I can give thanks.

- Hebrews 13:5

- Matthew 28:20

- 2 Peter 1:3

- Romans 8:28

To become like Jesus,

I must give thanks.

- John 6:40

- 1 Thessalonians 4:3

- Ephesians 5:17-18

- 1 Peter 4:19

- 1 Peter 2:13-15

Thus, gratitude can turn every circumstance into worship!

Multiplication happens when churches prioritize what is essential.

A Multiplying Church…

1) Works hard to maintain unity. (1)

2) Stays committed to the right things. (2-4)

3) Raises up new leaders to facilitate ministry. (5-6)

4) Celebrates gospel fruit! (7)

Building what lasts requires total commitment.

Total commitment to:

1. Uncommon community (14-15)

2. Life giving multiplication (16-17)

3. Vertical worship (18-20)

By God's design, we need spiritual leadership.

- We need leaders who fall on their faces when people are challenging.

- It's easy to go too far when times are hard.

- We need leaders who intercede when their people are perishing.

- It's easy to grumble when times are hard.

- We need leaders confirmed by God who bear fruit.

1. Ask: Where is the LORD actively present and at work? (9:15-23)

2. Be attentive to the right "trumpet blast." (10:1-10)

3. Go as God commands. (10:11-36)

- Obey his instructions. (13)

- Invite other to join. (29-32)

- Call on God to go with us. (35-36)

In this impactful sermon from Numbers 7-9a, we explore the theme "God works on the motivations of our hear as He moves us in faith." As God prepares His people for movement, we are challenged to examine our own hearts and motivations. Key questions include:

1. Am I giving my first and best treasure to the Lord?

2. Is the Lord lighting my way?

3. Am I consecrated to the Lord for effective service?

4. Am I embracing my God-given limits?

5. Am I keeping the Gospel before me?

Count on...

God's word to give you direction (1:1;48)

Committing to the mission

Purposeful difficulty to mark the way

God's promises to be fulfilled.

1. Gospel living does not allow complacency. (1-4)

2. Corruption leads to judgement and destruction. (5-11, 14-15)

3. Corruption shows in character and fruit. (12-13, 16)

1) Self-exertion yields nothing. (1-3)

2) Listening to Jesus yields much. (4-14)

What has eternal significance?

Making, maturing, and multiplying disciples.

1) Run to Jesus with urgency! (1-5)

2) Run to Jesus with certainty! (6-10)

Psalm 16:9-10

Hosea 6:1-3

Mark 10:32-34

1) Proclaim Him as King. (17-22)

2) Prophecy fulfilled about Him (23-24, 28-37)

Psalm 22:18

Psalm 69:21

Psalm 34:20

Zechariah 12:10

3) People present around Him. (25-27, 38-42)

1) Jesus suffered injustice for our justification. (1-7)

”For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.“ ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭20‬

2) Jesus stood defenseless to be our defense. (8-11)

3) Jesus sustained rejection so we could be accepted. (12-16)

Jesus is King over the…

1) confining moments. (12-14)

2) cowardly moments. (15-18, 25-27)

3) confrontational moments. (19-24)

4) confusing moments. (25-40)

“I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” 2 Corinthians 12:15

“For you are our glory and joy!” 1 Thessalonians 2:20

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Hebrews 13:17

Joyful ministry is marked by…

1) Integrity (1:23)

2) Humility (1:24a)

”And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”“ ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭42‬-‭45‬ ‭

“shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.“ ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭3‬

3) Helpfulness (1:24b)

”And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.“ ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭25‬

4) Love (2:1-4)

Wayne Grudem

1) God is in a category by Himself. (17-22)

God alone is good.

God alone is holy.

God alone loves perfectly.

2) We can’t do enough good to save ourselves.(23-27)

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…You cannot serve God and money.”

