Cant Take My Eyes Off of You

Man on a Mission: Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (God's Purity)

*** Matthew 5:27-32 ***

We are beginning the year by reorganizing our priorities.  There is no better way to do this than unpacking what Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount stressing how we engage our relationships, our service and our money.   There is no unpacking relationships without thinking through how we approach human sexuality.

We must understand the Scripture as Jesus calls us to examine God's love of beauty, the dangers of cultural sexuality and the blessings of purity.

Understanding the Scripture:

Lust is not just thinking that someone is handsome or acknowledging that they are pretty. Those are facts and should be encouraging to those to whom the compliment is given.

Looking at someone lustfully is Biblically defined as Looks at: (Blepo) - to look, see, take care, watch, be on the lookout. Lustfully: (Pros) - to, toward, for (Epithymeo): to desire, long for.  The word refers to the inclining of one's affections toward or setting of one's heart upon something.

What follows the lust are usually fantasies, whether physical or emotional, which can not be righteously fulfilled or acted upon without damaging another relationship.  Lust is not the natural desire that you would have for a husband, wife or soon to be spouse.  It is essentially self-gratification without the responsibility of commitment.

You are not responsible for the way that someone else is dressed, though you are responsible for how you dress.  Your innocence or guilt comes from your response.

There is a common misconception that the Old Testament presented a wrathful God of vengeance, and that the New Testament introduced a different god, Jesus, who was full of mercy and love.  The thought is that Jesus overturned all of the misrepresentations of the one true God.  What we see in the Sermon on the Mount is that Jesus did nothing of the sort.  He is still full of love and grace, but if anything, presented a truth where he raised the bar in God's expectations for us, taking the issue of sin from external behaviors to the heart, from whence all activity flows.

Why does Jesus give us such a high standard?  Hasn't everyone had moments where we've fallen prey to such thoughts? It is because whether we are talking about murder or adultery, these are the things that we would do when driven to an emotional peak with ease of opportunity and without the immediate threat of consequence.  Essentially, if we thought that we wouldn't get caught or that God would not judge, we would persist in these destructive manners.  This has been the conclusion of nihilistic philosophers for ages.

“What we think about when we are free to think about what we will – that is what we are or will soon become.” ― A.W. Tozer

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you. (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV)

What does Jesus mean when he speaks about gouging out my eyes and cutting off my hands? It means to take the commands of God so seriously that we are willing to get rid of the things that cause us to stumble.  If you love someone, you are willing to go to extreme measures to show them.  You don't need to place your standards on other people.  You need to know yourself and make adjustments accordingly so that you can maintain your purity (i.e. - computer usage in public, refraining from certain types of movies or romance novels, ending unhealthy relationships)

God's Love of Beauty:

There is a paradigm that assumes Christianity's view towards sex is a puritan prudishness or a catholic containment unit.  You hear stories of Catholic girls going wild because of the taboo with which sexuality is treated in the home or Protestant men escaping into debauchery because of the eroticism saturating our culture.  The truth of the matter is that sex, as described by God, is a beautiful thing, a celebrated thing and is spoken of in Scripture in the most satisfying and liberating terms.

Beauty is also venerated in Scripture. However, it is not limited to outward beauty, but an internal beauty that makes the most plain person have a drawing power about them.  God is described in His beauty and both men and women in the Scripture were noted for their handsomeness or loveliness in form.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. (1 Peter 3:3-5a NIV84)

We beautify ourselves, work out or dress to impress because of our God ordained sexuality.

The Dangers of Cultural Sexuality:

“sex is the consolation you have when you can't have love” ― Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez

The well being of society is not found in sexual repression, but in the proper valuation, rather than the objectification, of individuals whose beauty will eventually fade.

