fromthepreacherspc

BINDING THE HANDS OF JESUS
Mark 15:1

INTRODUCTION
A. In Mark 15:1, we read of how the enemies of Jesus bound Him in preparation for sending Him to Pilate
B. As we read this, it is easy for our hearts to be filled with sadness, and even with a touch of “righteous indignation” for that crowd that bound Jesus in such a way
C. And yet, there are many today who are guilty of binding the hands of Jesus in a “figurative” way!
D. To see what I mean, consider some of the various ways people can be guilty today of “Binding the Hands of Jesus”…
DISCUSSION
A. Are we binding the hands of Jesus BY REFUSING TO OBEY THE GOSPEL?
1. In His great love for us, Jesus stretched out His hands and died for our sins
a. Even today, through His gospel, He pleads with all to take advantage of His vicarious suffering
b. He does not want us to suffer for the guilt of our own sins
c. In truth, then, His “tender invitation” of Matthew 11:28-30 is still being offered today
2. But when one refuses to obey the gospel…
a. The hands of Jesus are bound!
b. There is no way such a person can then receive the benefits of Jesus death!
c. For him or her, the death of Jesus was in vain!
3. Is this true of you?
a. It is – if you have not yet accepted the gospel by obeying the commands of Jesus
1) Mark 16:15-16
2) Acts 2:38
b. And if it is, then you will one day have to face the righteous indignation of Jesus Himself! … 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
4. But even those who obey the gospel can be guilty of “binding the hands of Jesus.” How? One way is…
B. BY REFUSING TO BE TRANSFORMED?
1. It is the will Christ that we be transformed.
a. This transformation involves a renewal of the mind
1) Romans 12:1-2
2) Ephesians 4:20-24
b. This renewal occurs as we read, study, and meditate upon the Word of God
1) 1 Peter 1:23-2:2
2) Philippians 4:8
2. But many Christians neglect the instrument by which we can be renewed…
a. Thus many do not “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (Jam. 1:21b)
b. Many allow other things to take precedence in our lives, so they “bind the hands of Jesus” – not making the proper changes in their lives!
3. Are we guilty of this?
a. We are, if we neglect to study the Bible on our own!
b. We are, if we fail to take advantage of opportunities to study with others!
c. Neglect the transforming power of the Word of God, and we are just as guilty of “binding the hands of Jesus” as were those who delivered Him to Pilate!
4. We can also be guilty of “binding the hands of Jesus”…
C. BY REFUSING TO PRAY?
1. Jesus is our “High Priest”
a. He became man for this very purpose… Hebrews 2:17-18
b. Jesus has made it possible for us to boldly approach the throne of grace in prayer… Hebrews 4:14-16
c. As our High Priest…
1) He is able to save those who come to God through Him – Hebrews 7:25a
2) He “always lives” to make intercession for us – Hebrews 7:25b
2. When we don’t pray as we should…
a. Jesus cannot be our high priest, our intercessor!
b. Figuratively, we’ve taken the “praying hands” of Jesus and “bound” them behind His back!
3. Are we doing this?
a. If so, what a travesty this is!
b. For here is Jesus…
1) Who “lives” to intercede for us
2) But Who can’t, because we prevent Him from doing so by our failure to pray!
4. There is yet another way to be guilty of “binding the hands of Jesus”…
D. BY REFUSING TO DO OUR PART IN THE CHURCH?
1. The church is described as the “body of Christ”… – Ephesians 1:22-23
a. As His body, we are individually members of one another… 1 Corinthians 12:27
b. As members of one another, we are to care for one another… Ephesians 4:15-16
c. It is through such “mutual edification”, that Christ provides much of His help for the members of His body!
2. But when we fail to do our share, again Jesus is “bound”!
a. Just as our physical head can do little if our bodily members fail to follow its leading, so it is with Jesus and His church!
b. Jesus could do so much more for His members, if only more of the members did their part!
3. Have you ever considered it this way?
a. That by failing to do our part, we “handicap” the body of Christ?
b. That because of our neglect, or apathy, or lukewarmness…
1) Either the whole body of Christ suffers…
2) Or others are forced to do “double duty” in order to make up the difference?
4. Yes, there are many ways we can be just as guilty of “binding the hands of Jesus” today as were the religious leaders in delivering Jesus to Pilate! But consider just one more…
E. Are we binding the hands of Jesus BY REFUSING TO SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH THE LOST?
1. Jesus has made His disciples to be His “hands” in taking the gospel to the lost…
a. Consider Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 2:9
b. In every case of conversion recorded in Acts, Jesus used a disciple to tell the good news
c. Jesus works the same way today!
2. But when we keep the good news to ourselves…
a. We have “bound the hands” of Jesus once again!
b. We hinder Jesus from telling others of His wonderful grace!
3. Are we “binding the hands of Jesus” in this way?
a. Every day, countless souls die with no hope of eternal life
b. This need not be, if more made sharing of the gospel the primary concern in their lives!
c. Sadly, in too many cases the primary concern of Christians is the pursuit of pleasure and acquisition of worldly treasures!
CONCLUSION
A. Yes, one does not have to literally “bind the hands of Jesus” to be guilty of the same sort of offense that we read about in Mark 15:1; as we have seen, there are many other ways as well!
B. Why not today, resolve to “loose the hands of Jesus” so that in us and through us He may accomplish His full desire? Which is…
1. To save us!
2. To transform us!
3. To use us!

