COMPLETE SERMON NOTES

RECAP: The Power of Christ

Genuine Works of the Spirit cannot go outside the bounds of God’s character. Note: I didn’t say, “Won’t go outside the bounds of preference.”

“We should not interpret Scripture in the light of our experiences, but rather, interpret our experiences in the penetrating light of Scripture” (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones).

• Emotions are primarily a vehicle for expression, not a gauge for Truth.

“Discern the spirits; test the spirits”

As I read the first hand accounts of the First Great Awakening in America, I found that Pastor Jonathan Edward’s words were true. He observed that a true work of the Holy Spirit would be evident: 1) it would elevate the truth, 2) exalt Christ, 3) oppose Satan, 4) point people to the Scriptures, and 5) result in love for God and others.

~Holiness is sought, not hysteria. The result is genuine fruit, not ungodly fanaticism.

9:35-36 The Compassion of Jesus

35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

3 aspects of ministry: Teach us how to live, preach to wake us up, and heal [helps ministry] our infirmities [mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually].

• We often don’t see Jesus as a Preacher [to proclaim]:

Jesus hates the sin [cancer] in us because of His love.

• Toby on the Aqueduct

“Most of God’s people are content to be saved from the hell that is without; they are not so anxious to be saved from the hell that is within.” Robert M. M’Cheyne

“A man who loves you the most is the man who tells you the most truth about yourself.” Robert M. M’Cheyne

*RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: On Being A Servant Of God by Warren Wiersbe

9:37-38 The Call of Jesus 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

KEY: We are all laborers to some extent – the world is the mission field

“The Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God.” Robert M. M’Cheyne  

– DESIRE MEETS GIFTING   – GOD OPENS THE DOOR

– HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS: “This isn’t working; I quit.”

• Most don’t say, “God, however you want to use me.”

• His Timing / His Plans ~ waiting tests the heart.

A few reasons why people send themselves into the ministry:

1. To prove I’m spiritual or important.

2. For validation [low self esteem].

3. As a source of income and an easy job.

4. People told me to do it.

5. I have a desire.

“The greater the preacher the more hesitant he has generally been to preach” (Lloyd-Jones, PREACHING and PREACHERS; pg. 107).

Step out and serve, apply spiritual disciplines. and allow God to open doors

• Matthew, like me, became unemployed because his career prevented ministry. This is not the case for most people.

Real Ministry Goes into the enemies camp:

• We often pick and choose who we will minister to as long as it’s comfortable. That’s why we often lack peace & joy; that’s why we are frustrated, moody, and anxious. THE FLESH IS NEVER SATISFIED.

• Do not make an emotional decision

Closing:

THE POWER, THE COMPASSION, AND THE CALL OF CHRIST culminates here … THE POWER OF CHRIST TO SAVE

• “Whosoever calls…“Whosoever believes… “Whosoever returns…

Peter on the Cross wouldn’t do it…

The cross without Christ is pointless.  Ministry without Christ is pointless. Marriage without Christ is pointless. Life without Christ is pointless.