went his way and washed.”  This man was in the right place as far as obedience was concerned.  He went to the right place and he did the right thing.  We must be particular when it comes to obeying the Lord.  We need to do exactly what he tells us to do.  The more particular we are the greater the blessing will be.  What was the product of the blind man’s obedience – he went, washed and came seeing.  The result of obedience was sight.  Something he never had.  What a wonderful miracle took place.  It had to be a delightful surprise for him to look on the world he never saw.  This miracle was instantaneous.  He was able to use his eyes immediately.  This miracle came as a result of his prompt obedience.  Christian friend obey God’s command and blessing will be yours.  The blind man’s night.  The blind man’s sight.

 

The blind man’s light.  What wonderful light the Lord brought to this man.  “I am the light of the world.”  No wonder he could say that.  No doubt the blind man heard these wonderful words.  The Pharisees tried to undermine the Lord – verse 24 “we know that this man is a sinner”.  The Pharisees were unsuccessful, they brought more honour to him.  The blind man had a wonderful testimony and story to tell.  “Whether he be a sinner or not I know not one thing that whereas I was blind now I see.”  A clear cut testimony.  The Pharisees could not deny this blind man’s statement.  Gives us great confidence.  The world would tell us there are many things we don’t know which we can know with great certainty.  I know that my redeemer liveth.  I know whom I have believed.  I know I am saved.  I know all things work together for good to them that believe.  I know that when Jesus returns I shall be like him.  To know him with certainty.  Have you a testimony that no one can deny?  Do you  know that you have eternal life?  But the man who was once blind quickly realises that now he can claim the light of certainty without encountering unbelieving enemies.  Verse 34 the world system cast him out.  Following the Lord will certainly be a costly business.  It costs to be a follower of the master.  It can cost you your job, your friends, your possessions, even your life.  It can cause you many hard times ahead.  Cast out.  Ex-communicated but what is that compared to knowing the Lord with great certainty.  Those who are cast out by the world are received by Jesus Christ. 

 

The blind man’s night.  He never saw the light of the day.  He was born blind.  Every man and woman is born a sinner.  They will be continually blind until they receive the light of the gospel.  Have you received it?  Maybe you are still spiritually blind.  The blind man’s sight – the blind man obeyed the divine command.  He was prompt, he did exactly what the Lord commanded him to do and blessing followed.  True obedience to God’s commands leads to lasting blessing.  The blind man’s light.  He had great certainty.  Once I was blind but now I see.  No doubt he could say with the words of the hymn writer “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now I am found, was blind but now I see.”  Have you the certainty to night?

How God discovers his man

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 14 JANUARY 2024

1 SAMUEL 1 VERSES 1 – 23

The life of David is very interesting, inspiring and instructive.  No character is more fully portrayed than any other in the Old Testament.  He leaves a massive footprint in holy scriptures.  A man of many hats.  A very outstanding individual.  So greatly beloved.  A shepherd diligent in protecting his flock.  A singer, the sweet psalmist of Israel.  A servant able to take orders willingly. A soldier outstanding in the fight with Goliath.  David suffered knowing much pain. A supplicant knew how to lay everything on the Lord when in travail.  A student who studied the wisdom of God A sinner who committed adultery and murder.  A saint who had great contact with his God.  A saviour who saved Israel from their foes.  David was God’s man.  The Lord is always looking for a man or woman who he can set apart for some service of his.  “There’s a work for Jesus none but you can do.”  We want to look today at how God discovers his man.  This chapter gives the answer.  We find here the governing principles which determined God’s choice of David.