Rape and broken intimacy in marriages because of pornography are commonplace tragedies, examples of the results of ignoring this rule. New York Magazine male lebido article:  http://nymag.com/news/features/70976/

We have had black eyes in the church with recent sexual scandals involving priests and molestation.  There have been fanciful inquiries regarding the relationship of Jesus and Mary Magdalene supposing that were married.  People speculate as to whether Jesus, as a man, was able to continually interact with prostitutes without impropriety.  The question has been raised of whether or not it is even possible to live a chaste life.  The answer is a resounding YES and it is through the freedom and fulfillment that he provides through the gospel.  Jesus knew who he was, knew that he had a bride waiting for him and purified himself to be the one that she needed

Hooked book

The Blessings of Purity:

Why are each of the commands set forth in Matthew 5:27-32 part of the good news?:

God is not an impersonal force, but a loving Father who wants the best for those with whom he would relate and adopt as children through Jesus.

“I myself said, “ ‘How gladly would I treat you like sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’ I thought you would call me ‘Father’ and not turn away from following me. (Jeremiah 3:19 NIV84)

All of these commands are making an appeal to your commitment to the well being of another individual over the immediate satisfying of your own desires. The breaking of these laws is a selfish fulfillment of your own interests at someone else's expense. Jesus exemplified the exact opposite. (Give examples of each)

“I am convinced that the human heart hungers for constancy. In forfeiting the sanctity of sex by casual, nondiscriminatory "making out" and "sleeping around," we forfeit something we cannot well do without. There is dullness, monotony, sheer boredom in all of life when virginity and purity are no longer protected and prized.” ― Elisabeth Elliot, Passion and Purity

There is a security that comes with a properly placed and God given identity.  B's blossoming and her confidence in my love

The Bible is filled with some of the most descriptive, celebratory and satisfying depictions of sex known to man:  Proverbs, Song of Solomon.  The key to living in God-ordained fulfillment is waiting for the proper time and the proper commitment.  The covenant of marriage is where God places his blessing.  He determines that we will be satisfied in the environment in which you will be most secure.

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (Hebrews 13:4 NIV84)

What do I do while I'm waiting for marriage?: Develop the skills that will keep a committed relationship alive after the thrill of the conquest of a sexual relationship has waned.  The idea of falling in and out of love vs. in and out of lust

Take care of yourself

A person's spouse is to be their standard of beauty - Mark Driscoll

Purity is given by God to be both liberating and fulfilling

For the Christian, the truth is that faithfulness to these commands becomes difficult if it simply culde sacs with us.  Because we take for granted that God will forgive us, we are willing to put up with momentary disciplines for our indiscretions.  However, IF we understand that every decision that we make is ultimately larger than ourselves, and has eternal weight in being on mission with Jesus to build an alternate city within a city, then the purpose of every act of obedience comes into clearer view.  We can see the results of our love for God in the lives that are healed, restored and literally saved from death as we honor Jesus on a daily basis with the goal of seeing others come into relationship with him.

2nd City Church – Man On A Mission Sermon Series 2013

The Chosen One

Coming Soon: The Chosen One

*** Isaiah 42:1-9 ***

Throughout Biblical history, several individuals were referred to as royal emissaries for God, those set apart to accomplish His purposes.  A constant subject of Isaiah's ministry is the servant of the Lord, who would turn people away from idols, false saviors, to the only true God.

*** For the salvation that we all need, we must look to Jesus, who is God's chosen one, perfectly expressing his justice, his mercy and his might. ***

God's Justice:

Historical background of Isaiah, the Babylonian exile, Cyrus and Jesus Christ.

Justice is the Hebrew word mispat and determines the difference between right and wrong in the way that we walk out our relationships, conduct our business practices, execute societal governance and utilize our resources.  Scripture is filled with references to God's love for justice.  Justice is directly linked to his law and is a foundational attribute of His character.

Humanity's downward slope begins when we think that we can liberate ourselves from God's commands.  When we substitute anything else as having the highest value in our lives rather than God, whether it be our romantic relationships, careers or beauty, we have succumbed to idols.  As with the king of Babylon, these are the things that try to identify us, and if we place ultimate value upon them, when we lose them, inevitably ruin our lives.