Matthew 6:21-24

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

1 Timothy 6:10

3) Christ is our good, eternal inheritance! (28-31)

Some context for the book of Jeremiah:

- Jeremiah is one of the Major written prophets

- He is the author of Jeremiah and Lamentations

- He was a prophet during the final Kings in Jerusalem

- He was a witness to several sieges and the final fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians

- He was had a mixed reception since he was seen by leadership as a dissenter

- In spite of this he was referenced by both Ezra and Daniel

- He generally was called to prophecy the fall of the city of Jerusalem

- But sprinkled throughout are prophecies of hope and restoration

God’s goodness can overcome the darkest despair:

The creator God speaks (v 1-3)

Darkness, despair and destruction will come (v 4-5)

God is good and He will keep His promises (v 6-18)

God’s guarantee (v 19-26)

God redeems His People from…

Wandering (4-9)

Rebellion (10-16)

Foolishness (17-22)

Trials (23-32)

The Redeemed respond rightly (1-3, 33-43)

1) We steward what is good. (1:1-26)

2) We dignify what is very good. (1:26 - 2:3)

3) We worship and obey the One who is good. (2:15-17)

“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him! For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.”

Psalm 33:8-9

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

1 John 5:3

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.”

John 1:1-3

“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For He wounds, but He binds up; He shatters, but His hands heal.” Job 5:17-18

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:20

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Affliction…

1) tethers us to the Word. (65-66)

“Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68

2) turns us to God. (67-68)

3) tells us what’s false and good. (69-70)

4) teaches us what truly matters. (71-72)

“The goodness of God means that God is the final standard of good, and that all that God is and does is worthy of approval.” Wayne Grudem

1) God remembers His people and promises. (4-5)

2) God is merciful despite our remaining sin. (6-25)

Despite Israel’s…

-rebellion He rescued them. (6-12)

-forgetfulness He fed them. (13-15)

-jealousy He protected them. (16-18)

-idolatry He sent a mediator. (19-23)

-grumbling He shows mercy. (24-25)

3) God is just in His judgment. (26-43)

…for the sake of His praise! (44-48)

Because the LORD is King…

1) Worship Him with passion. (1-5)

2) Bow down in humility. (6-11)

Truths that humble us…

-My situation is nothing new to the LORD.

-Grumbling gets me no where.

-Grace had been shown to me.

-God goes with me.

-Rest is where God is.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Micah 5:2

"The Time Runs Short" from "Our Christmas Story"

1) Acknowledge His sovereign rule as Creator. (1-2)

“There is not one square inch on planet earth over which the risen Christ does not say, ‘Mine and I rule over it. I am supreme over it.’” -John Piper

2) Ascend the hill in holiness. (3-6)

3) Admit the King into His domain. (7-10)

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. -Hebrews 1:3

1) Unity is centered around the Father’s sending of Jesus. (20-21)

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

2) Unity is secured by the Father’s love for Jesus. (22-23)

“We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” 1 John 4:19-20

3) Unity culminates around the Father’s throne with Jesus. (24-26)

“I entreat Euodia…and Syntyche to agree in the Lord…who have labored side by side with me in the gospel…whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:2-3

1) The complete work of the Son.

2) The perfect work of the Father.

“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:37

“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:29

3) The responsive faith of disciples.

4) The interceding prayers of the Son.

What is Biblical Glory?

               Glory- The infinite perfections of God [Easton’s Bible Dictionary]

Where do we see God’s glory it in the Old Testament?

In the cloud – Exodus 16

On Mount Sinai – Exodus 24

In the Tabernacle – Numbers 14

In the Temple – 1 Kings 8/2 Chronicles 5

The Heavens declare it – Psalm 19

He is the King of Glory – Psalm 24

Why do we glorify Jesus?

