INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. To Correct the Social Problems of Samaria
2. To Correct the Spousal Problems of Samaria
3. To Correct the Spiritual Problems of Samaria
Remarks.
1. In the lesson today we will be discussing the theme: "I Must Need Go through Samaria." This is an important subject because it deals with three ills which plagued the city of Samaria, as they now plague our cities today. Jesus felt a compelling need to journey through Samaria on his return trip to Galilee. This was not the only route into Galilee; he could have gone by way of the sea, or the mountain range bordering Samaria. It was not because of geography he had to go this way unto Galilee. But there were some things in Samaria that deserved our Lord’s immediate and uncompromising attention. He had a rendezvous with destiny!
2. First, Jesus had to correct the social problems that prevailed in Samaria and Jerusalem. The Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus would break down a barrier to open to all the opportunities to the Kingdom of God. As you know, up until this time, he and the disciples were laboring under a "limited commission." Jesus would use this visit in this city to expand his message and healing beyond the nation of Israel. Truly, if every soul is to be subject to the kingdom of God, its terms of obedience and promises of eternal life; then, his presence and his work in Samaria and the other cities, must be felt. Jesus had to go through Samaria, to make them aware of the good news; and show his compassion for them.
3. Secondly, Jesus had to address the spousal problems in Samaria. The woman at the well would hear news regarding her marriages and how she could with all her problems be allowed to drink of the “living water.” Jesus is that: “Water which springs up into eternal life.” Truly, the grace of God is able to cover and forgive all sins -even the sin of being married 5 times and divorced and even having lived with a man unmarried. He came to preach a gospel of deliverance from all sins! Some ministers would have to stop teaching, when they learned of this woman’s marital condition -but not Jesus; He kept teaching the woman!
4. Finally, Jesus had to correct the spiritual problems that plagued Samaria. They were ill informed on how and where to worship God. Jesus would tell the woman at the well where the Samaritans would worship the true God; and how they are to worship Him and that was “in spirit and in truth.” Worship involves not only the “truth” but also the human “spirit.” Here we mean not just the acts of worship; but a spirit of reverence and joy in our adoration and praise to God. David said: “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go up into the house of the Lord,” Psalms 122:1. There must be joy and exhortation in our worship and devotion unto God. “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice,” Philippians 4:4. With this introduction, let’s consider point one, “to correct the social problems of Samaria.”
BODY OF LESSON
I TO CORRECT THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF SAMARIA
A. The first reason why Jesus had to journey through Samaria was to correct some social problems there. We need him to come through our city today, don't we? Apparently, this city is like many, they found it hard to get along with their neighbors. Notice:
1. First, this was abundantly clear when the woman said: "How is it that thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me, which is a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans,” John 4:9.
2. Further, their idol worship and pagan wives have separated them from their Jewish roots. They were despised, as were the “publicans and sinners” by the Jews.
3. Finally, Jesus needed to change the Jewish perceptions of their neighbors, if truly they were to be "fellow citizen with the saints, and of the household of God," Ephesians 2:19. He would do it first by his actions; and later through His teaching.
a. Luke wrote: "The former treatises have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach," Acts 1:1.
b. The Lord’s teaching was always as a result of His practices. He was a leader that was leading through His examples.
c. Illustrate: Don’t tell the church to love, show them how; don’t tell them to give more, show them how; don’t tell them to be faithful, show them how!
d. Recall Paul: “Faithful men, teach faithful men, to be faithful,” 2 Timothy 2:2.
B. The Limited Commission. Jesus and his disciples were preaching under the “Limited Commission” during the time of their visit to Samaria. What did this mean?
1. Jesus’ Commission to the twelve: "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and raise the dead, and cast out demons. Freely have you received, freely give,” Matthew 10:5-7.