God discovered character in David.  While Samuel as grieving over Saul the Lord told him to face the facts – he was rejected.  God set apart another man to rule over Israel.  The Spirit of God came powerfully on David when he was anointed – verse 14.  The Lord was satisfied with his choice.  Sealed.  His seal of approval on his future servant by sending his Spirit on him.  God knows the heart was available.  He knew what it was to have fellowship in the Spirit of God.  He knew that David was the man for the hour, not because of outward appearance but his inward experience.  The instructions God gave to Samuel on how he was to interview David are seen in verse 7.  God was looking for a man who was after his own heart and would fulfil his will.  The governing principle for choosing David is the heart.  “The Lord looketh on the heart.”  This is the principle that should guide our direction when making decisions in life.  The emphasis should be on the heart and not the look only.  Judging only by appearance and not looking at the heart is like buying a house without viewing it.  It is like buying a car without lifting the bonnet.  The heart matters when choosing our friends, our church.  The heart principle will never be beaten if we follow it.  We will make the right choices if we follow the heart.  A great character – fellowship with the Spirit but also faithful to the Spirit – verse 18 “and the Lord is with him.”  What a testimony from others concerning the character of David.  We must be careful of public recognition and look instead to God’s approval.  How we live before men is important.  One thing stood out in his life was the fact that God was with him.  David knew the Lord.  He fellowshipped with the Lord and that was very evident to all who knew him.  The people in David’s day had recognised he was accompanied by the divine.  What a testimony of faithfulness.  David’s christianity was not a secret, he did not hide it.  He lived what he taught.  The Lord was with him.  What about us today?  What are people in our day saying about us?  What do they see in us?  Do they see us as men and women who have been with Jesus Christ?  Do they say “this is a man the Lord is with him” or “this is a woman the Lord is with her.”  Are we accompanied by the divine?  Do we live what we talk?  We cannot be secret disciples.  We cannot hide our faith in the Lord.  The Lord is with us therefore we must live with him.  He was also fearless in the Spirit – verse 18 “a mighty valiant man”.  The word “valiant in the Hebrew translation means to be strong.  David was not only a man of music but a man of great muscle.  A very talented player of the harp but also very manly.  He didn’t receive strength and muscle from sitting around and doing nothing.  He was a man of strength because he was a man who worked.  He was not afraid to work.  He believed with all his heart that there was no danger in the path of duty.  He worked hard at taking care of the sheep.  His past work experiences gave him mighty strength for the task God called for in the future.  His character sprang from fellowship, faithfulness and fearlessness in the Spirit.  God discovered character in David.

God discovered capability in David – verse 18.  David was cunning in music.  In other words he was very skilful.  Not only capable as far as playing the harp was concerned, he was sufficient in other areas.  He was God’s choice therefore 100% capable.  Verse 11 Samuel was informed “he keepeth the sheep.”  Even though he was a young boy, the youngest of his brothers he was capable in the art of shepherding.  That was a powerful responsibility placed on his shoulders at a young age.  He was looking after his father’s sheep, not his own.  He was dependable, trustworthy, had a good reputation of doing the job well.  God is not in the business, in the habit of putting irresponsible people in high positions.  That is why the Lord chose David.  He had a track record of being reliable and responsible.  If we are going to obtain a higher position in the church, in the work of God or even in the workplace we must prove ourselves to be reliable in the present work.  There are some and they will complain “why did I not have a greater position?”  They want the position but maybe they are not reliable in response to the current task therefore they are not given more responsibility.  If one is going to be capable of doing greater things for God they must be trusted in the smaller things.  Luke 1 verse 10 “he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful in that which is most.”  God saw David.  He was capable.  A capable shepherd.  Also a capable singer.  A capable musician, composer and the sweet singer.  He recognised that God gave him a wonderful gift.  A gift that he developed and exercised to the best of his ability.  That is what the Lord wants to do with his people.  They are given these gifts to put them to good use.  Child of God exercise and develop the gifts that are in us.  It is worth noting not all going to be singers or preachers or full-time evangelists but the Lord has given us all different gifts.  They are unique and only you can exercise that gift.  2 Timothy 1 verse 5 “wherefore I put to thee in remembrance that ye stir up the gift of God which is in thee.”  David was a capable shepherd, a capable singer but also a capable soldier – “and a man of war”.    Was he ready for war at this particular stage in his life?  He had no experience of war up to now.  He was not a member of Israelite army although word was going around of how he successfully defended his sheep from the lion and the bear.  That would prepare anyone for war.  His success in shepherding marked him out as a man of war.  Such capability brought great pleasure in the heart of God.  He strove for excellence in character and capability.  Surely he was a man after God’s own heart.