The moment you have a self at all, there is a possibility of putting yourself first-- wanting to be the centre-- wanting to be God, in fact. That was the sin of Satan--and that was the sin he taught the human race. ... What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could 'be like gods'-- could set up on their own as if they had created themselves-- be their own masters-- invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history-- money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery-- the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.

The reason why it can never succeed is this. God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." (C. S. Lewis - Mere Christianity. Macmillan Publishing, 1978. Pgs. 49-54)

Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters–one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen. (Luke 9:30-36 NIV84)

Jesus is the chosen one sent by God the Father to bring us back to God and his liberating law.

God's Mercy:

God sent his Son because though we wander, he is full of mercy, and does not leave us in the bondage that our wanderings deserve.

First to the faithful believer:

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.” (Isaiah 42:3, 4 NIV84)

Faithfulness is the Hebrew word Emet which means firmness, stability, security and continuance.  It speaks of integrity; to be reliable and sure.  It is was a term used frequently of God in the OT and is the primary Hebrew word for truth.  This is what the chosen one provides.

Then to the irreligious: The spiritual but not religious likely to face mental health issues, drug use, study says http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/09/the-spiritual-but-not-religious-likely-to-face-mental-health-issues-drug-use-study-says/

“I, the Lord , have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:6, 7 NIV84)

God's Might:

To come into God's freedom and salvation, we must identify what we have allowed to replace God as the one who defines us.  What people or things have become our functional idols, our subconscious Saviors?

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame. (Isaiah 42:16, 17 NIV84)

Lance Armstrong ordeal

“Our need for worth is so powerful that whatever we base our identity and value on we essentially 'deify.' We will look to it with all the passion and intensity of worship and devotion, even if we think ourselves as highly irreligious. ” ― Timothy Keller

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals–one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” (Luke 23:33-35 NIV84)

God most clearly expressed his might through Jesus' work on the cross, turning us through repentance to the true Savior.

Next week we will continue to walk through our series in Matthew, Man on a Mission, talking about one of those areas of intrigue, God's design for human sexuality

2nd City Church - Coming Soon Sermon Series 2013

Following and Fishing

Man on a Mission: "Following and Fishing"

Matthew 4:18-25

1. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. (Luke 4:14, 15 NIV84)
2. The environment of Capernaum Jesus makes his base of operations for His ministry Capernaum, a prosperous fishing district by the Sea of Galilee, where he would select His first disciples to turn the world upside down.  Because the trade route Via Maris, "way to the sea" ran through it, it was constantly filled with Gentiles, as well as Jews who would take his message of salvation throughout the Roman world.
3. It was called Galilee of the Gentiles because the tribes of Israel in this Northern region were surrounded on three sides by non-Jewish populations.  Ever since the disciplining of Israel through the Assyrian conquest that made it a province under an Assyrian governor in 732 BC, this region experienced continually forced infiltration of Gentile influence. The Sea of Galilee.  Parallels to Chicago are obvious.

*Why did Jesus have such a concern with fishing for people?  Why not just leave them where they are?

1. Understanding the references that Jesus was making within the culture gives us a better understanding of what he intends of the church's activity today.  He frequently uses three activities which describe how the church will be established, sustain itself and grow - fishing, farming and building.As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. (Matthew 4:18 NIV84) 
2. Because fish at the time was a staple food that was cooked, dried and pickled,  fisherman were prosperous businessmen in that area compared to the agrarian farmers who worked the land throughout the Roman Empire.“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19 NIV84)

• When Jesus said, "Come, follow me," he is establishing this as a message and relationship of grace.  In Israel, disciples would go looking for a rabbi who would instruct them, however Jesus turns this on its head.  We do not go looking for God, God comes looking for us.  Even those who look like they're seekers are those that God is drawing by His loving-kindness.  This is why joining Him in fishing for people is imperative.
• *Why would Jesus use the analogy of fishing?  It is because though by grace, any experience, encounter or benefit that we are going to receive in regards to the life of God is going to take effort. It, like anything of value in life, is a product of God multiplying the effort that you put into it.  Like relationships

