Notes from 9-13-2009 PM Sermon – God’s Alluring
Hosea 2:14
== God's drawing the unworthy ==
"Behold, I will allure her."
Man's evil is so complete impending judgment (what Hosea has been talking about so far, and what will still come) could never turn man back. (cf. Gen 8:21) Instead of giving up, God lovingly entices us back. This is grace. (cf. Rom 5:20)
- This means God will gradually unfold before them the majesty of his excellence. He opens their eyes.
- God will out love all former lovers combined. More love, honor, respect than any other has ever been able to give. The pleasures of God are greater than the pleasures of sin.
- It comes by surprise. The people weren't expecting it. (eg. Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis). (cf. John 6:41-44)
== God's bringing to the truth ==
"And bring her into the wilderness."
When God saves you, he puts you into a new wilderness - a new awareness of sin and guilt. He lets you see the truth about yourself. (cf. Luke 7:40-47)
== God speaks to the heart ==
"And speak tenderly to her."
(cf. John 16:8-11) The root of sin is unbelief. God speaks kindly to the heart, convincing sinners they have been given the credit of God's righteousness - unconditional forgiveness. It is God's work, and his means is the ministry of the gospel.
The full kindness of God is beyond our ability to comprehend. (this morning's sermon)
Notes from 9-13-2009 Sermon – Idolatry
Hosea 2:8-13
Idolatry's Punishment
== Israel's Sin ==
- (v. 8a) Deepest ingratitude: (They do not know.) God had lavished wealth on Israel, but their hearts were so hardened in sin, they did not recognize that it was God. (cf. Hebrews 3:13, 2 Cor 4:4) Wealth is dangerous, but poverty is not a virtue. The issue is your heart. (v. 13) "She forgot me."
- (v. 8b) Most offensive use: They turned their unmerited blessings and used them openly in betrayal. Idolatry is in the heart. 'Do you misuse blessings by looking TO them for your joy, rather than looking THROUGH them for your joy?' (cf. Prov 22:2)
- It is the converted heart that causes genuine worship. It can not be codified through extra-biblical rules and laws.
== God's Response ==
- (v. 9, 12) He will remove their blessings to get their attention.
- (v. 10) He will bring public humiliation to demonstrate his power and the impotence of their false gods. Not all humbling is a response to sin. Occasionally it is to bring about maturity.
- (v. 11) He destroys false worship. Why do you go to church? (cf. Amos 8:5)
- (v. 13) Imagery (not meant to be legalistically interpreted) of a wife dressing up erotically for an affair, rather than for her husband. (cf. Ezekiel 16:10-13)
Christ has adorned us with grace. We are married into royalty. Repent of spiritual adultery.
Sermon Notes: God’s Kindness and Love – Titus 3:4
*** Intro ***
Titus 3:1-2 = Conduct of the Changed
- Ready for the good deed. Be peaceful. Show every consideration for all men, as much as possible. Titus 2:11-14 = Grace of our God.
Titus 3:3 = Conduct of the Unchanged
- Foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved, envious.
- All of these things, the saved once were.
*** The Hope of God’s Kindness and Love ***
Titus 3:4
Romans 5:8
Sermon Notes: Resting – Mark 6:30-32
5/31/2007. AM service. Jeff Noblit.
It is biblical to rest from ministry. It can be prideful to think that you do not need rest.
*** The Commission for the Disciples ***
Integrity. (Mark 6:30) The disciples reported everything they had *done* - not just what they taught. We ought to be doing what we are teaching. Today there is a lot of great writing (a lot of bad too), but the doing seems disproportionately behind - even though we are getting good instruction.
Accountability. (1 Corinthians 4:3 "It's a small thing that I'm examined by you.") (Mark 6:7 - the disciples were sent out two by two.) (Ecclesiastes 4:9) (Proverbs 27:17)
*** The Concern for the Disciples ***
Mark 6:31 - As much of a command of the Lord as it was to go out a preach the gospel. The context is mostly preachers and preaching, but it applies to all saints. Some call it a hobby, or an escape, but really it is a mandated spiritual discipline.
We are encased in weak flesh. We have a limited physical capacity and a limited emotional capacity. Jeff: "You have to rest, or people don't want to be around you the next day. God does not have to rest, and he's wonderful everyday." (Genesis says God "rested" but this is an anthropomorphic illustration to say that God was done with the creation work. The Bible also says that he never rests.)
However, when the work gets tough, don't let this be an excuse to drop the work of the gospel first. Take all matters to the Lord and allow him to judge.
*** Conclusions for Practical Application ***
#1 - Get away WITH Jesus, not from Jesus. Don't let God only remind you of your work boots. Associate him with your slippers as well.
#2 - Don't turn yourself into a sloth. (Proverbs 6:6-11) (Mark 6:31 "... for a while")
#3 - Expect it to be difficult. Even as he went to rest, crowds would still follow Jesus. We probably won't have that problem. We may deal with guilt.
#4 - You can take mini breaks to draw closer to God while separating from the world.
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