God discovered comeliness in David.  There was something about his physical appearance that made him stand out.  Comeliness means to outline, to mark around something.  David had excellent stature, a wonderful appearance.  He was in good physical condition because he took good care of himself.  He had to if he was going to see a great lot accomplished for the Lord.  If he was going to be the best for the Lord he had to look after his body.  He never became a man of physical fitness if he didn’t care for his body which God gave him.  There is little emphasis placed on the health of the body particularly in the church.  The spiritual is important but the physical is also important.  We are prone to forget the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.  God’s Spirit dwells in us.  “For ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.”  Unless we are called upon to suffer physically there is no reason not to be healthy and able to serve the Lord.  Most of what we are called to do for the Lord spiritually depends on our state physically.  If we want to be our best for the Lord and do our best for him in our life time we must take good care of our health whatever format that takes.  It may be adequate sleep, proper recreation.  David took good care of himself.  David was himself in excellent stature and he had a exemplary speech.  He had discreet speech.  Having a speech that is discreet is one of the greatest attributes to have.  It would help him in serving in the king’s court.  Never allow the tongue to run away.  Be able to control it.  Important to know how to control that speech especially in serving in high places and in serving the King of kings.  We are to have a godly tongue.  When Paul wrote to the Ephesians he said “let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.”  Gossiping lips, lying lips and foul lips are not good.  Honouring lips.  If we want to honour God with out lips we must control our speech.  Never allow our tongue to run away with us.  “A bird is known by his note but a man by his talk.” 

What great qualities David had – great character, capable and marked by comeliness.  Each of these qualities are within the reach of every believer to day.  They can become a reality.  Willing to yield soul and body, unreservedly to the Holy Spirit.  When God discovers a man or woman willing he will anoint them for the task ahead.  The Lord looked and discovered a young willing man called David and anointed him for a mighty work.  God is still looking for men and women he can set apart for him.  A specific task and wok.  What is he going to discover as he comes to our lives today?  Character, capability and comeliness?  May our prayer now be “make me useful to thee, send now thy spirit to me, thy perfect will in me fulfil, Lord make me useful to thee.” 

 

Jesus walking on the water

 

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY 7 JANUARY 2024 pm

John 6 verses 15 – 21

The Saviour had just multiplied the fish and loaves to feed 5000 people.  There was much excitement amongst the people.  There were plans for a take over.  It was a time of amazement and astonishment.  The land was on the verge of a mighty revolution.  They would take the Redeemer by force and make him a king therefore he departed into the mountain alone.  He constrained his disciples to take a boat and go across the sea to Capernaum.  They suffered the distress of a storm on the sea.  The were unable to get across.  The Lord saw them from the mountain.  The master intervened and calmed the sea walking on the water to them.  Miraculous.  So miraculous that Peter was able to walk on the water to go to him.  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all record this story.

The sailing.  When Mark was writing about this scene in chapter 6 verse 44 we read “he constrained his disciples to get into the ship and to go before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.  And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.”  Something had to be done.  The crowds were becoming restless.  There was only one obvious thing the Saviour could do.  He departed into the mountain alone.  He sent the disciples to the other side to Capernaum.  The sailors were unaware they were heading in to the storm.  It was relatively calm near the shore but the further they sailed across the sea the waves became increasingly boisterous.  The disciples set sail at the masters behest, it was not their own idea, it was the Lord who compelled and constrained them to go to the other side of the sea.  Even though they were sailing towards a storm they were following the will of God.  Even though their boat was tossed by the waves they were in the place God wanted them to be, fulfilling the Lord’s plan for their lives.  They were safer in the storm in God’s will than on the land with the crowd out of God’s will.  They were in the safest place they could be.  There are those today who think following the will of God produces smooth sailing.  It couldn’t be further from the truth.  It does not disengage the child of God from the storms of life.  The Lord will sometimes lead us into the storms and trials.  Being in the will of God is the best and most secure place to be in the storm because they obeyed the Lord.  Some people will see that going through a storm is because we are disobeying the Lord but that is not the case here.  Disobedience did not bring them into the storm rather obedience.  Perhaps you are on the verge of a storm. You know in your heart of hearts you are obeying the Lord, fulfilling the plan of God for your life.  Being in the centre of God’s will is the greatest and most stable place to be.  In following the path of obedience many can truly witness that they are built up in their faith.  Following the Lord’s will is a great consolation.

