January 24 2016 Stepping Into Commitment

Stepping Into Commitment

Matthew 9:35 - 10:5

Review

Sermon #1 - Winning Through Encouragement

It is important that the people believe in their leader, but it is more important that their leader believes in the people.

Sermon #2 - Jesus Looks For Disciples

People look at people and see them as:

1. What we once were

2. What we are now

God looks at people and sees them as:

1. Where we are

2. What we can be

The Place Of Commitment

1. It's the place where the heaviest battles are fought

2. It's the place where the winners are divided from the whiners

3. It's the place where God reveals Himself

The Process Of Commitment (Matthew 9:35 - 10:5)

1. Jesus gave the Disciples a challenge
(verse 37 - The He said to His Disciples, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

"A congregation is either a field to work in or a force to work with."

2. Jesus gave the Disciples change
(verse 38 - Ask the Lord to send out workers into the harvest field.)

Twofold

  1.  In prayer
  2. Power for ministry

3. Jesus gave the Disciples a chance to get involved
(Matthew 10:2-5)

Which attitude is mine? 

  • I'll do what I want, I don't care what God wants me to do.
  • If God will give me what I want first, then I'll give Him what He wants.
  • I'll give God what He wants first with faith so that He'll give me what I want.
  • I'll give God what He wants regardless of what He gives me.

November 7 2010 Focusing On The Harvest

Focusing On The Harvest

Matthew 9:35-38 - Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 

Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

How To Focus On The Harvest

1. Have a proper vision

Verse 36 - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

  • Jesus had a vision for outsiders

2 Peter 2:8 - for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard

Acts 17:16 - While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

2. Have an understanding of the coming verdict

Verse 37 - Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Joel 3:13-14 - Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full and the vats overflow— so great is their wickedness!" 

Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

Matthew 13:30 - Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.

2 Corinthians 5:11 - Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.

3. We need a correct view of the workers

Verse 37 - Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

  • Few consecrated to the work
  • Few that are faithful

We Must Focus On The Harvest

November 7 2010 Focusing On The Harvest

Focusing On The Harvest

Matthew 9:35-38 - Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

How To Focus On The Harvest

1. Have a proper vision

Verse 36 - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

  • Jesus had a vision for outsiders

2 Peter 2:8 - for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard

Acts 17:16 - While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

2. Have an understanding of the coming verdict

Verse 37 - Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Joel 3:13-14 - Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the wine press is full and the vats overflow— so great is their wickedness!"

Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

Matthew 13:30 - Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.

2 Corinthians 5:11 - Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.

3. We need a correct view of the workers

Verse 37 - Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

  • Few consecrated to the work
  • Few that are faithful

We Must Focus On The Harvest