2. Jesus’ expanded this Commission. While Jesus was preaching in the region of Tyre and Sidon; He honored a Syrophoenician -woman’s faith. Notice:
a. First, the woman’s daughter was vexed with an unclean spirit. She followed him and asked that he cast out the demon. Jesus said unto her: “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” Matthew 15:24.
b. Further, “Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord Help me. But he answered and said: it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table,” Matthew 15:25-27.
c. Finally, He said unto her: “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour,” Matthew 15:28; Mark 7:24-30. Her persistency and faith compelled the Lord to heal her child.
d. Some writers believe she was a Gentile woman. She was called a “Canaanite woman,” in Matthew 15:22. This healing caused the work of Jesus to move beyond the “Limited Commission” in order to instruct the twelve of their upcoming work.
C. A prelude to the Great Commission. Jesus is now teaching by example regarding the doctrine of the broadness of the kingdom of God. For his church would include both Jews and Gentiles; Samaritans and Greeks. His kingdom would include all -even the outcast of the Jewish society, like this Canaanite and Samaritan woman. Jesus has opened the door of the kingdom unto people, other than Jews. Notice:
1. First, Jesus says: "And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom (Israel), shall be cast out into outer darkness; and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth," Matthew 8:11-12.
2. Further, Jesus shared the "living water" unto the Samaritan Woman. By this, He makes it clear, not only were men to be members of His kingdom; but also women. The “water of life,” John 4:10-14; John 7:38-39; Revelations 22:17.
a. The Samaritans and others would hear and obey the gospel and be granted membership, in the kingdom (church) of Christ, Acts 1:8; Acts 8:4: Acts 8:5-12.
b. Illustrate: Philip preaching in Samaria. Philip was building upon the foundation of the Lord’s work in that city, John 4:35-43. Illustrate: Fields White Already to Harvest. Christ had sown; now Philip is reaping the harvest. Praise God!
3. Finally, Paul writes to the Galatians: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise," Galatians 3:28-29; Daniel 2:44; and Isaiah 2:2-3.
D. But who were these Samaritans? They were the descendants of those carried into bondage by the Assyrians (General Sargon, captured Samaria in 722 BC, carrying 27,290 of its inhabitants into captivity). These are people who had married strange women; and worship strange gods while in Assyria. Many classed the Samaritans as dogs; and the dregs of society. But Jesus reference to them was always with compassion; even as people which showed compassion and gratitude to others. Notice:
1. Who is my neighbor? Illustrate: The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37. Jesus teaches this lawyer and His disciples about their relationship with these Samaritans.
2. One of the 10 lepers healed was a Samaritan, Luke 17:11-19. He was a man of gratitude; the only man healed that returned to thank the Lord for his cleansing.
3. His discussion with the woman began, “after his disciples had left... (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat)," John 4:8.
4. Later, they returned: "And upon this came his disciples, and marveled that he talked with the woman; yet no man said, what seeketh thou or, why talketh thou with her?" See John 4:27. This was a gross violation of a Rabbi’s contact with a woman in public; especially with a Samaritan woman.
E. How does this translate for us today? We need Jesus to come to Arizona, Alabama and other states and cities to help resolve some of its social problems. There are numerous indifferences that divide the people of God; as well as this nation. They come in several forms of social problems today; to mention a few, they are family, cultural, political and religious. Notice:
1. First, family members. Jesus had to address the problem of family with his disciples during His ministry. Remember: “The mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John), came to Him with her sons...and ask that they be allowed to sit on his right hand and left in his glory. He replied...it is not for me to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by my Father,” Matthew 20:20-28.
a. This request caused a great problem among the other disciples. Notice: “And when the ten heard this, they were moved with indignation against the two brothers,” Matthew 20:26. Mother’s be careful what ye ask of God, for your sons.
b. Paul had a problem with Barnabas over John Mark, a family member. There was a great contention between Paul and Barnabas because of John. John departed from the work in Pamphylia, Acts 15:36-40.
c. We cannot be influenced by family members in the Lord’s work. Showing partiality to family members can cause strife and confusion in the Body of Christ.
d. Remember Paul: “Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy),” Romans 12:9.