1) Because He glorifies the Father

2) Because He give eternal life

3) Because of His position next to God

Passages about Jesus’ position after resurrection:

Psalm 110 – A Psalm about the Son of David sitting on the throne of God

Acts 2 & 5 – Peter talks about Jesus position

Acts 7:55-56 – Stephen sees Jesus in His position

The Gospel makes sense of tribulation by…

1) securing us in God’s love. (25-28)

2) opening our eyes to spiritual truth. (29-30)

3) settling us in God’s peace. (31-33)

What difference does the Spirit make…

1) He convicts the world. (4b-11)

2) He guides believers in the truth. (12-13)

3) He glorifies Jesus. (14-15)

4) He turns sorrow into joy through prayer. (16-22)

1) Jesus is hated first and foremost. (18-25)

-because He has authority over the world. (19-20)

-because He exposes the world’s sinful condition. (21-25)

2) Keep telling others about Jesus. (26-27)

3) Keep pressing on in faith. (16:1-4)

As we abide in Jesus’ love…

We have fullness of joy (9-11)

We show that we are friends of Jesus (14-16)

We love like Jesus (12-13, 17)

1) Everyone faces the shears. (1-3)

2) Abide in Jesus and you will thrive. (4a, 5a, 7-8)

Disciples will not flourish as they are intended in they are not abiding nor pruned.

3) Disconnect from Jesus and you will die. (4b, 5b-6)

1) The Spirit helps us by dwelling with us and in us. (15-17)

2) The Son helps us by giving us assurance. (18-24)

-of His return. (18)

-of life forever with Him. (19)

-that Jesus is God. (20)

-of His love. (21-24)

3) The Spirit helps us by teaching us and reminding us of Jesus’ words. (25-26)

4) The Son helps us by giving us peace. (27-31) 

 1. Look forward to a future with Christ. (1-7)

2. Look to Christ for help right now. (8-14)

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18

Because God is good, I can give thanks…

-when I’m distressed. (5-7)

-when I’m safe in His refuge. (8-9)

-when I’m surrounded and pushed hard. (10-13)

-for my salvation! (14-16)

-when I’m being disciplined. (17-18)

-in all His providential working. (19-27)

How to cultivate a grateful heart.

-Make time for reflection.

-Make time for meditation.

-Record His work.

-Have gratitude check points.

-Intentionally pray ACTS.

…through the power of Jesus’ death, (31-33)

…among the people of the church, (34)

Love = you before me

Old standard = love your neighbor as yourself (Lev 19:18)

New standard = love like Jesus

Do I want to know them?

Can I see beyond the obvious differences to understand their heart?

Will I put their interests ahead of mine?

Do I desire their spiritual growth?

Am I willing to do what I can if asked?

…as a witness to the world, (35)

…with some bumps along the way. (36-38)

1. The Bible prepares us to be hurt. (18-20)

Romans 8:16-17

Philippians 3:10

1 Peter 4:12-13

2. Betrayal will always hurt. (21-25)

Ways we go overboard:

-suspicion

-hard hearted

-bitter

-disobedient

3. Meet it head on in love. (26-27)

4. Don’t expect it to make sense. (28-30)

Matthew 12:11-12

Matthew 20:25-28

Serving like Jesus involves our entire being.

1. Flows from a heart of steadfast love. (1-3)

Disordered hearts

-love of recognition

-desire for reward

-self-righteousness

2. Put our hands into self-less action. (4-11)

Philippians 2:5-7

Nobody is too good to serve.

Nobody is too good or bad to be served.

3. Understand in our head the magnitude and blessing of what Jesus did. (12-17)

Faithfulness = consistently stewarding the responsibility God gives us.

Fruitfulness = faithfully multiplying the responsibility God gives us.

1. We love one another sacrificially. (9-10)

Do I want to know them?

Can I see beyond the obvious differences to understand their heart?

Will I put their interests ahead of mine?

Do I desire their spiritual growth?

Am I willing to do what I can if asked?

