CHOSEN for the MOST VITAL of MINISTRIES —Luke 1:5-25
Attention:
There were two evil brothers. They were rich & used their money to keep their ways from the public eye. They even attended the same church & looked to be perfect Christians but the pastor was wise to their charade.
Their church began a fund-raising campaign to build a new sanctuary.
Unexpectedly, one of the brothers died. The remaining brother sought out the pastor to perform the funeral. The day before the funeral, the brother promised the pastor a check for the amount needed to finish paying for the new building....
"I have only one condition," he said....
"At his funeral, you must say my brother was a saint." The pastor hesitated but gave his word, knowing the church’s need for the money.
The next day at the funeral, the pastor did not hold back. "He was an evil man," he said. "He cheated on his wife & abused his family, was a drunk, sold illegal drugs, treated his employees like abject slaves...."
After going on in this vein, painting a grim picture of the deceased, the surviving brother, seated on the front row caught the attention of the pastor. He pulled out his checkbook, removed the check for the $250,000, & signaled to the pastor that he was going to rip it apart.
The pastor then quickly ended by saying, "But, compared to his brother, he was a saint."
That pastor was chosen for the most vital of ministries!
Any of us could be chosen for the same.
Need:
Despondency, purposelessness, uselessness, I’ve missed my opportunity, too old, etc...
To recognize that God can use even us for something profoundly wonderful!
Zacharias & Elizabeth were 2 servants of God thru whom He chose to fulfill His plan of salvation for mankind.
God used Zacharias & Elizabeth to initiate His plan of salvation for mankind.
God chooses people for His most vital of ministries.
When are God’s people chosen for the most vital of ministries?
Those chosen for the most vital of ministries arise in the midst of...
1—You may be chosen for the most vital of ministries in the midst of...
POLITICAL UPHEAVAL(:5)
Explanation:(:5)
:5—“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, & her name was Elizabeth.”
Herod the Great—Appointed ‘King of the Jews’ by senate—37BC-4 BC(death)—Born in southern Palestine. Received his commission to reign from Mark Antony(a lifelong friend) & the Roman senate. in 40BC. His military conquest of Jerusalem in 37AD officially began his reign.
He brought the blessings of Roman political system—Certain freedoms protected thru ubiquitous military enforcement.
He also built the Temple known as ‘Herod’s Temple.’
Personally—Paranoid/Fearful for his position/Meglomaniac(obsessed with his own power). How does someone of that stripe treat his citizens?
Israel was an occupied nation, whose boundaries were determined by the Roman political system....Cities renamed....Soldiers everywhere....Martial law abounded.
Zacharias = “Remembered of Jehovah”....
—Allowed to fulfill his God-appointed priestly duties.
—Had a godly wife...Elisabeth = "Oath of God"
*Political upheaval involves the lack of freedom. It puts people on edge. They cannot trust current support systems & are wary of them. They must place their trust elsewhere. They may even look to God.
1Tim. 2:1-2— “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties & prayers, petitions & thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings & all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil & quiet life in all godliness & dignity.”
Human freedoms can aid but are not essential to the success of God’s plan.
In fact—‘The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church’—Tertullian (160-225 AD)
Circumstance is not irrelevant but it is secondary to God’s ability.
?What happens to the church in countrys closed to the Gospel?...Who do not allow the Bible to be possessed by its citizens? Where God’s truth is not allowed to be spoken of favorably?...Does God use them?...YES!
*It is unpopular to hear from God, particularly if it speaks negatively of the governing parties.
Argumentation:
Abraham was constantly on the move from occupied land to occupied land.
The nation of Israel arose in political conflict.
Israel was divided against itself(Israel & Judah) & constantly battled militarily.
The Major prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel—all prophesied in uncertain times—as did the Minor prophets...
Isaiah(739-701?BC)...Assyria & Egypt were at odds & exerting their influence in the region. Assyria deported over 27,000 Israelites during this time.
