Western Hills Christian Church: “You are family here!”

Text: Matthew 5:3-12

Introduction

Proposed formulas for happiness:

1. Happiness is equality for everyone.
2. Happiness is prosperity.
3. Happiness is (you fill in the blank).

I.  The Beatitudes of persecution and righteousness.  (Matthew 5:3, 10-12)

1. Poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3)
2. Persecuted because of righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12)

II.  The Beatitudes of hope.  (Matthew 5:4-9)

             1.  Blessed are those that mourn, for they will find comfort. (Matthew 5:4)

             2.  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)

             3.  Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
                  (Matthew 5:6)

             4.  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

             5.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

             6.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Application

God’s radical reconstruction of the heart: (notice the sequence)

1. We recognize we are in need.
2. We repent of our self-sufficiency.
3. We quit calling the shots and surrender to God.
4. We can’t get enough of God.
5. We learn to forgive others.
6. We can change our outlook.
7. We love others.
8. We endure injustice.

Text: 2nd Samuel 8:13-15, 9:9-13

I. Grace: Seeing an example of it. (2nd Samuel 8:13-15, 9:9-13)

II. Grace: Understanding the extent of it.
The analogies of the relationship between David and Mephibosheth and our relationship with God.

1. We once enjoyed a relationship with God.
2. When sin entered our life, we hid it from God.
3. God, out of His love for us, sent His Son redeem us.
4. God’s grace is something that we can’t earn.
5. God has brought us back into a relationship with Him.
6. We have been adopted into God’s family
7. Our continual problem with sin is a reminder of God’s grace.
8. God has invited us to His table as well.

Application:

1. Since we have received God’s grace, are we going to be willing to share God’s grace with others?
2. When was the last time you extended grace to someone?

Text: 2nd Kings 22:11-20; 2nd Kings 23:3, 2nd Kings 23:22 & 2nd Kings 23:25-26

King Josiah (age 26, began reign at the age of eight ) orders Hikiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shapan, Acbor son of Micaih, Shapan the secretary and Asaih the King’s attendant to inquire to the Lord concerning the discovery of the long lost Book of the Law; found during repair of the temple. The men are sent to speak to the prophetess Huldah.

Why in this culture were these men sent to seek the counsel of a woman?

I. Reputation (2nd Kings 22:13-15)

1. For her (Huldah’s) relationship with God.
2. She functioned within her abilities

II. Response (2nd Kings 22:15-20)

1. Huldah focuses on God’s response.
2. Sometimes God’s words are comforting (John 3:16), sometimes God’s words are confronting(John 3:18)

III. Results (2nd Kings 23:22-25)

See Acts 24:25

IV. Reality and Responsibility

1. God uses ordinary people to accomplish His will.
2. God needs us to respond to His call.

Application:

1. Huldah challenges us to deepen our relationship with the Lord.
2. Huldah challenges us to concentrate on the work of the Lord.

How will God use your life?

Text: 1 Samuel 25:1-42

I. Access the situation with honesty (1st Samuel 25:14-17) See 2nd Corinthians 1:8-11

II. Carry out the plan with haste (1st Samuel 25:18-19)

1. Abigail was prepared.
2. How prepared are we to handle life’s problems? (1st Peter 1:13)
3. Abigail’s priorities (1st Samuel 25:34)

III. Present ourselves with humility. (1st Samuel 23:25)

IV. We must deal honestly with the situation. (1st Samuel 25:31)

Application:

1. Maintain your hope in God’s promises
2. Act with haste in doing God’s will (priority).
3. Humble yourself before God and with regard to others.
4. Be honest with yourself, others and with God.

Life is full of choices - plan to make the right ones!