The storm.  It was inevitable, the timing was most informative.  It came at a time of great darkness.  John 6 verse 17 “it was now dark”.  The full burden of the storm was experienced by the disciples when it was dark and it made it a lot worse.  They felt the full extreme of the storm.  Unable to see it all.  The storm was violently pushing them around.  They were unable to distinguish their actual location.  It was fierce and never ending and it was dark.  One can imagine how they felt as darkness hung over them and the storm raged about them.  The storms of life are inevitable.  Quite often we face them in the darkness.  There are times it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  When the storms of life are raging around us we see no future.  When we face trials in times of great darkness it is important to walk by faith not by sight.  The storm came hard.  A time of great darkness but also great distance.  Verse 17 “and Jesus was not come unto them.”   The Lord sent them across the sea while he departed to the mountainside to pray privately. The Saviour was not with them.  He was on the land.  The were out at a great distance in the middle of the sea but they had yet to learn that Jesus is with us even though not with us physically.  He was not with them in person but his watchful, his eye was on them.  Quite often we are tempted to think we are a great distance away from our Saviour, to think God has deserted us.  That only makes trials more painful.  We need to reassure ourselves God has not forsaken us. He sees our trials and knows our struggles.  The Son of God is with us.  Isaiah 43 verse 2 “when thou passest through the waters I will be with thee.”  The storm came at a time of darkness, distance but also at a time of dedication.  Mark 6 verse 48 he saw them toiling and rowing.  Even though the disciples were plunged into contrary wind it did not deter them, they were dedicated to do the will of God therefore they rowed earnestly to get to the place where Jesus had sent them to.  It was not their intention to turn back.  Peter didn’t say we better turn back because it is getting tough.  They were committed to doing what Jesus asked them to do.  To go to the other side of the sea.  The storms of life will rage.  We cannot afford to turn back.  We cannot afford to resign, we must continue to toil and row.  Persevere through the storm until we reach the other side until we reach the other shore.

The Saviour.  The disciples were in great need.  They desperately needed someone to come and help them.  That someone was Jesus.  He came to their aid and saved them from their troubles.  He made himself known to the disciples.  He came walking on the water.  That was his moment of victory.  Verse 19 he didn’t arrive on the scene before or after the time but just at the right time.  He came to the rescue just at the moment of desperate need.  God knows all things, he knows the right time to move into a persons circumstances.  Matthew and Mark says he came in the fourth watch of the night.  The darkest hour before sunrise.  The Lord Jesus Christ stepped into the scene at the most critical moment when things were bad.  The ship was at the point of sinking.  The disciples were on the verge of turning.   There are occasions when trying occasions have to become increasingly worse before the Saviour takes control.  I am sure we can testify to that fact.  We can look back to some trial in the past, when we came to the point that is overwhelming then Jesus stepped in and saved.  The Lord received greater glory for solving problems when they are at their worst.  The Saviour’s saving moment of victory is in the manner of Jesus walking.  The sign of 2 feet upon water is the symbol of sovereign power.  Many talk about the Jesus of history but it is limited.  Authentic history - the master of the elements.  Is any situation too hard for him?  He calms winds and says to the angry waves “peace be still” and they obey.  The victorious Christ is beyond anything that overwhelms us.  His message of victory.  The master said a few words which were very powerful.  The wind was howling past them.  The waves splashing over them.  The master spoke and said “it is I be not afraid.”  What a message.  What a message of great calm he had for his disciples as they faced the storm.  This is a message that not only dispels fear but strengthens faith.  Jesus Christ comes to where we are and meets us at the point of need.  Reassuring message for us in the midst of trials.  “It is I be not afraid.”  Wonderful to think the storms of life cannot keep the Saviour away or tune out his voice.  He comes to us and he speaks to us.  The sailing.  The storm.  The Saviour.

 

