Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (vv.2-8)

Subject: True Worship -3

Theme: Acts of True Worship.

 ·   In Christian worship, there are certain acts that will express our gratitude and devotion to our Lord.

·   There are ways of true worship.

·   This passage talks to us about different acts of true worship

·   Last week we talked about one of such acts, that is, SACRIFICE IS AN ACT OF TRUE WORSHIP (VV. 1-8)

·   The Magi sacrificed a lot to find Jesus, the King of the Jews.

·   They came from the East and in the pursuit of finding and worshipping Jesus; the Magi traveled around 600 miles in the desert by camels.

·   It took almost 2 to 3 months for them to reach Bethlehem.

·   Because of their desire to know Christ, and find him, they did not regard pains or perils in seeking after him.

·   These magi sacrificed their best of time, money, and health to come and worship the king of kings.

·   May the Lord help us to give our best in worshipping our Lord!

·   Today we will look at the second act of worship

 2. REJOICING IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP (9-10)

A. What happened to the Wise men when they were not able to find Jesus?

·   When they were not able to find Jesus in Jerusalem they went to Bethlehem.

·   They decided to seek Him until they find Him and they went alone without taking anybody from the court of the King.

 *Note, We must continue our attendance upon Christ, though we are alone in it;

   whatever others do, we must serve the Lord;

   if they will not go to heaven with us, yet we must not go to hell with them.

 B. How they found out Christ?

·   Let’s see how they found out Christ by the same star that they had seen in their own country.

·   We see God’s gracious direction upon them -the star which they saw in the east went before them.

·   Here they were at a loss in Jerusalem because the star disappeared. 

·   Do you know why the star disappeared?

·   It is because they tried to seek their own.

·   But it was not the end of their faith, they believed that God, who had brought them till Jerusalem would not leave them there.

·   So they went out of the court and began to observe again.

·   Then they saw the star and verse 10 says, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

*Note, Those who really seek Christ will find him.

 ·   Observe how joyfully they followed God’s direction.

·   Now they saw they were not deceived, and had not taken this long journey in vain.

·   They were sure that God was with them.

·   Now they could laugh at the Jews in Jerusalem, who, probably, had laughed at them as coming on a fool’s errand.

*Note, We should be glad of everything that will show us the way to Christ.

·   Ps. 105:3 says, “Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

·    God is pleased when we rejoice in his presence.

 B. Application

·   The question that comes to us is this, Are we able to rejoice in the presence of God?

·    Joy is an expression of true worship.

·   When we think of coming together and worshipping God, there itself come the joy into our heart.

·   Or if we think Oh! One more Sunday! 2 Hours? Anyway pastor will ask if I don’t come.

·   Then no real worship will take place.

·   The Wise men were overjoyed when they saw the star, not because of the star, but because of their hope of meeting Jesus the King.

·   We are not supposed to be fascinated by the church building, the number of people, the number of cars parked outside and the musical instruments and even the fellowship with people.

·   Of course we need fellowship, but that should not be the purpose of coming to the church.

·   We are to be overjoyed by the very thought that somehow I can be with the saints and see the face of Jesus and worship the living God.

 Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (v.11a)

Subject: True Worship -4

Theme: Acts of True Worship.

·   In Christian worship, there are certain acts that will express our gratitude and devotion to our Lord.

·   This passage talks us about different acts of true worship.

 ·   At first we talked about SACRIFICE AS AN ACT OF TRUE WORSHIP (VV. 1-8)

·   The Magi sacrificed a lot to find Jesus, the King of the Jews.

·   They came from the East and in the pursuit of finding and worshipping Jesus; the Magi traveled around 600 miles in the desert by camels.

·   It took almost 2 to 3 months for them to reach Bethlehem.

·   Because of their desire to know Christ, and find him, they did not regard pains or perils in seeking after him.

·   These magi sacrificed their best of time, money, and health to come and worship the king of kings.

 Secondly we said REJOICINGAS AN ACT OF WORSHIP (VV.9-10)

·   “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

·   The Magi joyfully followed God’s direction.

·   We should be glad of everything that will show us the way to Christ.

·   Are we able to rejoice in the presence of God?

·    Joy is an expression of true worship.

 Today we will see the third one: HUMILITY IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP (vv. 11a)

 A. What was the attitude of the wise men when they saw Jesus?

·   Here we see the wise men’s humble attendance upon this new-born King of the Jews.

