4. Preach The Whole Gospel Isa 61v1-4
When Jesus quoted from Isaiah it was not an idle boast. Acts 2v22 Nicodemus believed in Jesus. Jn 3v2
John the Baptist asked for confirmation. Lk 7v22
Signs and wonders don’t just confirm the message, they are the message – a message of full salvation. 1 Jn 3v8
Victory won by the cross was confirmed by his resurrection.
Earthly ministry showed Jesus had the power to destroy the works
of the Devil through the power of the Spirit. Isa 61:1, Jn 3v34
No power ministry before Jesus’ baptism even then a wait. Lk 4:1-2
Full before testing but in the power of the Spirit afterwards. Lk 4:14
Faith developed by perseverance. Jas 1v3-5
Jesus knew how to say no to Satan. Tit 2:11-12
Jesus sent out the 12 with clear instructions. Matt 10v7-8
They received authority from Jesus himself and they exercised it.
Age of miracles not ended at the cross. Acts 1v1 Jesus still at work.
Holy Spirit teaches us truth and what is yet to come.
Those with faith in Jesus will do what he did and greater things.
Jesus still works through his empowered Church. Acts 1v8, Isa 61:1
The Gospel gives hope where our Saviour turns defeat into victory.
Many are bound by sin and its effects. We have authority to preach forgiveness, freedom from fear, demonic powers, sickness and sin. Luke adds recovery of sight for the blind.
God is wants whole in body, soul and spirit.
Now is the day of favour. Isa 61:2, 2 Cor 6v2, 2 Pet 3v9
Must preach the positive blessings of receiving Christ but also warn that rejection and simple neglect both lead to hell. Heb 2v3, Jn 3v18 Joy and strength will replace despair. Isa 61:3, 1Cor 14:26
As the Spirit of God is resting on us mourning and despair vanishes.
God calls us to know life more abundant, joy unspeakable, liberty in our worship, power to overcome and a walk with God,.
As we preach the whole Gospel we shall see a tremendous harvest.
Jesus is looking for Christians that will not be shaken. Isa 61v3
We are to be fruitful. Jn 15v16 Fruit will restore things. Isa 61:4
Fruit not by mere words but by demonstration of the Spirits power. False prophets doing signs and wonders will come, even using the name of Jesus. Reject the false but do not reject true men of God.
Do not let the counterfeit stop us from believing God can use us.
Cannot earn gifts; simply receive them from God use for his glory’
6. Sowing and Reaping Gal 6v1-18
A man reaps what he sows. Gal 6v7 Principle found in the Bible.
Applies to many areas including physical and spiritual well being.
Gal 6v8,
Destuction not just physical death or eternal punishment but also trouble, strife and sickness in this life. Prov 22v8
Rebellion to God brings its own harvest. Rom 1v26-27
AIDS is an example of this. Lev 26v15-16
We please our sinful nature by immorality, doubts, fear, resentment, bitterness, jealousy, unwillingness to forgive and pride.
Emotions eat away inside can stop us loving or receiving love.
Our emotional and spiritual life is damaged but can also manifest in our bodies. Can cause actual physical pain and sleepless nights.
It is not what you eat but what eats you.
Christians should know freedom because of who they are in Christ.
2Cor 5v17,
Believe what God says about you. Rom 8v37, Rom 6v14, Lk 11v13,
2 Cor 3v8, Phil 4v13
If God calls, God supplies you with the skills needed to perform it.
It is not your ability you have to trust in, it is Gods. Ecl 11:4
Trust God to keep his word. Gal 6v8, Hos 10:12, Prov 11:18-19
Second principle of sowing and reaping. 2Cor 9:6 Not just what you sow but how much you sow. Not just about money but every area of our commitment to God; time, effort and concentration. Ps 126:5-6
The deeper the commitment the greater the harvest. Isa 28:24
We have a responsibility to sow the seed of the Gospel. Ecl 11:6
Responsibility to preach the Gospel and share the God’s blessings.
Don’t hold blessing for yourselves, it the way to lose it. Lev 19:9
Your blessing can minister to others. Matt10v8
Revival is coming soon. Amos 9v13
Do not just sit back and wait. Gal 6v9
Doing good includes prayer, fasting, witnessing and giving.
The whole Church was involved. Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-33
Signs and wonders were common as together they honoured God.
