God is FOR you

19/01/2020 13:11

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Date: 17 January, 2020
Text: Deuteronomy 5:22-33
Title: God is FOR You
Theme:
Proposition:
Rhetorical:
Introduction:
 
In our study of Romans, we found that chapter 8 is a record of the believer's priviliges.
1.) Freed from the wrath of God.
2.) Freed from the bondage of sin.
3.) Given life and peace.
4.) Given the Spirit of God.
5.) Adopted into God's family.
6.) Put into the Son of God's inheritance.
7.) Anticipating future glory.
8.) All things working together for good.
9.) Given everything we need by God.
10.) Declared righteous by God.
 
Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
 exp. "if" is REALLY "since" if you have entered into the priviliges of the child of God. IT IS ONLY CONDITIONAL with regard to salvation.
 
IF YOU ARE SAVED - GOD IS FOR YOU  AND YOU HAVE ALL THE PRIVILIGES OF ROMANS 8.  
 
If you are lost, God wants you to get saved and have all those priviliges.
 
Be for God - God is FOR you. SINCE GOD IS FOR YOU SHOULDN'T YOU BE FOR HIM?
 
Text: Deuteronomy 5:22-33
 
I. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He reveals Himself to you.
A. He reveals Himself to you in creation.
22 These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice:
exp. What Israel was seeing in front of them was not God's person, it was the glory of God's creation. There is a mountain, a cloud, fire, thick darkness.
ill. even the voice they heard may have sounded like God's creation.
2Sa 22:14  The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
John 12:29 28  Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
29  The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
 exp. Obviously this was a special revelation of God that went beyond creation (we'll enlarge on that) but we know that God reveals himself to us through creation. 
ill. A Psalm of David - Psalm 19 :1  The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
ill. Time lapse - flight - sunrise in the clouds, looking down at the Irish sea and the sea coast of Scotland and Ireland. 
 app. God is for us. He revealed himself to us in Creation.
B. He reveals Himself to you in revelation.
22 These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.
 exp. God wouldn't leave men to creation as their only testimony to His existence. He would give us truth about Himself. (Underlined above.)
note: TRUTH THAT TELLS US EXACTLY WHO HE IS, WHO WE ARE AND HOW TO KNOW HIM PERSONALLY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.
 ill. Continuing in Psalm 19 
7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
ill. God gave me a very enjoyable conversation with a young Irish gal on my return to Scotland. The focus of our conversation was, "What does the Bible say?"
- About sin, About Hell, About Jesus, About salvation by FAITH not by works.
 app. God is for you. The Bible was given to us to bring mankind to a right relationship with Him.
C. He reveals Himself to you in experience.
23  And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;
24  And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire:...
exp. God revealed himsel experientially to the leaders of the children of Israel.
 note: True experience can trump knowledge.
ill. News story - BBC - "Ketty Maisonrouge has waited 15 years for a trip tha she knows will be out of this world." 15 years ago she paid 250,000 USD to travel beyond the earth's atmosphere with Virgin Galactic. Apparently those flights are going to begin this year.
exp. When she returns to earth, she may be confronted by round earthers and flat earthers trying to convince her to support their side of the argument. But, I suspect from the vantage point of space, Ketty's experience will trump all the knoweldge either side tries to give her.
why? Because experience trumps knowledge. 
Eph 3:19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
exp. When I got saved and received Jesus into my heart, God gave me a taste of Heaven on earth. You can tell  me there is no God until you are blue in the face - BUT I KNOW OTHERWISE.
hymn: He lives - Alan Jackson, "You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart."
 
app. You have God's creation. You have God's Word. But, do you have experience?
God is for you. He wants you to have that experience. Psa 34:8  O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
transition: BE FOR GOD - God is for you - He reveals Himself to you.
 
II. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He condescends to you.
ill. On my 40th birthday - we heard that the Queen was opening parliament. We went to the Royal Mile to see her exit parliament. Imagine, "She see's me in the crowd. Comes over and congratulates me on my birthday and invites me for a cup of tea at Holyrood."
 note: The queen is very gracious to condescend to so many - but we understand this morning - she is far above and more important than any other person in Britain. We would be very unworthy of her condescension towards us.
ill. David well said,...
Psa 8:4  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
 exp. God is for us. How do we know? Because he condescends to us.
A. He condescends from omnipotence to impotent.
exp. These men felt their mortality and God's immortality.
24  And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: 
His name: LORD - JEHOVAH - The great, "I AM."
His works: "He shewed us his glory and his greatness."
B. He condescends from deity to humanity.
we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.
exp. They were struck by the contrast between mankind and God.
1. He is Creator - we are His creation.
Rom 9:20  Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
2. He is Sovereign - we are His subjects.
Isa 45:23  I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
C. He condescends from Holy to unholy.
exp. The leaders of Israel thought death was imminent because of Who God is and who they were. 
25  Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.
ill. My illustration of the queen would be better if I was unshaved, unwashed, covered in filth and she invited me for tea.
1Pe 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
exp. Oh the condescension of God - for unholy, impotent, humanity. 
ill. When Logan had major surgery as a 6 month old. One of the great encouragements was a note from Bob Jones III, the President of Bob Jones University letting us know of His concern and prayers. That meant much to me because he was so far above me.
app. Are you humbled today by the condescension of a loving God. Does it mean much to you that God has revealed himself to you.
 transition: Be for God - God is FOR you - He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.
 
 
III. BE FOR GOD - He listens to you.
exp. There are times in life where God reminds us that He is watching over us and hears us.
 ill. I mentioned last week that the angel of the LORD spoke to Hagar.
Gen. 16:13  And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
exp. The God who sees us is the God who also hears us.
A. Audibly.
28  And the LORD heard the voice of your words, 
exp. Praise God - they were good words which God was pleased to hear. He was not unaware of what had "audibly" passed through their lips. 
 note: You never need to wonder if God hears you.
 ill. Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus - John 11
41  Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42  And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
note: Since Jesus knew He had his Father's ear - he also knew Lazarus was going to come out of that grave. 1Jn 5:15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
 app. Don't ever think God isn't listening. He is for you - He hears the voice of your words.
B. Always.
note: Since God is listening - how careful we should be with what we say.
v. 28 ...when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people,
exp. These men weren't even talking to God. They were speaking to God's servant and God was listening.
ill. The Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau got caught out during the Nato summit in London by a hot mic by which he was recorded laughing at President Trump.
exp. No matter what you think of President Trump, the hot mic hurt a relationship that was already a bit shaky. Lesson: You need to be careful if you know the press and the world may be listening
question: How careful should we be with our speech since God is ALWAYS listening?
Psa 139:4  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Luke 12:3  Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
Mat 12:36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
 app. This is only a bad thing if we are in disobedience to God. It's a great thing and humbling to know that God is ALWAYS listening to us.
transition: Be for God - God is FOR you - He listens to you, He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.
 
IV. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He commends you.
28  And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.
exp. God was listening and God approved of their speech. God is not impossible to please.
Pro 16:7  When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 
Job 2:3  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
ill. God said to Cain - Gen 4:7  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?
 question: What would God commend in our speech as He commended in theirs?
A. Speech which shows that we Understand our privilige.
26  For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?
exp. They were the chosen people of God. No other nation had this relationship with GOD.
Deu 4:7  For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?
Deu 4:8  And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
 ill. I've just been over to Ireland where a little girl died in a tragic car accident. I was reminded that I have life today because of a tragic car accident my dad had in the 1960's. Dad lost his wife and all three boys. As I grew up I was mindful that I had the privilige of life because they had died.
 app. Do you understand the privilige today of being the people of God? We are those who live because He died.
Gal 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
B. Speech which shows that we Submit to His instruction.
27  Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; 
 exp. Moses was a mediator between God and His people.
note: They said to Moses go and "hear all" and come and "tell all." They said they wanted to submit to God's instruction.
 question: Is ALL a part of your speech when you ask God to reveal His truth to you? Do you want the whole counsel of God.
ill. Paul's testimony - Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
 ill. Young lady I spoke with this week, "How can I believe in a God with whom I disagree?"
exp. The answer is - God you are right. I am wrong. Please forgive me.
 note: A lot of people don't want the full story when it comes to God's Word. They want what pleases them - not what pleases God. 
app. God would commend our speech if we said we submitted to ALL His instruction.
C. Speech which shows that we Acknowledge our obedience.
and we will hear it, and do it.
exp. They said that they didn't just wanted to hear God's Word. The committed to doing it.
 question:  If God convinced you by His Word that your music or entertainment was bad, would you commit to changing it?
If God convinced by His Word that drinking alcohol is sinful would you to be tetotal?
If God convinced called you to salvation, baptism, surrender, ministry, would you commit?
App. God is pleased with speech that acknowledges our obedience, submits to His instruction, understands our privilige. Be for God - GOD IS FOR YOU. 
He commends you, He listens to you, He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.
 
V. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He wants you to succeed.
ill. If you were at a football game - it wouldn't take long for you to identify the fans of either side. All you need to do is look for who is cheering on who! 
exp. God is on our side. He is cheering for us.
29  O that there were ....that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
exp. This statement is what attracted me to this passage. What a revelation of the heart of God for His people. He longs for them to succeed! 
 note: God points out what is needed for His people to succeed.
A. Love me always.
...such an heart in them, ... always
 question: Do you have a heart for God? Are you passionated about the things God is passionate about?
ill. King David did - 
Acts 13:22 I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
ill. Family Devotions in 1 Kings 15 on Friday - Two Kings of Judah who were brothers.
David's great grandson -  King Abijam - 2nd King of Judah
3  And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.
David's great Grandson - Asa - 3rd King of Judah
11  And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.
nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
 app. Your heart isn't determined by your heritage. God wants you to succeed. He is cheering for you and desirious that you would have THE HEART OF GOD!
B. Fear and obey me always.
...that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
 note: They said they would hear everything and obey everything - God desired it to be so.
1. Do you fear God?
Pro 9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
2. Do you obey God?
Luk 6:46  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
 note: This isn't a tough check list this morning.
1.) Do you have the heart of God? Are you passionate about His passions?
2.) Do you fear God?
3.) Do you obey God?
app. Be for God! God is for you! He wants you to do these things and succeed!
transition: He commends you, He listens to you, He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.
 
VI. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He has possessions for you.
30  Go say to them, Get you into your tents again.
31  But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.
exp. The last two Sundays we've focused on this theme. (Canaan - place of privilige....)
ill. You didn't have to convince me when I got married that my wife loved me. She became my bride. I am priviliged to have her as my wife.
app. God is for you - Have you received his GREATEST POSSESSION, Jesus Christ, the heavenly bridegroom of the church the bride of Christ.
exp. Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
 app. He gave Himself - Our priviliged possessions began as soon as we received Jesus as our Saviour.  BE FOR GOD  - GOD IS FOR YOU. He has possessions for you.
transition: He wants you to succeed. He commends you, He listens to you, He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.
 
VII. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He is seeking your best.
32  Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
33  Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.
ill. My conversation with the young lady on the plane ended with - the law is for our good. 
Men and women are different and compliment each other to meet their children's needs.
Let's even think about why God gave marriage and forbid fornication - strong families.
The family is the building block of society.
app. God's law is about protecting your relationship with Him and one another. HE IS SEEKING YOUR BEST! WHY? Because God is for you!
 
conclusion: God is FOR YOU today! Are you for God?
 
Be FOR God for God is FOR YOU!
 
1) He reveals Himself to you. (Creation, revelation, experience)
2.) He condescends to you. 
3.) He listens to you. (audibly, always)
4.) He commends you. (priviliged, learning, committed to obedience)
5.) He wants you to succeed. (He's cheering for you  - love, fear, obey Him.)
6.) He has possessions for you. (beginning with Christ.)
7.) He is seeking your best! (trust Him.)
 

Date: 17 January, 2020

Text: Deuteronomy 5:22-33

Title: God is FOR You

 

Introduction:

 

In our study of Romans, we found that chapter 8 is a record of the believer's priviliges.

1.) Freed from the wrath of God.

2.) Freed from the bondage of sin.

3.) Given life and peace.

4.) Given the Spirit of God.

5.) Adopted into God's family.

6.) Put into the Son of God's inheritance.

7.) Anticipating future glory.

8.) All things working together for good.

9.) Given everything we need by God.

10.) Declared righteous by God.

 

Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

 exp. "if" is REALLY "since" if you have entered into the priviliges of the child of God. IT IS ONLY CONDITIONAL with regard to salvation.

 

IF YOU ARE SAVED - GOD IS FOR YOU  AND YOU HAVE ALL THE PRIVILIGES OF ROMANS 8.  

 

If you are lost, God wants you to get saved and have all those priviliges.

 

Be for God - God is FOR you. SINCE GOD IS FOR YOU SHOULDN'T YOU BE FOR HIM?

 

Text: Deuteronomy 5:22-33

 

I. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He reveals Himself to you.

A. He reveals Himself to you in creation.

22 These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice:

exp. What Israel was seeing in front of them was not God's person, it was the glory of God's creation. There is a mountain, a cloud, fire, thick darkness.

ill. even the voice they heard may have sounded like God's creation.

2Sa 22:14  The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.

John 12:29 28  Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

29  The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

 exp. Obviously this was a special revelation of God that went beyond creation (we'll enlarge on that) but we know that God reveals himself to us through creation. 

ill. A Psalm of David - Psalm 19 :1  The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

2  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

3  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

ill. Time lapse - flight - sunrise in the clouds, looking down at the Irish sea and the sea coast of Scotland and Ireland. 

 app. God is for us. He revealed himself to us in Creation.

B. He reveals Himself to you in revelation.

22 These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.

 exp. God wouldn't leave men to creation as their only testimony to His existence. He would give us truth about Himself. (Underlined above.)

note: TRUTH THAT TELLS US EXACTLY WHO HE IS, WHO WE ARE AND HOW TO KNOW HIM PERSONALLY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.

 ill. Continuing in Psalm 19 

7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

ill. God gave me a very enjoyable conversation with a young Irish gal on my return to Scotland. The focus of our conversation was, "What does the Bible say?"

- About sin, About Hell, About Jesus, About salvation by FAITH not by works.

 app. God is for you. The Bible was given to us to bring mankind to a right relationship with Him.

C. He reveals Himself to you in experience.

23  And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

24  And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire:...

exp. God revealed himsel experientially to the leaders of the children of Israel.

 note: True experience can trump knowledge.

ill. News story - BBC - "Ketty Maisonrouge has waited 15 years for a trip tha she knows will be out of this world." 15 years ago she paid 250,000 USD to travel beyond the earth's atmosphere with Virgin Galactic. Apparently those flights are going to begin this year.

exp. When she returns to earth, she may be confronted by round earthers and flat earthers trying to convince her to support their side of the argument. But, I suspect from the vantage point of space, Ketty's experience will trump all the knoweldge either side tries to give her.

why? Because experience trumps knowledge. 

Eph 3:19  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

exp. When I got saved and received Jesus into my heart, God gave me a taste of Heaven on earth. You can tell  me there is no God until you are blue in the face - BUT I KNOW OTHERWISE.

hymn: He lives - Alan Jackson, "You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart."

 

app. You have God's creation. You have God's Word. But, do you have experience?

God is for you. He wants you to have that experience. Psa 34:8  O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

transition: BE FOR GOD - God is for you - He reveals Himself to you.

 

II. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He condescends to you.

ill. On my 40th birthday - we heard that the Queen was opening parliament. We went to the Royal Mile to see her exit parliament. Imagine, "She see's me in the crowd. Comes over and congratulates me on my birthday and invites me for a cup of tea at Holyrood."

 note: The queen is very gracious to condescend to so many - but we understand this morning - she is far above and more important than any other person in Britain. We would be very unworthy of her condescension towards us.

ill. David well said,...

