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From Captivity to Captivation
Introduction:
A. How would it make us feel if (because of circumstances out of our control) we could not read our Bibles, sing songs of praise, or worship God for 70 years? B. Can you imagine what it would be like not to read the Sermon on the Mount; sing such songs as “I’ll fly away” and “Amazing Grace”? C. While this is very hard for us to imagine, a similar incident did happen to the Israelites (Ps 137:1ff, Jer 25:8-12; 29:9-10). D. In accordance with His promise, God did take His people into Captivity in three waves—606,597,586. E. But, God also brought his people out of Captivity as He promised.
· Cyrus 536 (Isa 44:28; 45:1; Ezra 1:1-2) · Ezra (temple and Israelite morality restored) · Nehemiah 444 (walls 52 days, the word of God).
F. What steps are necessary to have real restoration? Notice what steps were necessary in Nehemiah 8 and what steps are necessary today.
I. Unity. Vs. 1
A. For years the Israelites had been divided over spiritual matters (expound).
B. God has always wanted his people to have unity (Ps 133:1, Eph 4:3, I Cor 1:10).
1. In unity there is strength. Eccl 4:9-12
2. Unity proves to the world that Jesus is the son of God. Jn 17:20-21, Eph 4:4-6
3. We must be diligent to strive to posses the seven ones of Eph 4:4-6.
II. An attentive heart. Vs. 2-3
A. The Israelites were attentive to the Word of God because they realized its’ great worth.
B. The only way that we can have an attitude of attentiveness is when we also realize the Bible’s great worth. Riches---Mk 8:36-37
1. The Bible contains the words of Life. Jn 6:68, II Pet 1:3, 2 Tim 1:13
2. It edifies us closer to God. Acts 20:32, James 4:8
3. It convicts us of sin. Acts 2:36, Acts 9:6 Ps 119:11, James 1:25-26
4. It is able to save the soul. Jn 8:32, Jn 17:17, Acts 11:14, James 1:21, I Tim 4:16
5. It tells us who we are(Gen 2:17, Isa 62:1-2, Acts 11:26), why we are here(Isa 43:7, Eccl 12:13), and where we are going (Jn 14, Matt 25,7:13-14).
6. It is Powerful and Eternal. (Rom 1:16, Heb 4:12, Matt 24:35, I Pet 1:25).
III. Respect for the Word of God. Vs. 4-5
A. After 70 years of hard captivity it finally dawned upon the Israelites that God’s word was their only hope and so they stood up as a sign of respect for the Bible.
B. Today we stand up for the prayers, and songs, but what about the word of God?
C. The only way that we can gain a respect for the Bible is when we realize that it is God’s very words of instruction for us.
1. When you buy a new car or a new appliance it usually comes with a user’s manual.
2. The prophets realized that the Bible was God’s word and they respected it as that:
· In Jeremiah and Lamentations, Jeremiah says over 500 times that this is God’s Book, not mine. · In Ezekiel, Ezekiel says some 309 times that this is God’s book and not mine. · In Zechariah, Zechariah says 78 times that this is not my book, but God’s.
D. When we do respect the Bible, then we will apply its principles to our life. 1. Acts 20:7 2. I Tim 2:11-12 3. Acts 2:38 4. Phil 1:1
IV. Worship for God with Fear/Reverence. Vs. 6
A. The act of bowing ones’ face to the ground was a sign of reverence, fear for God.
1. Ex. 3:5—Moses
2. Isa 6:4-5—Isaiah
3. John Revelation
B. Many denominations exhibit a lack of respect for God and worship by false acts of worship.
1. Holy Laughter
2. Signing during Lord’s Supper
3. Miraculous healing (Benny Hinn)
C. You and I must worship God in a reverent fashion (Jn 4:23-24).
1. Reverent attitude (I Cor 14:15).
2. Reverent appearance (Mal 1:6ff, modest)
V. Proper Hermeneutics (Vs. 7-8,12)
A. Read God’s Word (Eph 4:3, I Tim 4:13)
B. Help understand God’s word (2 Pet 3:15-16, Bible is its own best commentary).
C. Apply its messages to our life (Phil 4:8-9). |