·   On coming to the house - It might have been a discouragement to these wise men to find him whom they sought thus neglected at home.

·   What a disappointment it was to them when they found a cottage was his palace, and his own poor mother was all the attendants he had.

·   Is this the Savior of the world? Is this the King of the Jews? Is this the Prince of the kings of the earth?

·   Yes, this is he, who, though he was rich, yet, for our sake, became thus poor.

·   He became the poorest of the poor so that we become rich in faith.

·   But one thing is interesting to note - these wise men were so wise to discern in this despised babe the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father.

·   They did not think themselves fooled or perplexed in their enquiry, but as having found the King they sought.

 ·   So they presented themselves to him first - how?

·   They fell down and worshipped him.

·   We do not read that they gave such honor to Herod, though he was the king.

·   But they gave this honor to this babe, not only as to a king but as to a God.

*Note: All those who have found Christ fall down before him; they adore him, and submit themselves to him.

 ·   It will be the wisdom of the wisest of people to humble themselves before God and worship him.

·   We need to humble ourselves to be the faithful worshippers of the Lord Jesus.

·   For example, we see John’s vision of the Lord.  Revelation 1:17 reads, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.”

*Note: A Proud and self-sufficient person cannot worship God.

 B. Application:

·   As an act of true worship, we may close our eyes or fold our hands or kneel down before him when we pray.

·   We may lift up our hands in worship

·   We fall fore-strait before him in our private prayer with the Lord.

·   But the humility in life and heart is the one that ascribes to true worship.

Mathewphilip©2010

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (v.11b)

Subject: True Worship -5

Theme: Acts of True Worship.

·   In Christian worship, there are certain acts that will express our gratitude and devotion to our Lord.

·   This passage talks us about different acts of true worship.

 ·   At first we talked about SACRIFICE AS AN ACT OF TRUE WORSHIP (VV. 1-8)

·   The Magi sacrificed a lot to find Jesus, the King of the Jews.

·   They came from the East and in the pursuit of finding and worshipping Jesus; the Magi traveled around 600 miles in the desert by camels.

·   It took almost 2 to 3 months for them to reach Bethlehem.

·   Because of their desire to know Christ, and find him, they did not regard pains or perils in seeking after him.

·   These magi sacrificed their best of time, money, and health to come and worship the king of kings.

 Secondly we said REJOICING AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP (VV.9-10)

·   “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

·   The Magi joyfully followed God’s direction.

·   We should be glad of everything that will show us the way to Christ.

·   Are we able to rejoice in the presence of God?

·    Joy is an expression of true worship.

 Then we looked at the third one: HUMILITY IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP (vv. 11a)

·   We noticed the wise men’s humble attendance upon this new-born King of the Jews.

·   They never had a doubt about this child whether he was the Savior of the world or the King of the Jews?

·   These wise men were so wise to discern in this despised babe the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father.

·   They did not think themselves fooled or perplexed in their enquiry.

·   So they fell down and worshipped him and thus they presented themselves to him first.

·   They gave this honor to this babe, not only as to a king but as to a God.

·   It will be the wisdom of the wisest of people to humble themselves before God and worship him.

 Fourthly,

4. GIVING IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP (v. 11b)

 A. What did the wise men give to Jesus?

·   They presented their gifts to him.

·   In the eastern nations, when they did homage to their kings, they made them present first and then the gifts.

·   The wise men presented themselves to him first and then the gifts.

*Note, we shall not be unwilling to give away what is dearest to us, and most valuable to Jesus if we first surrender ourselves to him.

 B. What were the gifts?

·   The gifts they presented were, gold, frankincense/ incense, and myrrh

·   God must have sent this providence for a seasonable relief to Joseph and Mary in their present poor condition.

·   These were the products of their own country.

·   Three gifts perhaps gave rise to the legend that there were three wise men, but the Bible does not indicate the number of Magi who visited Jesus.

·   Some think there was an implication in their gifts.

·   They offered him gold, as a king; frankincense, as a Priest; and myrrh, as a Man that should die, for myrrh was used in embalming dead bodies.

·   Wise men were able to discern Jesus Christ as the King, as the Priest and the Savior of the world.

 ·    Jesus is our King

·    He was born to be the king. 

·   He wants to rule, not by force, but by love.

·   No one is ever compelled to be under the kingship of Jesus.

·   He rules the hearts of those who love him.

·   We need to crown him king of our hearts.

 ·   Jesus is our great high priest.