2. We live among one another simply. (11)

3. We walk among outsiders properly. (12)

His steadfast love…

-is an anthem for everyone. (Psalm 118:1-4)

-is an anthem for every circumstance. (Psalm 136)

-is an anthem for every morning. (Psalm 143:8 and Psalm 90:14)

-is assaulted in times of trouble. (Psalm 77:8)

-anchors us when tempted to sin. (Psalm 107)

-is an anthem of our adoration. (2 Chronicles 7:3,6)

-adds strength when difficulty awaits. (2 Chronicles 20:21)

-anchors our hope when life is messed up. (Jeremiah 33:11)

-is an anthem for times of restoration. (Ezra 3:11)

1. Unbelief comes from a hard heart. (37-41)

2. Weak faith comes from fear of man. (42-43)

3. Jesus came for us to have eternal life. (44-50)

John 12:44 = John 5:24

John 12:45 = John 6:40

John 12:46 = John 1:4

John 12:47 = John 3:17

John 12:48 = John 6:39

John 12:49 = John 3:16

1. Jesus’ death brings… Life. (20-26)

2. Jesus’ death brings… Glory. (27-30)

3. Jesus’ death brings… Judgement. (31-34)

4. Believe in The Light. (35-36)

1. What you value on this Earth, shows what you believe. (1-3)

2. A self-serving heart = death. A humble and sacrificial heart = resurrected life that Glorifies God. (4-8)

3. You are living a life inviting others to see the value of Christ or plotting to raise your own value. (9-11)

4. Value the One who fulfills life-giving prophecy above all else! (12-19)

As Jesus moves toward the cross it…

1. Causes division of belief among people. (45-46)

2. Exposes the motives of people. (47-50)

3. Creates unity in His people. (51-54)

4. Fulfills the Passover for His people. (55-57)

1. See the beauty of my adoption into God’s family. (Deut. 33:12)

The beauty of adoption is…

Security

Confidence

Enjoyment

Application:

Clarify the distortions of my adoption into God's family

2. Trust the offer of adoption. (Galatians 4:4-7)

He redeems

He adopts

He gave us his Holy Spirit

He teaches us intimacy of relationship

He made us his child (co-heir)

Application:

Believe in Jesus

3. Embrace the intimacy of adoption

"Jesus said to her, 'Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God'."

John 20:17

" In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.

Ephesians 1:11

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

Luke 11:13

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:14-17

Application:

Rest in your position in God's family

The true and living God has not only forgiven you and Justified you, but most wonderful of all is that...

He has adopted you!

Even when we don’t know how He is going to do it. (vs 1-16)

Even when we think we know better. (vs 17-22, 32, 37)

Even when the timing does not make sense to us. (vs 23-27)

Even when our emotions run strong. (vs 28-38)

Even when it seems impossible. (vs 39-44)

1) The Eternal One is the only one that keeps us safe. (vs 24-29)

2) The Eternal One is the best and forever hero. (vs 22-23, 30-38)

3) The Eternal One is the one we must respond to. (vs 39-42)

1. Rise Up for Freedom (v. 1)

2. Trust the Source of Freedom (v. 2-6)

3. Avoid the Threats to Freedom (v. 7-12)

4. Fulfill the Purpose of Freedom (v. 13-15)

The sheep…

1. Follow the voice of the Shepherd. (1-6)

2. Enter the door and live. (7-10)

3. Trust the sacrifice of the Good Shepherd. (11-21)

When God shines the light… 

1) Those who trust perceive who they are. (1-12, 18-25)

2) Those who trust proclaim who Jesus is. (13-17, 26-38)

3) Those who reject persist in blind unbelief. (39-41) 

1) Spiritual Son: Abide in My Word (31-38)

2) Spiritual Father: Hear My Word (39-47)

3) Spiritual Legacy: Keep My Word (48-59)

1. Return to your faithful God. (1-7)

• Walk the old path

• Worship the old way

• Wage the old war

Worship the old way

• Step 1 - Admit you sin

• Step 2 - Ask for forgiveness

• Step 3 - Appreciate the cross

• Step 4 - Accept His grace

• Step 5 - Advance His purposes

2. Resist to your foolish greed. (8-13)

• God will regularly place you in the position to have to choose this day whom you will serve