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.tullstar.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

SPIRITUAL GROWTH #5
The Importance Of A Positive Attitude

INTRODUCTION
A. A good start toward spiritual growth is achieved when we…
1. Accept the challenge to obey God’s command to grow – 2 Peter 3:18
2. Believe we are capable of growing with God’s help – Philippians 4:13
3. Employ behavioral and functional goals as described in the Scriptures
a. Striving to develop Christ-like behavior – 2 Peter 1:5-8
b. Seeking to determine and develop our function in the body of Christ – Romans 12:3-5
4. Create good habits that slowly but surely help us reach those goals
a. Habits that change our behavior (Bible reading, prayer, etc.) – 1 Peter 2:2; Philippians 4:6-7
b. Habits that utilize our functions in the body of Christ (assembling, participating) – Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:6-8
B. For spiritual growth to continue, however, requires maintaining a positive attitude…
1. Believing that all our efforts will be worthwhile – e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:58
2. Encouraging us to persevere through difficult times – e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
C. Paul certainly had a positive attitude. But why is a positive attitude so important to spiritual growth…
DISCUSSION
A. IMPORTANCE OF A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
1. The Danger of a Negative Attitude
a. Illustrated in the example of the twelve spies of Israel
1) Ten did not believe they could take the land of Canaan – Numbers 13:31
2) Their negative attitude discouraged the rest of Israel – Numbers 13:32-14:4; cf. 32:7-9
3) It led to Israel complaining and rebelling against God – cf. Deuteronomy 1:26-28
4) It prompted them not to believe in God – Deut. 1:29-33
5) It resulted in many dying in the wilderness….. Numbers 14:26-38
b. When negative attitudes are allowed to develop…
1) We stop believing in God and in ourselves
2) We stop trying to do what God wants us to do
3) We discourage those around us
4) We fail to reach the goals God has placed before us
2. The Value of a Positive Attitude
a. Illustrated in the example of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem
1) The people had a mind to work – Nehemiah 4:6
2) It helped them overcome ridicule by their enemies – cf. Nehemiah 4:1-3
3) It led to the rebuilding of the walls – cf. Nehemiah 6:15
b. When positive attitudes are maintained…
1) We continue to believe in God and our ability to serve Him
2) We keep trying to do what God wants us to do
3) We encourage those around us, and overcome those who would discourage us
4) We ultimately reach the goals that God has placed before us
3. Spiritual growth, like any other successful venture, requires a positive attitude!
a. With it, God will help us reach our goals for spiritual growth.
b. Without it, we fall short of becoming what God would have us to be.
c. Therefore let’s consider a few thoughts about…
B. MAINTAINING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
1. Choose to be Positive
a. We can control our attitudes, our moods
1) We may not be able to control or change our circumstances
2) But we can control how we react to them
