Sustained Freedom
A Study in the Book of Ezra
Sermon #2 – “Outside Help”
Pastors leading churches like
ours, encourage me greatly. They speak truth into my life, helping me see
things from a fresh perspective that helps me understanding the will of God. I also
listen to leaders who have been effective in ways that I have not. These
pastors challenge me to consider methods of ministry that I would have never
thought of myself. In short, I am consistently looking for outside help in hearing
from the Lord and understanding how He is working through various expressions
of His church. I admit that I can be easily discouraged in my role as a pastor.
In those times, I am very thankful for the encouragement that I receive from outside
my own ability to hear directly from the Lord.
We all need help from time to time in various areas of our lives due to the reality that we are easily discouraged. Sometimes that help must come from the outside. By outside, I mean outside of our own personal will and individual hearing directly for the Lord. Though this message may apply to your life in various ways, my focus is the work of the Lord through this local community and your role within that work. Therefore, when doing the work of the Lord we often need outside help when desiring to quit.
The scriptural context of this message is Ezra 4:24 (ESV). The work on the house of the Lord had stopped due to an edict from the Persian king. This edict was based upon a complaint and the false claims of their adversaries. The Lord spoke through Haggai and Zechariah calling for the work to continue (Haggai 1 / Zachariah 1). Zerubbabel was the leader of those in Jerusalem but he, like us, needed to hear from the Lord through an outside source. The people of Jerusalem also needed another voice to call them to consider their ways and renew their commitment to the work of the Lord in their rebuilding effort.
We all need help from time to time in various areas of our lives due to the reality that we are easily discouraged. Sometimes that help must come from the outside. By outside, I mean outside of our own personal will and individual hearing directly for the Lord. Though this message may apply to your life in various ways, my focus is the work of the Lord through this local community and your role within that work. Therefore, when doing the work of the Lord we often need outside help when desiring to quit.
The scriptural context of this message is Ezra 4:24 (ESV). The work on the house of the Lord had stopped due to an edict from the Persian king. This edict was based upon a complaint and the false claims of their adversaries. The Lord spoke through Haggai and Zechariah calling for the work to continue (Haggai 1 / Zachariah 1). Zerubbabel was the leader of those in Jerusalem but he, like us, needed to hear from the Lord through an outside source. The people of Jerusalem also needed another voice to call them to consider their ways and renew their commitment to the work of the Lord in their rebuilding effort.
Through the
words of Haggai 1:1-11, we learn that our lives become dissatisfying when we
ignore the work of the Lord. All our hard work is brought to nothing when its
focus is our own personal gain. The picture that Haggai paints here is
indicative of how many Christians live their lives. As Haggai suggest, we are
to consider our ways.
Haggai also
provides several reasons for the success of outside help (1:12-15). Outside
help is effective when the word of the Lord is obeyed (v. 12). The word of the
Lord is received into our hearts when we are convinced that those encouraging
us are sent from the Lord (V.12). Outside help is also effective as we live in
the fear of the Lord (V.12) and that He is with us (V. 13). Through all of
these things, the Lord stirs our hearts toward understanding and obedience (V.
14-15).
Turning
our attention to the words of Zachariah (Ch. 1) we discover that outside
help is a reminder of the origin of our problem (V. 1-6). The problem in those days was the repetition
of rebellion. They were returning to the sins of past generations. This was not
only their problem, but seems to be a systemic problem for all humanity.
Zachariah also reminds us of God’s purposes. It was God’ mercy and jealousy for
Jerusalem that caused Him to re-establish Jerusalem (V. 7-17). Finally, we are
reminded of the truth that God will deal with the source of discouragement (V.
18-21). God’s promise to destroy those who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem
is a promise to destroy all that come against His work. We are not left to
ourselves in the dealing with the present opposition.
Application of the words of Haggai and Zachariah can be made. When you desire to quit doing the work of God, seek outside help. This outside help will keep you from the futility of living for selfish purposes. You will be reminded of God plan for your life and be kept away from repeating the sins of past generations. As individuals and as a church community we cannot be afraid of receiving help from outside our own congregation. May we understand the words God speaks from the outside help He brings our way.
Application of the words of Haggai and Zachariah can be made. When you desire to quit doing the work of God, seek outside help. This outside help will keep you from the futility of living for selfish purposes. You will be reminded of God plan for your life and be kept away from repeating the sins of past generations. As individuals and as a church community we cannot be afraid of receiving help from outside our own congregation. May we understand the words God speaks from the outside help He brings our way.
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