Always Consult The Lord First

I. EXORDIUM:

Have you done anything without consulting the LORD?

II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:

New leaders with ministry

III. OBJECTIVES:

To remind leaders to always consult the LORD first in everything they do.

IV. TEXT:

Joshua 9:14 (NLT)

14 So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.

Pray: Oh Father-heart GOD, help and enable us to always consult You first in everything we say and do.

V. THESIS:

Always consult the LORD first in everything before you act.

VI. TITLE:

Always Consult The LORD First

VII. EXPLICATION:

A. Author: Joshua (uncertain)

B. Key Thought: How to be successful in the battle of life? (Joshua 1:8-9)

Joshua 1:8-9 (NLT)

8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

C. Leading Topic: Conquest and Division of the land of Canaan

VIII. MAIN BODY:

A. Acting on your own:

1. Leaders are doing this.

2. It's called rebellion (Isaiah 30:1-2)

Isaiah 30:1-2 (NLT)

1 “What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.

2 For without consulting me, you have gone down to Egypt for help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection. You have tried to hide in his shade.

3. It's not dependent on the LORD (Proverbs 28:26, Hosea 10:13, Matthew 26:33, Luke 18:4, 1 Corinthians 10:12)

Proverbs 28:26 (NLT)

26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

Hosea 10:13 (NLT)

13 “But you have cultivated wickedness and harvested a thriving crop of sins. You have eaten the fruit of lies— trusting in your military might, believing that great armies could make your nation safe.

Matthew 26:33 (NLT)

33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”

Luke 18:4 (NLT)

4 The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people,

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT)

12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

4. Illustration: Pharisee and Tax collector (Luke 18:10-14)

Luke 18:10-14 (NLT)

10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.

11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!

12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’

14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

B. Without consulting the LORD first:

1. We can replace GOD with wealth and skill (Jeremiah 48:7)

Jeremiah 48:7 (NLT)

7 Because you have trusted in your wealth and skill, you will be taken captive. Your god Chemosh, with his priests and officials, will be hauled off to distant lands!

2. Trusting in self rather than GOD (Zephaniah 2:15, Proverbs 28:26, Isaiah 47:8)

Zephaniah 2:15 (NLT)

15 This is the boisterous city, once so secure. “I am the greatest!” it boasted. “No other city can compare with me!” But now, look how it has become an utter ruin, a haven for wild animals. Everyone passing by will laugh in derision and shake a defiant fist.

Proverbs 28:26

26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Isaiah 47:8

Now therefore hear this, you lover of pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, "I am, and there is no one besides me; I shall not sit as a widow or know the loss of children":

3. Trust in the LORD (Psalms 4:5)

Psalms 4:5

Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.

a. With all heart, not in own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths.

b. Trust in the LORD JESUS CHRIST (John 14:1, Hebrews 2:13)