b. For example, we can choose to rejoice when times are hard
1) As James commanded – James 1:2
2) As we understand the value of difficult times – James 1:3-4; Romans 5:3-4
3) When we know that hope and prayer can help us to rejoice – Romans 12:12
c. With a proper understanding, we can maintain a positive attitude despite our external circumstances
1) 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1
2) Philippians 2:17-18
2. Block out Negativity
a. By avoiding negative self-talk
1) Such as “I can’t do it…”
2) Such as “It’s too hard…”
b. By constantly reminding yourself of such things as:
1) You can do what God wants you to do (i.e., grow) – Philippians 4:13; 2:12-13
2) The more effort you make, the more results you will see – Galatians 6:7-9; 1 Timothy 4:15
3) Your labor will not be in vain – 1 Corinthians 15:58
c. By avoiding negative people
1) Choose your friends carefully – cf. 1 Corinthians 15:33
2) Stay away from “toxic” people (whose negativity poisons other people’s attitudes)
3) Otherwise you will join what Rick Pitino calls “The Fellowship Of The Miserable” and the killers of the dream
d. By surrounding yourself with positive people
1) People who will encourage you to do what is right – cf. Hebrews 10:24
2) People who refresh your spirit, not discourage it – e.g., 1 Corinthians 16:17-18; Philemon 4-7
3) People like Barnabas, “Son of Encouragement” – e.g., Acts 4:36; 11:22-24
e. With the right self-talk and the right companionships, we can avoid becoming hardened by the sin of negativity – cf. Hebrews 3:13
3. Live in the Present – with an Eye to the Future
a. Live in the present, not the past
1) If anyone could have bemoaned his sinful past, it was Paul – 1 Timothy 1:12-15
2) Yet he chose not to dwell on past mistakes (or even past successes), but to press on in the future – cf. Philippians 3:12-14
b. Live in the present, with an eye to the future
1) This is what Paul did, reaching forward to the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus – Philippians 3:12-14
2) It was the future glory that enabled him to endure the present trial – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
c. This mature attitude (cf. Phil. 3:15) is what helped Paul to maintain a positive attitude even in the most difficult of times – cf. 2 Timothy 4:18
CONCLUSION
A. We have every reason to have a positive attitude about our spiritual growth…
1. God is ready to help us grow – Philippians 2:12-13
2. He provided tools to us help us grow (the Word, prayer, etc.) – 1 Peter 2:2; Philippians 4:6-7
3. He designed the church to provide an environment conducive to growth – Ephesians 4:16
4. Our labors will not be in vain, nor go unnoticed – cf. Hebrews 6:10
5. Even when we fall, He provides forgiveness – 1 John 1:9 ©
B. The challenge we face is to not allow our positive attitude to be destroyed…
1. Through negative self-talk
2. Through negative people
3. Through trying circumstances
C. The choice is ours…
1. We can choose to be positive through faith in God
2. We can block out negativity that surrounds us
3. We can live in the present (instead of the past), with an eye on the future
D. Will we make the right choice? Have you made to choice to follow God? … Joshua 24:15

