22/08/2021 22:06
Link to watch sermon
Date: 18 August, 2021
Text: topical
Title: Back to School
Introduction:
ill. As most of you know, I get out and run a few times a week.
- My run is 4 miles and takes me up and around the village of Roslin.
- I usually run just before the busses collect the school age young people.
- This past Wednesday - mum and dad, grandad, with two young kids
GETTING READY FOR THEIR FIRST BUS RIDE TO SCHOOL.
exp. I remember those days....
- Nervous - but excited....
ill. I remember one time getting to school and being so overwhelmed I got sick in the car park.
- Enjoying the classes, but not the exams....
ill. I loved my German class, but could barely make it through.
- Making new friends in a new location.....
- Getting into the routine of education.
ill. In college I wanted to get through the first two weeks and get into the routine.
note: I got to do three different styles of schooling growing up.
- I went to several private schools (Christian schools)
- I went to public school
- We did home schooling.
In our church we will have young people at different times in all 3 types of educational environments.
- All educational environments have strengths and weaknesses.
- Competetive sports is hard to offer in home schooling. (unless really large fam)
- Parental oversight of learning is difficult in public school. (not always there)
- Private schools may push the false religion they represent. (Catholic)
WHAT I WANT TO EMPHASIZE TODAY IS THAT....
WE WANT OUR CHURCH CHILDREN TO THRIVE AS THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL.
Back to school Sunday - I want to preach to our church kids with truth to help .
ill. I remember as a kid sitting in church and thinking - I understand more than they think I understand.
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
exp. The world has low expectation of youth. As a church, we RIGHTLY have high expectations.
You can go to school and succeed.
Truth to help you as you go back to school.
prayer:
Truth to help you as you go back to school.
I. Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus
Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
exp. We don't have much information about Jesus as a child.
We see him at birth, around 2 years of age (wise men), at 12 years of age and at 30.
BUT WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT HE HAD A THIRST FOR EDUCATION. (filled with wisdom)
question. Why do we have schools? Education - halls of knowledge.
def. education: "the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction"
note: We are trying to get the smart juices flowing.
exp. I want to remind our Christian parents - that no matter where our children are schooled - we need to make sure that they get a Christian education.
ill. John Knox - "John Knox in 1560 outlined a plan for 'the vertue and godlie upbringing of the youth of this Realm'. Education for rich and poor alike was seen as a joint enterprise between the family, the school and the Kirk."
ill. Thomas Chalmers - burdened about uneducated children
quote: Christianity Today - Chalmers went to "John's, the poorest parish in Glasgow, here he was given free rein to try his schemes to make the parish the hub of spiritual care, education, and help for the poor."
exp. - As I read Chalmers Memoirs - you find that he was also burdened that education be Christian education. Why? Because education is based on truth - JESUS IS THE TRUTH. All true knowledge has it's fountain in Christ.
What we know of Jesus's education is that JESUS HAD A CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Luke 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
exp. Jesus didn't just go to class. He wanted to learn. He spoke with teachers to find out truth.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
note: I praise God that we seek to get our children a Christian education. (Sunday School, Cresche', Holiday Bible Club, Youth activities, Kid's Club (will start again as soon as we can meet.)
app. Young people - do you really want to know your Bible - Jesus did. Jesus wasn't out wasting his time (like we may expect of a child) he was diligently seeking to know more about God and God's Word. (I don't understand this - but the Bible shows us He learned....) Are you learning?
Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
transition: Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus
II. Go to school and Guard your heart like Daniel.
exp. The pandemic really changed education these past two years.
(school closures) (No exams) (social distancing)
ill. Dental School - freshers have to all redo this past year - no clincals
exp. Daniel, had unusual circumstances in his late teen years - when taken as a captive to Babylon. He was taken their to study -
Daniel 1:3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
exp. Daniel submitted to their plan - EXCEPT FOR WHERE IT VIOLATE GOD'S LAW.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
exp. The king's meat and drink was idolatrous. Daniel had convictions which guarded his heart.
1) Daniel asked the prince of the eunuchs not to eat it - he said (He feared the king)
2) Daniel asked Melzar (appointed by the prince of the eunuchs) - ten day trial.
3) God blessed - they were better nourished and smarter -
19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
question: (for the young people)
If Daniel could stand in his day (heathen kingdom) can God help you stand in our day?
ill. When I was in public school - I got out of wicked concerts - sat in study hall. (They allowed it.)
ill. Jesus is praying for you to stand and for God to help you stand. (His prayer for us.)
