PROBLEM WITH WORRY

 

The Bible explicitly says that worrying is sin because it’s telling God that He can’t handle the problems of your life. It’s having no faith in Him who created you and ordained your days while you were still unformed.

 

“I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important that food, and the body more important than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25

 

It is more of a command from Jesus to tell us not to worry. Because God’s hand is in everything.

“Look at the birds of the air they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26

 

 

I love this verse: “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” – Numbers 23:19

 

If we worry, we are calling God a liar. Plain, simple and explicit.

 

Reason number 2: Worry eats you up physically

 

The worry business is booming. Just look at all the drugs and meds popping up and being formulated by chemists and doctors today. There are a lot – from sleeping pills, to anti-anxiety pills, they’re usually used to forget problems) to computer games, and all other kinds of stuff that make you forget your problems and let you sleep at night.

 

Worry is something that eats you up physically. It gives you ulcer due to the anxiety stress. It creates high blood pressure in your veins. It is something that will physically affect you in a way that you don’t want to be affected. Worry is a killer.

 

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” – Matthew 6:27

 

Reason number 3: Worry makes you unproductive

 

Worrying cripples your ability to move and take action. It lets your mind linger to the things that are unnecessary (and often unreal) that the things you have to take care of are left for granted. It will eat up your thoughts. Instead of taking action and planning on how to solve your problem, it will take up the form of ‘what-if’s’ and ‘should have’s’.

 

Reason number 4: Worry magnifies the problem

 

Problems are problems. The very nature of us humans is to try and solve them. There will always be problems in life. Bliss is non-existent in a lifetime on Earth. Worry is, by nature, a magnifying glass – for problems. Instead of taking the problem as it is and making the right plans and taking the right steps of action, worrying makes the problem bigger

 

 

 

 

 

Reason number 5: Worrying is useless

 

What will happen will happen. Often times we can do something about it. Worrying does  nothing about anything and is, in the end, useless. So why worry?  Close with Time we needed finances in Salmon Arm

 

QUOTES FOR AUG 1, 2026

 

BETHLEHEM MORNING

 

Isaiah 9:6 New International Version (NIV)

6 For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

This morning I want to talk about what happened that Bethlehem morning.  This is an amazing story and scene.  First,  Mary and Joseph who lived in Nazareth 80 miles away or about 7 days by donkey. 

They are compelled to go and register in their Families home by an international census a decision made in Rome to go to Bethlehem.  God is the God the international.  He Makes rulers do His will.  The greatest empires have done his will throughout the centuries.  They are compelled to go and register in their Families home.  How else would they end of in Bethlehem which is the birthplace of David whose family Mary and Joseph belonged.  Now in Mic 5:2, a promise was given to this this small community that out of it would be born the Messiah.  God always fulfills His word.  Remember that today. 

 

     In Bethlehem they arrived to find no room in the inn.  Now Mary was about to give birth.  In those days, they did not have a Hilton or Travelers Inn.  It would have been homes with attached rooms.  Can you see them going from house to house looking for a place to stay.  No room because of the census.  Finally they are able to secure a stable.  This would have been a place where the animals kept at the back of a home or a cave under the house.  In the church of the nativity it is a cave. 

 

Now Jesus was born without a doctor or midwife.  Joseph would probably had to do the delivery.   He wraps Jesus in swaddling clothes and lays him in a manger or feeding trough made out of straw.  So there they sit, alone, wondering what will happen next.  A young couple alone in the world with a brand new baby, Joseph thought is this it.  Not knowing God had something wonderful for them.  This was the "sign" to the shepherds that the baby they found in Bethlehem was indeed the Messiah - not the fact that He was "swaddled", that is, bound up in the wrap normally used to dress newborn infants in that day and age, but the fact that He, the Lord of the world, the One who created everything and who holds everything together by His powerful Word, was to be found lying in something so far from elegant that it was worthy of note and comment. This sign was a clear indication of the kenosis or humbling which coming into this world, becoming a true, unglorified human being, and taking on the form of a servant would entail for the Son of God. It was symbolic and representative of the human life He would lead: not a life of privilege, luxury, and appreciation for who He was and what He was about to do for all mankind, but instead a life characterized by humility, by privation, and by experience of the most outrageous ingratitude.

