Sermon for the Watford church of Christ, 21 June 2020
Introduction, v1
Question: Who or what is it good to fear?
- Blessings galore! vv2-4
Fruit – security, vineyards
Vine – sexual charm
Olive shoots – vitality
A pre-vision of God’s great plan
The reanimation of the original blessing
“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”” (Genesis 1:28 NIV11)
To be fulfilled at return of Jesus and bringing of kingdom of heaven to earth.
God’s desire is for our joy!
- How to live in healthy fear of the Lord and walk in obedience to him, vv1, 4
A. Touched by fear
yare: origin, “to tremble” or be “short of breath.”
Question: Who can you think of who had this kind of experience?
Moses – Ex 3.6
Isaiah – Is 6.5
Paul – Acts 22.6-8
All had life-changing ‘yare’ experiences
What does it look like to walk in obedience?
B. Motivated to walk in obedience
Moses – Ex 3.6 – led the people the way God wanted
Isaiah – Is 6.5 – spoke God’s Word to people
Paul – Acts 22.6-8 – preached God’s Word to the Gentiles
Us – 1 Jn 2.3-6 – walking in a certain way
“They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” (Hebrews 12:10–13 NIV11)
“If you go against the grain of the universe, you get splinters”. H. H. Farmer
Conclusion, v6b
God’s desire is that we live at peace.
For a Christian this is because Jesus is with us.
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John
