The Presence
Commentary
Whether one speaks of the powerful manifestations of the presence of GodÕs spirit as is evidenced in Acts 2, 4 and 10, or of the quiet confidence that one is the possession of God by the witness of the spirit, or of the protective and providential care symbolized by faithful shepherd, one is speaking of the activity and presence of God in life.
One of our present-day problems with speaking of the spirit is that many have the idea that somehow the presence is evidenced only when there is some tumult, some upheaval, or some great emotional outburst. Thankfully, the New Testament (and the Old) give us a broader view.
Evidence of the presence of the spirit comes in moments of quiet confidence and assurance. We are reminded of his coming to Elijah. Read again that wonderful old story in 1 Kings 19. There is nothing like the rock steadiness of those who have cast their care on him, who keep his commandments, who believe in his name and thus are the people who have confidence before God.
Further evidence of the presence of God comes from the certainty that he is aware of us in every moment, that he is like the good shepherd spoken of in the John selection - and in Psalm 23 . No matter how difficult or threatening life becomes, those who know that live with a quiet confidence.
Sound and fury are not always trustworthy signs. One can be misled. Watch, therefore, for the quiet strength and presence that undergird life.
OUTLINE I
Easter: For Life
Acts 4:8-12, 23-33; 1 John 3:1, 2, 18-24; John 10:11-18
Introduction: Call to the attention of the congregation that very often we think of the effects of Easter only in terms of life that comes after death. The New Testament thinks of Easter as evidence of a renewing (resurrecting) power that is present and effective during life.
Acts: When one has a clear sign that deliverance has come from the hand of God, as was the case with those in the early church, there arises a kind of joy that breaks forth in a bold witness. There is a great Psalm that bears use here. Turn to Psalm 107. The first two verses are especially meaningful:
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.
1 John: Love, deed, truth. What great and wonderful words. They are key words for spiritual health in the here and now. It is in the midst of life that these gifts afford us the knowledge that we are one with him. When these are ours, we can then come with confidence into his presence. The author here echoes that kind of confidence mentioned in another place. (See Hebrews 4:14-16).
John: These words which echo the 22nd Psalm are words for life. All too often the use of the 23rd Psalm at funerals leads us to believe that it has to do with death. Read it again. Life: past, present and future; life: body, mind and spirit are its concerns. It is in life that we covet the care of the shepherd.
Conclusion: Declare that Easter is GodÕs message for life - now - and then.
OUTLINE II
Good and Bad Shepherds
John 10:11-18
Introduction: Do some study on the life and role of the shepherd in Israel. The InterpretersÕ Bible will furnish good information in conjunction with the 23rd Psalm. Also see BarclayÕs Commentary on John 10.
The Contrast: We spend so much time expounding on the great qualities of the good shepherd that we fail to remember that there are also bad shepherds. See Ezekiel 34 for some wonderful descriptions of such self-serving shepherds.
The Example: Surely the writer of John 10 must have had Ezekiel 34: 11-16 and 24 in mind. Good shepherds have only one concern and that is for the well-being and safety of the sheep. Good shepherds are ready to lay down their lives for the sheep. Good shepherds seek the lost. (See Luke 15). Good shepherds lead their charge to green pastures and refreshing waters. (Psalm 23)
Conclusion: If your remarks are being made to a group of ministers, the possibilities for application are endless.
If you address the laity, you can place emphasis either on God as our Shepherd and point out his care for us, or put emphasis on our role as shepherds for one another. (See John 21 for a good example of the latter).
OUTLINE III
The Need for Boldness
Acts 4:8-12, 23-33
Introduction: Begin by pointing out that the book called The Acts ofthe Apostles would better by titled "The Acts of the Holy Spirit." Whatever happens in LukeÕs second volume happens at the direction of, under the supervision of, because of the leading of, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
1. As a community aware of its own smallness and powerlessness, those in the early church were driven to seek a power not their own. They were not backward. They depended on God and they didnÕt hesitate to ask for help. They could ask because they were confident that the promise of Luke 24:49 was fulfilled in their midst.
2. There is often too much pseudo-humility among us. We are prone to cover our faithlessness, our cowardice, our timidity with protestations that we wait on the Lord, that we will just trust God, that we are the clay and he is the potter, etc. There is a need for a re-examination of the true meaning of humility and meekness. This is a good place for some homework on both terms.
