"Transformation"

Series: “Jesus, the Provocative Teacher”

Sunday, August 31, 2008; Matthew 18:1-9; Romans 12:1-2

Introduction: This last week I came across this transformer. If you don’t know what a transformer is, it is an object that can be turned into a robot (or more appropriately, an autobot). So, the autobot is their real identity. They disguise themselves as everyday machinery. So this jet is the disguise that is used by the transformer to hide its real identity. At first transformers were just toys, but then they became so popular with kids, that this toy idea was turned into a movie in 2007. The movie was so popular that a sequel is being made to come out in 2009.

Today we conclude our series in “Jesus, the Provocative Teacher.” It has been interesting to see the many ways Jesus provokes us. Today I want to talk about how Jesus wants us to become who we were really meant to be, and for this to happen we need to transform ourselves spiritually.

I. Stumbling Blocks- (Matthew 18:6-9)

a. What they are- I want you to think for a moment about your life.

Each day you get up, and seek to do your best in living the life God has given you. Each day you go to bed, and maybe you reflect on the day that you had. Maybe it was a good day (you got a lot accomplished, there were no major struggles); OR maybe you had a difficult day (there were many struggles, you didn’t accomplish what you wanted, it was a long tiring day). Either way, the day is over and you get ready for bed to get some sleep so that you can live out the next day.

What we tend to forget, is regardless of whether we had a good day or a bad day, we experienced stumbling blocks in our life. Now what are stumbling blocks? Stumbling blocks are anything that gets in our way and keeps us from doing what God desires for us to do. We know that stumbling blocks are not good, because Jesus says in Matthew 18:6,7- “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones…it would be better…(if) you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks…”

The stumbling block that Jesus is talking about here is “SIN.” Sin is a huge stumbling block, because it keeps us from being right with God; it keeps us from following the path God sets before us; it keeps us from becoming who God wants us to be. Jesus is telling how us terrible it is to cause a child to sin. We hear this, and we want to immediately speak out: “I would never do that!” And that is true. None of us here would purposely seek to lead children into sin.

But there are many ways that we inadvertently lead a child into sin. EX. There is a story of a family who was eating dinner together. The father said a blessing, thanking God for the food, and then the family began to eat. During the dinner the father complained about the freshness of the bread and how the coffee was bitter, among other things. After a while his daughter asked him: “Dad, do you think God heard your grace today?” The father answered her: “Of course God did.” Then his daughter asked him: “And do you think God heard what you said about the bread and the coffee and the meal?” Not so confidently, the father responded: “Why yes, I believe so.” Finally, the daughter said: “Then which do you think God believed, Dad?” At this the father was struck with conviction, as he became aware of how his mealtime prayer had become such a habit, that it didn’t really take root in his heart. (Illus. Unlimited)

b. How they affect us- We as parents, as adults, as Christians set an

example for others around us. How we live our lives can affect the thoughts and actions of others around us. Illus. One example of this, is when I was a youth director, I was over 21, and could drink if I wanted to. It is legal to do so, and I was of legal age. But I began to think about the problem teens have with drinking. And it concerned me to think that if one of my youth saw me drinking, what might they think? I didn’t want to set an example to them that it was okay for them to drink. I didn’t want to be a stumbling block. So, I chose not to drink at all.

Now you might think that this is extreme. How can drinking when you are of age, cause someone who is not of age to think it is okay to drink? Unfortunately, it has been seen that kids whose parents drink, will tend to drink as well, even before they are of age. Kids watch what we do, and do what they see. This happens in fun ways, like when Tyler and Tiffany (when they were little) would pretend to cook whenever Tami was cooking.

But this plays out in the bad things in life as well. When we say we are Christians, but we are judgmental toward others, we will not only set off a bad example for Christ, but we could lead others around us to be judgmental as well. When we have sin in our life, that sinful behavior can lead others to sin, especially children. And this is why Jesus speaks so emphatically against stumbling blocks.

But Jesus goes on to talk about how we can be a stumbling block to ourselves as well, in verses 8 and 9: “If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. ⁹And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.” Here we see Jesus’ provocative way. Here Jesus speaks in extremes to prove a point. Your own body can cause you to sin; your hand, your foot, your eye. If this sin would lead you away from God, then you would be better off not having this part of your body, for going to heaven is more important than anything else. The point is, that we need to recognize what are the stumbling blocks in our life, and remove them (if not literally, then spiritually). And, we need to make sure that we are good examples for the children around us!

II. Humility- (1 Peter 5:5-6)

a. Proud vs. Humble- We just finished the 2008 Olympic games a

week ago. In the second week of the games was the track and field events. And it was amazing to see how so many of the athletes were very prideful. But overall, it seemed to be the Americans who were the most prideful. They would have this attitude about themselves. They would wear sunglasses (even though it was night). They just had a way about them that wasn’t appealing. Now it is one thing to be confident, and in fact it is important to be confident when you are competing. Being confident helps you to believe in yourself, and to do your best. But confidence can turn into arrogance. And arrogance is hard to accept. In fact, the night they were showing the 4 X 400 relay race, they were showing the American team, and Tami remarked to me how cocky they looked, and how she could see why all the other countries wanted to beat the Americans so bad, and were happy the times we lost!

On the other side of the coin is the humble. 1 Peter 5:5 tells us: “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” Peter tells us that the mark of a Christian is humility; the denial of self. Humility is like a garment that we wear. Because we battle with our sinful nature, which seeks to lead us to be selfish, we have to constantly “put on” the garment of humility. We have to constantly remind ourselves of the need to be humble.