·   Hebrews 4: 12 says, “Since we have a great high priest who have gone through heavens, let’s hold fast our faith…”

·     ·   He offered himself on the Cross of Calvary for our salvation.

·   The blood that was shed on the Cross of Calvary is sufficient for the salvation of the entire human beings.

·   By offering his own body and blood for humanity, be became the great high priest.

 ·   Jesus is our Savior.

·   Christ came to this world to die for our sins.

·   When the whole earth was rejoicing because Christ was born, the Father in heaven was in great agony of the departure of his Son and the suffering that he had to endure. 

·   Jesus gave great price to redeem us.

·   He had to leave the great light for this dark world.

·   He is rich, but he became the poorest of the poor to save you and me.

 C. Application

·   What do we have to give Jesus?

·   The wise men gave their best.

·   Shall we be wise enough to give him the very best in the service of Christ? Whether it is our time, physical help, money, or anything?

·   It is not only giving to the Lord is considered as worship, but also giving to the poor and needy.

·   Hebrews 13:16 reads, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

 ·   How to give? – Scripture teaches four things about giving:

1. Giving is to be done cheerfully and with joy.
2. God promises blessings to those who give.
3. Giving is an expression of our love and care.
4. Giving now assures eternal treasures in heaven.

·   So giving is an act of true worship.

 Conclusion

·   Sacrifice is an act of true worship

·   Rejoicing is an act of true worship

·   Humility is an act of true worship

·   And now giving is an act of true worship

·   May the Lord help us to sacrifice our best to the Lord, rejoice in the Lord always, to humble ourselves in our hearts and lives and give our best so that we become the true worshipers of our Lord!

Mathewphilip©2010

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (v.12)

Subject: True Worship -6

Theme: Acts of True Worship.

·   In Christian worship, there are certain acts that will express our gratitude and devotion to our Lord.

·   This passage talks us about different acts of true worship.

 ·   At the very outset of this narrative we found that the Magi sacrificed a lot to find Jesus, the King of the Jews.

·   They came from the East and in the pursuit of finding and worshipping Jesus; the Magi traveled around 600 miles in the desert by camels.

·   It took almost 2 to 3 months for them to reach Bethlehem.

·   Because of their desire to know Christ, and find him, they did not regard pains or perils in seeking after him.

·   These magi sacrificed their best of time, money, and health to come and worship the king of kings.

·   So we said, SACRIFICE AS AN ACT OF TRUE WORSHIP (VV. 1-8)

 ·   Secondly, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

·   The Magi joyfully followed God’s direction.

·   We should be glad of everything that will show us the way to Christ.

·   Joy is an expression of true worship.

·   So we said, REJOICING AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP (VV.9-10)

 ·   Thirdly, we noticed the wise men’s humble attendance upon this new-born King of the Jews.

·   They fell down and worshipped him and thus they presented themselves to him first.

·   It will be the wisdom of the wisest of people to humble themselves before God and worship him.

·   So we said, HUMILITY IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP (vv. 11a)

 A. What did the wise men give to Jesus?

·   Fourthly, they presented their gifts to him.

·   The gifts they presented were, gold, frankincense/ incense, and myrrh

·   These were the products of their own country.

·   They offered him gold, as a king; frankincense, as a Priest; and myrrh, as a Man that should die for the sins of the world.

·   The wise men gave their best.

·   So we said, GIVING IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP (v. 11b)

 5. OBEDIENCE IS AN ACT OF TRUE WORSHIP (v. 12).

·   We see how the Magi left baby Jesus when they had made their address to him.

·   Herod asked them to come back and report to him.

·   We do not find that the wise men promised to come back to Herod.

·   God warned them in a dream that they should not report to Herod.

·   Some think that they asked counsel of God, and that this was the answer.

*Note, Those who act cautiously, and are afraid of sin and snares, if they apply themselves to God for direction, may expect to be led in the right way.

·   They returned to their country by another route.

·   My point is this: They obeyed God rather than the King.

·   Obedience is an act of true worship.

·   It is a submission to God’s will and direction.

·   What is God’s will for us? - To obey his commands and follow him.

·   Some people say that they obey only God and that’s all.

·   Look at Heb. 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

·   In many places pastors’ or leaders’ work is not considered as joy, but a burden.

·   Do you know why?

·   As it is mentioned in Heb 13:18, they do not maintain a clear conscience and they do not have a desire to live honorably in every way!

·   It is not only obeying God, but obeying our leaders and submit to their authority is also an act of worship.

