Why Don't You Do Something For A Change Series

Why Don’t You Do Something for a Change (Part Two)

1 Thess. 5:16-18

By: Pastor Dan Turpin WestCoastChurch.com

Objective and Aim: Everyone will learn how to change their lives by observing two practices that produce growth in ones life.

Introduction: Two years after the Lord delivered the Children of Israel from Egyptian bondage they arrived at a place on the east side of the Jordan River. They were ready to enter the Promised Land so they sent out twelve men to spy out the land (Num. 13:1-3; 21-33; 14:1-45 Deut. 1:19-25).

Their journey was plagued with difficulty and the miracle working power of God. In that two year period God demonstrated His love and His ability to care for His people. God gave them His Ten Commandments, along with many others, to guarantee their survival and blessing as they walked with Him. Moses received the plans for the Tabernacle and they built it there in the desert. There they were privileged to offer themselves to God through their giving and present offerings in behalf of their sins. At the Tabernacle they humbled themselves before the Lord and obtained His favor. God had led them in the night with the fire of His presence and He led them in the day through a cloud of His glory. He provided food for them from heaven, sweetened bitter water and caused life giving water to flow from the rocks twice. He helped them to defeat the Amalekites. Moses stood on the mountain with Aaron and Hur while Joshua led the Jews into battle. As long as Moses help the rod (staff) of God, Israel prevailed in the battle; when Moses arms grew weary and he lowered his hand the Amalekites prevailed. So Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands and Joshua won the battle.

The twelve spies reported to Moses (Num. 13:27-31), “The land where you sent us truly flows with milk and honey and is very fruitful. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong, the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there.” Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” And they gave the children of Israel a bad report. When God said go—they said no, and when God said no—they said go. Their lack of faith, their inappropriate action and their negative attitude was judged by the Lord in a unique way. The things they said, “We can’t conquer the land because there are giants in it; we are going to die in this wilderness; it would have been better for us to live in slavery in Egypt and the gods of the Egyptians were easier to serve than the living God of Israel.” What they said in contempt agains God is exactly what happed to them. Their words became a self fulfilling prophecy of the future. They died in the wilderness.

#1. Be positive for a change (Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ ... )

A. Fred Smith: The only way that things will change for me is when I change. You are the way you are because that is the way

you want to be. If you really wanted to be any different, you would be in the process of changing right now

1. Look on the bright side (Ro. 8:31 if God be for you who can be against you .... )

a. Author Unknown: Few cases of eye strain have been developed by looking on the bright side of things.

b. 2 Kings 6:8-23 (v16) Syrian army surrounded Elisha and his servant while they were in a certain city. Elisha said

to his servant, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then the Lord opened the

servants eyes and he saw that the mountains were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

c. Ps. 34:7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him …

d. John Milton: The mind is its own place, and in itself can make heaven of Hell, and a hell of Heaven.

e. 1 Thess. 5:18 in everything give thanks

f. James Allen: Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results.

g. Lewis L. Dunnington: Your living is determined not so much by what life brings you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so

much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.