This is the pattern of God that we see with Abraham, in pagan worship, Moses and the burning bush, etc.  God comes to initiate by interrupting the well worn flow and mundane affairs of people's live

• This is a living relationship, not a philosophy.  We cannot afford to ignore what Jesus is highlighting here - faith is not described as a mental assent, a mere agreement with a set of doctrinal tenets, though they are infinitely important and the foundation of our relationship with God.  For example, the acknowledgement of Jesus' identity as the only, unique Son of God, who came in the flesh, born of a Jewish virgin, was sinless, performed miracles, died and was resurrected from the dead in fulfillment of hundreds of years of prophecies gives us the premise through which we trust him and serve Him as Lord.  However His resurrection and eternal rulership is the catalyst for our daily pursuit of His will as He continues to direct the affairs of men today.  We look for Him to keep in step with Him, FOLLOWING him accordingly.
• When we speak of following Jesus, we are acknowledging the relinquishment of our rights.  It is the essence of Lordship.  We, like Abraham are not told where we will be heading, only the promise that God will be with us and has a better inheritance for us.  In relinquishing control, we are submitting to the idea that Jesus knows what is best, when it is best and how things should be done in our relationships, with our time and our finances and careers, all things that pertain to our security and future, though He has not given us a detailed map of what it looks like.  This is why we live on every word that proceeds from His mouth.  This is why His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.  This is what we rejoice when the instability of the world around us is revealed.  Psalm 46.  This is the essence of Biblically defined faith - trust, or more specifically, entrusting yourself to someone.  He said repent for the Kingdom is near. We have to remember the benefits of the Kingdom (Psalm 103), righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, (Romans 14:17 NIV84)

At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:20 NIV84)

• There will always be a leaving of something that is familiar, to follow Jesus.  It is not necessarily a job that you're leaving, though on some paths, it may require such a crossroads.  More often, it is a leaving of comforts, well worn patterns of thinking, and our thoughts of what the future that we planned would look like.  it is putting our security fully in the hands of Christ who we acknowledge as sovereign in this fleeting world.   It is a casting off of the identity to which you've clung so dearly, and allowing the loving, living, omnipotent God to redefine you ("for they were fishermen").  Remember, for Peter, Andrew, James and John to leave their fathers, they were leaving the family business and their promise of a worldly inheritance.  If you did not have to leave anything, if it did not require a change, you would have already been following him, and your life would have reflected the liberties of Scripture.

Practically, we ask these questions:

1. What have you shown through your Word to be your general, overarching will?
2. How are you moving today to accomplish that will in my relationships, family and workplace?
3. What is my part today in serving you to help accomplish that will?
   • Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:21, 22 NIV84)
   • Immediacy is the key to obedience in The Lord.  Many a graveyard of calling has been filled with those who took the time to contemplate whether following Christ was feasible and expedient.  With whom are you trying to deliberate when the maker of the universe calls your name?   The term is called "playing the devil's advocate" for a reason.  The longer you wait to obey, the harder it becomes to move, because you begin to be loaded down with anxieties, fears and excuses as to why the middle road of nominal, rather than dynamic, faith is better, doesn't require as much and is acceptable to God.
   • Our faith walk was never intended to cul de sac with our own personal devotions, solely getting our own needs met.  Abraham, the father of our faith, was blessed to be a blessing.

*Jesus, in His call to discipleship, commences with a paradigm disallowing the idea of just showing up at church each Sunday solely thinking of yourself.  This is what the majority of American Christians do, but we are challenged to come looking to contribute in worship as much as we are expecting to receive from God in the community of faith.  Conversely, Jesus immediately establishes the foundation that we should continuously think about how to see others who don't know Him come onto His boat.  This is where we are blessed being a part of a church plant, because it naturally accentuates this goal and need.