How can we do this? By holding up examples of others who are humble. Of course, first and foremost is the example of Jesus. You need to go no farther than Jesus to see what humility is about. Jesus, the Son of God, God in the flesh, the name above all names, could have exalted Himself over all. But the opposite is true of Jesus. Instead of seeking power, instead of seeking fame, instead of seeking to have others bow down to Him, Jesus instead came into this world to love, and serve, and give of Himself, and die for our sins!!!

You see, Jesus understood what this life is about. It is about giving of yourself. It is about caring for others. It is about sharing and loving and not thinking too highly of yourself, or thinking that you are more important than anyone else.

b. The kind of person God seeks- Illus. There is a story of a group of

English tourists who were visiting the house where the great composer Beethoven spent his last years. They went from room to room. When they came to the conservatory, they could see Beethoven’s piano. The guide spoke to the group with a quiet and reverent voice: “This is the master’s piano.” With this, a woman who was very excited about this opportunity, pushed her way through the group, sat down at the piano, and began to play. After a few minutes of playing, she remarked: “I suppose a lot of people enjoy playing the piano.” The guide responded: “Well, miss, Ignacy Paderewski was here last summer with a group who wanted him to play, but his answer was: “No, I cannot. I am not worthy.” (…The Tardy Oxcart, by Chuck Swindoll, p. 279)

If we were to ask the question, what kind of people does God want? The answer would be: “Humble people.” Peter continues to tell us in 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.” First, we are to humble ourselves under “the mighty hand of God.” This phrase, “the mighty hand of God” is common in the Old Testament, and it is most common with passages where God has delivered the Israelites out of bondage. The idea is that God’s mighty hand is in on the destiny of His people.

Second, we have the idea that God wants humble people, because those are the kind of people God can use. That is why Peter says “so that He may exalt you in due time.” When we are prideful, we tend to live for ourselves. When we live in this state, we do not make ourselves available to live for God. When God seeks to direct us, if we see that it is in our best interest, then we might follow. But if it is not, then we will make our own decision. However, if we are humble, understanding that the life we have is a gift, and how we live is our gift back to God, then when God has a work for us to do, He can lift us up and accomplish wonderful and glorious things!

III. Transformation- (Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 1:6, 2:12)

a. The foundation of transformation- Humility is the foundation of

all spiritual transformation, which is what God desires of us. And because we cannot change ourselves without God’s help, we need outside help to accomplish this inside change. And the outside help needs to come from God Himself. When it comes to transformation, the Bible is clear; it is the work of God. As the apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:6- “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” We cannot do this work alone. And so we need to partner with God. The apostle Paul tells us later in the book of Philippians, 2:12- “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

So, we begin our transformation with a spirit of humility, acknowledging that it is God who transforms us, but this transformation takes our work as well. Meaning, that God can lead us to where we need to change, but we need to make the change happen. EX. In my pre-marriage counseling, I always try to help the bride to be, and the groom to be, understand that they need to feel confident in the love they have for the other person, even if that person were never to change. I say this, because often times people go into marriages thinking: “I love this person, but I will love them more if I can only change this one thing about them.”

The problem is, that you cannot change someone else. They have to want to change, and then change themselves! That is why we partner with God. We have to understand the need to change, and then work it out with God.

b. Finding our way- The apostle Paul reminds us that our lives are to

be living sacrifices for God. How we live our life matters to God. How we live our life shows our spiritual maturity. Romans 12:1-2 tells us: “Therefore, I urge you,

brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

So, we need to find out our “humility factor,” which will help us to determine how ready we are for God to transform us: (which statement best describes you?)

1- I rise each day asking God to show me how I can serve him and others.

2- Most of the time I have an attitude of submission and willingness to learn.

3- I begin each day with a desire to follow God, but soon discover that I like being independent and self-motivated.

4- I don’t need any more “humiliation” in my life, and I see no need to get stepped on all day, so I have taken control of my own life!

Hopefully, you are at least at #2 (Most of the time I have an attitude of submission and willingness to learn) working your way toward #1. But even if you are at #4, if you allow yourself to be humble, then God will lead you to #3, then to #2, and ultimately to #1.

To find our way to transformation, we have to understand that our life is not our own, but is given to us by God. If we can humble ourselves in this way, then we will be able to let God give us the desire/ to not be conformed to the world/ but He will transform our minds to be able to do what is good and pleasing.

Conclusion: Story: Mount Everest is over 29,000 feet tall. It is said that once you reach 26, 250 feet, you reach what they call the ‘death zone.’ The dead zone is where the altitude is so high it can’t sustain human life. The body is unable to acclimate to such a low level of oxygen. So if you are a climber, and you stay in this death zone too long, you will die. This is what happened to a climber in May, 2006. He had gotten into this death zone and was literally dying. He was passed by some climbers, but they assumed he was part of another group, and that someone else would help him; and so they left him, and he died…..Not too long after this, another climber named Lincoln Hall was found in the death zone. But he was rescued by a party of 4 climbers, who gave up their own summit attempt to help him descend. Hall later fully recovered. WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE? The difference was unselfishness!! In the second story the group gave up their own climb to help another.

When Jesus gave His command in Matthew, chapter 28, He didn’t say, “Go and make converts.” NO, He said: “Go and make disciples…” A disciple is not just someone who believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior, but one who seeks to humble themselves, and give themselves over to Christ to mold; to be transformed. Jesus provokes us today to not be a stumbling block to anyone, and to remove the stumbling blocks in our lives. When we do this, we can follow Christ, and be transformed. I hope you will open up your heart and desire this for yourself. Amen.