Fourthly and lastly we see the stepping.  Not long after the Saviour arrived a mighty miracle occurred.  Peter stepped out of the boat, walked on water.  Matthew 14 verse 28.  “If it be thou bid me come unto thee on water.”  An acceptable request for the Lord.  This is the Lord.  Jesus’ words are recorded at frist.  It was real circumstances.  He walked on the water to go to Jesus.  Peter was getting on well but he didn’t get far until he began to sink.  What happened - one minute he was walking and the next he was sinking.  He did not step out of the boat without sinking. He was sinking because he took his eyes off the Saviour.  He was focused before on the storm that surrounded him.  Matthew 14 verse 30 “but when he saw the wind was boisterous he was afraid and began to sink.”  We will not receive encouragement by looking at the problems around us.  Keep our eyes focused on our Saviour.  As long as he focused on his problem he would accomplish nothing.  If we concentrate on our circumstances which we do, our accomplishment from Jesus - no victory will come.  When we focus on Jesus, on his word and power then we will have victory.  The moment we look away, take our eyes off him like Peter we will not walk very well.  The moment he realised he was sinking he cried out “Lord save me.”  Peter must be commended for his prayer – it was quick and urgent.  The Saviour’s reply was quick also “and immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him.”  The Son of God reached out and grabbed him out of the water in one smooth move.  The Lord has power to lift you out of your troubles and trials.  “Lord save me.”  What a cry from Peter and what a picture of salvation.  Peter was sinking and desperately needed saved.  So is everyone who is not saved from their sin.  Friend if you are not saved you are sinking in sin.  You are going to a lost eternity.  You are in desperate need of salvation.  There is the source of salvation.  Who did he call on to save him?  The Lord.  The disciples couldn’t save him.  He couldn’t save himself either.  If you want to be saved from sin you must call upon the Lord.  “Neither is there salvation in any other for there is no-other name given among men whereby we must be saved.”  Salvation is instant, immediate.  Jesus stretched forth his hand and saved him.  Salvation is not a long drawn out process.  It is instant.  Finally it is powerful.  The Saviour got Peter which means he grabbed him and rescued him from drowning.  The Lord has the power to grab you, to save you from a lost eternity.  Unsaved friend what you need to do is to cry out to him tonight.  “Lord save me”.  I trust you will.

Casting all your care upon God

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY 7 JANUARY 2024 am

1 Peter 5 verses 1 – 11

Motto verse for year: “Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you.” Verse 7

Doctors tell us that many problems affecting many people in today’s society are related to anxiety.  Anxiety is no respecter of person – it strikes the rich and the poor, the healthy and the unhealthy, the educated as well as the uneducated, the Christian as well as the non-Christian.  What are the causes of anxiety?  Some say it can be learned by example – if a man or a woman struggles about many things it is probable that their children can be too.  It can stem from childhood conflicts, present day problems, inferiority, poverty, poor health, death, loneliness, the future and a host of other possibilities.  They can build up in someone’s mind causing extreme anxiety.  Not everyone will react in the same way.  Different people will react differently.  Some are never anxious at all.  For some people there are a multitude of things that cause anxiety, for others it is only one thing.  There are some people within the medical profession who have studied the problem at length and are able to deal with it.  But they can only control not adequately fully deal with it.  We can see the effects and how people respond to it.  They never provide a solution to the problem.  The calendar tells us there are 7 days in a week but really there are only 3.  Well you might say “how do you make that out?”  There are actually only 2 days in a week that should never cause us to worry about – yesterday can never be changed and the other one is tomorrow – no man has the power to affect tomorrow.  We should only be thinking about today which can be faced with God’s help.  “Many things about tomorrow I don’t understand but I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.”  What does God’s word say about anxiety and what to do when the heart is heavy with the cares of life?  1 Peter 5 verse 7 "casting all your care upon him for he careth for you.”  As we look at this text there are 3 simple points to be noted.