God then blessed them with supernatural power.
The Church constantly grew.
Basic principal is a man reaps what he sows.
The measure we use will determine the harvest we receive. Lk 6v38
8. Hear and Obey Matthew 21v1-11
Need to know the RULE OF GOD in our lives. Matt 21v6
Disciples did what Jesus said. Accepted his insight and authority.
They did not always understand, but they knew Jesus spoke truth.
Disciples told to take a donkey that did not belong to them.
Only as they obeyed did they prove Jesus had spoken the truth.
Jesus knew about the donkey and questions that would be asked.
He gave the words to say so they could take the donkey Matt 21v3
As they obeyed Jesus the job was done.
More preparations were made for the Passover. Mark 14v13
Jesus knew a man carrying the water pot would lead them to the
right house. Words were needed to get the room. Mark 14v16
Obedience in word and action proved Jesus knew what God’s will.
In thinking of the rule of God we tend to think of God’s laws.
In schools there are rules about how students should act in class.
Attitudes towards class work, homework, students and teachers.
It would be wonderful if every child obeyed all the school rules.
But little is learnt if instructions given by the teachers are ignored.
Obeying the Law of God alone is not doing all God requires.
Moses knew God’s law but asked God to teach him his ways.
The Word of God is best source of principles to live by. Ps 119v105
It contains concepts and ideas that show us how to live. Matt 7v24
Acting on God’s Word a good foundation but not the whole building.
Satan has convinced many Christians that God has changed.
No more signs, wonders or healings – all of this has gone.
Satan also tells us God does not speak to individuals anymore.
Ministers tell people what God says; ordinary Christians cannot hear
from God. It is a lie that robs us of so much blessing. John 10v27
How can we follow if we do not know his voice? Eph 2v10
So we need to hear from God direct. John 14v21
God will ask us to do things that seem stupid and impossible.
Before the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the Last Supper the
disciples had to do some strange things. Obedience led to blessing.
Disciples told to let down the nets. Lk 5v5 Obedience led to harvest.
Our obedience will bring in a harvest of people into God’s kingdom.
Don’t be confused between the RULES of God and RULE of God.
Obey not just God’s written word but his specific will.
Cultivate close personal relationship with Jesus where we learn to
hear his voice and then obey. Rev 3v20
2. Men of Authority Under Authority Matt 8 v 5 – 13
Centurion believed Jesus only had to say the word to bring healing.
Saw link between Jesus’ ministry and his own position. Matt 8v9
Centurion could exercise authority because he was under authority.
Emperor had commission him. Power of Roman Empire available. Centurion only exercised authority in the areas given to him to work.
To step outside those limits is rebellion and would bring punishment.
Jesus exercised authority over sickness, disease, evil spirits and
death. He even preached with authority. Matt 7v28-29, Matt 21v23
Centurion knew Jesus received authority from God the Father
Jesus was sent by the God to act in accordance with God’s will.
Jesus exercised authority as he was under the authority of God.
Had authority over his death and resurrection. Jn 10v18, Jn 5:19
In a battle communications between the Generals and the troops
are important; essential if the battle is to be won. The Generals see the whole picture and know what each soldier should do and when.
Commands from HQ must be carried out – even if unusual.
To fight the good fight of faith we must not wasting effort and time.
We must see what God is doing and then work with God.
Jesus is our example Jn 8v28, Heb 3v2, Jn 5v30
Jesus taught disciples to exercise in authority. Matt 10:1
Given words to say, works to do. Mk 6v12-13
Jesus sent out the 72 giving them the same authority. Lk 10:17
Jesus able to exercise authority as he obeyed the Father.
To exercise authority we must be obedient to what God’s will.
Consider the great commission. Matt 28v18-20 Order important.
As we go, make disciples, baptise coverts and teach God’s word
then we will know the power and presence of God with us.
Power and authority will be seen in the church only as we obey.
Teaching all disciples to obey all Jesus commanded his disciples.
His will is the key. Rom 6v11, 2 Cor 5v17, Gal 5v24
Seek the gifts you need. 1Cor 14v1
Always be a worshipper. Heb 13v15)
Be sons of God led by the Spirit, praying in the Spirit, walking in the Spirit. Do you know what God has given you authority to do?