·   Obedience is an act of worship.

 Conclusion:

·   John 4: 24 says, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

·   True worship is in keeping with God’s nature.

·   Truth is associated with Christ.

·   Let us continue to worship the Lord

·         By sacrificing our best

·         By humbling ourselves to God

·         By being joyful in his presence

·         By giving our best to the Lord

·         By obeying the Lord Jesus Christ.

·   Such worship is the worship in truth and spirit.

 Mathew Philip©2010

Scripture:  Proverb 31:1-9

Subject: The conduct of a King/Ruler -1

Theme: How to behave oneself in godly leadership?

 Introduction

·       There are different offices in leadership

·       People expect those in leadership to behave well.

·       People look for the character, personality, temperament, qualification, behavior and a lot such things in a leader.

·       For example, the office of an Ambassador.

·       The particular country he represents expects and demands certain conduct for the Ambassador, especially in regards to his life and speech.

·       Since he represents his country, he is the spokesman of his country.

·       He has to uphold the dignity of his country

·       Another example is the office of a Director

·       His company expects and demands certain things regarding his life, work, and conduct, especially how he manages the whole thing.

 ·       Like wise God appoints individuals in leadership of his people.

·       In the Church we find that God appointed leaders – five fold ministry gifts.

·       We have apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

·       Then we see various gifts bestowed on people to lead his people.

·       It is very important how they lead God’s people.

·       All of us are leaders in one way or other.

·       At the same time, we are the followers too.

Context

·       From our text today let us see how a godly leader is supposed to conduct himself or herself in the office of leadership whether ruling his subject as a King or leading the congregation as a Pastor, or instructing students as a teacher or working with team as a team leader or leading a department of staff as department in-charge and so on.

·       Thus this text is very much applicable to each one of us in the area of our service.

·       How to conduct oneself as a leader?

 1. Rulers or Leaders should get out of their own luxury and Irresponsibility (Vv. 1-7)

A. In v. 1 we see the sayings of King Lemuel

·       Most interpreters are of the opinion that Lemuel is Solomon.

·       Others say that Lemuel is another author, but because of the same nature of Proverbs, it is added to Solomon’s proverbs.

·       According to them, Lemuel was a prince of some neighbouring country, whose mother was a daughter of Israel perhaps of the house of David, and taught him these good lessons.

·       Whatever it may be it is a prophecy, and therefore given by inspiration and direction of God.

·       Lemuel means “for God,” or “devoted to God.”

·       In 2 Samuel 12:25 we see that Solomon’s Father, David, and mother, Bathsheba, gave him the same name.

·       But the Lord, because he loved him, sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah, which means “loved by the Lord.”

·       So I personally think Lemuel is supposed to be a pretty, fond, charming name, by which his mother Bathsheba used to call Solomon.

·       Also this Lemuel claims that this is the oracle of his mother which she taught him.

·       In Proverbs 4:4, Solomon writes about what his father taught.

·       Few things to learn from this:

1.    It is the duty of mothers, as well as fathers, to teach their children what is good, that they may do it, and what is evil, that they may avoid it.  It is possible only when they are young and tender.

2.    Even the Kings must learn.  Whoever we are we will not be greater than God.  So those who are in authority must give heed to God’s ordinance and be willing to learn.

3.    It is also honorable to remember what we were taught in the early years of life and especially, people who taught us and guided us in the past.

B. Kings must avoid certain things in their lives.

·       Few things cautioned here.

 1. They should not go after women. 

·       It is because many women will turn their attention from ruling.

·       They will loose their concentration and control.

·       Solomon may be telling from his own experience of going after many women in his life.

·       What happened to him?  They deviated his attention not only from ruling the kingdom wisely, but also from the living God.

·       They turned his mind to serve their gods and goddesses.

·       Listening to many women will be a real problem.

·       This may be one of the reasons that apostle Paul while writing to Titus cautioned that the elders of church must be the husband of one wife.

 2. They should not join those who ruin kings.

·       It simply means that the kings or rulers should be wise enough to have company with their friends.

·       They must have enough discretion to know who are real friends and who are enemies.

·       They should not have friendship with those who try to plot against them, and thus ruin their kingdom.

·       This is very true to us as God’s people.

 3. They should not drink wine 

·        They should not give themselves to wine. 

·        If they drink too much wine and get intoxicated they will forget the law.

·        They will loose their interest in ruling.