John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (v.16)
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
app. Young people - don't be afraid to ask to be absent from ungodly assemblies or teaching. Don't be afraid to PURPOSE IN YOUR HEART THAT YOU WON'T DEFILE YOURSELF.
transition: Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus, guard your heart like Daniel.
III. Go to school and Go out to battle like David.
exp. DAVID WAS A TEENAGER WHEN HE FOUGHT GOLIATH.
1 Samuel 17:55 And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
A. Go out as yourself.
1 Samuel 17:39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
exp. David was a shepherd, he was young, he had a sling and stones - He was all God needed.
ill. Many of the men God calls will feel like they are unable to serve God.
- Moses - Exodus 4:10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well.
app. Young people - do you think David was the only man in that army who could fight the Giant with God's help? No - God didn't need BETTER QUALIFIED MEN.
He needed men who would take what they had and go out for God.
B. Go out with courage and confidence in Jesus name.
44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.
exp. David was worried about what people thought about Him. He cared about what they thought about His God. HIS COURAGE AND CONFIDENCE WAS ROOTED IN JESUS.
app. If you are going to stand against God's enemies, it will take courage and confidence in Jesus.
C. Go out to triumph over the enemy.
48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
exp. David was victorious. God's enemy was destroyed by a teenager using what He had in obedience to God.
app. Are you willing to trust God with what you have and go out and fight for God?
transition: Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus, guard your heart like Daniel, go out to battle like David.
IV. Go to school and Graciously believe like the little servant girl.
ill. Syria - enemy of Israel - Naaman's wife had a little servant girl who believed in God.
2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
exp. This girl is young. She is just a little maid THAT HAS BIG FAITH.
ill. Leperosy - death sentence, terminal disease,
social distancing was first brought about by leperosy - not allowed within 6 feet inc. family.
150 feet when the wind was blowing
exp. Picture of sin in the Bible.
- deadly
- incurable
- pervasive
NOTICE: this girl believed GOD COULD SAVED NAAMAN FROM THIS DISEASE.
question: Do you have child like faith in God's ability to SAVE YOU FROM YOUR SIN?
Matthew 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
ill. Naaman didn't have faith like this little girl. To be healed he had to GET FAITH LIKE HERS.
2 Kings 5:9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
exp. This little servant girl had faith that brought Naaman to salvation - physically and spiritually.
app. Children/ teens - you can help adults or other children get saved. Just encourage them to go to God and that God will save them.
transition: Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus, guard your heart like Daniel, go out to battle like David, believe like the little servant girl.
V. Go to school and Get close to Jesus like John, the disciple.
exp. Jesus had 12 apostles whom he selected. One of them was a young man.
1) He and Peter went into Caiphas house. Peter was interogated, but not John.
John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
2) He was at the crucifixion and Jesus committed him to Mary and Mary to him.
Joh 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
3) He outran Peter to the tomb.
John 20:4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
4) He outlived all the other apostles. (dying after AD 98))
5) His position in this story. (close to Jesus)
(Get close to Jesus like John.)
John 13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
def. Barnes Notes: Leaning on Jesus' bosom - This does not mean that he was at that time actually lying on his bosom, but that he occupied a situation next to him at the table, so that his head naturally fell back on his bosom when he spoke to him.
exp. John was very close to Jesus. The disciple, "Whom Jesus loved." There was a special love.
ill. We all know what it is like to have close friends.
- Dan Hassman -
- Jeff Hansen -
- Joshua George
- Cliff Wantz
exp. Shared experience, youth activities, church, enjoyed fishing, camping, etc. Things in common.
ill. (John must have been like His Lord (common interests) to have been so close to Him.)
Transifiguration - Peter, James and John
Garden of Gethsamane - Peter, James and John
app. How much do you have in common with Jesus today? Are you friendly with Jesus?
Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
conclusion:
I hope you don't get sick on your first day of school.
I hope you pass your exams.
I hope you make some good friends,
BUT MORE THAN ANYTHING AS A CHURCH,
WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT - You can go to school and succeed.
THERE IS BIBLE TRUTH TO HELP YOU WITH THAT.
Go to school and ...
Grow up like the Lord Jesus, (love education)
guard your heart like Daniel, (love purity)
go out to battle like David, (stand for God)
graciously believe like the little servant girl. (encourage people to faith in Jesus)
Get close to Jesus like John. (Love Jesus)
Date: 18 August, 2021
Text: topical
Title: Back to School
Introduction:
ill. As most of you know, I get out and run a few times a week.