 

The proclamation to the shepherds:

 

(8) Now there were shepherds in that area who were camping out and keeping watches through the night to tend their flock. (9) And an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone all around them [so that they] were very frightened. (10) And the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid. For, behold, I proclaim good news to you [of] a great [occasion for] joy which will belong to your entire people. (11) Today there has been born for you a Savior. [Even He] who is Messiah (i.e., Christ), Lord - in the city of David. (12) And this will be your sign [that the One you find is truly Him]: You will find a [newly] swaddled baby lying in a feeding trough". (13) And immediately there was with the angel a multitude of [the] heavenly army [of elect angels], [all] praising God and saying, (14) "Glory to God in the highest [heavens]! And [also] on [the] earth among men of [His] good pleasure (i.e., "men with whom He is well pleased = believers)". (15) And it came about as the angels left them for heaven that the shepherds were talking with each other. "Let's go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us". (16) And they hurried and went, and they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby [who was] lying in a feeding trough. (17) And when they saw [these things], they let [everyone] know about what had been told them concerning this child. (18) And everyone who heard was amazed at what was told them by the shepherds. (19) And Mary remembered these words of theirs, [and was] meditating on them in her heart. (20) And the shepherds returned [to their flocks], glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen [which turned out] exactly like it had been told to them.

Luke 2:8-20

 

Lessons we learn here.  Of course the Lord is revealing this great event to Shepherds because David started out as a shepherd before he became a king.  An angel appears and the glory of God shone around them.  He tells them not to be afraid.  Whenever God appears supernaturally there is always a reaction.  Fear, amazement and bewilderment.  Did you know the phrase do not be afraid or some variation of it appears in the bible 365 times one for each day of the year? 

 

1.       The angel reveals that the message He brings is good news to all people every where.  Salvation is for everyone.  It is a universal message, of salvation, healing and deliverance. 

2.      He reveals four things about this child.  He is the Savior, the messiah, the Christ and Lord.  It is Savior and Lord of all mankind. 

3.      He then gives them the sign to find the child.  Find a baby a newborn baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. 

4.      Then immediately there is a multitude of angels with him. They praise God.  Now we do not know if they sang or not but they said the following things which is wonderful.  Glory, honor, praise and worship belong to God in the highest.  There is no one like our God.  He is omnipotent, all knowing, pure, holy, righteous lovely, eternal and compassionate.  There will be peace on earth and good will to men.  God is going to bring peace through the Prince of peace and through Jesus Christ God will extend God will to all people, of race, creed, color, tribe nation and language.    What a message of hope. 

5.      So the shepherds make a decision to find the baby because of what had been made know to them.  Can you see them inquiring house to house looking for the baby.  Checking every stable, grotto and cave.  It must have caused quite the stir.  Mary and Joseph hear the commotion the shepherds coming into where they are.  Seeing the babe, them telling everyone there what had happened.  There were no doubt people who came with them.  You know how something causes a crowd to gather.  These shepherds are the first witnesses of what they seen and experienced.  When telling others about Jesus just tell them what you seen and have experienced. 

6.      Everyone was amazed by what the shepherds told them.  When the Lord does something it leaves an impression on your heart design to change you forever.  Of course it is our choice to let that impression grow and change us. 

7.      Mary remembered their words and thought about them in her heart.  This was confirmation for her and Joseph that they were doing the will of God.  One moment Mary and Joseph are sitting alone with the baby then the next moment the shepherds and the people with them show up.  God always confirms His word.  People, circumstances and tangible sign or evidence.  Talk about God talking to me about Hay River on the Bus. 

8.      The shepherds return to their flocks praising and glorifying God.  Three things had happen to them.  They had seen and heard things no one had ever experienced before.  They had God confirm His word for them.  They would talk about it for years.  It would be an event that would change them and the world forever.  This is what happened on that Bethlehem morning.  As we close today I would encourage you to reflect on what you have heard and as we take communion today.  Remember what Jesus did is good news for all.  His broken body and shed blood.  His death, burial and resurrection all started on that Bethlehem morning.

 

Then video on Bethlehem Morning.

