Sermon Central
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When God Says Go Up, Then Go Up
Contributed by William R. Nabaza on May 31, 2015 (message contributor)
Summary: To show that GOD wants us to give good things in this world and in this life, just follow and obey Him. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the
I. EXORDIUM:
Are you improving your life?
Yes. Because of GOD not of me.
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].
II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:
Believers
III. OBJECTIVES:
To show that GOD wants us to give good things in this world and in this life, just follow and obey Him.
Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
IV. TEXT:
Yet you would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God.
V. THESIS:
Praise, worship and thank You very much LORD JESUS for You wanted all perfect things for me and I worship You in all of these things.
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
VI. TITLE:
When GOD says go up, then go up
VII. EXPLICATION:
A. Name means: remember
B. Author: Moses
C. Date written: 1407 - 1406 B.C.
D. Purpose: To repeat the law to survivors in the wilderness
E. To whom written: Children of Israel
F. Main theme: Rehearsal of the law
VIII. MAIN BODY:
A. We are afraid of heights
"Yet you would not go up,"
GOD knows there are lots of Goliaths (giants) in your life, don't take them as hindrances but take them as challenges and they will not hinder you but instead make you strong because GOD is in you.
Illustration: GOD commanded Moses to take possession of the land of their enemies but because of fear, they would not.
Then they spurned and despised the pleasant and desirable land [Canaan]; they believed not His word [neither trusting in, relying on, nor holding to it];
But they murmured in their tents and hearkened not to the voice of the Lord.
Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
Daily get WORDS from the LORD, He commands you to level up, to improve your life by taking more responsibilities and GOD is always there to back you up, to support you, He remembers your capabilities, remember He created you in His image. There's no way but up for the believers.
A wise man is strong and is better than a strong man, and a man of knowledge increases and strengthens his power;
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
B. Don't rebel but dwell
"but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God."
Dwell in GOD's Presence and then you will know what is His acceptable and perfect will.
Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.
They refused to obey, nor were they mindful of Your wonders and miracles which You did among them; but they stiffened their necks and in their rebellion appointed a captain, that they might return to their bondage [in Egypt]. But You are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great steadfast love; and You did not forsake them.
HOW NOT TO REBEL AGAINST GOD?
1. Obey
Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim (household good luck images). Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.
2. Be faithful to His WORDS
But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].
3. Grow in strength
Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!