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.tullstar.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

SPIRITUAL GROWTH – 4
Habits For Spiritual Growth

INTRODUCTION
In our previous lesson we talked about goals for spiritual growth…
1. Behavioral goals – in which we seek to become like Jesus, emulating His character
2. Functional goals – in which we aim to determine and develop our abilities and functions in the body of Christ
3. Congregational goals – in which brethren unite in our aspirations to grow as a congregation as well as individual Christians
B. To meet our goals requires the development of good habits…
1. Habits are stepping stones which ensure that we eventually meet our goals
2. Habits are things done on a frequent basis (daily, weekly, etc.) that slowly produce a certain effect — Unless we establish good habits, bad habits will set in that hinder our spiritual growth!
C. What are some good habits that will help us meet our spiritual goals?
DISCUSSION
A. BEHAVIORAL HABITS
1. Bible Reading
a. The Word of God is crucial to growing spiritually – 1 Peter 2:2
1) Its value… Psalm 19:7-11
2) The blessedness and fortitude of one who meditated daily on the Word of God – Psalm 1:1-3
b. The Christian who wants to grow spiritually must therefore develop the habit of daily Bible reading…
1) Such as reading through the Bible each year
2) By feeding upon God’s Word daily, we receive the spiritual nourishment necessary to grow; have you developed the habit of daily Bible reading?
2. Praying
a. Prayer is also required for spiritual growth
1) Hebrews 4:16
2) Philippians 4:6-7
b. The Christian must therefore continue steadfastly in prayer – Romans 12:12
1) Emulating the example of David -Psalm 55:17
2) And the custom of Daniel – Daniel 6:10
c. Just as we must listen to God daily through His Word, so we must talk to Him daily if we are to grow; have you developed the habit of praying regularly?
3. Sing
a. Praising God in song is also conducive to spiritual growth
1) David developed the practice of praising God daily – Psalm 104:33; 119:164
2) If we teach one another through songs, do we not also teach ourselves when we sing? – cf. Colossians 3:16
b. The Christian should make singing a habit that is second nature to him or her
1) When happy, we should sing – James 5:13
2) In times of trial, we should sing – cf. Acts 16:25
c. As we develop the habits of daily Bible reading and prayer, let us also develop the habit of singing praises to God daily if we seek to grow!
4. Assembling
a. Assembling together with other Christians is very important – Hebrews 10:24-25
1) It is a means of stimulating one another to love and good works
2) We exhort one another in our service to Christ
b. Therefore Christians should make a strong habit of attending church
1) Attending as often as possible, for worship, Bible study, etc.
2) The more we attend, the stronger the habit becomes; the less we attend, the weaker the habit becomes
c. Christians who make it a habit to skip the assemblies struggle in their efforts to grow spiritually; no Christian has become stronger by neglecting the assembly!
5. The formation and exercise of such behavioral habits builds the foundation for solid spiritual growth that leads to maturity in Christ. Bible study, prayer, and singing bring us closer to God which can transform our character (cf. 2 Co 3:18).
a. Assembling together brings us closer to one another, and provides the opportunity to develop our functional goals in the body of Christ.
b. That leads us to our next point, in which we consider what I call…
B. FUNCTIONAL HABITS
1. Assembling Together With The Church
a. Yes, we have already mentioned the habit of assembling with Christians
1) But that was in connection with your personal spiritual growth
2) If we are to reach our functional goals, it will be within the framework of the local church
b. Through frequent assembling with the church…
1) We become familiar with identities and needs of other members
2) We learn what functions are needed in the body of Christ – cf. Romans 12:3-8
3) We are given opportunity to be of service…
c. The habit of going to church is essential if we are going to be of much use to the Lord’s church; otherwise, we cannot be counted on for much service
2. Participation In The Work Of The Church
a. Such as the habit of participating in the assemblies of the church…teaching classes, leading singing, ushering, counting attendance, serving the Lord’s Supper, etc.
b. Such as the habit of providing for other services needed in the church… greeting visitors, ministering to the sick, encouraging the weak, teaching the gospel to the lost, providing maintenance for the building and grounds, etc.
c. If we hope to reach our functional goals in which we are useful to the Master, then we need to make participation in the work of the church a habit!
C. CONGREGATIONAL HABITS
1. Defining Roles That Are Available
a. Participation in functional roles is more likely when members are aware of what needs to be done
b. A congregation can encourage spiritual growth by clearly defining what functional roles are available for service
c. A congregation needs to be in the habit of letting its members know what kind of services are available
2. Providing Opportunities To Learn And Serve
a. 2 Timothy 2:2
1) Providing training classes to develop various abilities
2) E.g., making sure those trained are making good use of their abilities
b. The habit of developing a duty roster can assist in this
1) In which people are assigned to serve in various capacities
2) Making sure that all who wish to serve are given opportunities
c. Each congregation should have some habitual way of training and involving its members in the work and worship of the church
3. Encouraging Participation Activities Of Service
a. A congregation should also be in the habit of encouraging spiritual growth
b. One good habit is to let the inexperienced gain experience; for example…
1) Preaching
2) Teaching
c. A congregation should have the habit of encouraging participation, even if it means utilizing those who are inexperienced, nervous or awkward, even if it means letting them to go to serve elsewhere as the need arises
CONCLUSION
A. Remember, goals are obtained whenever good habits are established…
1. The creation of good habits sets the stage for spiritual growth
2. As spiritual habits are developed, spiritual growth is incremental but steady
B. Wholesome and well-rounded spiritual growth occurs when
1. An individual develops both behavioral and functional habits that will help them along to reaching their behavioral and functional goals
2. A congregation promotes habits that will encourage participation in its work, especially in helping Christians develop their functional goals in the body of Christ
C. Are we developing the kind of habits that will help us grow spiritually?

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.tullstar.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com