Ezekiel(593BC-573BC)...Political jockeying between Babylon & Egypt resulted in his being taken captive(597BC) by Nebuchadnezzar. Jerusalem besieged & fell(587BC) to Nebuchadnezzar.
Daniel(605BC-536BC)...He was taken captive by the Babylonians(605BC). The nations of Israel had been exiled to other areas of Mesopotamia.
*What better time is there to offer people Hope(in Christ) than when they have discovered that this world offers no hope.
Illustration:
Our moving from Whigham, GA to Zephyrhills, FL/Rented a U-haul/Stick shift—Manual gear change & Double clutch!/I unfamilar with dbl-clutch/Changing gears a challenge/The load is jockeyed around & shaken/My packing techniques are tested/Integrity of the furniture is tested/But the load remains the same/POLITICAL UPHEAVAL
Application:
?You be Chosen in the midst of POLITICAL UPHEAVAL?
?God choose YOU for His most vital of ministries?
2— You may be chosen for the most vital of ministries in the midst of...
DEDICATED LIVING(:6)
Explanation:(:6) Committed/Devoted
:6—“And they were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments & requirements of the Lord.”
Both Zacharias & Elizabeth had every right to expect the favor of God in that they were priestly decendants. Further, Zacharias himself was an active priest. Both Zacharias & Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes.
“They were both righteous before God” in that they lived in the power of not just keeping all the commandments & requirements of the Lord but in that they were continually “walking” in these. They walked in the word in a manner that made them “blameless.” Their trust in God was reflected in their individual lifestyles as well as in their unified lifestyle. A couple that openly exemplified all that trust in God means.
Your commitment/dedication is witnessed by others.
“Righteous”—dikaiov—Righteous, observing divine laws—1a) In a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God—1a1) Of those who seem to themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves in their virtues, whether real or imagined, 1a2) Innocent, faultless, guiltless,1a3) Used of him whose way of thinking, feeling, & acting is wholly conformed to the will of God, & who therefore needs no rectification in the heart or life—1a3a) Only Christ truly,,1a4) Approved of or acceptable of God.
“Before”—enwpion—In the presence of, before—1a) Of occupied place: in that place which is before, or over against, opposite, any one & towards which another turns his eyes.
“Walking”—poreuomai—To lead over, carry over, transfer—1a) to pursue the journey on which one has entered, to continue on one’s journey, 1b) To depart from life—1c) To follow one, that is: become his adherent—1c1) To lead or order one’s life. Expresses motion in general, often confined within certain limits, or giving prominence to the bearing; hence the regular word for the march of an army.
“Commandments”—entolh—1) An order, command, charge, precept, injunction—1a) That which is prescribed to one by reason of his office, 2) A commandment—2a) A prescribed rule in accordance with which a thing is done—2a1) A precept relating to lineage, of the Mosaic precept concerning the priesthood, 2a2) Ethically used of the commandments in the Mosaic law or Jewish tradition. More specific than nomov(law), being used of a particular command.
“Ordinances”—dikaiwma—1) That which has been deemed right so as to have force of law—1a) What has been established, & ordained by law, an ordinance,1b) A judicial decision, sentence— 1b1) Of God—1b1a) Either the favorable judgment by which He acquits man & declares them acceptable to Him, 1b1b) Unfavorable: sentence of condemnation, 2) A righteous act or deed.
“Blameless”—amemptov—Blameless, deserving no censure, free from fault or defect. From—a—negative particle & —memfomai—To blame, find fault.
Argumentation:
Prov. 16:3— “Commit your works to the LORD, And your plans will be established.”
Ps. 37:5— “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, & He will do it.”
Lk. 16:15—To the Pharisees—“And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.”
Js. 3:11-12— “Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh & bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh.”
2Tim. 2:20-21—“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold & silver, but also of wood & clay, some for honor & some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified & useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”
Hab. 2:4—““Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.”
Titus 2:11-12—“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness & worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, & godly in the present age,”
Illustration:
Your commitment is seen by others...