2. Further, cultural indifferences. Peter and other Jews had a problem of indifference over the Galatians because of the “men from James,” Galatians 2:11-13. This is an example of “dissimulation or (hypocrisy).” Notice:
a. Peter and others withdrew themselves from the Gentiles; and refused to eat with them while James and the others “of the circumcision” were in Antioch. The apostles were being influenced by the world; rather than influencing the world.
b. Paul withstood Peter to his face. We cannot allow social indifference; prejudices and unchristian behavior to affect how we deal with each other in the church.
c. We must all walk upright according to the gospel of Christ.
d. When good people do not standup against wrong and injustice; they become common place in the church, the workplace and in other parts of our society.
e. Illustrate: God’s no Respecter of Person, James 2:1-10. To show, “partiality or respect of persons ye commit sin, being exposed by the law as transgressors."
3. Next, political parties. Some hold their political differences closer to their hearts than the Lord. As Christians in America we need to love God first; our neighbors, and then ourselves, Matthew 22:37-40. We must cherish God over political party affiliations; and right over wrong in the church and everyday life. FAITH BEFORE POLITICS!
a. The Pope's visit several years ago, reminded us that as Americans; we need to work together to solve the nation's many problems. Together we can eliminate hunger, unemployment, medical illnesses, racial divisions and other problems.
b. Political indifferences breed hatred and prejudices; that infect our country's national wellbeing. These attitudes prevail when good people remain silent!
1) The late George H.W. Bush once remarked regarding hatred: "Hatred corrodes the container that it is carried in." A quote made in remarks given by Alan Simpson, a political friend, at his Memorial Service, December 5, 2018.
2) One cannot hate, and not become infected by it. Only the love of Christ, can remove hatred and prejudice from the human heart! America is still embroiled in racism, starting at the highest levels of government and religion.
c. We need the Spirit of Christ back in the White House; in the Congress and in the Courts, Romans 8:9; Romans 8:14. POLITICAL PERSECUTION V. RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION!
d. Evangelical influences into the nation's political system. This has become a great evil; this religious body now attempts to influence the nation's political system with their misguided beliefs. It was this type of interference many religious people fled to America, to break free from religious persecutions.
e. Illustrate: Abortion verses human rights (Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973)). The courts are being stacked with men that are being influenced by evangelical views in order to overturn this landmark legislation. Remember, the "separation of church and state?”
1) America is a diverse nation, with all types of religious views.
2) We cannot permit one religious group to impose their views (abortion, homophobia, etc.) on the nation.
3) We must push back on these types of political influences from all religious groups. They align themselves with political groups for corrupted Intents, and become enablers for evil and deceitful works within these political systems.
f. Religious leaders. From all walks of life; must never align themselves to any politician (President or congressional leaders) or political party; whose goal it is, to deny the rights and freedom of others.
1) The late Billy Graham learned this truth the hard way, it is reported that after the Watergate Scandal: “Rev. Billy Graham admitted in his later years that he had learned a hard lesson after the Watergate scandal exposed his cozy complicity with President Richard M. Nixon: Pastors should not become too enmeshed with politicians and (with) partisan politics. Looking back I know I sometimes crossed the line, and I wouldn’t do that now,” he said during an interview with the magazine, Christianity Today, in 2011.
2) His son Franklin Graham has not heeded his father's advice: “Among Mr. Trump’s most vocal evangelical supporters, few are as high-profile as Billy Graham’s eldest son and the heir to his ministry, the Rev. Franklin Graham, who is 65.” The same article, above.
3) President Trump and evangelical hypocrisy: “Now, the movements that he helped spawn is divided over the very danger that Mr. Graham — who died...at age 99 — had warned about. Evangelicals have become locked to a tight embrace with President Trump and the Republican Party, and some of them are now asking whether they have compromised the Gospel message.” The same article, above.
4) Ye cannot serve two masters. Jesus said: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon,” Matthew 6:24.
a) Evangelicals have compromised their faith in Christ; to obtain favorable legislation from the President and the Republican Party.
b) President Trump's policies on immigration and boarder security are racists and discriminatory. And evangelical leaders and voters, are in full support of these behaviors. Christians cannot walk on both sides of truth, Matthew 12:30.
c) They have become the servants of men; and no longer, the servants of Christ, Galatians 1:10-12. For the entire article, see the reference and link below.
5) Reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/26/us/billy-graham-franklin-graham-trump.html.
4. Finally, religious divisions. “I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas, I am of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 1:10-15. Paul asked: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” We must be careful not to elevate preachers or (baptizers) over Christ (into whom we were baptized). It is not who baptized us that is important; but into whom we were baptized – that is, into Jesus Christ, Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:3-7. Let’s notice our next thought: “To correct the Spousal Problems of Samaria.”
II TO CORRECT THE SPOUSAL PROBLEMS OF SAMARIA
A. The next problem Jesus had to correct in Samaria was that of marriage, and the husband's relationship to his wife. There existed a spousal problem in Samaria, as well as in Jerusalem. I know in just one lesson on this subject is not going to fix all the problems we might find regarding it in the church, our city or state. However we must deal with such problems in the church and in people’s lives. Notice:
1. First, again this is clear from the woman’s comment to Jesus when he instructed her to: "Go call thy husband, and come hither." And she replied: "I have no husband."
2. Further, Jesus reminds her that she was married 5 times, divorced by each husband; and now just living with a man. Notice: "Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband; for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband; in that saidst thou truly," John 4:16-19.
3. Next, under Jewish law, it was customary that the man held the right to divorce; but, not the woman. The wife was bound to the husband as long as he was alive. Only after death is she released from the law of her husband or the “marriage contract,” Romans 7:1-3. But he could divorce his wife for almost any cause; at any time under the Law of Moses. Illustrate: Writing of Divorcement, Matthew 19:7.
4. Finally, during the time of Jesus, there were two schools of thought on the issue of divorce: one was from the school of Shammai - that permitted divorce for only “adultery;” the other was from the school of Hillel -that permitted divorce “for any reason.” Consider:
a. It was from the Hillel’s teaching the “Pharisees came tempting Jesus saying unto him, is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” Matthew 19:3.
b. We have discussed this teaching in great depth in our sermon: “Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage,” on SermonCentral.com. I would encourage you to visit that site and download the lesson for your own study and edification.
c. But, for now let’s remain on our topic today of Jesus’ visit, to the city of Samaria.
B. Our Lord was teaching his disciples; and the citizens of Samaria, as the "church is the wife of Christ," He clearly loves her and desires all to be a part of it. There is room in the church for all people; who have committed unthinkable sins; even this Samaritan woman. The “grace of God” can remit all sins. I’m convinced that such was the reason Jesus visited this woman of Samaria, to invite her into the kingdom of God once established on earth. Notice:
1. First, many in our assemblies would reject this woman as being “unfit for the kingdom of God.” She had 5 husbands. She had five divorces. Some would say: “Only the Lord could straighten this out when He returns!” But I ask: “what is her sin right now?” Hear me beloved brothers and sisters. Jesus:
a. Did not reject her for the 5 failed marriages and divorces.
b. Established she was not currently married to the man she now had.
c. Knew that His blood could forgive all of her sin, even “fornication.”
2. Further, there need to exist today in the church, love, understanding and forgiveness. The Lord is speaking to us today; as with this woman at the well. Let me remind you; He did not call her an adulteress (that would surely be the case if she was not legally divorced in any one of these marriages); and now living with a man. Her sin clearly is fornication. I ask: “Can the grace of God forgive this sin?” Hear Paul: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind. Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
3. Finally, what should a person do today if living in a similar situation? Simply obey the gospel of Christ. That they might be: “washed, be sanctified, and be justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11. And, become a “new creature,” 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10.
C. Some would declare this woman unfit for the kingdom of God. Merely because she had been married 5 times; and was living with a man. Divorce among the Jews and Samaritans were common place, and “for any cause,” Deuteronomy 24:1ff. However, the law of God is clear today; as it was then; that God hates "the putting away" or divorce, Malachi 2:16. Divorce is against the will of God, but He does grant us an exception. Notice:
1. First, there is an “exception” for divorce; or the "putting away." And that is for “unfaithfulness,” Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9. Without this exception, there exists no authority to "put away" ones spouse legally in the eyes of God.
a. Guilty party. Some suggest that they should not be able to remarry and live a normal life after divorce for fornication. They consider this person still bound to the marriage contract.
b. Nonguilty party. The nonguilty party however, can remarry and live a normal life after divorce or putting away their spouse.
c. How can you have one legally divorced and the other still married in this kind of thinking. If one is divorced; then so is the other party. For a more exhaustive discussion of these positions; review our lesson on Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage, on SermonCentral.com.