"Raising Our Hopes"

Series: Jesus, The Provocative Teacher

Sunday, August 24, 2008; John 14:15-31

Introduction: Have the congregation stand up. Then have them turn to each person around them and say: “God is with you.” Then have the congregation sit down.

Now, I had you do that to make a point; the point is, that my being up on the stage here, and being the pastor of this church, gives me some authority. Just now, I exercised that authority to have you say a blessing to others. As you were doing it, you were probably wondering why I was having you do it. And that is all right, because part of our make-up is to question what we are told to do. (Although when we were children, we were not really allowed to question).

This is how we are with God as well. This morning, I want to look at how Jesus provokes His disciples, and us as followers, to understand how and why it is important to follow the words and guidelines that come to us from God.

I. Keep My Commands- (John 14:15, 18-24)

a. Showing love- When you hear the word love, you can think of

many things, because we love in many ways. We love our pets, we love sports teams, we love music or movies, we love our family, we love our spouse, and children, and grandchildren. And each thing we love, we love in different ways. Hopefully you don’t love your sports team in the same way you love your family. Hopefully you don’t love your pet in the same way as you love your child or grandchild.

And above all of this, we love God. The love we have for God should be first and foremost, because it is by loving God, and receiving God’s love, that we know how to love others. And in this passage we just read, we see Jesus telling us how we are to show love to God. Since God is not physical, we can’t show love by hugs and kisses, by affection, and it isn’t enough to love by just words. NO, our love for God is ultimately shown in our actions.

That is why Jesus says in verse 15: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” We show Jesus we love Him by keeping His commandments. And of course, to keep the commandments, we have to know the commandments. So what are the commandments that Jesus gave us? Since we don’t have time here to look at them all, let’s just look at some of them…

1.    John 15:9- “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved 

you; abide in my love.” 2. John 15:12- "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." 3. Matthew 6:14- “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” 4. Matthew 6:16- “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites…” 5. Matthew 6:25- “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life…” 6. Matthew 7:1-2, “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged…” 7. Matthew 28:19- “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” 

So we see that Jesus is giving us commands: to abide in Him, to love others, to forgive others and not be judgmental, to fast, to not worry, and to make disciples and believers who will follow Him. These are just some of the many commands that Jesus gives us… So for us to love God, we need to follow His commands, and to follow His commands we need to know His commands.

b. Knowing what to follow- In John 14:24 Jesus says: “Whoever does

not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine…” Here Jesus turns it around and says that if you don’t love me, you won’t keep my words; and in not keeping my words, you follow the words of another. The other one we follow is Satan, which we will talk about more in point 3, but here I want to note that we have a choice to listen to God’s words, or Satan’s words.

While as a parent I have authority over my children, and can direct my children with this authority, I still try and let my children know why I tell them to do what I want them to do. I try not to just order them around. For example, if I want them to go get ready for bed, I remind them that their bedtime is at 9:00 p.m., and that it takes them time to get ready, so they need to start at 8:30 p.m. I’m not just telling them this to be authoritative. If I don’t want them to have a snack 15 minutes before dinner, I remind them how having this snack will keep them from being able to eat the nice dinner Tami is making.

I believe we see this same desire from Jesus as well. Jesus has the authority to just tell us to do things, but if we search the Bible, we will see the reasons why He tells us to do what He wants us to do. When we are told that we will be forgiven as we forgive, it is because when we don’t know how to forgive others we won’t know how to receive forgiveness. Also, when we don’t forgive others, we hold grudges, which causes us to have an impure heart and mind. With each command that Jesus gives to us, there is a viable reason for us to follow it.

How do we know the difference in the voices? We know the difference when we come to know the voice of Jesus. Hopefully, my kids will have heard my telling them what to do and what not to do enough, that when they are in a situation where someone might be telling them to do something different, they will hear my voice in their head of what is right to do. As we come to know the commands of Jesus, these words will come to us when we get in a situation that might call to us to do the opposite.

II. The Holy Spirit- (John 14:16-17, 25-29; 1 Cor. 2:10-12; 1 Jn. 4:18)

a. The Advocate- We have to understand that in this discourse, Jesus

has told them at the beginning of the chapter that He is going to be leaving them. Of course this causes them great concern. If you have ever had someone in your life that you felt close to, someone who was a guide to you and gave you strength in life; the thought of losing them would cause you great concern. This is true of the disciples here.

The thought of Jesus not being with them was disheartening. Not just because they would miss His presence, but also because they were concerned about the future of the Christian movement. How will this movement go forward with the leader, Jesus, departing? Jesus, knowing that the disciples have this concern, addresses it here in verses 16-17, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— ¹⁷the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

First, Jesus tells them that He will not be leaving them all alone, but will be giving them the Holy Spirit; the Spirit of God. Jesus’ time here on earth was limited, but the Holy Spirit will be with them FOREVER. Jesus was only with them in physical presence, but the Holy Spirit will live IN them. Second, the Holy Spirit will be to them an Advocate; a Counselor; the giver of truth.

One of the wonderful verses in the Bible comes from 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, “for God has revealed them to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit within? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.”

Because the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God, and because we have the Holy Spirit living within us, the Holy Spirit can let us know what God wants us to know and guide us into what God wants us to do. The Holy Spirit passes on the truth of God to us so that we can know what we need to know, and this enables us to know how to live, and the make to decisions God would want us to make!

b. The Peacegiver- The other side of Jesus affirmation to the disciples

is that they will have peace. One of the aspects of concern and worry, is the lack of peace. Jesus wanted the disciples to know that they could not only have peace, but have a peace that was unlike any they could get from the world.