 

BEST NEWS YET

 

16 When the news reached Pharaoh’s palace that Joseph’s brothers had come, Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, 18 and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’

 

Lesson One:  The officials had been listening at the door and heard all that was happening.  The news quickly spread to Pharaoh’s palace.  Now the two palaces were very close together.  This would have been for administration and protection.  They found out that Joseph’s brothers had come.  Now this pleased the officials because Joseph was highly regarded.  He had saved Egypt.  The king trusted and was best friends with Joseph.  The King makes an incredible offer, a generous offer and an offer from the Lord.  A God ordained offer.  Remember God can use anyone to do His will.  A lesson we learn is that God will always strategically place someone to meet your need.  Joseph was that not only for Egypt but his family.    Have your brother’s return to Canaan.  Bring your father and your families back to me.  This was a personal invitation from the king himself.  When we hear about Jesus Christ it was because of a personal invitation from the Lord Himself.  The king promised that he will give them the best of the land.  So they can enjoy it and have a great life.  Now Jacob and His family were on the brink of starvation and here they were about to get an offer of a lifetime.  God gives us the same offer today.  In John 10:10 Jesus said,” I have come to give you, life and with it abundance.”  3 John 2 states, that John prayer is that we would have health and prosperity even as our soul prospers.  It begins from the inside out.  I am believing that this year what is promised here is going to happen for each one of you and that you will have a healthy, prosperous, abundant year.  God will give you enjoyment and abundance.  That is better than the offer of Lotto Max which offered 65 million this week.

 

  19 “You are also directed to tell them, ‘Do this: Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come. 20 Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.’”

 

Lesson Two:  This was the kings second instructions.  Now these instructions were to be carried out to the letter.  Nothing was not to be done.  His word was law and to not do them meant death.  Did you know the Bible is God’s direct word?  We are to obey them to the letter.  If we do not it means death. spiritual, eternal and moral death.  God’s word is to be obeyed, put into practice for it to bring life.  The Lord says He puts his word above His name.  When God says something He expects it to be obeyed.  They are the ten commandments and not the ten suggestions.  Now the carts were evidence of what was being said.  They were also transportation for the boys, their father and their families to come.  They didn’t have to bring their belongings.  The best of Egypt was being offered.  Every need was about to be supplied.  Four basic needs were being provided, food, shelter, clothing and transportation.  These are the four basic needs today.  All they needed was provided and all you need will be provided.  Matt 6:33, states when we seek God first, all things will be added unto us.  Phil 4:19, tells us God will supply every need according to His riches in Glory.  2 Cor 9:8, says we will have abundance for every need and every work.  God will use even ungodly places like Egypt to bless.  Your need and provision is on the way this moment, day, week, month and year.  Amen.  I like how this story is playing out for the godly here.  Also they are not getting thrift store blessings.  I know that is the rage but they are getting the best.  They are not getting value village, or good will they are getting, Rodeo Drive, High End West Edmonton Mall.  Talk about the time I was offered a suit. 

 

 21 So the sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them carts, as Pharaoh had commanded, and he also gave them provisions for their journey. 22 To each of them he gave new clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels[b] of silver and five sets of clothes. 23 And this is what he sent to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for his journey. 24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!”

 

Lesson Three:  So the boys did what they were told.  Joseph gave them carts as the king had commanded.  Remember what the king says is law and must be carried out to the letter.  Then Joseph gave them provision for their journey but their dads as well  Little lesson, whatever journey we are on right now provision for that journey will be met.  Love this.  He gave them new clothing. They got a new suit for the journey.  Now Benjamin got three hundred shekels of silver.  That is about $2000 today, five suits.  You would think this favoritism would bother the brothers but remember they had a changed heart but maybe not.  Along with the carts he sent 20 donkeys with grain, bread and all other provisions they needed.  Our God will supply every need church.  Are you getting this?  God will supply.  Amen as we head into 2020, I declare this is a year of provision, abundance and breakthrough.  Can I get an Amen.  Now get this.  As he sending his brothers away he says, now don’t you argue on the way.  He knew his brothers and maybe he knew they may have been jealous of Benjamin.  Most likely they would argue about how they are going to tell Jacob about Joseph.  This was going to be a problem.  They had never told Jacob about what they had done and now here is evidence they had lied all along.  They were about to face a moment of truth.  Remember a lie has no legs it needs other lies to support it. 

