Sermon nuggets Mon June 21
Theme- A Godly Reputation
Verses 2 Kings 8, 9
Reputation
Elizabeth Miles shared a story about her parents who live on a farm. They sort their garbage into categories- things that get burned, things that go to the dump, scraps for the dogs, and scraps for the cats. In addition her mother is an organic gardener, so she has a special pail for leftover goodies for her worm bed where she makes her own organic fertilizer.
She was explaining all the procedures very carefully to a new housekeeper Noni. "This bowl is for meat scraps for the dogs, this one for cats, and this pail is for vegetable leftovers for the worms."
At this last instruction, Noni looked at her in great admiration and explained, "Ma'am, you're the most Christian woman in the whole world."
The Bible says to have a good reputation among all people. When people observe you, what do they think? Do they know that you are a Christian? What type of reputation follows you?
Sometimes a person will come to me upset about some gossip that is false but spread about them. It is impossible to stop gossip. I try to encourage them to make it right with the individual who has offended them and then live a life so as to show to others that the story is incorrect, or they will not possibly believe it because they know your character.
I Timothy 3:7 "He must have a good reputation with outsiders so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap." Now the reputation of some people in this world is a disgrace. It is not our goal to please people, but God. But that speaks an important message to others as well, even if they agree with you are not. A person of conviction does what he does whether nobody is looking or everyone is looking. But such conviction does have an effect on society.
Remember when Paul wrote this passage to Timothy he was seeking no affirmation from the world, but he had developed quite a reputation. Paul had a reputation as a killer and persecutor of Christians, before he became one. His bad reputation followed him so that the apostles did not want anything to do with him, until Barnabas intervened. Now, Paul has changed that reputation as one how is devoted to Jesus Christ.
Elisha was such a man devoted to serving His God whether people liked it or not. He is not trying to impress others, but by so living a consistent dedicated life he does impress others whether they agree with him or not.
What type of reputation would you wish to have before others? Is that the reputation that brings glory to God?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Tues June 22, 2010 – Godly Works
Verses: 2 Kings 8:1-6 Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, "Go away with your family and stay for a while wherever you can, because the LORD has decreed a famine in the land that will last seven years."
2 The woman proceeded to do as the man of God said. She and her family went away and stayed in the land of the Philistines seven years.
3 At the end of the seven years she came back from the land of the Philistines and went to the king to beg for her house and land.
4 The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, "Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done."
5 Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to beg the king for her house and land. Gehazi said, "This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life."
6 The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. Then he assigned an official to her case and said to him, "Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left the country until now."
REPUTATION OF GODLY WORKS
A few weeks back we talked about when Elisha was used of God to raise the Shunamite woman's son back to life. (2 Kings 4). It was talked about of course, for years afterward.
This lady was approached some time later by Elisha and told to go to Philistines because there was to be a severe famine for 7 years. She obeyed and as continued to be protected and blessed of God. God cares for individuals and protects his own in different ways.
But after the 7 years she returned home and found that her property was somehow confiscated. She decided to go to the King to beg for her property back. At just that time the King was talking to Gehazi, remember him? This was Elisha’s servant who had contacted leprosy. They were conversing about the boy that was raised to life by the miracle worked through Elisha.
Gehazi looked at the lady introduced her to the King. The King was so impressed that he ordered an official to see to it that she had her property returned. It was exciting for the King to see one upon whom the miracle rested.
When people talked about Elisha he had a reputation for his good works. They remembered what God did through him, works done by and for the Lord. It was the same reputation of the Christians that soon became of the talk of the community in those first century days. The disciples were preaching the good news but also healing, and touching those in need. They were known for their good works.
We are told Eph. 2:8-10 that we are created unto good works. It is glorifying to God if someone is able to see Christ in the actions of his followers. I am not talking about if people go to the church all the time, pray consistently, or carry their Bible around. More than likely people are impressed when Christians have a reputation for Godly works. They are kind people, People with compassion. They are people who do what they do because they love dearly Jesus Christ and want to please Him and serve Him.
I am proud to be associated with the reputation of Stanchfield Baptist Church. I got a call from Isanti County Public Health Services recently requesting help in a particular matter because of the positive reputation of our church. We had also gotten referrals for our food shelf from other government official and I asked why they sent them here instead of another closer agency. I was told because if they really needed immediate help you are there, they are not. That made me feel good. As one lady coming from some distance said, she called three places and they all said they couldn't help, but try Stanchfield.
Now I have to say we certainly are not perfect. You will find those around who have been hurt or offended about something and are upset with the church. Sometimes it is because what is said or done doesn't always reflect the attitude of Christ. But sometimes it is because people don't get their way or wants. Many were also upset with Elisha. It is not a matter of being popular.