We can exercise authority only as we are under authority. Matt 8:13
Need to fulfil our commission. Matt 7:21
Preaching, teaching and healing in the name of Jesus.
This is the God’s standard is high and costly. Lk 14v27
3. Go For Fulness Eph 3v14-21
Paul’s prayers for the churches are God’s will for them and for us.
Many Christians have settled for the minimum
– God’s plan is for us to know the maximum.
Paul lists a process that leads to being filled. Eph 3v19
God’s plan for us all is to be filled and not just a double portion.
Fullness - is the result of being filled to the full.
The same measure of God’s Spirit in our lives as Jesus knew.
Jesus is God – but he took human form to demonstrate what God could do with a man filled with the fullness of God. Col 2v9-10
We have been given fullness, but have we received it?
Paul’s prayer lists the steps we need to take to experience fullness.
STEP 1 Eph 3v16
- give God permission to take control. Eph 5v18
Let go of trust in your own abilities and draw on God’s resources.
Give God access to our inner man to change that needs changing.
Remember God’s judgment is always right.
The fruit of the Spirit will not grow if our own personality rules us.
The Holy Spirit will empower us as we let Him work. Ps 139v23-24 STEP 2 Eph 3v17
Sundays Christianity is useless. Jn 15v5
Abide in Christ continually. Jas 4v4-5
STEP 3 Eph 3v17
Relationship with Jesus must be based on love and faith in Christ.
Works cannot save or establish anyone; we are under a curse.
Must lay a foundation and build on it. Eph 3v18-19
All need to know this depth of love but we have to follow the steps.
Cannot be filled with God in fullness without full knowing God’s love. Cannot grow in the knowledge of God’s love without faith in Jesus.
Cannot put your faith in Jesus if unwilling to let Him expose sin.
God cannot act as if sin does not exist; must be dealt at the cross
through repentance.
“Without holiness no one will see the Lord”
We can hide faults from one another but not from God.
Being filled with the fullness of God is not impossible to attain.
Be open towards God. Be obedient to God.
Old saying - “The longest journey begins with a single step”
Take a step. Our journey is one of faith – faith in God. Eph 3v20-21
1. Weakness is Normal Romans 12v1-8
We are all weak. No room for pride. Rom 3v3
Weakness is the real problem. Rom 7v18 Cannot trust in the flesh.
Healing and miracles not by ‘our own power or godliness’. Acts 3v12 God heals. Acts 3v16 God uses ordinary people. Mk 16v17-18
Key to miracles - Believing God despite our weakness.
The 12, then the 72 sent out with the authority to heal and deliver,
all rejoiced at their success. Then Jesus taught them how to pray.
Power not released through learning but by simple faith in action.
Paul aware of weakness. 2 Cor 12v9-10
Moses and Gideon etc. Not self confidant; weak in their own eyes.
But God uses weak people. 1 Cor 1v27-29
Pride kills a ministry. Focus on weakness stops a ministry starting.
Must use what we are given. Matt 25v14-30, Luke 12v42-48
We are jars of clay. What is in us is important. 2 Cor 4v7
Challenge of the impossible situation Reaction to problems key. Jehoshaphat’s prayed in an impossible situation. 2 Chr 20v12
Paul moved in the supernatural. Acts 19v11-12
God, not Paul, did the extraordinary miracles.
Divine exchange, our weakness for his strength Isa 40v29-31
Human weakness is normal, but not the end of the story.
Receive out of the riches. Eph 3v16 Our spirit, not our flesh life that
is strengthened. God’s power not ours. Zech 4v6
Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. Jn 15v4-5
Miracles and healing, not because of our goodness or ability, but
our availability to God and our willingness to act when we feel weak.
Competence comes from God. 2 Cor 3v5-6, 1 Cor 2v3-5
Faith is believing for God to do the things you cannot do.
Act on what you believe. Focus on weakness and you will fail.
Step out and pray for the sick. You are human and make mistakes.
We are only free to succeed when we are free to fail.
Perfection is not about a sinless walk but being hungry after God.
Holy walk God wants comes from a walk with God.
Cannot walk right or perform miracles in our own strength.
God does it in us and through us as we let him work.
Nothing about us surprise God. Still wants to work through us.
We have to come to him and receive what we need to do the work.