What is peace? Well, most people probably feel at peace when they feel like their life is in order. Or, when they have a limited amount of problems, and those problems are ones they feel like they can take care of fairly easily on their own. Or, when they feel calm about what they are doing, and there isn’t turmoil surrounding them.

But how often is life like this? How often do we really feel at peace? There is always something stirring around us in life. There is always something that is causing us to worry. There is always something that we don’t have control over. And because of this, most of our lives we are not at peace. But Jesus tells us that with the Holy Spirit’s presence, we can have peace. Not just when things seem under control, but even when our world seems to be spinning out of control.

This is why Jesus could say at the end of verse 27: “…Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”/ With the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we do not need to be afraid. Fear comes from not being in control. But as John tells us in 1 John 4:18- “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” We know that God loves us, because Jesus died for our sins, and we have been given the Spirit of God to live with us so that we could live this life God has given us.

III. Overcoming the Power of this World- (John 14:30-31; 1 Cor. 10:13)

a. Ruler of this world- Story: “The Native American and the

Rattlesnake.” (“More Hot Illustrations,” p. 125). There is a story of a Native American boy who was at the age where he was ready to become a man. He was brought to the chief, who gave the boy his task: “To become a man, you must first survive in the high mountains for one week. If you survive, then you will be considered a man.” So the boy set out for the mountains on his quest to become a man. All was going well, as the boy became accustomed to providing for himself. However, on the last day, as the boy was searching for food, he came across a rattlesnake. Initially afraid, he jumped back. But he was startled as the snake spoke to him: “Please help me,” the snake said. “I’m cold and lost and far from home. Please pick me up and carry me back to the valley where it is warm. If I stay here, I will surely die.” The boy began to draw near, but then responded to the snake: “I know your kind. You will only bite me when I pick you up.” To which the snake said: “Oh, but I won’t bite you. I will be your friend if you will carry me down the mountain. You can trust me.” The boy thought it over and decided that any snake that could talk must be a special kind of snake. So the boy picked up the snake and carried him down to the warm valley. Once in the valley he gently put the snake down. Immediately the snake coiled up and struck the boy. The boy cried out with a scream: “Hey! You bit me. You promised me you wouldn’t bite me.” The snake replied: “I can’t help that. It is in my nature. You shouldn’t be surprised, you knew what I was when you picked me up.”

This story reminds us that there is a ruler of this world, which is Satan. Satan’s nature is to lie and deceive. Satan’s desire is to lure us away from God. Satan doesn’t come out and say this, instead he does so deceptively. There is much in the world that calls to us to follow. When we listen to this voice, instead of God’s voice, we will find ourselves disconnected from God. And as we are disconnected from God, we will experience more trouble and confusion, stress and worry. But even more, we will not be listening to the voice of the Spirit, the voice of truth.

b. Jesus’ power- Jesus let’s us know an important truth at the end of

John 14:30- “…He has no power over me.” Satan has no power over Jesus! We can see this throughout the scriptures:

1. Luke 4:1-13. In this passage, it starts in verse 1 by telling

us: “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit…was led by the Spirit in the desert.” Jesus is in the

wilderness and fasts and prays for 40 days. He is tired and hungry. At this end of this time, Satan comes to tempt Jesus. But by the power of who He is, and by the power of God’s word, Satan’s attempt is thwarted. In Luke 4:13 we then read: “When the devil had finished all the tempting he left Him until an opportune time.” Satan had no power over Jesus.

2. 1 John 4:4- “You, dear children, are from God and have

overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” The power of God, through the Spirit’s presence in our lives is in us because of what Jesus has done by His death and resurrection. And by Jesus’ power we can overcome the world.

3. In Genesis 3, Satan gets Adam and Eve to eat of the fruit

and bring sin into the world. In verse 15 we see Satan’s punishment: God says, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” This is the foretelling of how Jesus’ death on the cross will crush Satan, because Satan will not only not have power over Jesus, but will not have any power over all who believe in and follow Jesus.

The way that we overcome the power of Satan, and the power of the world is by trusting in the name of Jesus; the name that is above all names; the name that has power over all things. With this power we can overcome the temptations that get thrown at us, as we are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13- “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” By the power of Jesus, we will be able to avoid giving in to the temptation that is there before us, by God providing us a way to avoid it, and giving us the power within to not desire to do it.

Conclusion: It is easy to lose hope in this world. Something as big as Jesus leaving the disciples would definitely cause them to lose hope. But Jesus lets the disciples, and us know that we don’t have to lose hope, because we have the Spirit of God living in us when we believe in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. With the presence of Christ in our lives by the presence of God’s Spirit, we have the power of God at work helping us to meet the challenges we face, and helping our fears to be calmed. So, rejoice and have hope, for you have this power available to you through Christ. Amen.

“Confronting Our Unbeliefs”

"Confronting Our Unbeliefs"

Jesus: The Provocative Teacher Series

Sunday, August 17, 2008; Mark 9:14-29

Introduction: Holocaust denial is the claim that the genocide of the Jews during World War II—usually referred to as the Holocaust, did not occur in the manner or to the extent described by current scholarship. In the United States, the movement has been known in recent years primarily through the publication of editorial-style advertisements in college campus newspapers. One of the more recent denials has come from the President of Iran, who in a December 2005 speech said that the Holocaust was a fairy tale that had been promoted to protect Israel.

Even greater though than the denial of the Holocaust, is the denial of God and the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. And yet, even with those who believe in Jesus, there is unbelief in how powerful He is and/or what He can do for you and me. This morning Jesus provokes people in regards to belief verses unbelief.