·        Sound mind and spirit is needed to take decision, but a drunkard will not have such quality.

·        This will badly affect their decisions in matters of rule.

 4. They should not crave beer.

·        It is because they will have only time to go after beer and will have no time for their people. 

·        They will deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

·        The more they drink and intoxicated, the more they will go after such things.

·        They will find very less time for their administrative matters.

C. Application:

·     Involving too much with wine, beer, wealth, property and women are considered to be luxurious things for kings.

·     Being involved in such things will make them irresponsible for their rule.

·     Being responsible people in godly leadership, we should not go after people or things that will deviate our attention from following God.

·     We should avoid anything and everything that will deter us from guiding leading God’s people.

·     We as believers and Christian leaders may not go after women, wine or beer, but there is always the temptation of being intoxicated with power, politics and money.

·     Christian leaders may go after popularity, and crave for prestige.

·     So when those who are in leadership go after power, politics and money, they will have less time to minister to their people.

·     I think this is a very good caution for us.

·     Spiritual leaders must avoid the temptation of being powerful, popular and spectacular.

·     We should not involve with people who will ruin our calling.

·     We are to give an account of every thing that is given under our care – weather money or property or a church with building and people or departments, and so on.

·     We should never allow anything that will prevent us from doing God’s work or anything that will disturb us in our leadership so that we may become sluggish or lazy or irresponsible.

·     When we are involved in vain and useless matters, we will forget about our Father’s business.

·     That’s why we have to remind each other of God’s will desire for his people through His Word.

·     May the Lord help us to give importance to His will for our life!

Mathew Philip ©2010

Scripture:  Proverb 31:1-9

Subject: The conduct of a King/Ruler -2

Theme: How to behave oneself in godly leadership?

·       Our text talks about the conduct of a king/ruler

·       A godly leader is supposed to conduct himself or herself in the office of leadership

·       Our text is very much applicable to each of us in the area of our service.

·       How to conduct oneself as a leader?

First of all from vv. 1-7 we observed that rulers or Leaders should get out of their own luxury and  rresponsibility (Vv. 1-7)

·       Few things cautioned here.

1. They should not go after women. 

·       It is because many women will turn their attention from ruling.

·       They will loose their concentration and control.

·       Solomon may be telling from his own experience of going after many women in his life.

·       What happened to him?  They deviated his attention not only from ruling the kingdom wisely, but also from the living God.

2. They should not join those who ruin kings.

·       It simply means that the kings or rulers should be wise enough to have company with their friends.

·       We must have enough discretion to know who are real friends and who are enemies.

3. They should not drink wine 

·        They should not give themselves to wine. 

·        If they drink wine and get intoxicated they will forget the law.

·        They will loose their interest in ruling.

·        Sound mind and spirit is needed to take decision, but a drunkard will not have such quality.

4. They should not crave beer.

·        It is because they will have only time to go after beer and will have no time for their people. 

·        They will find very less time for their administrative matters.

Today we will see the next conduct that is appropriate for a leader:

They should stand for the cause of the destitute (v.8)

·     We read in v.8: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."

·     Those who are in charge are responsible for their group or departments.

·     They must administer justice with care, courage, and compassion.

·     A king is admonished here to stand for the cause of the poor and oppressed.

·     It is because God is on the side of the poor.

·     We see many instructions in the Old Testament regarding this.

·     Duet. 15:4 says, “There will be no poor among you.”

·     God is against poverty.

·     According to Deut. 15, an Israelite was never to oppress a fellow Hebrew.

·     He was not to charge him interest (Exodus 22:25) and every seven years he was to cancel any debt.

·     God cares about poverty; his people are to be concerned for the poor.

·     Duet. 15:7 says, “If there is a poor man among your brothers…do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother…”

·     God, it seems clear, is on the side of the poor, and He demands from His people a ‘preferential option for the poor.’

·     We read in the Book of Acts that the early church took care of its own widows and orphans.

·     Leaders must be compassionate.

·     Those who are in leadership must stand for the cause of the destitute.

Application

·     We as God's people and responsible for God's work in various capacities, must administer with justice and truth.

·     We must stand for the cause of the poor and oppressed.

·     Paul in Philippians 2:4 admonishes, "Each of should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interests of others."

·     Let's involve in God's work with much care and responsibility!

·     May the Lord help us to administer justice with care, courage, and compassion!

·     Let's have the mind of Christ in our leadership.

Mathew Philip ©2010