Historical Posts
Matthew 07:07-12 – Seek and Ye Shall Find – audio
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Text: Matthew 7:7-12
Introduction
We have all lost something at one point in our lives. Maybe we misplaced our billfold, keys, cell phones, or even our minds!
Most of the time, the lost item does not turn up on its own; rather, you have to look for it.
You may even search for an item identical to the one that was lost, or want something for the first time.
Body
I. There is a wrong way to seek.
A. Some pieces just do not fit in a puzzle!
B. We think we may want a certain degree, job, or significant other. Sometimes we later realize that is not the right thing or person for us, and “something better comes along.”
C. Some seek their own, and not the things of Christ (Philippians 2:21).
D. The wicked do not seek God (Psalm 10:4).
E. The Jews sought a sign; the Greeks sought wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22-24).
II. There is a right way to seek.
A. Seek the LORD while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6).
B. He came to seek us (Luke 19:10).
C. Seek the things above, and not the things on earth (Colossians 3:1-2).
D. Seek a home in Heaven (Hebrews 11:14-16; 13:14).
E. Jesus taught of a lost sheep, coin, and son (Luke 15).
III. Those that seek the right way will find greater things.
A. God blesses those who seek Him (2 Chronicles 7:14-15).
B. The LORD will not forsake those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).
C. God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
D. Those who seek for glory, honor, and immortality will receive eternal life (Romans 2:6-10).
Conclusion
Let us seek God, and the spiritual things!
If we seek diligently, we will find what we are looking for and so much more!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Proverbs 02:01-22 Benefits of Diligently Seeking Wisdom
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Text: Proverbs 2:1-22
Introduction
1. In chapter one of Proverbs, we began our study by noting…
a. The prologue, stating the purpose of the book – Proverbs 1:1-6
b. The theme of Proverbs, how the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge – Proverbs 1:7
c. The value of listening to one’s parents – Proverbs 1:8-9
d. The danger of evil companionship – Proverbs 1:10-19
e. The importance of listening to wisdom (Sophia) while there is opportunity – Proverbs 1:20-33
2. The second chapter describes the benefits of seeking after wisdom…
a. With an admonition to search for wisdom with diligence – Proverbs 2:1-4
b. With a list of benefits that will come from such a search – Proverbs 2:5-22
[The benefits of seeking after wisdom are found only if we seek with the proper disposition…]
Body
I. QUALITIES OF A DILIGENT SEARCH FOR WISDOM
A. AS EXPLAINED BY SOLOMON THEN…
1. It requires a willingness – Proverbs 2:1
a. To be receptive to the words of others
b. To treasure (highly value and remember) commands of wisdom
2. It requires an engagement – Proverbs 2:2-3
a. Of the ear (willing to hear wisdom)
b. Of the heart (willing to understand)
c. Of the mouth (willing to cry out for discernment and understanding)
3. It requires a high estimation – Proverbs 2:4
a. Seeking and searching
b. With the same fervor as seeking for silver and other hidden treasures
— Thus a diligent search for wisdom requires an “all out” effort on our part
B. AS EXPERIENCED BY CHRISTIANS TODAY…
1. It requires hearing the Word of God
a. Note: “incline your ear to wisdom” – Proverbs 2:2
b. Listening to preachers and teachers carefully (with all readiness) – Acts 17:11
c. Studying the Bible on your own (searched the Scriptures daily) – Acts 17:11
2. It requires meditating upon the Word of God
a. Note: “apply your heart to understanding” – Proverbs 2:2
b. Taking time to reflect and ponder on the Word – cf. Ph 4:8
c. Like the Psalmist sung of his meditations – cf. Psalm 119: 97-100
3. It requires diligent prayer for wisdom
a. Note: “cry out for discernment…lift up your voice for understanding” – Proverbs 2:3
b. We must ask in prayer with faith – James 1:5
c. We must persist in our asking – cf. Matthew 7:7-11
4. It requires the same effort others expend seeking for material wealth
a. Note: “seek her as silver…as for hidden treasures” – Proverbs 2:4
b. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge – Colossians 2:3
c. Here’s a simple test to see if you are expending the proper effort to seek wisdom:
1) If you worked as hard for your employer as you do seeking for God’s wisdom…
2) …would you have your job very long?
— Finding God’s wisdom today requires the same diligence it did in Solomon’s day
[Is the effort worth it? Let’s go now to Proverbs 2:5-22 and find out what are the…]
II. BENEFITS OF A DILIGENT SEARCH FOR WISDOM
A. KNOWLEDGE OF GOD AND HIS PROTECTION…
1. You will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God
a. That fear of the Lord which is the beginning of knowledge – Proverbs 2:5a; cf. Proverbs 1:7
b. That knowledge of God, whose storehouse of wisdom and understanding He gives to the upright – Proverbs 2:5b-7a
2. You will have God’s providential protection guiding your life
a. He is a shield to those who walk uprightly – Proverbs 2:7b; cf. 30:5
b. He guards the paths of justice (which the righteous take) – Proverbs 2:8a; cf. Psalm 23:3
c. He preserves the way of His saints – Proverbs 2:8b; cf. Psalm 121:5-8
— What a blessing to go through life with God at your side!