I. Unbelief- (Mark 9:18-24; Psalm 71:19-20)

a. Unbelief in the Bible- In our passage I just read, we see that there

is a situation where there is a boy who has been seized by a spirit that makes him do things he doesn’t want to do. The father of the boy brought the boy to Jesus’ disciples, but they couldn’t cast out the demon. Now the situation is brought to Jesus. When Jesus hears about all that has transpired, His response is: “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you?...”

What a reaction this is from Jesus. Jesus rebukes the people, and His disciples in regards to their lack of faith. In His statement, there is a sense of despair on Jesus’ part as He realizes the immense task that is before Him, the task of training and preparing the disciples to be men of God, and capable of carrying on the ministry after He leaves.

The father himself is rebuked by Jesus. The father tells Jesus the story, but then finishes his story with the words: “…but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus responds, by saying: “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” Which causes the father to quickly answer: “I believe; help my unbelief.”

Now, it might sound as if Jesus is saying to the man, “The healing of your boy depends not on me, but on your faith.” Theologically we know this is not true. Jesus could heal the boy regardless of another person’s faith. But if a person doesn’t have faith going in, then the healing will not create true faith. The father may believe for a time, but his faith will not take root, because when the next problem comes along, he will again doubt.

NO, our faith has to be outside of the miracles and actions of God. Our faith has to be rooted in the trusting in God; in the good and the bad. We have to believe that God is our creator, and that God has our ultimate good in mind. We see this sentiment in Psalm 71:19-20, “Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? ²⁰ Though you have allowed me to suffer much hardship, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” Our faith is not to be determined by God’s actions, but by the understanding that God will be there for us at all times, and in all ways.

This is how Jesus is challenging the father and the people around Him; where is your faith? How can you allow this occurrence to cause you to doubt? How can you let what is seen affect the faith you have in the unseen? If this is the case, if you can doubt so easily, then your faith is not strong.

b. Contemporary unbelief- In our current day, there is much that

can cause us to doubt; to have unbelief. We can get caught up in the materialism of the world. We can get caught up in the spirit of independence, which causes us to not think that we need God. Or we can get caught up in the thinking that belief in Jesus and the God of the Bible is too narrow a view.

Recently this view has been perpetuated by Oprah Winfrey. I recently viewed a youtube video where Oprah had spoken about denying Jesus Christ. She says that this came about when she was in her late 20's and her pastor talked about God being a "jealous God." It didn't make sense to her that God, who was supposed to be all-powerful and all-loving, could be jealous of her. How could that be?
This led Oprah into a new venture of faith where she sought answers outside of the framework of the all-powerful God she had believed in as a young adult. She got to the place where she believed that there couldn't possibly be one way. On her show, when she was challenged by a member of the audience, about Jesus being the only way, all she could do in response was to repeat over and over again, "There couldn't possibly be one way." This led her to New Age doctrines, and the development of a "New Earth Web class."

Why should we be so concerned about this? Because Oprah has a faithful following of millions of viewers who are easily swayed by her philosophies. Any time that she promotes a book through her book club or television show, it instantly becomes a best seller! By offering this new earth web class, she is seeking to lead people away from Jesus Christ, and towards other doctrine. She is doing that with statements like this: "Who you are requires no belief."…. "Heaven is not a location, but refers to the inner realm of consciousness."…. "The man on the cross is an archetypal image. He is every man and every woman."…. "My mind is part of God's; I am very holy."…. "My holiness is my salvation."…. "My salvation comes from me."…. "Let me remember there is no sin."…. "Do not make the pathetic error of 'clinging to the Old Rugged Cross.'" AND "The only message of the crucifixion is that you can overcome the cross."

If we don’t have a strong faith, it doesn’t take much to cause unbelief!

II. Jesus Heals the Boy- (Mark 9:25-27; John 20:27-29)

a. Bring him to me- There is a window in each person’s heart. When

and if this window is clear, then we can see God and we believe. But many times in life, this window is not clear; it is like looking through a beveled window, all that can be seen is shades of light, and flickering of shadows. Most often this happens when things aren’t going our way. Most often this happens when we don’t get the answers we expect. Most often this happens when we are struggling in life.

This is where the father of the boy was; he was struggling. How difficult would it be to see your son possessed by a spirit? How awful would it be to see him be injured by actions he couldn’t control? How terrible would it be to not be able to make things better? And even more, there is the despair that has come when he brings his boy to the disciples, followers of Jesus. They attempt to cast out the spirit, but they are unsuccessful. It seems as if all is lost; the last hope has been dashed. That is why he says to Jesus: “If you are able to do anything.”

But Jesus’ response is with authority: “If you are able!” With Jesus’ statement there is a sense of fear, and yet hope in the man. “…help my unbelief…” And then Jesus simply says: “Bring the boy to me.” This even brings more hope. Jesus doesn’t make excuses for what hasn’t been done. Jesus doesn’t express any doubt Himself. With authority and confidence he says: “Bring the boy to me.”

This statement reminds us that what we can’t do on our own, Jesus can do. This statement reminds us that we are not to dwell on the state of the world (which can lead us to depression), but to dwell on the state of who Jesus is. Jesus reminds us that it is about believing in Jesus, and what Jesus can do. AND SO THE BOY IS BROUGHT TO JESUS, AND WITH THESE WORDS CASTS OUT THE EVIL SPIRIT: “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

This causes an immediate reaction by the spirit, as it sends the boy into convulsions, but then ultimately comes out of the boy. This was such a violent reaction, that at first the boy is still, as if dead. But Jesus takes him by the hand, lifts him up, and hands him over to his father!

b. A restoring of faith- Could you imagine witnessing this? The

scripture says that when the boy is brought to Jesus, it causes a crowd to COME RUNNING over to Jesus. The crowd had great expectations. And they weren’t disappointed, because Jesus did cast out the spirit.