• Without a doubt, fishing for men is not a gifting or a characteristic of a special class of Christian, but is the mark of any true disciple of Christ.  If we are following, we're going to be fishing.
• *Whether or not it is on our minds, the penultimate agenda on Jesus' heart is the reconciliation of the individuals of this world with His Father.  It is the very reason for the incarnation, the cross and the talk of the Kingdom of God.

“Give me all of you!!! I don’t want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don’t want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self---in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your will. My heart, shall become your heart.”
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

A young girl, in citing this passage once asked me, "If Jesus said that when we follow Him, He'll make us fishers of men, does that mean that if we are not fishing for people, we are not following Him?"  Most times, we try to define for ourselves what it means to follow Jesus, rather than allowing Jesus to define it for Himself.  In doing so, we are deceived.  At the very least, the girl's inquiry is a penetrating question exposing the incomplete paradigm in which we live.

A description of fishing in the ancient world :

1. the nets
2. by team - why it is good to bring friends, family and co-workers to an environment of faith where they can be touched by God. The general statistic is it takes 3-7 significant encounters with the gospel before someone comes to Christ and just as many relationships to stick in his church.
3. Repetition in casting the nets

Casting their nets vs. the trammel net

For what type of people should we be fishing?

1. The non-Christian
2. The unconnected Christian
3. The co-worker, friend or family member willing to check things out (John 1)

When should we fish for people?: Jesus comes to the first disciples more than likely after a long night of fishing when they are mending their nets

Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecclesiastes 11:6 NIV84)

• As one of the disciples, John would witness the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding in Cana (John 1:35-2:11).  First, Jesus shows how powerful and practical he is by touching even their business endeavors. He is saying there is nothing too big for Him to transform in someone's life and nothing too small for him to care about.  He is indicating that when He enters an individual's life, there is no area or sphere that He will leave untouched by His covenant.
• It is no mistake that one of Jesus' first miracles in direct relationship to the disciples had to do with fishing. Luke 5:1-11

*In summary, when you are called by Jesus to be a Christian, you are commissioned by Him to also be a co-laborer of His to build His church and Kingdom.  It takes absolute diligence and focus to be a builder alongside of Jesus.  As we spoke about warfare last week, there is every discouragement and distraction that will attempt to throw you off of the faithful and consistent course of prayer and reaching out.  Though men and women born of the Holy Spirit, we far too often resign to our carnal judgments to determine if an activity is worthwhile.  We know that prayer is important, but we want to see the immediate results of our single request offered to God before we'll consider investing further time into it.  We live in the microwave generation of instant messaging, instant downloads and instant gratification.  However, what this does is make our souls weak.  We lose the value and practice and fruit of patience.  If we do not see an instantaneous finished product, then it is not exciting.  And boy, aren't we encouraged to live for pleasures and the next "new" thing.  We know that it takes love and consistency to make disciples, but if someone doesn't fall on their knees immediately, we assume that either God is not at work or that He is not interested in using us.  These mentalities completely contradict the nature of faith and undercut the analogy that Jesus intentionally made of successful fishing.  There is no parent who has been able to experience the overwhelming joy of parenthood, whether through adoption or natural birth, without the travail of the process.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, (Luke 5:4-9 NIV84)

• We often feel like we do not have the strength to help others, but here is part of the good news of the gospel, that Jesus heals us so that we might have the strength to love and serve Him. It is so often that we are waiting for healing before we move, but instead it is as we go, as we are looking to give, that we are actually healed (Luke - ten lepers).

What does fishing for people look like in our context?:

• Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demonpossessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.  (Matthew 4:23-25 NIV84)
• Just as people BROUGHT to Jesus people in these conditions, physically, psychologically, emotionally or circumstantially, so can we.  And they can be healed.  INVITATION is the key here.
• There is a crescendo leading to Matthew 10 where the disciples first see Jesus' ability, and then are sent to the people to heal themselves by the power of Jesus' authority and the Holy Spirit.