B. MORAL DISCERNMENT FOR LIVING…
1. You will have great understanding
a. Of righteousness and justice – Proverbs 2:9a
b. Of equity (fairness) and every good path – Proverbs 2:9b; cf. David’s prayer, Psalm 143:8-10
2. You will have great discretion
a. Once wisdom enters your heart and knowledge is pleasant to you – Proverbs 2:10
b. They will preserve and keep you – Proverbs 2:11; cf. 6:22-23
— What a blessing to go through life with God’s wisdom at your disposal!
C. DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL MEN…
1. Who speak perverse things – Proverbs 2:12; e.g., Acts 20:30
2. Who leave upright paths, walk in the ways of darkness – Proverbs 2:13; e.g., 2 Peter 2:20-22
3. Who rejoice in doing evil, delight in the perversity of the wicked – Proverbs 2:14; cf. 10:23
4. Whose ways are crooked, and devious in their paths – Proverbs 2:15; e.g., 1:10-19
— Wisdom can deliver us from evil men and their evil ways!
D. DELIVERANCE FROM IMMORAL WOMEN…
1. The seductress flatters with her words – Proverbs 2:16; e.g., 7:5-21
2. The adulteress who forsakes her husband and covenant with God – Proverbs 2:17; cf. Mal 2:14
3. Whose house and paths lead to death, and the place of no return – Proverbs 2:18-19; cf. 9:13-18
— Wisdom can deliver us from immoral women and their destructive ways!
E. ENABLEMENT FOR RIGHTEOUS LIVING…
1. To walk in the way of goodness and keep to righteous paths – Proverbs 2:20; cf. Psalm 23:3, 6
2. To be upright and blameless, to dwell and remain in the land – Proverbs 2:21; cf. Psalm 37:3
3. Unlike the wicked and unfaithful, cut off and uprooted from the earth – Proverbs 2:22; cf. Psalm 37:37-38
— Wisdom can empower us to live more blessed, if not longer, lives on this earth!
Conclusion
1. Are not the benefits of wisdom worth the effort necessary to obtain it…?
a. To know God and enjoy His providential care?
b. To obtain discernment for making the right moral choices?
c. To be delivered from the shenanigans of evil men?
d. To be delivered from the seductions of immoral women?
e. To be able to walk in goodness and righteousness, living lives blessed by God?
2. And what is the effort required to obtain God’s wisdom…?
a. To hear the word of God (“incline your ear to wisdom”)
b. To meditate on the word of God (“apply your heart to understanding”)
c. To ask in faith for wisdom (“cry out for discernment…lift up your voice for understanding”)
d. To highly value its worth (“seek her as silver…as for hidden treasures”)
With such effort, one will not only find wisdom for daily, practical living, but will also find Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” – Colossians 2:3
He is indeed the greatest benefit of diligently seeking wisdom!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Colossians 04:12 Seeking God’s Providential Will – audio
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Text: Colossians 4:12
Introduction
1. “What is God’s will for my life?”
a. What devout person has not asked a question like this?
b. Often asked pertaining to things like one’s career, where to live, etc.
c. How can we live in harmony with the will of God?
2. Paul mentioned his desire to live in harmony with God’s will… – Romans 1:9-10
a. As he made plans to visit his brethren in Rome
b. As he prayed regarding such plans
c. He sought to “find a way in the will of God” to come to them
Body
I. FACETS OF GOD’S WILL
A. THERE IS GOD’S PROCLAIMED WILL
1. God has made His will known in many respects -1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Peter 2:15
2. This He has done through revelation
a. By sending inspired prophets in the past – Hebrews 1:1
b. By sending His own Son – Hebrews 1:2
c. By having the Spirit guide the apostles – John 16:12-13
3. It is this proclaimed will of God that we must do to be saved – Matthew 7:21
4. That which is essential to know, God has revealed through Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
B. THERE IS GOD’S PERMISSIVE WILL
1. God allows things to happen that are not necessarily according to His desired will
2. He permits people to sin and even hurt other people
a. He is not pleased, and will one day render judgment – Acts 17:30-31
b. He is able to fulfill His own will, despite such rebellion – Isaiah 10:5-7
3. God permits people to do things that are indifferent to Him
a. There are some matters of indifference to God – Romans 14:5-6
b. Likewise, some decisions we make might not really matter to God
4. Thus not all choices please God, nor are they necessarily required by God
C. THERE IS GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL WILL
1. God acts providentially in our lives, as implied in our text – Romans 1:10; Romans 15:32
2. If we seek to align our plans with His will, He will bless us – Proverbs 3:5-6
3. For such reasons we should pray regarding our plans – James 4:13-15
4. Our requests are answered if they suit God’s will – 1 John 5:14
5. It is God’s providential will that is of primary interest to us in this lesson
II. SEEKING GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL WILL
A. BEGIN WITH THE PROCLAIMED WILL OF GOD
1. Study diligently to learn what God has revealed
a. If you don’t embrace and practice the revealed will of God…
b. …what difference does it make to seek other areas of God’s will unknown to you?