There is a lesson to be learned here: When we remember what Jesus has done for us in the past, it restores our faith. This healing of the boy gave great hope, and renewed faith to the father. And when God works in your life, and in mine, our faith is renewed as well.

But what about all those times when it doesn’t seem like God is at work. I could name many right now in regards to our church: someone needs a place to live, and they can’t find one; someone needs to be healed, and they haven’t been; someone needs a job, and they can’t seem to find one; we would like to see more people in our church, learning about God and serving God, but they aren’t coming; and on and on I could go. What happens when we don’t see God at work? What happens when it seems as if God is silent to our requests?

One of the best known stories of doubting is with the disciple, Thomas. Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, but Thomas wasn’t there. When the disciples tell Thomas about it, his response is that he won’t believe it until he sees it for himself. A week later, Jesus comes back. We pick it up in John 20:27-29, “Then Jesus said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ ²⁸Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ ²⁹Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

True faith comes even when we can’t see what God is doing. True faith is when we trust in God even though we don’t understand why things are happening the way they are. True faith is about believing that our life will work out according to God’s plan when we put our faith in God.

III. Why Couldn’t We Do It?- (Mark 9:28-29, 3:14-15)

a. Destination- Story: Have you ever taken a long car ride with

children? If you have, then you know what I’m talking about when I say that it is not easy. Two times in the last 5 years we have driven to South Dakota and back. It is a trip of over 1500 miles. Part of the challenge is the destination. Our ultimate destination is South Dakota, but along the way the kids might see something that looks tantalizing (a McDonald’s with a play area; an ice cream shop; a gift store), and when they see it, they want to stop. They want to stop both because they want to get out of the car, but also because it provides something fun for them to do.

In our faith journey, we have a similar problem; destination. God has a destination for us, but as we travel along the way, we see things that make us want to take a diversion. The journey itself can at times be a struggle, it can seem long and boring, it can be bumpy, it can be windy, it can be hot and uncomfortable. And all of these things make us want to bail on the trip. But, just like my kids, who had a great time once we got to our destination, so we will be blessed at each stop of the journey when we trust in God.

After Jesus has healed the boy, they entered the house, and Jesus and the disciples are alone. At this moment, they have an important question for Jesus: “Why could we not cast it out?” This was a legitimate question, because earlier in Mark, Jesus had sent them out for this reason. Let me read for you Mark 3:14-15, “He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach ¹⁵and to have authority to drive out demons.”

b. Prayer- Jesus’ answer, in verse 29, is important for the disciples

and for us. He simply says to them: “This kind can come out only through prayer.” In effect, Jesus is saying that they weren’t living close enough to God. God may have given us gifts, and a call, but without God, our gift will not have power.

God may have called me to preach His message, but if I am not connected with Him, then my words will fall on deaf ears. I know that when I pray much before each Sunday, I have many more people come up to me after the service to tell me that I preached a good sermon. I KNOW that this is the work of God, and not my own doing! God may have given you the gift of building relationships with others. But unless you are connected with God, your gift will not lead these people into a relationship with Christ. God may have given you the gift of helps, but unless you are connected with God, the work will get done, but it won’t bless others the way it will if you have given it over to God and let God be a part of it!

Unless we maintain this contact with God, we lose two things: First, we lose our vitality by not have the living power of God flowing through us. Instead of it being an offering of ourselves to God, it becomes a performance. It may not be meant as a performance, but that is how it will be seen. Second, we lose our humility. What should be used for God’s glory we begin to use for our own. In doing this, we lose the virtue of the gift. What should have been used to lift up God before people ends up setting ourselves up. In this the loveliness of the act is lost.

This isn’t just true for individuals, it is true of churches as well. While on vacation, God put it on my heart (as He had put it on my mind by the suggestions of others) that we as a church need to be in prayer more. Prayer is probably the most important activity we do as Christians. But it is easy to get too busy and not pray, it is easy to get caught up in the doing of ministry and not pray, it is easy to forget the power of prayer and not pray. J. Oswald Sanders, in his book “Prayer Power Unlimited,” says:

“The supreme importance of prayer is tacitly admitted by most evangelical

Christians. It is accepted as an article of faith. And yet there are few areas of

the Christian life in which there are more regretful confessions of failure

and disappointment.” (Preface)

Later on in the book, in regards to the power that comes from united prayer, he says:

“When a number of Christians unite in prayer for a given person or

objective, it is the uniform teaching of Scripture that this brings special

power into operation, for their gathering demonstrates that oneness

that God delights to see and acknowledge.” (p.155)

I believe that what our church needs now, more than ever, is times of united prayer. So in the coming months, look for us to schedule times of gathered prayer. I hope that you will all seek to commit yourselves to these opportunities for us to pray together, for our church, and for our outreach into the community, but most of all for our connectedness with God.

Conclusion: The disciples had been equipped with power directly from Jesus. And yet they had not nurtured that power with prayer, and consequently their power vanished. We, as much if not more than the disciples need to nurture what power Jesus has given us with prayer. I would like to challenge you to be more committed to praying for this church, for others, and for the work of this church. I have made a commitment to pray for everyone who comes to this church, EVERY DAY. It is a challenging commitment, but one that I have been following through on. We can have an impact on the lives of others, and on our community, but it will take each one of us praying. I hope that you will accept this challenge. If we do, it will make a great impact for God and for God’s kingdom, and for our lives. Amen.