This is one of the unique purposes of our Purple Book groups that are beginning.  Please join not only to be exposed, but to learn to articulate what you have come to believe.  Strengths and weaknesses of invitational style

Different styles of evangelism found in Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels of Willow Creek: Invitational Style

• Percentage of people who said they would come if someone invited them to church vs. percentage invited.  Bringing people to Jesus does not have to be limited to an invitation to church - there are a multiplicity of environments and scenarios to aid this.
• Christmas is an easy time to invite people. It will be fantastic practice for the city even as many of you go home for the holidays.
• This is a fantastic realization as we approach our first Pre-launch service December 9

Practical faith goal for every disciple:

1. Pray for at least three unconnected Christians or non Christians in your sphere daily for the next three weeks.
2. Invite them to join us with the hope of at least one of them coming and drawing closer to Jesus and his church December 9

2nd City Church - Man on a Mission Sermon Series 2012

Preparing the way for the Lord

Man on a Mission:"Preparing the way for the Lord"

* In the future we will get into topical messages and series, but right now, to set the foundation of the church plant, we want to make sure to let Jesus and the Bible speak for themselves as to what is important to God, even things that we may have heard before, but upon which we have not spent much time dwelling to make them premiums in our lives.

We all want God to move in our lives and in the city.  However, what ALWAYS PRECEDES a move of God is the people's move towards confession and repentance.

*Matthew 3:1-12


Why would John call them a brood of vipers? There was poison on their lips (ref. Romans 3:13). Often, when we have become prideful in our Christianity, thinking ourselves the experts, or hurt in our community, thinking ourselves the victims, we lose sight of Christ Himself who looks to redeem imperfect scenarios.  The only result is a fault-finding attitude, rather than one of humility and service.  Here is where you begin to criticize the people and work of God rather than throwing in your lot to aid and join them.  The vipers often feed on the embryonic eggs of other creatures trying to come to life.  He is giving a warning to watch ourselves and exhorting us to throw in our lot with Jesus and his people.

When we think of repentance, we think of thoughts of God's anger, having visceral reactions in regards to His judgments.  It is because we don't understand the heart of our Father in the midst of these commands.

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? (Romans 2:4 NIV84)

How would it be the case that He is expressing His kindness? There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12 NIV)

• says the exact same thing in Prov. 16:25


Here's an example in which many of us have found ourselves:

For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword. 
Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave.
She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths are crooked, but she knows it not. (Proverbs 5:3-6 NIV84)

In preaching there is proclamation, but there is also an element of counseling for every aspect of Christ's character or counsel that we are encouraging people to obey.  Everyone has a history explaining why they are the way that they are and an attachment to the reason they live and behave the way that they do.  God is sensitive to this, yet still calls us, as the Creator, to the liberating and higher place.

“Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters; 
and you who have no money, 
come, buy and eat! 
Come, buy wine and milk 
without money and without cost. 
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy? 
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, 
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. 
Give ear and come to me;
hear me, that your soul may live. 
I will make an everlasting covenant with you, 
my faithful love promised to David. 
Seek the Lord while he may be found;
 call on him while he is near. 
Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts. 
Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,” 
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways 
and my thoughts than your thoughts. 
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven, 
and do not return to it 
without watering the earth 
and making it bud and flourish, 
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty, 
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace; 
the mountains and hills 
will burst into song before you, 
and all the trees of the field 
will clap their hands. 
Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. 
This will be for the Lord's renown,
for an everlasting sign, 
which will not be destroyed.” (Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-13 NIV84)

There is an emotional response to the behavioral patterns that have marked our lives and to which we have become identified.  We cling to them, feeling that if we lose this part of our activity, we lose our very selves.  Yet Jesus calls us to trust him in this change of mind so that He might bring us into the life that is truly life.  Never forget, He knows best and desires our best.

“I myself said,
“ ‘How gladly would I treat you like sons 
and give you a desirable land, 
the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.’ 
I thought you would call me ‘Father’ 
and not turn away from following me. (Jeremiah 3:19 NIV84)

The Hebrew word for Torah in the Scripture encapsulated the Law and had a meaning that referred to a target.  Sin thus became a term for missing the mark.  It is far deeper than simple disobedience, but it is a general posture in life where we fail to even acknowledge God's good standard in our relationships, how we use our time or finances.  We fail to even aim for the mark and therefore live in sin.