Conclusion: Encourage the congregation to be bold, to be expectant. Reassert the promise made in Matthew 7:7. We can do it with confidence.
One of our present-day problems with speaking of the spirit is that many have the idea that somehow the presence is evidenced only when there is some tumult, some upheaval, or some great emotional outburst. Thankfully, the New Testament (and the Old) give us a broader view.
Evidence of the presence of the spirit comes in moments of quiet confidence and assurance. We are reminded of his coming to Elijah. Read again that wonderful old story in 1 Kings 19. There is nothing like the rock steadiness of those who have cast their care on him, who keep his commandments, who believe in his name and thus are the people who have confidence before God.
Further evidence of the presence of God comes from the certainty that he is aware of us in every moment, that he is like the good shepherd spoken of in the John selection - and in Psalm 23 . No matter how difficult or threatening life becomes, those who know that live with a quiet confidence.
Sound and fury are not always trustworthy signs. One can be misled. Watch, therefore, for the quiet strength and presence that undergird life.
OUTLINE I
Easter: For Life
Acts 4:8-12, 23-33; 1 John 3:1, 2, 18-24; John 10:11-18
Introduction: Call to the attention of the congregation that very often we think of the effects of Easter only in terms of life that comes after death. The New Testament thinks of Easter as evidence of a renewing (resurrecting) power that is present and effective during life.
Acts: When one has a clear sign that deliverance has come from the hand of God, as was the case with those in the early church, there arises a kind of joy that breaks forth in a bold witness. There is a great Psalm that bears use here. Turn to Psalm 107. The first two verses are especially meaningful:
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.
1 John: Love, deed, truth. What great and wonderful words. They are key words for spiritual health in the here and now. It is in the midst of life that these gifts afford us the knowledge that we are one with him. When these are ours, we can then come with confidence into his presence. The author here echoes that kind of confidence mentioned in another place. (See Hebrews 4:14-16).
John: These words which echo the 22nd Psalm are words for life. All too often the use of the 23rd Psalm at funerals leads us to believe that it has to do with death. Read it again. Life: past, present and future; life: body, mind and spirit are its concerns. It is in life that we covet the care of the shepherd.
Conclusion: Declare that Easter is GodÕs message for life - now - and then.
OUTLINE II
Good and Bad Shepherds
John 10:11-18
Introduction: Do some study on the life and role of the shepherd in Israel. The InterpretersÕ Bible will furnish good information in conjunction with the 23rd Psalm. Also see BarclayÕs Commentary on John 10.
The Contrast: We spend so much time expounding on the great qualities of the good shepherd that we fail to remember that there are also bad shepherds. See Ezekiel 34 for some wonderful descriptions of such self-serving shepherds.
The Example: Surely the writer of John 10 must have had Ezekiel 34: 11-16 and 24 in mind. Good shepherds have only one concern and that is for the well-being and safety of the sheep. Good shepherds are ready to lay down their lives for the sheep. Good shepherds seek the lost. (See Luke 15). Good shepherds lead their charge to green pastures and refreshing waters. (Psalm 23)
Conclusion: If your remarks are being made to a group of ministers, the possibilities for application are endless.
If you address the laity, you can place emphasis either on God as our Shepherd and point out his care for us, or put emphasis on our role as shepherds for one another. (See John 21 for a good example of the latter).
OUTLINE III
The Need for Boldness
Acts 4:8-12, 23-33
Introduction: Begin by pointing out that the book called The Acts ofthe Apostles would better by titled "The Acts of the Holy Spirit." Whatever happens in LukeÕs second volume happens at the direction of, under the supervision of, because of the leading of, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
1. As a community aware of its own smallness and powerlessness, those in the early church were driven to seek a power not their own. They were not backward. They depended on God and they didnÕt hesitate to ask for help. They could ask because they were confident that the promise of Luke 24:49 was fulfilled in their midst.
2. There is often too much pseudo-humility among us. We are prone to cover our faithlessness, our cowardice, our timidity with protestations that we wait on the Lord, that we will just trust God, that we are the clay and he is the potter, etc. There is a need for a re-examination of the true meaning of humility and meekness. This is a good place for some homework on both terms.
Conclusion: Encourage the congregation to be bold, to be expectant. Reassert the promise made in Matthew 7:7. We can do it with confidence.