3. Remember your future guarantee. (14-18)

1) Follow Him out of darkness and into the light of life. (12-20)

“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬

2) Follow Him out of death and into eternal life. (21-30)

What to expect when you come to Jesus…

1) Be indwelt and deployed by the Holy Spirit. (37-39)

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭1

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8

2) Division over who Jesus is. (40-44)

3) Derision from those who hate Jesus. (45-52)

1. Our timing is off. (1-13)

Jesus moves when the time is right and waits when the time is wrong.

2. Our judgment is skewed. (14-24)

Jesus sets the standard for what is right and wrong.

3. Our directions are faulty. (25-36)

Jesus comes and goes where only God can go.

1. Some say, “I’m out”. (60-66, 71)

2. Some say, “I’m in”. (67-70)

1. We are empty left to ourselves. (22-29)

2. God gave Jesus to fill our emptiness. (30-40)

3. God invites us to the table to eat. (41-51)

Grumbling happens when we:

- become familiar with the truths of God.

- fail to accept the challenges of life.

- feel entitled as a child of God.

- forget the work of God.

4. Eat and drink of Christ! (52-59)

1. In the absence of details, beware of assumptions. (16-17)

2. In the midst of storms, be in awe of Jesus. (18-19)

3. In the presence of Jesus, be not afraid. (20-21)

1. Jesus’ plan is unconstrained (5-9)

2. Jesus’ provision is beyond expectation (10-13)

3. Jesus position cannot be forced (14-15)

When things are hard, remember…

1. Jesus has risen! (8a)

Because Jesus lives, I have hope.

2. Jesus reigns as David’s promised King. (8b-9a)

Because Jesus reigns, I have confidence.

3. The Word can’t be bound. (9b)

Because the Word is unbound, I keep proclaiming.

4. God’s saving purposes can’t be stopped. (10)

Because salvation is so glorious, I will endure.

5. We are united to Jesus. (11-13)

Because I am united to Jesus by faith, I will live, I will reign, I will be faithful!

1. Consider the witnesses around us. (30-39)

- John the Baptist. (32-35)

- Jesus’ own works. (36)

- The Father’s own words. (37)

- The Word of God. (38-39)

2. Examine the evidence with us. (38-47)

- Does God’s Word abide in me? (38)

- Does God’s love reside in me? (40-42)

- Does God’s glory move me? (43-44)

- Does God’s law condemn me? (45-47)

Because Jesus is…

1. Equal with the Father, honor Him as God. (19-23)

2. Sent from the Father, believe He is your Savior. (24)

3. The Son of Man, anticipate your resurrection. (25-29)

“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭

1) We can nothing to save ourselves. (1-9a)

2) Jesus is at work to rescue us from our self-righteousness. (9b-18)

Because Jesus is the Savior of the World we can…

1. Honor His glorious work. (43-45)

2. Humbly implore Him in our desperation. (46-49)

3. Take Him at His word. (50)

4. Trust His perfect timing. (51-54)

We need Jesus to…

1. Make sense of our circumstances. (27-30)

2. Feed us for the mission. (31-38)

“and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.”

‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭

3. Produce the growth. (39-42)

Genuine worship is…

1. Pursuing the right person: Jesus. (16-18)

2. Being in the right place: His presence. (19-23)

3. Lifting high Jesus with the right passion: spirit and truth. (24-26)

1. Jesus goes directly towards the thirsty. (1-6)

2. Jesus doesn’t avoid the contaminated. (7-9)

3. Jesus creates a thirst for Himself. (10-12)

4. Jesus alone satisfies our deepest longings. (13-15)

“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”

Jeremiah 31:25

“For my people have committed these two evils:

They have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters,

And hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Jeremiah 2:13