I've heard from a few community people they don't want anything do with this church because we oppose the sale of Sunday liquor in our community and the opposition to gambling. I attending a County meeting to restrict adult porn businesses within certain distances from schools and churches. So our reputation follows us for criticism as well. I just wish people could realize the sad effects on homes and people that such compulsive vices really produce.
How a person lives has more impact that what a person says. There was a write up on a man named John Fling of Columbia, South Carolina. He was a bachelor who wrote around on a bicycle. He would look out for the elderly in his neighborhood. He befriended the blind, the retarded, the eccentric, the forgotten. He would bring people food when their refrigerators were empty. He would provide rent money to some when eviction was threatened. He would give away most of the small salary he made delivering auto parts for Chevy dealership and forgoing the requisite pleasures of the American life. He did not have a phone no TV, and no car. He worked 40 hours a week in extra tasks for those around him. Why?, the news reporter asked. He stated because he was God fearing and believed God said, "Love thy neighbor as thyself."
Elisha had a reputation for Godly works, how about you?
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Weds June 23, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 8: 4 The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, "Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done."
2 Kings 8: 7 Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, "The man of God has come all the way up here,"
Reputation for a Godly Witness 8:4,7,11
One’s reputation can be passed on as people talk with people. Certainly in the land of Israel Elisha was a topic of conversation among many, as well as in the country of Aram. He was given the reputation for being a “man of God.”
There are many reasons someone might be referred to as a man, or woman, of God, but it is typical that there are godly characteristics. Elisha is one who has been consistently acknowledged as having the ear of God. He is one through whom God works. He is one who demonstrates godly qualities.
Here is an interesting story again of the King of Aram Ben-Hada. He realized the reputation of Elisha as being a man of God. That is a very worthy title. He told his assistant, Hazael, to take gifts to Elisha to have him consult the Lord about the kings illness. Would he get better or not. Hazael sought the counsel of Elisha and Elisha stared at Hazael until the assistant felt ashamed. Elisha wept. He saw the harm that was to come upon Israelites though Hazael: including fire, death, violence upon little children, and ripping up women who are pregnant.
(Incidentally people are doing similar things today to pregnant women and they do not call that sin, they call that freedom of choice.)
Hazael’s response was, "How could I, a dog, do such a thing?" Well Hazael was more than a dog, he was a devil in his actions and indeed Ben-Hadad was not to die of his illness, as Elisha said. It was not a terminal illness, but he did die as a result of murder by his assistant. The next day Hazael suffocated his boss by putting a wet washcloth over his face and by violence took the throne. As we read the horrible time of Israel’s history this is indeed what happened to them when Hazael became King over Aram.
I think of the similar scene of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem because he foresees the destruction. When people realize the consequences of certain actions and realize there is nothing or very little they can do, it is quite sad.
If you had an epitaph on your gravestone could it say, “Man of God” or “Woman of God”. As I think about that one’s identity is known to be on who walks and talks with the Lord. I think of it as one who is set apart from sin (thou not sinless). I think of one who desires the things above more than the things below.
When such a person has that reputation folks will come to get council to be prayed for, to listen and learn. It is not a title one seeks for themselves it is a description that one gives to another because something is seen in their person that connects them as one of God’s special representatives.
Have you been at work or in the neighborhood when people feel awkward cursing or telling off colored jokes around you? You may not be a minister or clergy person, but you have been identified as one who does not appreciate that type of talk, and some feel guilty around you sharing unclean jokes or cursing and gossip.
Elisha has a reputation of a Godly Witness both among those who are the people of God as well as those pagans living around Israel.
How about you? Others may be watching more than you know.
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Thur June 24, 2010
Verses- 2 Kings 8: 7 Elisha went to Damascus, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram was ill. When the king was told, "The man of God has come all the way up here,"
8 he said to Hazael, "Take a gift with you and go to meet the man of God. Consult the LORD through him; ask him, 'Will I recover from this illness?'"
9 Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him as a gift forty camel-loads of all the finest wares of Damascus. He went in and stood before him, and said, "Your son Ben-Hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, 'Will I recover from this illness?'"
10 Elisha answered, "Go and say to him, 'You will certainly recover'; but the LORD has revealed to me that he will in fact die."
11 He stared at him with a fixed gaze until Hazael felt ashamed. Then the man of God began to weep.
12 "Why is my lord weeping?" asked Hazael. "Because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites," he answered. "You will set fire to their fortified places, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women."
13 Hazael said, "How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?" "The LORD has shown me that you will become king of Aram," answered Elisha.
Reputation for Godly Wisdom
As we look at the reputation of Elisha kings would approach him seeking godly advice and word from the Lord. They knew he was a man that would give a word from God, not his own opinion. That is godly wisdom.
In this matter the King of Aram wanted his assistant to consult with Elisha to see if he will get better from his illness. No one can give that answer. Medical physicians might examine the body and assist with medicine but the king wants godly wisdom from above.