- My run is 4 miles and takes me up and around the village of Roslin.
- I usually run just before the busses collect the school age young people.
- This past Wednesday - mum and dad, grandad, with two young kids
GETTING READY FOR THEIR FIRST BUS RIDE TO SCHOOL.
exp. I remember those days....
- Nervous - but excited....
ill. I remember one time getting to school and being so overwhelmed I got sick in the car park.
- Enjoying the classes, but not the exams....
ill. I loved my German class, but could barely make it through.
- Making new friends in a new location.....
- Getting into the routine of education.
ill. In college I wanted to get through the first two weeks and get into the routine.
note: I got to do three different styles of schooling growing up.
- I went to several private schools (Christian schools)
- I went to public school
- We did home schooling.
In our church we will have young people at different times in all 3 types of educational environments.
- All educational environments have strengths and weaknesses.
- Competetive sports is hard to offer in home schooling. (unless really large fam)
- Parental oversight of learning is difficult in public school. (not always there)
- Private schools may push the false religion they represent. (Catholic)
WHAT I WANT TO EMPHASIZE TODAY IS THAT....
WE WANT OUR CHURCH CHILDREN TO THRIVE AS THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL.
Back to school Sunday - I want to preach to our church kids with truth to help .
ill. I remember as a kid sitting in church and thinking - I understand more than they think I understand.
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
exp. The world has low expectation of youth. As a church, we RIGHTLY have high expectations.
You can go to school and succeed.
Truth to help you as you go back to school.
prayer:
Truth to help you as you go back to school.
I. Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus
Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
exp. We don't have much information about Jesus as a child.
We see him at birth, around 2 years of age (wise men), at 12 years of age and at 30.
BUT WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT HE HAD A THIRST FOR EDUCATION. (filled with wisdom)
question. Why do we have schools? Education - halls of knowledge.
def. education: "the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction"
note: We are trying to get the smart juices flowing.
exp. I want to remind our Christian parents - that no matter where our children are schooled - we need to make sure that they get a Christian education.
ill. John Knox - "John Knox in 1560 outlined a plan for 'the vertue and godlie upbringing of the youth of this Realm'. Education for rich and poor alike was seen as a joint enterprise between the family, the school and the Kirk."
ill. Thomas Chalmers - burdened about uneducated children
quote: Christianity Today - Chalmers went to "John's, the poorest parish in Glasgow, here he was given free rein to try his schemes to make the parish the hub of spiritual care, education, and help for the poor."
exp. - As I read Chalmers Memoirs - you find that he was also burdened that education be Christian education. Why? Because education is based on truth - JESUS IS THE TRUTH. All true knowledge has it's fountain in Christ.
What we know of Jesus's education is that JESUS HAD A CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Luke 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
exp. Jesus didn't just go to class. He wanted to learn. He spoke with teachers to find out truth.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
note: I praise God that we seek to get our children a Christian education. (Sunday School, Cresche', Holiday Bible Club, Youth activities, Kid's Club (will start again as soon as we can meet.)
app. Young people - do you really want to know your Bible - Jesus did. Jesus wasn't out wasting his time (like we may expect of a child) he was diligently seeking to know more about God and God's Word. (I don't understand this - but the Bible shows us He learned....) Are you learning?
Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
transition: Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus
II. Go to school and Guard your heart like Daniel.
exp. The pandemic really changed education these past two years.
(school closures) (No exams) (social distancing)
ill. Dental School - freshers have to all redo this past year - no clincals
exp. Daniel, had unusual circumstances in his late teen years - when taken as a captive to Babylon. He was taken their to study -
Daniel 1:3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:
exp. Daniel submitted to their plan - EXCEPT FOR WHERE IT VIOLATE GOD'S LAW.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
exp. The king's meat and drink was idolatrous. Daniel had convictions which guarded his heart.
1) Daniel asked the prince of the eunuchs not to eat it - he said (He feared the king)
2) Daniel asked Melzar (appointed by the prince of the eunuchs) - ten day trial.
3) God blessed - they were better nourished and smarter -
19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
question: (for the young people)
If Daniel could stand in his day (heathen kingdom) can God help you stand in our day?
ill. When I was in public school - I got out of wicked concerts - sat in study hall. (They allowed it.)
ill. Jesus is praying for you to stand and for God to help you stand. (His prayer for us.)
