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PICTURES OF TRUTH (2)

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   Last week, we noted that pictures can lock truths deep into our minds.

 

B.   Jesus knew the value of pictures and used them when He taught the parables.

1.    A parable paints a picture in the mind and locks truth around the picture.

2.    The Pearl of Great Price (Matt. 13:45-46).

 

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls:  who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

 

a.    We can see this man travelling from place to place looking through all the pearls he can find.

 

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b.    We can also see him as he finds that “pearl of great price.”  He quickly sells all in order to purchase it.

 

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C.   Last week we examined three pictures that expressed truths we need to apply to our lives.

1.    We must believe.

 

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2.    We must all start somewhere.

 

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3.    We can accomplish that which is impossible.

 

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D.   Let’s look at three more pictures and learn the lessons that these picture express.

 

I.             WE MUST DEVELOP GREAT COURAGE

 

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A.   The Christian life involves doing things that take courage.

1.    Teaching the gospel to others.

2.    Living differently from those in the world.

3.    Rebuking sin.

4.    Defying authorities when they oppose God and His Word.

5.    Taking on new roles and responsibilities.

6.    Restoring the erring.

7.    Defying friends and family in order to become and remain a Christian.

 

B.   There were several individuals who were exhorted to have courage and not to fear.

1.    Moses to Israel (Deut. 31:6)

 

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them…

 

2.    Moses to Joshua (Deut. 31:7)

 

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage:  for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

 

3.    David to Solomon (I Chron. 28:20)

 

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of a good courage, and do it:  fear not, nor be dismayed.

 

4.    Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him that he might be bold (Eph. 6:19).

 

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.

 

5.    Paul exhorted Timothy not to fear (II Tim. 1:7).

 

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

 

C.   Courage can be predicated upon several things.

1.    Confidence in one’s knowledge, strength, and abilities.

2.    Confidence that others are going to help, assist, support, and encourage you.

3.    Confidence that you have God with you (Jonathan, I Sam. 14:6).

 

And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his amour, Come, let us go over unto the garrison of the uncircumcised:  it may be that the Lord will work for us:  for there is no restraint of the Lord to save by many or by few.

 

II.           WE ARE NEVER ALONE

 

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A.   There are times in our lives that we feel alone.

1.    In severe sickness

2.    In economic crisis

3.    When others forsake us

4.    When we are lost in sin

5.    When we are surrounded by those in the world

6.    In times of battle against the enemy

7.    When we approach the hour of death

 

B.   As Christians, we are never alone.

1.    Psalm 23:4

 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me.

 

2.    Psalm 46:1

 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

3.    Psalm 121:5

 

The Lord is thy keeper:  the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

 

4.    Isaiah 41:10

 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee:  be not dismayed:  for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; Yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

 

5.    Hebrews 13:5b-6

 

…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my help, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

 

C.   Examples of Bible greats who had God with them always.

1.    Abraham as he went to offer his son Isaac

2.    Joseph as a slave, a prisoner, and the second in command of Egypt

3.    Moses in the wilderness

4.    The children of Israel was they conquered Canaan

5.    David on the field of battle with Goliath

6.    Elijah on Mt. Carmel as he faced the prophets of Baal

7.    Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego in the fiery furnace

8.    Esther when she went in unto the king to save her people

9.    Jesus during His earthly ministry

10. The apostles as they took the gospel to the world

11. Paul as he made his defense before Caesar

12. The seven churches of Asia as Jesus walked in their midst

 

D.   II Thessalonians 3:16

 

Now the God of peace himself give you peace always by all means.  The Lord be with you all.

 

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III.          NEVER GIVE UP

 

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A.   There are many things that cause us to want to give up.

1.    Difficulties along the way

2.    Desires for things of the world

3.    Harsh judgments of others

4.    Lack of success

5.    Constant opposition from the enemy

6.    Feeling like we are alone

7.    Feeling unappreciated

8.    Feelings of inadequacy

 

B.   The Bible exhorts us to never give up.

1.    Matthew 10:22

 

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake:  but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

 

2.    Romans 2:7

 

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life.

 

3.    Galatians 6:9

 

And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

 

4.    For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end.

C.   Why we should never give up.

1.    We fail if we give up.

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2.    We do not give up because the goal we seek to accomplish may be close at hand.

 

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3.    A person who does not give up is very difficult to beat.

 

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4.    We do not give up because as difficult as it is to go forward, regret is even more difficult.

 

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5.    We do not give up because there are always more options, possibilities, and alternatives.

 

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6.    We do not give up because the plans for our lives far exceed the circumstances of today.

 

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7.    We do not give up because difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations (Ex., Havasu Falls, AZ).

a.    To get to the Falls, you must hike 11 miles, go down a difficult vertical path of some 125 feet.  This path has wooden ladders and chains and two tunnels that must be navigated.

 

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b.    Those who make the difficult road are blessed with a beautiful destination. 

 

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(NOTE:  Those who traverse the difficult road of life successfully, we will blessed a beautiful destination called heaven).

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Pictures can impress on the mind, truths that will last for years, sometimes forever.

 

B.   We have looked at three pictures:

 

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C.   We want to conclude with three questions:

1.    What is keeping you from obeying the gospel?

2.    What is keeping you from being faithful in your service to God?

3.    What is keeping you from growing to maturity in Christ?