The problem – “casting all your care.”  We should note that word “care”.  It means everything that causes us to worry, that burdens us down from day to day.  Peter is calling them to a caution here to those who were worried and anxious.  They were to take note of the fact that trials would come and cause great care and distress.  The problems of life are inevitable. They have come in the past and will come again  in the coming year.  No where does it say we are exempt from trials.  There are no attempt in scriptures to downplay the reality that problems exist.  On the contrary, the word tells us that while we remain in this world problems will stop us.  Job endured many great problems and gave a very accurate description of man’s life – Job 14 verse 1 “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.”  There are many examples of men and women in the bible who faced great trials that developed into cares, concern and anxiety.  Think of Jacob who left his home to escape the anger of his brother Esau.  He claimed he had stolen his birthright and the blessing.  When Jacob came home again he heard Esau was coming with 400 men.  At this point he was immediately filled with anxiety expecting a battle with his brother.  Genesis 32 verse 7 “Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that was with him and the flocks and herds and the camels, into two bands.”  The cause of this anxiety he faced was as a result of broken relationships and guilty consciences.  There are many with similar anxiety in our world today.  Queen Esther is another example of someone who experienced anxiety.  The Jewish people were told of a law about to be passed that would mean they could be executed.  She was planning to risk her own life on behalf of her own people.  Esther 4 verse 4 “Then was the queen exceedingly grieved.”  She faced death and an unknown future.  That is one of the key elements of anxiety.  The caution to be observed.  The command to be obeyed – “casting all your cares upon him.”  Don’t become overwhelmed with anxiety.  When it comes to worrying about the problems of life we face the Lord has one thing to say – don’t.  We must ask ourselves the question – why worry?  I am not suggesting not worrying or not caring about anything.  There are certain issues in life that would cause concern or worry.  It is how we deal with that worry on our minds.  It can fester and cause great anxiety.  Scriptures does teach to some degree that tension in a believers life is in some way necessary for growth and achievement.  1 Peter 1 verse 7.  Growth is sometimes brought about by trials.  The tension of the violin strings must be tuned in proper proportions if the violinist is going to play well.  The archer must pull his arrow back and let it go if he is going to hit the target.  Peter tells his readers “casting all your care upon him.”  What is the alternative if we do not want to be anxious or worried about the cares?

Secondly see the prayer in our text – “casting all your care upon him.”  Casting means giving all the problems, past present and future to the Lord rather than worrying.  We are to seek the Lord in prayer.  We are to acknowledge who he is, what he is able to do.  The one to whom nothing is impossible.  Prayer reveals the picture of a weak child seeking the security of a parent.  Ultimately the believer leaves the worries and cares of life behind, to be honest in the presence of almighty God.  When we get our eyes off our troubles and can focus them on our heavenly father then as he grows larger in our hearts our problems grow smaller in our minds.  When troubles assail in your life we have the ability and access to escape the world of care into the world of prayer.  We can literally go to a place where troubles, sorrows and worries can follow.  Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.  God wants us as his children to pray passionately and fervently.  To pray about things that move their souls.  Pray about the things that touch their hearts – James 5 verse 16 “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”  It is worth noting that Peter was calling on his readers to cast all their care upon the Lord. Not just a few things but casting all your cares upon him.  We pray but the question must be asked – how do we pray?  Specifically and routinely about the things that arise in our lives?. We are good at praying around the issues but not specifically.  We must approach God in heaven in a detailed and specific manner.  He has promised to hear us – Jeremiah 33 verse 3 “Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee mighty things which thou knowest not.”  Peter is telling his readers to take everything to God in prayer. There is nothing too small or too big we cannot bring to the Lord in prayer.  He cares about the big things in life as well as the small things. We must learn to bring all things to God in prayer.  Joseph Scriven was born in Ireland in 1820 and educated in Trinity College Dublin.  He was engaged to be married but the evening before his marriage his fiancé was drowned.  It caused Joseph to begin to follow the teachings of Plymouth Brethren.  He moved to Canada to be a teacher.  He was again engaged to be married when tragedy struck again.  His wife to be passed away from an illness shortly before their marriage.  One day Scriven wrote the words “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to be bear, what  privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer.”  If you have not been bringing things to God in prayer start today.  Call upon him.