Our weaknesses should not stop us ministering healing to others.
Our minds need to be renewed. We need a Biblical mind set.
7. Receive and Pursue 2 Cor 1v12-22
Are you waiting for God to do what that God is waiting for you to do?
We must not forget we have things we must do.
Be still, and know that I am God doesn’t mean do nothing. Ps 46:10
There is a difference between ‘waiting’ and ‘waiting on the Lord’.
Waiting on the Lord leads to action not frustration. Isa 40:31
Some things we simply receive by faith. Other we are to pursue.
Should pursue God himself. Deut 4v29, Lk 13v24
Salvation is free but decisions have to be made. Requires effort.
Christian life a race, demand consecration and effort. 1 Cor 9v26-27
Good ministry only comes out of intimacy with God. 1 Cor 14v1
It is not a matter of seeking the giver or the gifts. Seek both.
Strive to live in peace Heb 12v14, Rom 12v18
Make every effort to build others up. Rom 14v19
We are to strive to be holy. 1 Tim 6:11, 2 Tim 2:22
Pursue means aim at and pursue. Aim at nothing you are will hit it.
Now consider what God wants you to receive not pursue.
First – God wants everyone to know forgiveness. Acts 13v38,
God offers forgiveness we have to receive it.1 Jn 1v9
Secondly - God wants us to know we are his children. Jn 1v12
Receiving Jesus as Saviour makes us part of God’s close family.
Thirdly – We are to receive grace and righteousness. Rom 5v17
Order is Jesus died, we receive God’s abundant grace, we then receive the gift of righteousness, and then we can then reign in life.
We pursue a holy life but receive righteousness by faith.
Fourth - God wants us to receive power. Acts 1v8
Not just for the 12 disciples but the Holy Spirit to empower us all.
We can do what Jesus did and greater things. Jn 14v12
Fifthly - God wants us to be fully protected. Eph 6v10-18
Put on the whole armour of God, enables us to stand.
Standard issue to every believer – but we have to receive it by faith.
To receive we need to ask. James 4v2 Must know what is available.
Sixthly - we need to receive to the Word of God.
Receive and not just hear God’s Word. Acts 17v11, 1Thes 2:13
The promises are for us. 2 Cor 1v20
Pursue God’s presence and love, gifts of the Holy Spirit, peace and
a godly lifestyle. Day by day be in pursuit of God
But simply ask and receive God’s free gifts: Forgiveness, sonship, abundant grace, righteousness, power, protection and God’s Word.
5. Revelation of God’s Glory Ex 33v12-23
Moses wanted God to reveal his glory so that he might know Him.
Moses' prayer shows us things both about Moses and God.
- Moses wanted to know more of God.
- He needed this knowledge as God had called him to a hard work.
- It was for God's glory and the people's good.
- Moses knew his responsibility for the people and to God.
- Moses believed the call was of God to be the leader.
He thought he had a right to expect this revelation.
God's answer to Moses implied some other things. Ex 33v19
- Moses made the request with right motives.
- God knew Moses needed revelation.
-Moses had a right to expect grace equal to his circumstances.
- God was willing to reveal himself known to Moses for the purpose
for which Moses desired it.
- God knew the frailties of Moses and the people. Ex 33v20
Moses was allowed to see what he could handle.
- God sees his goodness as part of his essential glory.
- God’s mercy demonstrates God’s sovereignty.
God obeys the dictates of his own infinite love, and asks no being
but Himself for permission to do what He sees best to be done.
Other things we can learn from this passage.
The circumstances and prayer were right conditions for revelation.
God gives grace and revelation as our circumstances demand.
We can ask God to do what need to be done for us for his glory.
We are to persevere in asking. Moses would not be put off.
If God calls us to do a thing, it can be done.
We have a great commission and a right receive the grace to do it.
Need a right view of God's character so we are not unbalanced.
All God's character is made up of his love, his goodness.
No experience or study can secure us quite like a revelation of God.
Moses' face shone with glory so the people could not look at him.
Christ’s transfiguration - clothes were as light and face like the sun.
Not everybody can handle the revelation of divine glory.
We do not know the whole of God so we need to know more.
It is true that we all need new manifestations of God?
Need this revelation so we can preach the gospel more effectively.
Ask God to show you more of God.
We need it and we need to know God is able.