I Embarrassed God Again Yesterday
Preaching
Lions And Cows Dining Together
And 111 Other Sermon Ideas
Object:
Purpose Statement: Each day we find a variety of ways to offend God and others and must be reminded to be constantly on our guard.
God was embarrassed for me today as I did things that disappointed God, even though I will be forgiven. Remember Paul's famous confession in Romans 7:14-25? He said he did what he shouldn't do and didn't do what he should do. By suggesting this is human nature, he implies you and I are guilty of the same shortcomings. There are things we do wrong out of ignorance, but in this instance Paul may be concerned with those times when we are aware of the inappropriateness of our thoughts and behavior. It is a matter of not having self-control. The sins of Bible leaders such as Paul and Peter can never become excuses for our improper thoughts and actions. One thing we can anticipate each day is that somewhere along the way we will stumble and need to say, "I did it again, God, I'm sorry."
a. I entertained impure thoughts -- did you? Remember the collective national gasp when President Carter said that he "lusted in his heart" on occasions? Such thoughts will occur: try not to think of the word "hippopotamus" in the next two minutes. Our world throws temptations at us causing us to entertain "those kinds of thoughts." The question is, "How entertaining?" The critical difference is, "Are such thoughts just fleeting and momentary and quickly dismissed, or are they pondered to the point that we would act upon them if we had opportunity and knew we would not get caught?"
b. I disliked someone -- did you? We know God wants us to love everyone and treat everyone fairly and without prejudice. However, at one time or another haven't we all been guilty of unfavorably judging someone on her or his looks after brief meeting? We know it is wrong, and our sin may be compounded if we allow that negative judgment to influence the way we will treat or relate to that person.
c. I had selfish thoughts -- did you? We are told self-preservation is a natural instinct in creation. Jesus also tells us that we are not animals and do not live by instinct. There may be occasions when we will be called to lay down our lives for another. At least, we must love our neighbor as ourselves. Christianity calls us away from selfish feelings and actions, however difficult this may be.
d. I acted inappropriately in front of others -- did you? How many sermons have we heard on the subject of our responsibility to be a Christian witness to those around us? What we say and do is a great influence on others and especially critical because we are known as Christians, which brings added responsibility to be on our best behavior. Even with our imperfections we are capable of acting like a Christian. Try it -- you'll surprise yourself.
The solution: (By the way, your pastor didn't really do those things; it was only a trick to get you to confess.) In verses 24 and 25 of the above passage, Paul gives us the secret of self-control. On our own we won't do very well. Paul reminds us that when we seriously desire God's help we are capable of loving deliberations and behavior.
God was embarrassed for me today as I did things that disappointed God, even though I will be forgiven. Remember Paul's famous confession in Romans 7:14-25? He said he did what he shouldn't do and didn't do what he should do. By suggesting this is human nature, he implies you and I are guilty of the same shortcomings. There are things we do wrong out of ignorance, but in this instance Paul may be concerned with those times when we are aware of the inappropriateness of our thoughts and behavior. It is a matter of not having self-control. The sins of Bible leaders such as Paul and Peter can never become excuses for our improper thoughts and actions. One thing we can anticipate each day is that somewhere along the way we will stumble and need to say, "I did it again, God, I'm sorry."
a. I entertained impure thoughts -- did you? Remember the collective national gasp when President Carter said that he "lusted in his heart" on occasions? Such thoughts will occur: try not to think of the word "hippopotamus" in the next two minutes. Our world throws temptations at us causing us to entertain "those kinds of thoughts." The question is, "How entertaining?" The critical difference is, "Are such thoughts just fleeting and momentary and quickly dismissed, or are they pondered to the point that we would act upon them if we had opportunity and knew we would not get caught?"
b. I disliked someone -- did you? We know God wants us to love everyone and treat everyone fairly and without prejudice. However, at one time or another haven't we all been guilty of unfavorably judging someone on her or his looks after brief meeting? We know it is wrong, and our sin may be compounded if we allow that negative judgment to influence the way we will treat or relate to that person.
c. I had selfish thoughts -- did you? We are told self-preservation is a natural instinct in creation. Jesus also tells us that we are not animals and do not live by instinct. There may be occasions when we will be called to lay down our lives for another. At least, we must love our neighbor as ourselves. Christianity calls us away from selfish feelings and actions, however difficult this may be.
d. I acted inappropriately in front of others -- did you? How many sermons have we heard on the subject of our responsibility to be a Christian witness to those around us? What we say and do is a great influence on others and especially critical because we are known as Christians, which brings added responsibility to be on our best behavior. Even with our imperfections we are capable of acting like a Christian. Try it -- you'll surprise yourself.
The solution: (By the way, your pastor didn't really do those things; it was only a trick to get you to confess.) In verses 24 and 25 of the above passage, Paul gives us the secret of self-control. On our own we won't do very well. Paul reminds us that when we seriously desire God's help we are capable of loving deliberations and behavior.