 

25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 They told him, “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is ruler of all Egypt.” Jacob was stunned; he did not believe them. 27 But when they told him everything Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts Joseph had sent to carry him back, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

 

Lesson:  Now this is where it gets interesting.  They travel back from Egypt they come into the camp.  They have Benjamin, the donkeys, all the provision.  There is Jacob standing there.  He asks where did you get all this?  They told him.  Joseph is alive and in fact ruler of all Egypt.  Jacob is stunned I don’t think stunned may be the right word.  How about angry, betrayed, resentful, hoping mad, and he and does not believe them.  This is the moment of truth.  They told him Joseph had been killed by a wild animal, the cloak had been ripped, torn and cover with blood.  Remember no DNA testing back then.   They never told him what had happened.   Twenty years of lying of deception.  They had never changed their story, they had never broken their silence, all ten of them.  Now they are telling Jacob Joseph is alive and ruler of all Egypt.  How long it took him to get over this?  He probably went off by himself.   How long would it take you if this happen to you?  Have you ever been betrayed, lied to then found out the truth and how did you react?  This is a moment of raw human emotion.  Have you ever told a lie and had a moment of truth where you had to own up to what you had done?  Remember how it felt?  In times like this do these following things.  Say you are sorry and do whatever you need to make it right.  However long it took when they told him all Joseph had said.  When he saw the cart to take him back and all the provisions and all that was with them.  Jacob in that moment forgave.  This is a moment of healing, restoration and redemption for Jacob and his family.   Everything changed, His Spirit was revived.  I think that was an understatement.  I think he was jumping, leaping and praising God at least for as many 130 years plus could.  Jacob then closes off our time together with a fourfold statement.    I am convinced, My son Joseph is still alive, I will go and see him, before I die.  For 20 years Jacob was dead inside but now he is alive.  That is how we were before Jesus Christ we were dead in trespasses and sin but now because of Jesus Christ we are alive.  As we start this New Year let us begin the right way.  Salvation, forgiveness, healing and restoration.

 

THE GOOD LIFE

 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Apostle Paul writes, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Paul simply says very directly: No exceptions, no excuses, nothing is outside this parameter—in everything give thanks. No matter the situation, we are to find a reason to thank God.

 

I want to spend a few minutes creating for us an attitude of gratitude.  To many people focus on the bad and not the good.  Some people are half full cup and other are half empty.  We use to sing a song years back.  Here’s my cup Lord I lift it up Lord.  God wants us to learn to be grateful.  So for a few minutes I want to give you a list of things to be thankful. 

 

   I am thankful for my health. modern medicine and a God that heals.  I am thankful to have a God

who loves me and is with me no matter where I am.  I am thankful for the freedom of worship that we

have.  I am thankful for my mom.  I am thankful for my wife who loves me and has been my life

partner. I am thankful for my sons and daughters and grandchildren.  I am thankful for my two

brothers and one sister.  I am for my family members that are serving the Lord.  I thankful for my dogs,

puppy and cat.  Hey give unconditional love.  I am thankful for my home there are many who do not

have one.  I am thankful for my cars and my bike that God has provided transportation to come here

today.  I am thankful for the clothes on my back and my wives shopping sprees even though I get

annoyed when I have to go along

     I am thankful for Alberta and its beauty and majesty, for beautiful sunrises and the amazing sunsets here in this province.  I am thankful for the stars in the sky and the rainbow after a storm.  God is a wonderful creator,  I am thankful for our military and veterans for the current people who serve in our military.  I am thankful for heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.  I am thankful for the right to vote and the freedom to choose I vote for.  Many countries in the world do not have this.

     I am thankful for the Internet, smartphones, tablets, google and modern social media.  We can learn so much and express our faith so much more today.  I am thankful for electricity, indoor plumbing hot showers and modern sanitation.

     I am thankful for Holidays and the time I can spend with my loved ones so many people do not have

this .  I am thankful for my brother and sister in law.  I am thankful for home cook meals I do not have

to make.  I am thankful for road trips and holidays with my family.  I am thankful for good

restaurants, hot pizza, KFC, Tim Hortons and freshly baked cookies and all the conveniences of our

modern communities.  I am thankful for steep tea a double double.