Although we can discuss how it is Elisha’s comments fell short of the desire of the king. He tells him he will recover from the illness but at the same time speaks a conflicting prophecy that he will die at the hand of his assistant, Hazael who wants to overtake the king by violence.
That last part didn’t get reported, only the first part. It was half of the message.
There are also interesting phrases Jesus uses in his teaching. “Those who have ears to hear let him hear.” “Those who have eyes to see let him see.” Those who are open to God will understand things others are blind to. Sometimes truth is not always received based on the heart of the person. And unfortunately, many Christians will only tell half the story. God is a God who blesses. But He is also a God of judgment. The judgment of God was to fall on the king and later on Hazael. The time for repentance was over. Elisha's prophecy revealed the evil of Hazael’s heart. God knows our hearts and our desires.
It is important to seek the Lord’s will. It must first be decided if one is really wanting to know Gods' will. Often we only want our will confirmed not confronted.
As a chaplain student at Hennipen County Medical Hospital I was taught a counseling philosophy made popular by Carl Rogers. It is non-directive counseling. He claims you support others by listen to them allowing the counselees to draw their own conclusions and help them explore other options while they make their choices.
Listening is so vitally important. However, many people cannot solve their own problem because they lack truth. From a Biblical perspective our own wisdom is limited. God is all knowing. We are sinful. He is holy. We are short sighted. He has a perspective worth trusting. Talking can help get relief of emotions and may help us see options to our decisions but what does God's word say about it? What principles may apply to different situations?
Unfortunately, people do not really want to do what the Bible says. They do not really want God's will for their lives; they want to continue in their own ways and wants and have a clergy confirm that what they are doing is ok, or at least not so bad.
Do you really want to know God's will? Are you willing to obey His teaching? Are you willing to be in sincere prayer about it? If you are, I believe God will lead you and direct you in his time.
"Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. One who seeks God about all matters and not builds up himself
is a truly wise man.” (Prov. 5:6,7).
Pastor Dale
Sermon Nuggets Fri June 25, 2010
Verses 2 Kings 9:
1 The prophet Elisha summoned a man from the company of the prophets and said to him, "Tuck your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil with you and go to Ramoth Gilead.
2 When you get there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him away from his companions and take him into an inner room.
3 Then take the flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, 'This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.' Then open the door and run; don't delay!"
Reputation for a Godly Word
This Biblical story goes on to reveal more of the lessons of the kings, but I want to concentrate on Elisha's part. He had a word to share and picked one of the company of prophets to carry it out by proclaiming that word to Jehu. The Lord tells Elisha to do something and he sees to it that it is done.
There are a number of things I wish to point out when we consider the reputation one with a Godly word. It is first obedience to the Word of God and that is seen throughout Elisha life. There isn't arguing. There is obedience. It is the true desire of our hearts to do and to speak what God wants.
Secondly he has a desire to tell others. Part of that, of course, related to obedience. A good vessel of God is one who receives from the Lord and passes it on. It is not enough to be personally fed and comforted by God. It is his desire to affect others with a passion and holiness for God. He is not concerned for his own glory or prestige, but like Paine Webber, when he speaks people listen because he has a reputation for Godly words.
Another thing is Elisha uses a student who actually does the anointing for the new king and proclaims the prophetic word to Jehu. Elisha is willing to train another and let others share in the ministry. It is later in Elisha’s life and perhaps he is physically unable to get around like he did before. It also indicates He doesn't have to be the one to do the anointing or speaking for God to do his work. Another can do it as well as he is sent and trained. He his is directing the younger one, just as Elijah the Tishbite did for him.
Jehu is anointed and is one of the most zealous Kings for getting rid of Baal worship and false idols.
Sharing God's word is important. Emphasizing that for others is significant. Elisha meditated on the law of God and was able to educate others in it. God had given him his law to the nation and all were under it. All could study it, all could delight in it, but blessed is the one who does it.
One cannot know the word of God unless they heard the Word of God. How can they hear unless someone tells them? One cannot speak it unless that relationship is real and one desires a special closeness with their Savior.
When we talk about reputation of a Godly person, we are talking about a person’s character and integrity. One has confidence in another because of their consistent walk. It wasn't one miracle that brings a certain reputation. It is a life-style. Typically the people that we admire in their faith are folks that are older and have proven through problems and struggle of life that God is faithful and they trust him completely.
Jay Kesler was feeling like he could never match the super-saint status of people who had great reputations. His director shared something profound. "Did you ever realize what would happen if the Lord insisted on perfect men and women to carry out His work? Nothing would ever get done, because none of us would ever measure up. We are all flawed instruments. Isn't it wonderful that Jesus Christ can use us in spite of our imperfections? If we wait to be good enough to serve Him, we will never serve Him."
The reputation Elisha received was only one willing to follow where God led.
Pastor Dale