In Cairo, GA/@Plantation Ford(now out of business)/Mechanics drove Chevrolets-Toyotas-Dodges/Christians can do the same thing—Speak of God, yet live in the flesh/Where is the DEDICATED LIVING?
Youth Trip to Judgment house in Dothan, AL/At mall—‘Remember who you are, Act like Christians, please!’/DEDICATED LIVING
Application:
?You be Chosen in the midst of DEDICATED LIVING?
?God choose YOU for His most vital of ministries?
3— You may be chosen for the most vital of ministries in the midst of...
PERSONAL DISAPPOINTMENT(:7, 25)
Explanation:(:7, 25)Slighted/Hurt/Disgrace
:7—“But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, & they were both well advanced in years.”
PRIVATE
“They had no child”
Though they were both lived rightly before God & though He found no fault in them, they did not have even one child. Elizabeth was barren(couldn’t have children).
This was an older couple for they were “well advanced in years.”
“Barren”—steirov—1) Hard, stiff—1a) Of men & animals; 2) Barren—2a) of woman who does not conceive. From—stereov—Strong, firm, immovable, solid, hard, rigid, i.e. solid, stable, unchanging.
“Well advanced/Well stricken/”—probainw—To go/walk forward, go on, advance.
“Years”—hmera—Day(s), time.
:25—““Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.””
PUBLIC
“My reproach among men”
“Reproach/Disgrace”—oneidov—1) Reproach; 2) Shame. Strong—Notoriety, i.e. a taunt (disgrace):-- reproach.
‘Rebuke or disapproval’ -OR- Shame—‘Conciousness of guilt, shortcoming or impropriety.’
Argumentation:—Failure/Unmet Expectations
Jn. 9:1-5—“Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.””
Rom. 5:3-5—“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; & perseverance, character; & character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Ps 62:5-8—“My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock & my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation & my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”
Php 4:10-13—“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, & I know how to abound. Everywhere & in all things I have learned both to be full & to be hungry, both to abound & to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Illustration:
A godly Christian couple chosen(of God) to raise a handicapped child/Its commonplace for doctors & hospitals to expect testing for abnormalities when you’re pregnant/We resign ourselves to their ‘cures’(many of which are unconscionable)/God’s people must resign ourselves to PERSONAL DISAPPOINTMENTs
PERSONAL DISAPPOINTMENT—I’ve spoken with numerous lost people who shy away from God for this very reason/They see evil & cannot reconcile it with a loving God/They do not grasp the ‘good’ of the finished product of creation....because They do not grasp the significance of ‘the Fall’ of creation/They do not realize that heaven awaits but it cannot reside in the presence of sin.
Testimonies/What makes them so powerful?/The Disappointment?—NO!/Acceptance of God’s Forgiveness coupled with overcoming what previously destroyed us—Loneliness, Pointlessness, Purposelessness, Confusion, Lack of understanding, Inability to find your niche, Inability todiscover who you are—God absolutely Blesses on the other side of these!/PERSONAL DISAPPOINTMENT
Application:
?You be Chosen in the midst of PERSONAL DISAPPOINTMENT?
?God choose YOU for His most vital of ministries?
4— You may be chosen for the most vital of ministries in the midst of...
SPIRITUAL DUTY to the Lord(:8-9)
Explanation:(:8-9) Obligation/Work/
:8—“So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division,””
Zacharias’ time had come to serve in the temple in Jerusalem. The levitical priests served, for 2- 1-week periods each year.’ ‘24 yearly divisions/courses were subdivided into orders. Each order served a daily rotation during its week of service at the temple. Each rotation consisted of 4-9 priestly houses or families.’ Zacharias’ house was serving its week.
They also served during the major(Unleavened Bread(including Passover), Weeks(Firstfruits/Harvest), & Ingathering festivals.
Incense would be offered with the whole burnt offering[consecration of the nation & expiation of sin] twice per day at sunrise & dusk. There were many priests & it was an extreme privilege to offer the incense as it would occur only once in a priest’s lifetime.—Darrell Bock
The incense offering coincided with a set time for prayer at the temple.
