This sermon is from a series on Tube Theology.
I have researched sermoncentral as well as other sources. I use an expanded outline in preaching though it is not exactly a manuscript. I also use a sermon outline for the congregation to fill in.
TUBE THEOLOGY: SURVIVOR REALITY
Jay Robison LUKE 14:12-14
How many of you have ever seen one of these? show TV
Do you have one of these?
Do you think TV effects our world?
Since watch more TV than sermons Watch TV theologically
Church has love\hate relationship w\TV bad morals. What do the shows say about God, sin world?
Especially if you watching w\kids talk of good\bad in show
With that in mind want to step outside the box a bit
Next 4 wks look at Tube theology, what do 4 popular shows teach about God? Is it accurate? How can we speak to world? I get to be a couch potato and sermon work at same time.
Next week Fear Factor, then CSI investigates our faith
The Simpsons, & this week type of shows 1st in 2000 CBS
came out with a show, contestants on Borneo to win $$
For a few weeks contestants vote each other off
So began Survivor\Reality show genre. As TV usually does when have good concept Go overboard, over 50 such shows
Most recognizable words on TV “Your Fired” Apprentice
Makeover shows Big Fat Obnoxious boss, Amazing Race
Websites realitytvworld.com, realitytv.net too much time
Think draw in drama of human relationships. Regular watchers have contestants they like and dislike
What happens in long run goals and rewards
1. Your ACTIONS AND DECISIONS MATTER
One of the questions I have had about life and you have too. Does it really matter what I do? Can I make a difference? Does anyone really care about how I live my life?
Bible says very clearly what we do with life does matter We are created perfect by God but with a free will. God will not force us to be good or do right
Bible says appointed to person once to die then judgment. Matters what we do our lives will be judged
Not just voted off an island, but away from God
Your actions and decisions in life matter to God to illustrate Jesus tells a story about A DINNER PARTY
Common for people to have parties in all human history
And while at party Jesus talks about being humble
Says really what we should do with our party (lesson for life) Invitees include POOR CRIPPLED LAME BLIND VS 13. They were social outcasts No contribution in their society, victims of prejudice last people to invite to dinner, useless
Question about life; Is it really winner takes all?
In reality shows, part of story is deception alliances
Those who trick others, treachery dark side
Should we do good to others who cannot or will not help us? Who has not played up to people of power to advance? You know him he is connected, she has money knows people Jesus’ message is don’t only do that but lift up those who others neglect & discard. Go after the hurting, the misfits Look for social outcasts, TBC church like that, keep it up It matters people have said it’s striking to be here Different all kinds of people Those are the people who return No telling what those who never come back say. Makes a difference what kind of church are who we invite
Bible give us direction of what does God want us to do?
God says do this and I’ll reward it
SPIRITUAL ACTS LIKE PRAYER AND FASTING
Mt 6:6 and Hebrews 11:6 pray in secret God reward openly BE A GOOD EMPLOYEE Mt 24:45-47 & Eph 6:8
Do our work as unto the Lord
DENY SELF IN SERVICE TO GOD Mt 16:24-27
If we lose our life in service to God gain real life
SUFFERING AND SACRIFICING FOR GOD Lk 6:22-23
We are blessed when others hurt us for being Christian
SHARING TIME TALENT & TREASURE Mt 6:3-4 Lk 6:35
God says as give you will receive up to 100Xs what give
Studying God’s word will bless us, witnessing blesses us
Why does God bother with this? What we do with life matters! And evil one will tempt us not to serve, give, work, pray Who would you most likely exclude from dinner party? Invite them! With no strings attached Jesus does not say send $$ but sit at table with them
2. You will be REWARDED
Jesus always pays a dividend on investment in K of God
Some uncomfortable with this idea, I’ve not preached on it Say I’m in heaven what more should I want?
I am not going to do good for reward, need to be humble
Yes, but God chooses to reward out of God’s generous nature This is a display of God’s amazing grace
We will be rewarded for the good we do Bible uses 2 different words for reward ìéóèüò (#3408)MITHOS used to refer to wages your wages are great in heaven,
laborers and their wages Píôáðïäßäùìé (#467) APODIDOMAI apo=back didomai=give word used in Lk 14:14
Bruce Wilkinson in A Life God Rewards pg 30f Got me to thinking about this, Bruce says realize what God is saying? looking for opportunities to repay you for your love & kindness on His behalf. God is looking forward to paying you back for service
God is A REWARDER Hebrews 11:6 in order to come to God Must believe that God exists & rewards those who seek him. That is a part of who God is, seeking to reward us. Don’t always get that thanks
Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in well doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up God is doing everything He can to help you understand that when you bless the Kingdom of God in your service or in your giving there will be “payback.”
On this EARTH rewards come from doing good on earth If I remain committed to wife kids reward kids confident Do a good job will often be rewarded. Avoid heartache When we do what is right often satisfaction Beatitudes talk about doing what is right God’s blessing not just on earth but also If I am led by spirit relationship blessed
In THE LIFE TO COME Miss this set self up for dsappointment I serve God in every way I know why is our family struggling w\$$? Doesn’t God know or care? Why isn’t it easier
Go back to dinner party, Jesus says follow me invite otcasts. Those who cannot do anything for you
Ever had that someone no say thanks, no payback
Family member that is cruel, hateful to you
Are you getting killed for doing right? Look at vs 14
Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you. Luke 14:14 NLT
Puts passion in my belly, fire in my tank moral of the story. If you give to those who have nothing to offer in return, as you step into heaven God will reach into vault of eternal treasures and reward you beyond anything you can imagine.
Not saying we are to be doormats, always victimized
But when you do what is right take high road God notices. Vs flies in face of prosperity gospel. No get it all back here
Each of us must decide how much we willing to sacrifice. Must be continuous examination to determine how much. Parable of the pounds Lk 19:11-27 10 servants each given one pound by master Eventually they returned differing amounts to him in proportion to their faithfulness
Like Daniel 12:3 NRSV God says Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, & those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever & ever.
Each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 1 Cor 3:13 NKJV
Bill Gates was at Harvard, dropped out focus on computers. His mom a Regent at U of Wash upset her son dropped out. Asked family friend Bill respected get him back to Harvard. Man had lunch w\Bill. During lunch, Bill laid out case for personal computers & the urgency of the situation. Bill so effective not only did friend fail to get Bill to school, but he wrote out check for $25,000 to help start Microsoft Years after that lunch man said, “The only mistake I made that day was not giving him every penny in my check book.
Important message because some of you doing right And you are getting killed for it Do it for God