     I am thankful for my education and the privilege of having an opportunity for education.  So many do not have that privilege.  The opportunity to follow my dreams.  I am thankful for dollar stores and places where I can get modestly price goods, especially tools.  I am thankful for my pillow and mattress topper.  I am thankful for cheezies, sun chips and coca cola even though they are contraban to me.  I am no suppose too have them but you did not hear that from me.  I am thankful for fitness equipment that I can use when I indulge in my forbidden contraban.   I am thankful for the different flavors of ice cream and for popcorn I can eat when I want to watch Bollywood or man did I say that out loud.    I am thankful for clean air good water, Am 930 the light, for red tag sales and the many wonderful holidays we have in Canada.  Did you know we have one every month? 

     I am thankful for the forgiveness, mercy, grace, peace and the love of God none of which I deserved.  I am thankful for you my church family.  I cannot believe I get the privilege of sharing the word with you every week this is such a privilege.  I am thankful for the kindness of others and the privilege of being able to be kind to others.  What a joy to be an encouragement and blessing to others.  I am thankful for the wisdom of others people who have sown good words in my life.  Thank you.  I am thankful for The Father who accepted Jesus sacrifice.  For Jesus Christ who gave His life that I might have eternal and abundant life.  I am thankful for the great teacher, comforter and helper the Holy Spirit who regenerated me and made me His home.  I am so thankful and grateful for the eternal and abundant life I have been given.  I am thankful for prayer, the bible, worship and evangelism.  I cannot believe I get the privilege to tell others what Jesus has done for me and you do as well.

     I am thankful for this time that we have spent together.  Doris Day said that gratitude is riches and complaining is poverty.  “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” ―William Arthur Ward.  “Appreciation can make a day—even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” ―Margaret Cousins.  “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ―Melody Beattie.  “When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” ―Kristin Armstrong

 

So remember in everything give thanks this is the will of God.  You want to do God’s will start with thankfulness and gratitude.  Today cultivate an attitude of gratitude.  Be the person everyone wants to be around and like.  Be that everyone wants to be.  You and you will if you seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.  One more thankful.  Thank you coming and listening to me here and spending time with me online through my videos, posts and writings. 

QUOTES FOR JULY 30, 2026

 

AN EXAMPLE

 

     Our scripture we will look at today is where John is described as the one to prepare the way of the Lord.  Listen to what Jesus says about John the Baptist.  In Matt 11:9-10, “Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:” ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.

 

John was an amazing man he was definitely a unique man.  He was very much like Elijah.  He wore camel skin clothing and ate wild locust and honey, a very unusual diet.  John was also a man who had a special call of God.  Over the next Three Sundays we are going to examine nine characteristics that made John who he was.  Today we will look at three characteristics that John displayed and a great list that we can emulate, copy and exhibit. 

 

1.      Self denial:  The definition of this term is the denial of one's own interests and needs; self-sacrifice, or an act or instance of restraining or curbing one's desires.  In the Christian sense Self-denial is saying “no, to ungodliness and worldly passions and living our lives within the righteous framework God has established.  Self-denial requires that our desire to obey God overrule our destructive desires to find satisfaction outside of what God has for us.  In Matt 3:4, John knew that the only way to serve God is make sure that the world did not influence him but that he influenced the world.  Jesus said that if you are not willing to deny ourselves and follow him that we are not worthy of him.  Matt 16:24 – Then Jesus said unto his disciples “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”  This is done by submitting yourself to God and resisting the devil and he will flee from you.  Denial of yourself, leads to purity, power and perspective.  Jesus said that friendship with the world is being an enemy of God.  I am advocating is a lifestyle where your first priority is God, His will, desire and goals.

 

2.       Courage.  Matt 3:7, 14:4, John demonstrated courage.  A definition of courage is the ability to do something that frightens oneself.  A second thought is strength in the face of pain or grief.  He spoke fearlessly to the religious leaders, the Romans, the common people and the King who was Herod.  This courage would eventually lead to his death.  Courage is being willing to do something no one else wants to do.  It is being able to overcome your natural fear and do what needs to be done.  Courage in the things of God is realizing you are doing God’s work, in God’s way, in God’s will, in His power, and wisdom.  Being courageous is not being afraid.  It is overcoming your fear and being willing to do what is right, truthful, honest and fair.  It means confronting evil when no one else wants to.  It means being God’s person who stands in the gap.  Wikipedia says courage is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty.  We have all four of these things working in 2020.  These need to be courageously confronted.  People need the church to be the church.  It will take courage to confront the darkness and evil of this world.  Love does not allow selfishness, greed, and foolishness to prevail.  James puts it this way.  If you rescue someone from a path of self -destruction you are saving them from a multitude of sins they will inflict on themselves and others.   “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”  Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”  Be brave to stand for what you believe in even if you stand alone.” 