John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (v.16)
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
app. Young people - don't be afraid to ask to be absent from ungodly assemblies or teaching. Don't be afraid to PURPOSE IN YOUR HEART THAT YOU WON'T DEFILE YOURSELF.
transition: Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus, guard your heart like Daniel.
III. Go to school and Go out to battle like David.
exp. DAVID WAS A TEENAGER WHEN HE FOUGHT GOLIATH.
1 Samuel 17:55 And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.
A. Go out as yourself.
1 Samuel 17:39 And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
exp. David was a shepherd, he was young, he had a sling and stones - He was all God needed.
ill. Many of the men God calls will feel like they are unable to serve God.
- Moses - Exodus 4:10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well.
app. Young people - do you think David was the only man in that army who could fight the Giant with God's help? No - God didn't need BETTER QUALIFIED MEN.
He needed men who would take what they had and go out for God.
B. Go out with courage and confidence in Jesus name.
44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.
exp. David was worried about what people thought about Him. He cared about what they thought about His God. HIS COURAGE AND CONFIDENCE WAS ROOTED IN JESUS.
app. If you are going to stand against God's enemies, it will take courage and confidence in Jesus.
C. Go out to triumph over the enemy.
48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.
exp. David was victorious. God's enemy was destroyed by a teenager using what He had in obedience to God.
app. Are you willing to trust God with what you have and go out and fight for God?
transition: Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus, guard your heart like Daniel, go out to battle like David.
IV. Go to school and Graciously believe like the little servant girl.
ill. Syria - enemy of Israel - Naaman's wife had a little servant girl who believed in God.
2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
exp. This girl is young. She is just a little maid THAT HAS BIG FAITH.
ill. Leperosy - death sentence, terminal disease,
social distancing was first brought about by leperosy - not allowed within 6 feet inc. family.
150 feet when the wind was blowing
exp. Picture of sin in the Bible.
- deadly
- incurable
- pervasive
NOTICE: this girl believed GOD COULD SAVED NAAMAN FROM THIS DISEASE.
question: Do you have child like faith in God's ability to SAVE YOU FROM YOUR SIN?
Matthew 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
ill. Naaman didn't have faith like this little girl. To be healed he had to GET FAITH LIKE HERS.
2 Kings 5:9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.
10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.
12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.
13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?
14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
exp. This little servant girl had faith that brought Naaman to salvation - physically and spiritually.
app. Children/ teens - you can help adults or other children get saved. Just encourage them to go to God and that God will save them.
transition: Go to school and Grow up like the Lord Jesus, guard your heart like Daniel, go out to battle like David, believe like the little servant girl.
V. Go to school and Get close to Jesus like John, the disciple.
exp. Jesus had 12 apostles whom he selected. One of them was a young man.
1) He and Peter went into Caiphas house. Peter was interogated, but not John.
John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
2) He was at the crucifixion and Jesus committed him to Mary and Mary to him.
Joh 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
3) He outran Peter to the tomb.
John 20:4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
4) He outlived all the other apostles. (dying after AD 98))
5) His position in this story. (close to Jesus)
(Get close to Jesus like John.)
John 13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
def. Barnes Notes: Leaning on Jesus' bosom - This does not mean that he was at that time actually lying on his bosom, but that he occupied a situation next to him at the table, so that his head naturally fell back on his bosom when he spoke to him.
exp. John was very close to Jesus. The disciple, "Whom Jesus loved." There was a special love.
ill. We all know what it is like to have close friends.
- Dan Hassman -
- Jeff Hansen -
- Joshua George
- Cliff Wantz
exp. Shared experience, youth activities, church, enjoyed fishing, camping, etc. Things in common.
ill. (John must have been like His Lord (common interests) to have been so close to Him.)
Transifiguration - Peter, James and John
Garden of Gethsamane - Peter, James and John
app. How much do you have in common with Jesus today? Are you friendly with Jesus?
Pro 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
conclusion:
I hope you don't get sick on your first day of school.
I hope you pass your exams.
I hope you make some good friends,
BUT MORE THAN ANYTHING AS A CHURCH,
WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT - You can go to school and succeed.
THERE IS BIBLE TRUTH TO HELP YOU WITH THAT.
Go to school and ...
Grow up like the Lord Jesus, (love education)
guard your heart like Daniel, (love purity)
go out to battle like David, (stand for God)
graciously believe like the little servant girl. (encourage people to faith in Jesus)
Get close to Jesus like John. (Love Jesus)