Thirdly the promise – verse 7 “for he careth for you.”  This is the reason why we should bring every care and concern to the Lord in prayer.  He watches over us.  He cares for us.  His promise to all who put their trust in him is that he will care for them.  It is wonderful to think he cares for us.  We are privileged.  All our anxieties can be cast on him knowing he cares for us.  The one who remembers the fallen sparrow and hears the ravens when they cry – how will he not be unmindful to us?  Psalm 40 verse 17 “but I am poor and needy yet the Lord thinketh upon me.”  What more could a believer ask for than to know he is never forgotten by God, by the great “I am”.  The world may despise us, the high and mighty may look down on us, the rich forsake us but we can always remember that God will always be mindful of us.  The problems and trials of life have come upon us and we have more to face this incoming year.  How are we going to deal with our anxieties and cares?  When we cast our worry and fear on the Lord.  We must bring the trials of life to him in prayer.  He cares for us therefore he will give us courage to face them, wisdom to understand the situations we are facing.  He gives us the strength to do what we have to do and the faith to leave the rest to him.  “Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee.”  Many years ago a pilot was making a flight around the world.  He heard the noise in his aeroplane and recognised it as the nibbling of a rat.  While his plane was on the ground the rat had managed to find his way in.  For all the pilot knew he could be nibbling through vital cables that controlled the plane.  He became deeply disturbed.  Then he remembered that rats are not made for heights. They are made to live on the ground and beneath the ground.  He began to climb the plane higher.  He went up 1000 feet then another until he was at 2000 feet in the air and the nibbling stopped.  Some hours later he landed safely on the landing field.  He found the dead rat.  Dear friend worry and anxiety is like a rat.  It will nibble and niggle at you and it will destroy your life and steal your joy.  Worry and anxiety cannot survive in the secret place of the most high.  It cannot live in an atmosphere saturated in prayer and influence of the word of God.  Our worry, fear and anxiety will vanish when we flee to the Lord in prayer.  “Casting all your care upon him for he careth for you.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The miracle of the feeding of the 5000

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SERMON NOTES SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER 2023

JOHN 6 VERSES 1 – 14

One of the most outstanding features of the Saviour’s public ministry was his ability to connect with multitudes of people.  This is what happened here.  We see the Son of God being followed by a great multitude.  They saw the mighty miracles he performed and were attracted to him.  These people in our story were hungry and had no food.  5000 people had nothing to eat.  The situation was desperate.  It was a great opportunity for Jesus to shine forth.  He could have solved the food problem by creating food for the occasion.  He is after all the creator of the universe.  He had no problem in creating food to feed 5000 people.  This miracle is recorded in each of the 4 gospels and I want to use all 4 recordings to bring out a number of truths.

The supplies.  God’s Son took the supplies that were available and created what was needed to feed a great number of people.  The source of the supplies was a lad.  Each of the gospels record 5 loaves and 2 fishes but John is only one who informs us where they came from.  A small boy, obscure, unnoticed in the vast crowd of 5000 people yet he was noted.  Andrew said “there is a lad here”.  You may feel obscure, insignificant, someone never noticed but the fact is this – the Lord knows all about you, where you live, your qualifications, your occupation.  You are his property therefore he can take you places and put you in mighty positions.  The lad was small and so were the supplies – verse 9.  5 barley loaves and 2 small fishes.  Compared to this crowd of people this lunch was small as far as the disciples and multitude were concerned.  It was no good, not adequate to meet the need.  The lad’s lunch was despised because of its size.  As you will see at the end of verse 9 “but what are they among so many?”  Are we living in an age that is overtaken by the large and super things?  People want the big jobs – the best pay, the largest house, the greatest car, the small will not do.  Yet we are told in God’s word to not despise the day of small things – Zechariah 4 verse 10.  The Lord is not interested in quantity but quality.  It is not about bigness or fame, rather it is about quality and character.  Things may be small but we are not to despise them.  The Sunday School may be small.  Church attendance may be small, meetings may be badly attended.  Insignificant.  We are to cherish them all.  Little is much when God is in it.  The supplies from the lad were not only small but they were surrendered.  He didn't have very much but he was willing to give whatever he had for the Lord and he made it count.  Matthew 14 verse 18 – “bring them hither to me.”  Before the Lord could work the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish they had to be completely surrendered to him.  If we want to have the Lord perform miracles in our lives we must surrender all to him.  Have you surrendered all to the Lord?  Have you surrendered to the Lord?  The Lord has asked you to surrender.  Have you given your heart and life to him?  Are you saved tonight?  The giving was small.  Surrendered but it was sacrificial.  He gave everything he had.  He didn’t withhold anything the Lord asked him to give.