Psa 8:4  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

 exp. God is for us. How do we know? Because he condescends to us.

A. He condescends from omnipotence to impotent.

exp. These men felt their mortality and God's immortality.

24  And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: 

His name: LORD - JEHOVAH - The great, "I AM."

His works: "He shewed us his glory and his greatness."

B. He condescends from deity to humanity.

we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

exp. They were struck by the contrast between mankind and God.

1. He is Creator - we are His creation.

Rom 9:20  Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

2. He is Sovereign - we are His subjects.

Isa 45:23  I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

C. He condescends from Holy to unholy.

exp. The leaders of Israel thought death was imminent because of Who God is and who they were. 

25  Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.

ill. My illustration of the queen would be better if I was unshaved, unwashed, covered in filth and she invited me for tea.

1Pe 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

exp. Oh the condescension of God - for unholy, impotent, humanity. 

ill. When Logan had major surgery as a 6 month old. One of the great encouragements was a note from Bob Jones III, the President of Bob Jones University letting us know of His concern and prayers. That meant much to me because he was so far above me.

app. Are you humbled today by the condescension of a loving God. Does it mean much to you that God has revealed himself to you.

 transition: Be for God - God is FOR you - He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.

 

 

III. BE FOR GOD - He listens to you.

exp. There are times in life where God reminds us that He is watching over us and hears us.

 ill. I mentioned last week that the angel of the LORD spoke to Hagar.

Gen. 16:13  And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

exp. The God who sees us is the God who also hears us.

A. Audibly.

28  And the LORD heard the voice of your words, 

exp. Praise God - they were good words which God was pleased to hear. He was not unaware of what had "audibly" passed through their lips. 

 note: You never need to wonder if God hears you.

 ill. Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus - John 11

41  Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

42  And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

note: Since Jesus knew He had his Father's ear - he also knew Lazarus was going to come out of that grave. 1Jn 5:15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

 app. Don't ever think God isn't listening. He is for you - He hears the voice of your words.

B. Always.

note: Since God is listening - how careful we should be with what we say.

v. 28 ...when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people,

exp. These men weren't even talking to God. They were speaking to God's servant and God was listening.

ill. The Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau got caught out during the Nato summit in London by a hot mic by which he was recorded laughing at President Trump.

exp. No matter what you think of President Trump, the hot mic hurt a relationship that was already a bit shaky. Lesson: You need to be careful if you know the press and the world may be listening

question: How careful should we be with our speech since God is ALWAYS listening?

Psa 139:4  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

Luke 12:3  Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

Mat 12:36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

 app. This is only a bad thing if we are in disobedience to God. It's a great thing and humbling to know that God is ALWAYS listening to us.

transition: Be for God - God is FOR you - He listens to you, He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.

 

IV. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He commends you.

28  And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

exp. God was listening and God approved of their speech. God is not impossible to please.

Pro 16:7  When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

Job 2:3  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

ill. God said to Cain - Gen 4:7  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?

 question: What would God commend in our speech as He commended in theirs?

A. Speech which shows that we Understand our privilige.

26  For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?

exp. They were the chosen people of God. No other nation had this relationship with GOD.

Deu 4:7  For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

Deu 4:8  And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

 ill. I've just been over to Ireland where a little girl died in a tragic car accident. I was reminded that I have life today because of a tragic car accident my dad had in the 1960's. Dad lost his wife and all three boys. As I grew up I was mindful that I had the privilige of life because they had died.

 app. Do you understand the privilige today of being the people of God? We are those who live because He died.

Gal 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

B. Speech which shows that we Submit to His instruction.

27  Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; 

 exp. Moses was a mediator between God and His people.

note: They said to Moses go and "hear all" and come and "tell all." They said they wanted to submit to God's instruction.

 question: Is ALL a part of your speech when you ask God to reveal His truth to you? Do you want the whole counsel of God.

ill. Paul's testimony - Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

 ill. Young lady I spoke with this week, "How can I believe in a God with whom I disagree?"

exp. The answer is - God you are right. I am wrong. Please forgive me.

 note: A lot of people don't want the full story when it comes to God's Word. They want what pleases them - not what pleases God. 

app. God would commend our speech if we said we submitted to ALL His instruction.