2. Further, Paul discusses “desertion” in his letter to the Corinthians. Here he states: “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away or (divorce) his wife. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace,” 1 Corinthians 7:10-16. Illustrate: Desertion, Death, and Divorce for the exception; cancels the contract of marriage.
3. Finally, the wife should be a "help meet" and "comfort to her husband," Genesis 2:18. Note: "And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent; and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death," Genesis 24:67.
D. Husbands should love their wives. Paul's instruction to the church in Ephesians 5:23-32. Notice:
1. First, husbands should love their wives. Illustrate: Husband and Wife; Christ and the Church.
2. Further, wives should submit themselves unto their husbands. Hear Paul: "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fitting in the Lord; Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter against them," Colossians 3:18-19.
3. Next, “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (behavior) of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear¡ But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are,” 1 Peter 3:1-6. Illustrate: I have a Name for Him; but it’s not “my lord!”
4. Finally, it should not be hard for a Christian woman to submit herself to her husband, if he loves her as Christ loves the church. If a husband cannot submit to Christ in loving his wife; how can he compel his wife to submit herself to him? We are talking about respect! See Titus 2:3-5. Illustrate: Aretha Franklin’s Respect!
E. Heirs together in the grace of life. Notice: "Likewise, ye husbands, dwells with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered," 1 Peter 3:7. I believe you will agree that there are spousal problems that need to be addressed in the church today? And we will do that with God’s help and the patience of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s consider our last point: “To correct the spiritual problems of Samaria.” In this we mean true worship; in “spirit and truth.”
III TO CORRECT THE SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS OF SAMARIA
A. Lastly, spiritual problems existed in the worship of those sojourners in Samaria. The woman replied: "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain," John 4:20-24. The Samaritans had an incomplete knowledge of true worship to God. To this end, Jesus had to instruct them in the way of God more perfectly. Many today worship improperly, rather than in "spirit and in truth." And to this end is our task today, as it was to Jesus then, to reveal the true and living God, to all who would seek to know and worship him in “spirit and in truth.”
B. True worship is not found in temples, mountains, or men’s hands. As the Apostle Paul advised the worshipers of “the unknown God” on “Mars Hill,” Acts 17:23-28. Notice the Psalms:
1. Worship the Lord: “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness,” Psalms 29:2. Also: “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth,” Psalms 96:9.
2. Exalt the Lord: “Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy,” Psalms 99:5. Also: “Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy,” Psalms 99:9.
3. Praise the Lord: “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever,” Psalms 106:1. Also: “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation,” Psalms 111:1. Next, “Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints,” Psalms 149:1. Finally, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee,” Hebrews 2:12; Psalms 22:22.
4. Rejoice in the Lord: “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice,” Philippians 4:4. Finally, “Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness,” Psalms 97:12.
5. It is on the Lord’s Day: “We worship the Lord; exalt the Lord; Praise the Lord; and rejoice in the Lord.” For such God “seeketh to worship Him,” Revelations 1:10.
C. Spirit and Truth. He said: "Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father, ye worship ye know not what, we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him...God is a Spirit," John 4:21-24.
D. Worship in spirit. As man is a triune being; the God of heaven desires worship involving his whole being, "body, soul, and spirit," 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The word "spirit" Greek "pneumati" denotes man’s emotions; his feelings; and inner being. True Worship involves more than acts or ceremonies; it involves our emotions; our inner man, and the hidden man of the heart! Worship should be uplifting; inspirational and edifying to the worshippers; and acceptable unto God. Notice:
1. Paul says: "For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son," Romans 1:9. There are too many members in worship who neither sing; or pray, or even feel a little bit of emotion when worshipping God. Their worship is void of emotions. They concentrate merely on the acts, but feel little or no emotions in the human "spirit" in the worship service. Illustrate: What Wrong with Them?