 

3.      Obedience:  Matt 3:15, John did what he was asked to do.  In the Bible it means to "to hear," "to listen and then do.  Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God and reverence for Him.  He learned the truth of 1 Sam 15:22, that obedience is better than sacrifice.  Andrew Murray states in his book in the School of Obedience that God is looking for someone to simply obey.  God is looking for a willing vessel.  When you obey God the supernatural happens.  The Bible says that Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered.  God is not looking for a debate on his will what he looking for is someone who will say, “Yes Lord us me.”  You said, Yes, to God and no to you.  There will be many times you will not understand, or even like what God wants but if you do it you will prosper.  You need to be faithful where you are because in obedience we learn patience, trust and endurance.  John did and Jesus called him the greatest of all.  I thought this was an interesting point to close on.  John called himself the least and Jesus called him the greatest. A great lesson for us to learn here is that if you want to be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.  If you want be first choose to be last. 

 

FORGIVENESS

 

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

     This morning as we look at Pau’s exhortation it almost sounds like he is giving a list of rules and regulations for life.  A behavior list that if you do this you will be a good person.  Paul has made it clear in the previous part of this chapter and book that faith in Christ alone will save you.  In 1 Timothy Paul reminded Timothy that the world is watching and that our influence and testimony are dampened and hindered when we are inconsistent in our character and public testimony.  In Rev 12:11, it states that we overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony and being willing to die for the faith.

 

1.      So in Vs 29, Paul starts with the most obvious our speech.  He says do not let unwholesome talk come out of our mouth.  Gossip, slander, curses, questionable jokes, sarcasm, profanity, outbursts of anger, and questionable conversation.  Whatever is pure, lovely, wholeness, noble, praise worthy, right and holy is what we should be talking.  David asked the Lord to put a watchman at the door of his mouth so he would not sin against the Lord.  James says blessing and curses should not come out of the same mouth.  The mouth will eventually speak what is in the heart.  That is why we must guard our hearts.

 

a.      Paul says that we should only speak what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.  I remember when I got saved the first thing that got cleaned up with my language.  Last time I swore was Aug 15, 1977. 

b.      We are called to speak the truth in love.  Love should be the foundation of any conversation we have.  Encourage, affirm and build others up in your conversations. 

c.      Here are five ways to build others up in conversations.

 

1.       Active listening.

2.      Use their name.

3.      Let them talk about themselves.

4.      Make them feel important.

5.      Emphasize similarities.

 

d.      James says be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  When you do this Paul says this will benefit those who listen.  When we have wholesome conversation it really stands out in our profane world.  Solomon says a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.  I like that.

 

2.      In Vs 30, Paul says do not grieve the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed for day of redemption.  First, this shows the Holy Spirit is a person.  You cannot hurt a thing, force or object.  I like how Ernest Angley puts it.  It means to burden. When the Holy Spirit is grieved, He is burdened. To grieve is to oppress.

 

a.      To grieve is to afflict with deep, acute sorrow—to afflict the Holy Spirit with deep sorrow because of saying and doing the wrong things.

b.      To grieve is to make sad, to distress. We make the Holy Spirit sad, distressed when we disobey the Lord. God’s own people can make the Holy Spirit sad by some of the things they do, cause Him to mourn. He cannot possibly mix with that which is foreign to His personality.

c.      To grieve the Holy Spirit is to make Him lament; many have done this to Him.  We do not want to do it because we are His temple, dwelling place and we are heading for eternity a place of peace, love and completeness. 

 

3.      In Vs 31, He then says to get rid of the following five things.  First, get rid of bitterness which is caused by being hurt and wronged then letting it go unchecked until it poisons your whole perspective and life.  That is why forgiveness is essential.  Explain how thought process works and why we must forgive immediately.