"Exposing Our Motives"

Series: Jesus, the Provocative Teacher

Sunday, August 10, 2008; Mark 9:33-37

Introduction: In the book “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” by Mark Twain, there is a story where Tom has been told to paint the fence. Like any boy who doesn’t want to work, he does not want to do it. But he knows he has to, so he starts painting. In time some of the other boys come around to see what Tom is doing. Tom acts as if the job is great fun. He tricks other boys into believing this. His trick is so successful that in the end they agree to pay him money to let them finish his work.

This story is well known, and shows how there are some people like Tom Sawyer who can talk others into doing anything; even that which they don’t want to do. But, the truth is, that those who manipulate others in time will have their agenda exposed. But let us not judge Tom Sawyer too harshly, for we all act at times with impure motives. This morning, we will see how Jesus provokes the truth out of His followers to show them that their motives are not just and pure.

I. The Story- (Mark 9:33-37, 10:44-45)

a. Jesus and the Disciples- We just read the story in Mark 9:33-37,

but let’s look at it again. You have Jesus and the disciples going to Capernaum. And along the way they had been arguing. I’m sure that Jesus heard what they were arguing about, but Jesus pretended not to know. Why? Because He knew that to get them to acknowledge before Him what they were saying, would be more convicting than Him trying to outright rebuke them.

So He asks them the question in verse 33: “What were you arguing about on the way?” This causes them to be silent. Why? Because they knew that what they were arguing about, wouldn’t be looked at well by Jesus. They were feeling guilty for their behavior. They knew that this would show their selfish motives. They realized that Jesus actually knew that they were arguing about: who was the greatest.

This actually shows how the disciples were still not getting it. Jesus had talked to them about what He was going to be doing (going to the cross to die for the sins of the world). This argument that they were having shows how the disciples still had their minds on earthly glory, and earthly kingdoms. They still didn’t understand what it meant for Jesus to be the Messiah, and that His kingdom was the Kingdom of heaven; His Lordship was that of heaven.

So Jesus sets it to them straight. To be first, to be great, you have to be a servant. Jesus is saying that the world has it all wrong. A great person isn’t one who can get others to serve him; it isn’t someone who can get others to do all the work; it isn’t a person who can order others around. The real strength of a person comes in being one who seeks to love and care for the needs of others.

Jesus, Himself gives this example. We see this in the scripture passage that is on the front of your bulletin; Mark 10:44-45, “and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus tells them again, that He has come to be a servant; to give His life for the sake of others. This is what real greatness is about.

b. The story more contemporary- Let me give you a couple of

modern day examples of servants who are believed to be great:

1. Albert Schweitzer- Albert Schweitzer is best known for

founding and sustaining the hospital Lambarene in French Equatorial Africa. He and his wife worked to establish this hospital for the people in the area. In the first 9 months of being there, they examined and treated 2,000 patients (some traveling many days and miles to get there). They treated heart disease, tropical dysentery, malaria, leprosy, tumours, and much more. After being there a few months they were able to build a more secure hospital with 2 rooms, instead of the hut they were using. He was a theologian, a musician, a philosopher, and a physician.

But even with all of his great skills and talent, Schweitzer knew that greatness came in serving others. That is why he gave himself to this hospital and to those who could not care for themselves. Schweitzer believed that people need to respect life, and the universe we live in. Ethics, according to Schweitzer, consists in showing the same reverence for the life of others as you do for your own.

Albert Schweitzer nourished hope in a humankind that is more profoundly aware of its position in the Universe. He had a great optimism for people and for what we could do when we give our lives for the sake of others. Norman Cousin’s, who spent a considerable amount of time with Schweitzer at his hospital, had this to say: “The biggest impression I had in leaving Lambarene was the enormous reach of a single human being…”

2. Mother Theresa- A second example is that of Mother

Theresa. Mother Theresa is known as a humanitarian and advocate for the poor, especially in Calcutta, India. At the time of her death, her “Missionaries of Charity” was operating 610 missions in 123 countries, including hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, soup kitchens, children's and family counseling programs, orphanages, and schools.

As Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many, so examples like Schweitzer and Mother Theresa give us a modern day example of greatness through service!

II. Jesus Peers Into Our Hearts- (Romans 5:8; Psalm 139)

a. Nothing is hidden- One of the aspects of this passage is how Jesus

is able to peer into our hearts. This was a real surprise for the disciples, because they still saw Jesus as being human. When Jesus confronted them in their sin here, they realized that Jesus knew the motives of their heart. They realized that Jesus, being God, could know their thoughts and intentions. Nothing was hidden.

This is a truth we need to understand about Jesus. Jesus looks into our hearts and knows what is going on. This can be scary in a way, but also freeing, because we can know that not only does God know our thoughts and intentions, but loves us in spite of them. As Romans 5:8 says, “For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Christ’s intention here is not to belittle or embarrass. Jesus was always using opportunities of life for teaching. In fact, when we learn through experience, it is much more profound than when we sit and listen to a lecture. So Jesus takes advantage of the opportunity to point out to them their short sightedness. It was vital for them to understand the importance of them being servant’s. When Jesus left this earth, it was going to be up to them (and ultimately to us as well) to carry on these acts of service. Without the right frame of mind, they would not be able to do this.

b. God knows us- Of course this concept of God knowing our

thoughts and ways was spoken about even in the Old Testament. All of Psalm 139 reminds us of this. The psalm starts out in verse 1: “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.” Here we see that God can search us, and by searching us knows us. The psalm goes on to talk about how God knows when we sit and when we rise. God knows our thoughts. God is acquainted with all of our ways. But even more, there is nowhere that we can go, where God can’t go. We see this in verses 7-12, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. ¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," ¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

In the end, the psalmist realizes that this is good; as we read in vrs. 23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. ²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” By God knowing our thoughts and intentions, we can seek after God to help our way be more pure & just.