The steps.  The master took a number of significant steps.  Luke could say in chapter 9 verse 16 “looking up to heaven he blessed them and brake” before he multiplied the food.  He thanked his father in heaven.  Matthew and Mark both record that Jesus blessed the food.  John gave thanks.  All the gospels clearly tell us to give thanks for the food before it is eaten.  It is good to give thanks to God before we eat.  We need to honour the Lord by acknowledging him as the source of all our blessings.  Ephesians 5 verse 20 “giving thanks for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  He did it in public.  When he received the 5 loaves and 2 fishes he didn’t depart into the mountain alone to pray.  No, the master stayed with the disciples and multitude of people.  He gave thanks for the food in public.  It is good to give thanks in private but also in public.  Do we pause for a moment, bow our heads and give thanks for what is set before us?  Child of God we should never cower in public eating places when it comes to giving thanks to God.  If God has blessed us in public it is our duty to give blessing in public.  We see also the breaking.  In Luke 9 verse 16 we read “then he took the 5 loaves and 2 fishes and looking up to heaven he blessed them and brake.”  They had to be broken before the blessing.  Breaking can be a painful process but necessary as far as the Lord is concerned.  There must be breaking before there can be making.  How true for the child of God.  Their breaking can be their making.  Christian friends you would be of no use to the Lord if never broken before him.  We must allow the Lord to break us and shape us into his glory.  We will be of no use before God if not broken.  The roof had to be broken before the man was lowered.  The alabaster oil had to be broken before Jesus was anointed.  The Lord must first of all break us before he can work in our lives.  The supplies, the steps.

Thirdly, we see the service.  After multiplying the food he gave it to the disciples with the purpose of distributing it to the people.  The breaking of the food gave them an opportunity for them to be blessed by the master.  In essence the Saviour did not need the disciples.  If he had the power to multiply the food then he had power to distribute the food.  He called on the disciples to help.  An opportunity to put their talents to good use by serving.  God doesn’t need us but he grants us, each of us, a wonderful privilege of being involved in his work.  If you refuse to be part of God’s work you are missing out on blessing the Almighty gives us.  An opportunity to serve in order that we might experience blessing.  The disciples had to receive from the Saviour before they could give food to the multitudes.  Before we can serve and give to others we must receive from the Lord.  The disciples knew what it was to be followers of Jesus and serve him.  Do you?  They received from him and that enabled them to serve him.  Have you received from the Lord?  Have you obtained his so great salvation?  Salvation comes before service and commitment to the truth.  It comes before commitment to the task.  Jesus says “come unto me” before he says “go into all the world”.  We must receive from the Lord first.  That is the requirement of true service.  The responsibility for service is to give.  Their responsibility was to give to the people what Jesus gave them to share.  The same applies to us.  We are to share.  We receive in order to give to others.  Child of God has the Lord given you many talents and gifts?  Don’t cleave to them for your own enjoyment.  Share them.  They have been given with the purpose of being a blessing to others.  The disciples had to share and they also had to be steadfast to give.  It multiplied exceedingly what the Lord gave to them.  Under no circumstances were they to substitute or keep some back for themselves.  There is a challenge here for the preacher.  He is to preach the full counsel of God.  Everything that he receives from the Lord and from his word must be preached.  He is not to hold back.  When writing in Acts 20 verse 27  Paul said  “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”

Fourthly, the satisfaction.  John 6 verse 12 “when they were filled”.  Matthew 14 verse 20 “they did all eat and were filled.”  From these verses the food supply was sufficient.  It fed the great multitude.  It satisfied their hunger.  Sufficient in all that the people had.  They were satisfied and filled.  Not one among them who refused to take the master’s adequate supply was left unsatisfied.  They all had enough. Every single one of them reached out and were blessed in abundance.  What a great picture of the gospel.  The finished work of Jesus bought at Calvary is sufficient for all.  No-one was excluded.  Everyone is welcomed to reach out for sufficient salvation.  Have you reached out and received so great a salvation?  The redemption that Jesus offers you tonight is sufficient to satisfy spiritual hunger and all your sin.  Are you refusing to partake of the sufficient sacrifice Jesus offers?  If someone had left the hillside that day hungry and not satisfied it would have been their own fault.  Unsaved friend if you leave this meeting unsaved and not satisfied it is not the Saviour’s fault.  It is not my fault.  It is not the church’s fault.  It is your own.  Jesus has provided and distributed but it is up to you to receive it.  The man Christ Jesus is the answer.  He was the answer to the food problem and he is the answer to the sin problem in our land tonight.  Are you going to reach out tonight and touch the Lord as he goes by? 

The master’s great ability to connect to this great company of people.  They were attracted to him and received compassion from him.  They were satisfied because of him.  Have you been drawn towards the Saviour?  Have you received from him?  Are you satisfied?  Jesus said “I am the bread of life, he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”