2. He also states: “I will pray with the spirit and pray with an understanding, sing with the spirit, sing with an understanding,” 1 Corinthians 14:15.
3. “Bless with the spirit...say, Amen,” 1 Corinthians 14:16-17.
4. “Five word with an understanding,” 1 Corinthians 14:18-19.
5. “Let your women keep silent in the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. Illustrate: "Silence."
a. Tongue speaking: "If any man speak in a tongue...let one interpret. But, if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:27-28.
b. Prophets speaking, “Let the prophets speak...If anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace,” 1 Corinthians 14:29-31.
c. The word “silence” in Gr: is sigáo, see-gah'-o; which means to keep in silent: -keep close (secret, silence), to hold ones peace (in the assembly).
6. Clap your hands: “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph...Sing praises to God,” Psalms 47:1-9.
7. Hear Paul: “And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people,” Romans 15:11.
a. The word “laud” in Gr: is epainéo, ep-ahee-neh'-o; which means to applaud:--commend, or praise.
b. Consider David: “O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people,” Psalms 117:1.
c. Paul quotes this Psalms and others regarding the Gentiles’ praising, giving thanks and lauding (clapping their hands) unto the Lord. I would urge like Paul:
1) First, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” 1 Corinthians 14:40.
2) Second, “Quench not the Holy Spirit of God,” 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
3) Finally, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30.
8. Illustrate: Foot Patting! The verse that condemns the “clapping of hands” in worship; the passage right below it also condemns “foot patting.” Check it out, Jude 4:14. In other words, there are no such passages in the Word of God.
E. Worship in Truth. Notice: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth," John 17:17. These are the acts of worship having scriptural authority.
1. When truth exist; then the “spirit” of worship is acceptable.
2. Regardless of the emotional tone of worship, so called, if “truth” is absent, then that worship is vain. Notice Jesus: "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their hearts... But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men," Matthew 15:8-9.
3. We must be careful to observe all acts of worship according to the pattern shown in the bible; even as Moses was commission by God to do the same regarding his building of the tabernacle. Notice: "As Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for see, saith he that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount," Hebrews 8:5.
a. Make all things according to the pattern! Illustrate: The Pattern of Worship.
b. Illustrate: Honey Graham crackers and Chocolate Milk for the Communion. If Bible doesn’t condemn it, doesn’t that mean we can do it? If so, why hasn’t someone suggested it? Simply because the bible outlines what is to be used. Notice: “Unleavened bread and fruit of the vine,” Matthew 26:17-30.
4. The New Testament pattern of worship is outlined in the "apostle’s doctrine and examples," Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Illustrate: First Day of the Week. Before I conclude, let’s summarize what we’ve considered in this lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. To Correct the Social Problems of Samaria
2. To Correct the Spousal Problems of Samaria
3. To Correct the Spiritual Problems of Samaria
B. Summarize main points.
1. Jesus went through Samaria to correct the social problems of his day. We need to be about healing the social ills of our day and times. We cannot sit idly by, and let the world complete decay before our eyes, and do nothing. Our voice may be like John: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, to make straight the way of the Lord." But we are wrong to do nothing. Let's heal the wounds of those we may have assaulted. And advise those we love; and who may have faith and respect for us and our desire to serve the Lord, to do the same.
2. As Jesus addressed the spousal issues of his day, so must we. No real Christian can be righteous in his actions, and not to try to heal his marriage. God is still able to help us work through the difficult trials of our lives. How can our message be heard; if our faith and living contradicts the things we expound. True love will help every saint to work through problem marriages; problem churches; and problem societies. Don't quit trying! Don't stop loving and caring for your mate.
3. Then as Jesus announced worship which is spiritual and of the truth, let us strive to make our time in his sanctuary one of truth and full of emotion that comes deeply from the heart. It’s alright to say Amen; to weep; to shout, just ensure it’s according to the dictates of the heart and not for the show of men. With this God is well pleased.
C. Invitation. H.B.R.C.B.
D. Motivation.
E. Persuade.
