LORD’s Day #40

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

Philippians 2:12-13, ESV

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SOME EXCERPTS AND LESSONS FROM TODAY’S MESSAGE

MORNING SERMON

SERMON FOCUS: “HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN REACT”

Text: Romans 12:17-21
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

1. REPAY NO ONE EVIL FOR EVIL
2. GIVE THOUGHT TO DOING WHAT IS HONORABLE IN THE SIGHT OF ALL

– We are degrading ourselves if we take revenge.
– We ought to counter it with good things.
– Paul tells us to cultivate and vivify righteousness.
– Christians do not act instinctively. Christians think in advance.
– Instead of retaliating, we should provide good things in the sight of all men.
– Let people see that we are essentially different. Let them see that we belong in the territory of grace.
– When somebody does you evil let it be evident that you are the children of your Father in heaven.

“Revenge is a passion unbecoming of the children of God”

– John Calvin

THREE COMMON HINDRANCES FROM REACTING POSITIVELY

A. A proud spirit
B. An unloving spirit
C. An unbelieving spirit

AFTERNOON MESSAGE

SERMON FOCUS: “THE COMING OF THE GLORIOUS MESSIAH”

Text: Isaiah 9:6
“For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

1. THE MANNER OF THE MESSIAH’s COMING
2. THE FORM OF THE COMING MESSIAH

– In the act of giving – His divine initiative, divine patience, divine faithfulness, and divine power were seen.
– Why was he not given as a warrior? It is to fulfill the prophecy and to point out and emphasize points out the human descent of the Messiah.
– The form of the coming Messiah is glorious because he is none other than the son of God himself.
– Messiah who came as a child came with his royal dignity,
– He came as a child so that sinners may be reconciled to him as a child.

“The same that is the mighty God is a child born; the ancient of days becomes an infant of a span long; the everlasting Father is a Son given. Such was his condescension in taking our nature upon him; thus did he humble and empty himself, to exalt and fill us.”

Matthew Henry

“As he was the lamb’s slain so he was the child that was born”

C.H. Spurgeon

Blessed LORD’s day, dear saints!
To God alone be the glory!