C. Speech which shows that we Acknowledge our obedience.

and we will hear it, and do it.

exp. They said that they didn't just wanted to hear God's Word. The committed to doing it.

 question:  If God convinced you by His Word that your music or entertainment was bad, would you commit to changing it?

If God convinced by His Word that drinking alcohol is sinful would you to be tetotal?

If God convinced called you to salvation, baptism, surrender, ministry, would you commit?

App. God is pleased with speech that acknowledges our obedience, submits to His instruction, understands our privilige. Be for God - GOD IS FOR YOU. 

He commends you, He listens to you, He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.

 

V. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He wants you to succeed.

ill. If you were at a football game - it wouldn't take long for you to identify the fans of either side. All you need to do is look for who is cheering on who! 

exp. God is on our side. He is cheering for us.

29  O that there were ....that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

exp. This statement is what attracted me to this passage. What a revelation of the heart of God for His people. He longs for them to succeed! 

 note: God points out what is needed for His people to succeed.

A. Love me always.

...such an heart in them, ... always

 question: Do you have a heart for God? Are you passionated about the things God is passionate about?

ill. King David did - 

Acts 13:22 I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

ill. Family Devotions in 1 Kings 15 on Friday - Two Kings of Judah who were brothers.

David's great grandson -  King Abijam - 2nd King of Judah

3  And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.

David's great Grandson - Asa - 3rd King of Judah

11  And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.

nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.

 app. Your heart isn't determined by your heritage. God wants you to succeed. He is cheering for you and desirious that you would have THE HEART OF GOD!

B. Fear and obey me always.

...that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

 note: They said they would hear everything and obey everything - God desired it to be so.

1. Do you fear God?

Pro 9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

2. Do you obey God?

Luk 6:46  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

 note: This isn't a tough check list this morning.

1.) Do you have the heart of God? Are you passionate about His passions?

2.) Do you fear God?

3.) Do you obey God?

app. Be for God! God is for you! He wants you to do these things and succeed!

transition: He commends you, He listens to you, He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.

 

VI. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He has possessions for you.

30  Go say to them, Get you into your tents again.

31  But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.

exp. The last two Sundays we've focused on this theme. (Canaan - place of privilige....)

ill. You didn't have to convince me when I got married that my wife loved me. She became my bride. I am priviliged to have her as my wife.

app. God is for you - Have you received his GREATEST POSSESSION, Jesus Christ, the heavenly bridegroom of the church the bride of Christ.

exp. Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

 app. He gave Himself - Our priviliged possessions began as soon as we received Jesus as our Saviour.  BE FOR GOD  - GOD IS FOR YOU. He has possessions for you.

transition: He wants you to succeed. He commends you, He listens to you, He condescends to you, He reveals Himself to you.

 

VII. BE FOR GOD - God is for you. He is seeking your best.

32  Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

33  Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

ill. My conversation with the young lady on the plane ended with - the law is for our good. 

Men and women are different and compliment each other to meet their children's needs.

Let's even think about why God gave marriage and forbid fornication - strong families.

The family is the building block of society.

app. God's law is about protecting your relationship with Him and one another. HE IS SEEKING YOUR BEST! WHY? Because God is for you!

 

conclusion: God is FOR YOU today! Are you for God?

 

Be FOR God for God is FOR YOU!

 

1) He reveals Himself to you. (Creation, revelation, experience)

2.) He condescends to you. 

3.) He listens to you. (audibly, always)

4.) He commends you. (priviliged, learning, committed to obedience)

5.) He wants you to succeed. (He's cheering for you  - love, fear, obey Him.)

6.) He has possessions for you. (beginning with Christ.)

7.) He is seeking your best! (trust Him.)

 

 

Are you FOR God? GOD IS FOR YOU!

Are you FOR God? GOD IS FOR YOU!
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