2. The value of focusing on the proclaimed will of God
a. We will not be ignorant of what is essential for us to know and do
b. We can avoid choices that are clearly contrary to God’s will
B. SEEK ADVICE FROM OTHERS
1. Discuss your alternatives with older, mature Christians – Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 12:15
2. Consult the wisdom found in the Bible (especially in books like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes)
C. ASK GOD FOR WISDOM
1. Pray diligently for the ability to discern wisely – James 1:5-8
2. Wisdom is that spiritual insight that enables you to evaluate situations clearly, and helps utilize what options and abilities you have
3. Use such wisdom to eliminate what appears less acceptable
D. COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD
1. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord’s sake – Psalm 37:5-6, Psalm 37:23-26
2. Make your plans subject to God’s will, both proclaimed and providential – James 4:15
3. Give God permission to close the door on your choice if that is His will – Matthew 26:39
4. If He closes the door on your choice, look for alternatives
E. SOME OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
1. God is not like a train, He is able to run on more than one track
2. A choice may not be between good and bad, but between good and better
3. God can use us in many different ways
4. If you need not choose right away, wait; that will give you time to grow and gain wisdom
5. Whatever your hands finds to do in your existing circumstances, do it with all your might
Conclusion
1. Our goal should be to “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” – Colossians 4:12
a. Especially as it pertains to the proclaimed will of God
b. As much as possible in the providential and permissive will of God
2. Epaphras’ desire for his brethren serves as a good example; as does that of our Lord
a. Who taught us to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it in heaven” – Matthew 6:10
b. Who Himself prayed, “Not as I will, but as You will…” – Matthew 26:39-42
3. Are you seeking to “find a way in the will of God” as it pertains to your plans in life? You will if you are really committed to obeying God’s will for you”…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 11:06 What Does it Mean to Seek God? audio
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Text: Hebrews 11:6
Introduction
A. A right relationship with God does not happen by accident — it requires deliberate action We need to make more careful decisions about God
B. In the last lesson, we saw that we must BELIEVE that God is
C. In this lesson, we will focus on the word SEEK — God is “a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”
1. “Seeking” God has become somewhat of a fad in recent years
2. Unfortunately, much that is called “seeking God” is little more than an exercise in self-gratification
D. What does it mean to seek God?
Body
I. WHAT SEEKING GOD IS
A. First, let’s consider some things that seeking God is not (These things will certainly accompany seeking God, and if things like these weren’t present in a person’s life, that would indicate a deficiency in that person’s seeking But by themselves these things don’t necessarily mean that a person is seeking God)
1. Church membership, attendance
2. Bible study, prayer
3. Helping others
4. Doctrinal soundness
5. Personal evangelism – Matthew 23:15
6. Spiritual feelings – Romans 10:2
B. What seeking God is:
1. Growth in OBEDIENCE
2. With a desire to LOVE and HONOR God MORE each day
C. A deep longing to be closer to God — closer to Him than our sins have allowed us to be in the past!
D. A conscious, deliberate goal that we reach for – Philippians 3:13-14
E. Some similar expressions in the Scriptures
1. Desiring God: A fervent longing – Psalm 27:4
2. Loving God with all our hearts: A wholehearted affection – Matthew 22:37-38
3. Calling upon the Lord: An earnest appeal – Isaiah 55:6
II. WHY SEEKING GOD IS SO IMPORTANT
A. God desires fellowship only with those who deeply desire such fellowship – John 4:23
B. Seeking God is a “first-principles” issue
1. Having to do with the heart, this is surely among the “weightier matters” – Matthew 23:23
2. Some “first-principles” passages – Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:37-40; Acts 24:25
3. Much more fundamental than many of the “basics” that we emphasize
C. God’s promises to the seeker:
1. “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you and you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” – Jeremiah 29:12-13
2. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” – Matthew 7:7-8
III. ARE WE SEEKING GOD OR NOT? A SELF-TEST
A. Our need for an honest self-inventory – 2 Corinthians 13:5
1. Are we seeking to fill our minds more and more with the KNOWLEDGE of God?
2. Are we seeking to bring our thoughts, words, and deeds more into line with the WILL of God?
3. Are we seeking more and more to engage in WORSHIP unto God?
4. Are we seeking more and more to be with the PEOPLE of God?
B. God is seeking those who are seeking Him – John 4:23
Conclusion
A. Many of us have grown up in sound, faithful congregations and never learned a real desire for God Himself
B. Religion is not only about serving God — it is also about desiring Him
C. “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple” – Psalm 27:4
D. Having a DEEPER DESIRE FOR GOD every day is what this life is all about!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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