Each rotation consisted of 4-9 priestly houses or families.’ Zacharias’ house was serving its week.
“Serving as priest/Executed the priest’s office/Performing his priestly service”—ierateuw—To be a priest, discharge the office of a priest, to be busied in sacred duties. Used 1X.
“Order”—taxiv—Strong—Regular arrangement, i.e. (in time) Fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity:-- Order.
“Division/Course”—efhmeria—1) A service limited to a stated series of days; 2) The class or course itself of priests who for a week at a time performed the duties of the priestly office. David divided the priests into twenty four classes, each of which in its turn discharged the duties of the office for an entire week, from sabbath to sabbath. Strong—Diurnality, i.e. (specially) the quotidian rotation or class of the Jewish priests’ service at the Temple, as distributed by families:-- Course.
:9—“according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.””
Certain tasks were NOT relegated to predetermined persons. Lots were drawn to determine those who would take care of these tasks. “The lot fell to” Zacharias for burning incense.
The incense was burnt to represent the prayers of the people. As a sweet-smelling aroma to God. A physical visible representation/picture of God’s people seeking His knowledge, guidance, presence.
“Custom”—eyov—1) Custom, manner; 2) Usage prescribed by habit or law, institute, prescription, rite.
“Priesthood”—ierateia—1) The priesthood, the office of a priest. Used 2X.
“Lot”—lagcanw—1) To obtain by lot—1a) To receive by divine allotment, obtain; 2) To cast lots, determine by lot.
“Burn incense”—yumiaw—To fumigate, i.e. Offer aromatic fumes:-- Burn incense. Used 1X.
“Temple”—naov—1) Used of the temple at Jerusalem, but only of the sacred edifice (or sanctuary) itself, consisting of the Holy place & the Holy of Holies (in classical Greek it is used of the sanctuary or cell of the temple, where the image of gold was placed which is distinguished from the whole enclosure); 2) Any heathen temple or shrine; 3) metaph. Strong—From a primary naiw (to dwell); A fane, shrine, temple :-- Shrine, temple. As opposed to— ieron— A sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas naov denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the Temple (at Jerusalem or elsewhere):-- Temple.
Many obligations are upon God’s people....
PERFORMANCE:
“while he was serving as priest before God”—Engagement, Involvement
EXPECTATION:
“In the order of his division”—Commitment
LIMITED:
“According to the custom of the priesthood”—Routine
Giftedness ‘limits’ us to God’s perfect will if employed.
STRESS:
“His lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord”—
Anticipation, Reckoning day
Argumentation:
Ps. 62:12— “And lovingkindness is Thine, O Lord, For Thou dost recompense a man according to his work.”
*Ps. 90:17— “And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And do confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.”
1Cor. 3:11-15— “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; & the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.”
Illustration:
Ministry to— Bed babies—Pre-schoolers—Youth—Young Adults—Adults—Seniors....Lost—Shut-ins—Addicted—Poor—Afflicted....
Sunday School or Bible Study—Worship—Prayer meeting/We may become convinced of some task God desires in us/SPIRITUAL DUTY
Frustrations arise when members say they will serve yet will not perform their SPIRITUAL DUTY.
Application:
?You be Chosen in the midst of SPIRITUAL DUTY?
?God choose YOU for His most vital of ministries?
CONCLUSION:
Visualization:
"But, compared to his brother, he was a saint."
The pastor chosen for the most vital of ministries!
Action:
You may be chosen for the most vital of ministries in the midst of...
1—POLITICAL UPHEAVAL(:5)
2—DEDICATED LIVING(:6)
3—PERSONAL DISAPPOINTMENT(:7,25)
4—SPIRITUAL DUTY to the Lord(:8-9)
Presented 09/05/2010pm to:
Needmore Baptist Church
1620 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Woodleaf, NC 27054
Presented 10/22/00am to;
Providence Baptist Church
975 Providence Road
Whigham, GA 31797