III. Impure Motives and Disunity- (Mark 9:33; 1:11; Philippians 2:4-5)

a. Impure motives-Jesus helps them to see that their motives for

wanting to be great, was impure. But we need to ask the question: “What might have prompted the disciples to have this argument?” To understand this, let’s take a brief look at what they had experienced as followers of Jesus.

First, they see Jesus get baptized by John the Baptist, and they realize that there is something different about Jesus, because at the end of the baptism, the Spirit of God descends on Jesus, and a voice from heaven speaks out: “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”

Then, they are called by Jesus, set apart as special above others. As they walk with Jesus they see Him exorcise an unclean spirit, heal many people, preach to many people with authority, cleanse a leper, heal a paralytic, speak against the Pharisees on several occasions, teach in parables (a teaching unlike any they had heard before). And on and on this went. They got to the point where they were thinking about Jesus’ greatness, and how as His followers they would be able to ride His coattails to greatness and power.

Jesus exposes their impure motives, because Jesus knows that there is nothing good that comes from this kind of attitude.

b. Disunity- EX. There is a story about a woman who lived in a

neighborhood that was going downhill. The area was becoming overcrowded, dirty, and noisy. She knew that something needed to be done, and that it would take money to change the situation. So she started a fund-raising drive. She called people, sent out letters, talked to private foundations, and in the end she raised $85,000. She then used the money to move to another neighborhood!

Now you hear this story, and it probably makes you angry. How terrible that someone would do that. How could she lie in that way, saying that she needed money to fix up the neighborhood she lived in, only to use it for herself?

And that is exactly the point of this passage. Jesus knew that when we have

impure motives, what it causes in others in anger, disunity, bitterness, and so forth. When people act selfishly, it causes anger, because there is no love, no kindness, no caring. It causes disunity, because unity only comes with common purpose, common goals, and mutual caring. It causes bitterness, because when we act from impure motives, we end up stepping on others to get our way. JESUS KNEW THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS TO BE A KINGDOM OF UNITY, AND ONLY WHEN WE LOOK BEYOND OURSELVES CAN WE ACHIEVE THIS UNITY. That is why the apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2:4,5- “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”

For Jesus to let this attitude persist in the disciples would only lead to more self-ishness, anger, and disunity. The Kingdom of God could not survive in this manner.

IV. The Purity of a Child- (Mark 9:36-37; Matthew 25:40)

a. The child- At this point, Jesus has told them about how greatness

is more about being a servant. Jesus wants to illustrate this point further by using a child as an example. So Jesus brings a child into the midst of His disciples. Jesus is trying to make several points here with the child:

First, a child has no real influence at all, especially in Jesus’ time. A child cannot help one advance their career. A child cannot give us the things we want. In fact, it is the other way around; a child needs things and must have things done for him or her. Secondly, a child has no power. They do not, and cannot hold a position of power. Thirdly, they cannot have or achieve wealth on their own. Even if their parents were wealthy, and died, the wealth would not go to them.

So this child represents the supreme example of one who is a servant, for they are completely subject to the authority all around them. They serve their parents and others. So to welcome a child, one who cannot advance their place in any way, and cannot benefit them at all, is a noble act. In fact, in having this attitude of welcoming those who cannot benefit you, you welcome God Himself.

Why is this? Because God wants us to come to Him, not for the purpose of what God can do for us, but for the purpose of loving Him, and desiring to serve Him. As we must serve the children around us, by taking care of their needs, we must have this same attitude when we come to God.

b. The warning- There is an underlying warning here. It is easy to

cultivate friendships with those who we believe can do things for us, or who we believe can be useful to us. That is what the disciples were thinking when they talked about being the greatest. They believed that Jesus’ presence in their lives would help them to be seen as great; would help them achieve a higher and more powerful status.

But Jesus is trying to help them (and us) understand that life is really to be about who we can help, not who can help us. That is why Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “As you did it to one of the least of these brethren, you did it to me.”

This is a truth you and I need to grasp as well. How often do we gravitate to those who can benefit us? How often are we motivated to be in relationships with people who have things? I know that in my life there have been times I have come across people with influence, power, or wealth. It is tempting to let them lead you into that lifestyle. It is an important time in our lives when we do not give in to this temptation.

I know for me, I am much more satisfied with life when I give, than when I take. I know that life is more fulfilling when I seek to be there for others, instead of having the attitude that others need to be there for me. I know that I am much freer to live a purposeful life when I seek to be a servant, as opposed to trying to be a ruler. This is the lesson that Jesus is trying to impress upon the disciples and us.

Conclusion: Jesus is being provocative here by turning their thinking upside down. In fact, Jesus is not just talking about behavior, but about leadership style. You see, the disciples were going to be put in power by Jesus to be the leaders of the Christian movement. Jesus needed them to institute a leadership practice for all ages. The leader must be the servant. Jesus Himself modeled this behavior.

Jesus has exposed here the disciples’ (and our) deepest motive; self-preservation, instead of selfless servanthood. Servants are not usually thought of in high regards. So this teaching sets us on edge; sets us against the world. But if we believe in Jesus, then we must believe in His teaching, and trust that as we are servants to others, we will be great in the kingdom of God, and like Albert Schweitzer, and Mother Theresa, and others, the fruit that we bear will be great. Let us seek to live out this teaching, today, and every day. Amen.