 

a.      Rage and anger.  Paul puts them together.  Rage is feeling the need to express violent uncontrollable anger.  You lose it and there are always consequences.  Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.  Anger is an emotion caused by a perception of being wronged.  It can be good or bad depending on what is angering us.  Selfish anger leads to wrong reactions.  Righteous anger moves us to defend others and right wrongs.  The cause is the key.  But rage and anger uncontrolled is the issue here with Paul.   The key to anger to being quick to hear and slow to speak.

b.      Brawling which means getting into fights whether physical or talking.  People get into fights.  When they feel threatened or wrong.  They do not respect a person, are self- involved, don’t get enough sleep, substance abused, you have personal problems or self- esteem problems and deflect or attack others. 

c.      Slander is making false and damaging statements about someone.  Christians should never do that.  Satan is accuser of the brethren.  You are doing satan’s work when you slander.

d.      Any form of malice which is the intention or desire to do evil or ill will.  Paul says put it away and don’t let it use you.  I love the illustration the old native said.  The one who rules your life is the one you feed.  So feed your inner man with the word of God and prayer. 

 

4.      In Vs 32, Paul says let these three qualities be the evidence of God’s control of your life.  Be kind.  It is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.  It flows from love, mercy and grace. 

 

a.      Be compassionate.  This is a feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.  Understanding, concern and empathy towards other.  Any outward sign of love.  Jesus said people will know we are his disciples by the way we love one another. 

b.      Forgive one another.  This is a choice and must be done immediately.  Paul says you do it because you have been forgiven.  This is the reason we forgive.  We also know forgiveness is the key to get rid of all these negative expressions Paul talked about. 

ARMOR OF GOD

 

Ephesians 6:10-18

 

 

Vs 10 - Be strong in the Lord.  Let your strength come from Him and remember you can do all things through Christ’s strength.  The Lord is all powerful.  We have resurrection power.  It is His mighty power that we rely on.

 

Vs 11 – Put on the full armor.  Don’t let one piece be missing in this armor.  This enables you to stand.  This word stand will be repeated four times in this passage.  The armor will enable you to stand against the devil’s schemes of accusation, temptation and deception and you will understand his motive of operation which is to rob, kill and destroy.

 

Vs 12 – Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.  If it was we could use manmade armor and weapons.  It is against rulers or territorial spirits.  Against authorities whether, human, worldly or demonic.  Powers working and in control of this dark world.  Remember satan is the god of this world.  It is his agents and representatives we are facing.  Spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  That is why our fight is not carnal or natural but spiritual.

 

Vs 13 – Put on the full armor of God.  So when the day of evil comes and this is any time the enemy attacks every day and also in the future.  You stand your ground.  Like a Roman soldier you have territory you are defending.  He tells you must do everything you can to stand because if you don’t you and others can and will become victims and slaves.  This verse tells you to stand twice. 

 

Vs 14 -  The fourth exhortation to stand.  First, with the belt of truth buckled around you waist.  Jesus is the truth you stand on.  Truth will stand where a lie falls.  Truth always destroys the father of all lies.  Truth is to be produced and reproduced in your life.  The order Paul uses is how a soldier would dress himself.  The breastplate of righteous covers your heart.  Remember where your heart so is your treasure and vice versa.  This protects you from a fatal blow because your heart is clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

 

Vs 15 – You are fitted with the boots of peace.  You are ready to go wherever the Lord sends you as His ambassador of peace.  You have a peace the world can give or take away.  You are a peacemaker and a Son of God.  Wherever you go peace goes and comes with you.

 

Vs 16 – Take up the shield of faith.  Faith is your protection from the lies, accusations and tests of the enemy it puts them out completely.   You trust God, His word and you have prayer as the conveyer belt of supplies you need for your warfare. 

 

Vs 17 – Take up the helmet of salvation.  This is protection for the mind.  We are called to think on good things.  Salvation helps clean up our mind and then we are to then make sure that whatever is going into our mind is godly.  Paul then says what will protect your mind is the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  The word of God is our offensive and defensive weapon against the lies of the enemy.  Jesus used the bible to defeat the enemy in the temptation in the wilderness and you must use the Word to defeat the lies of the enemy.  Remember truth stands on its own.  Lies have no legs they need other lies to hold them up.

 

Vs 18 – Pray in the Spirit on all occasions.  This is praying without ceasing.  Use many forms of prayers and also requests for yourself and others.  This is a wide range of prayer.  Remember to be alert, watch and awake.  Keep on praying for all God’s people whoever and wherever they are.  Pray is the glue that keeps the armor strong.  It heals and restores any weakness to the integrity of the armor.