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (James 4:17 NIV84)

It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” 
― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

When we have made any level of commitment to Christ, the sins that we commit are far more sins of omission rather than commission - a general laziness of spirit and heart.  It is more the sin of apathy and complacency, doing the bare minimum to get by, than the sin of licentious living.

The more often [a man] feels without acting, the less he will ever be able to act, and, in the long run, the less he will be able to feel.” 
― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

Repentance is defined as a change of mind.  Greek:

Repentance is not a onetime activity, but an ongoing affair, a lifestyle.  It is to aim for, and by the grace of God, rise to the mark.  It is then we hit the target of peace, fulfillment and satisfaction in life because we are doing that for which we were created. Repentance is the prerequisite preparing the way continually for the ongoing work of The Lord Jesus in your life.

How do we get to a place, like the Pharisees, where we are surrounded culturally by the law of God, but become a brood of vipers?  In a city like Chicago, it is easy as God becomes a side note and not the center of our lives, an additive and not the director.  The syncretistic spirit in this city tolerates spirituality, but resists building our world and contextualizing daily activity around JESUS and His Kindom purposes.  There is an acknowledgement of God, but not a pursuit of Him.  Yet John's very purpose, and ours, is to prepare a way for Jesus.

Your religion is what you do with your solitude.”   -Archbishop William Temple

The problem with American culture today is the plethora of options with which we are confronted today.  In sociological studies, they've reported that countries with far less economically and what we would deem as comfort are far happier because the number of options are limited.  Therefore people are not thinking about what they don't have, always thinking they are missing something; rather they are enjoying what they do have. In this manner, their lives can be more fulfilled.

This atmosphere which dulls convictions was accentuated in my mind when I saw that the happiest time of year thus far for people in Chicago came during a trick or treat Halloween celebration. It takes more effort to do anything in a big city like Chicago, so without a compass, you will passively slump into the malaise and the perpetual tide of the culture around you.

Confession means to come into agreement with what is right

Confession does not just have to be to a priest or religious leader in the church, but someone with whom you're are walking for growth in Jesus and His purposes in your life:

My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me; 
he whose walk is blameless 
will minister to me. (Psalm 101:6 NIV84)

As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 NIV84)

Confession in the church serves multiple purposes:

1. to build intimate relationship through which we
2. to take responsibility for our actions and own our junk
3. to identify and nail the appropriate things to the cross

A lack of humility will lead to a lonely, isolated existence.

God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing; 
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. (Psalm 68:6 NIV84)

He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13 NIV84)

There are three categories of people who will be coming to repentance in our midst:

1. The believer through the ongoing sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit
2. The non-Christian who is being reconciled to God
3. The church transfer who felt burnt or embittered at another church trying to find refuge here.  The challenging part in this scenario is people don't realize that things aren't always as one sided as they seem and may need to come to repentance themselves

If someone quickly finds fault with others, they will quickly do it with you. We don't encourage people to come from other churches without working out their grievances, otherwise when the rub comes, there will be the same response just in a different environment.

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy2:19-22 NIV84)

What good thing does God want from this repentance?

Christ set a different example for us with his baptism.  He was perfect in his righteousness, but did all to fulfill the law and lead by example.  In effect, He has never asked or commanded us to do anything that He has not done Himself. We can therefore trust Him in everything as He promises to lead us to life to the fullest.

Take time o pray, asking the Holy Spirit to search your hearts, confess and pray with another about things you need to repent and be healed about.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23, 24 NIV84)

Practical Faith Challenge of the Week: This week, share with someone why the message of confession and repentance is a part of the good news.

* This week read Matthew 4 in preparation for "Man on a Mission" Part 4 - "Fighting for our Lives"

2nd City Church 2012 Man on a Mission Sermon series