The Lord Builds

Psalm 127, The Lord Builds

2 Kings 6 v 8 - 23 The Lord Battles

Acts 2 v 47 The Lord Blesses Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 1. The Lord Builds v.1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: FIVE PRINCIPLES IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

1.PRINCIPLE OF PROMISE

Psalm 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Genesis 11:1-9 Babel v.4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. v. 8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

We should not attempt anything in our own strength without receiving a promise from the Lord.

2. PRINCIPLE OF PATIENCE Except the LORD

Hebrews 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Psalm 105:17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: 19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.

After receiving a promise we should not give up at the first hint of trouble. Joseph had a dream in which he was exalted above his brothers. But the day came when God fulfilled that dream.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust him for his grace,

Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour.

The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan his works in vain.

God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain.

3. PRINCIPLE OF PRAISE Except the LORD

Psalm 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Joshua 6:20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. Acts 16:25-26 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

4. PRINCIPLE OF PROVISION Except the LORD

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

The fourth principle is the principle of provision. When we put God first in our lives He is faithful to meet all our needs. Peter and his boat. Jesus told Peter to cast the net on the right side. The principle of provision is giving before we receive.

5. PRINCIPLE OF PROMOTION Except the LORD

Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

The fifth principle is the principle of promotion. In the Kingdom of God promotion comes by humility.

2. The Lord Battles v.1 Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 Kings 6 v 8 - 23 (a) The Futility of Satanic Opposition (6:13) And he said, Go and spy where he is, .

The Motivation of the Enemy is Always Wrong (6:13) that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan