Saturday, October 21, 2017

GETTING TRACTION Part Two

GETTING TRACTION Part Two

CONNECT The four tests of truth... The question I hear the most often is, “Why am I here?” This is one of those heart questions that everyone asks; they want to know their purpose!

TENSION How do I get traction and move on to fulfill the purpose God has for me?

SOLUTION Show up! A good part of life is just showing up!

TEXT Joshua 3:5 NKJV And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.”

There it is; can’t be simpler than that. God says if we will sanctify ourselves, He will do wonders!  Now, what does that mean? Looking at modern translations gives us some insight.

INSTRUCTION Last week we looked at the first meaning of this strange word: “sanctify”.

Joshua 3:5 NLT Then Joshua told the people,Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you.”

1.     Sanctify means “get the sin out”!

Now let’s look at another translation.

Joshua 3:5 AMPC And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves [that is, separate yourselves for a special holy purpose], for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

2.     Sanctify means “just show up”!

What would have happened if they had slept in? They would have missed it!

Illustration: Zacharias burning incense when his lot fell…

We are saved from sin, and saved to ministry! I spoke several weeks ago about God brings us out to bring us in! God took Israel out of Egypt to bring them into Canaan. He takes us out of sin and into service! Everyone has a place of fruitfulness in the Kingdom!

Acts 13:2 NKJV As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Now this is not just for super-saints!

Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 NIV In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

God gave you your gifts, talents, skills, and abilities to build the Kingdom! Your vocation, the way you make a living, comes from the abilities God has given you, but your avocation, your joy in life, comes from using those gifts for the Kingdom of God! God doesn’t mind if you prosper through your gift, as long as you keep the Kingdom first.

Matthew 6:33 NKJV But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Illustration: My singing at weddings…

When we use our gift for our own well being, we are prostituting the gift of God!

How did Moses build the tabernacle?

Exodus 31:1-6 MSG GOD spoke to Moses: “See what I’ve done; I’ve personally chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. I’ve filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him skill and know-how and expertise in every kind of craft to create designs and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to cut and set gemstones; to carve wood—he’s an all-around craftsman. Not only that, but I’ve given him Oholiab, son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, to work with him. And to all who have an aptitude for crafts I’ve given the skills to make all the things I’ve commanded you.”
Exodus 35:30-36:2 MSG Moses told the Israelites, “See, GOD has selected Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. He’s filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and know-how for making all sorts of things, to design and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to carve stones and set them; to carve wood, working in every kind of skilled craft. And he’s also made him a teacher, he and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He’s gifted them with the know-how needed for carving, designing, weaving, and embroidering in blue, purple, and scarlet fabrics, and in fine linen. They can make anything and design anything. Bezalel and Oholiab, along with everyone whom GOD has given the skill and know-how for making everything involved in the worship of the Sanctuary as commanded by GOD, are to start to work.” Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab along with all whom GOD had gifted with the ability to work skillfully with their hands. The men were eager to get started and engage in the work.

Arts and Crafts in the Bible

Armorer                      1 Samuel 8:12
Baker                           Genesis 40:1
Barber                         Ezekiel 5:1
Blacksmith                  1 Samuel 13:19
Brick maker                 Exodus 5:7
Carpenter                     Mark 6:3
Carver                         Exodus 31:5
Caulker                        Ezekiel 27:9
Cook                           1 Samuel 8:13
Coppersmith                2 Timothy 4:14
Draftsman                   Ezekiel 4:1
Dyer                            Exodus 25:1–5
Embalmer                    Genesis 50:2, 3
Engraver                      Exodus 28:11
Farmer                         Genesis 4:2
Fisherman                   Matthew 4:18
Gardener                     John 20:15
Gatekeeper                  2 Samuel 18:26
Goldsmith                   Isaiah 40:19
Jeweler                        Exodus 28:17–21
Lapidary                      Exodus 35:33
Launderer                    Mark 9:3
Mason                         2 Samuel 5:11
Metal Worker              Genesis 4:22; Ex. 3,4
Moulder                      Exodus 32:4
Musician                     2 Samuel 6:5
Oarsmen                      Ezekiel 27:8, 9
Painting                       Jeremiah. 22:14
Perfumer                     Exodus 30:25, 35
Potter                           Jeremiah 18:3
Refiner                        Malachi 3:2, 3
Rope maker                 Judges16:11
Sewing                        Ezekiel 13:18
Ship building               1 Kings 9:26
Silversmith                  Acts 19:24
Smelter                        Job 28:1, 2
Spinner                        Proverbs 31:19
Stonecutter                  Exodus 31:5
Tailor                           Exodus 28:3, 4
Tanner                         Acts 10:6
Tapestry                      Exodus 35:35
Tent making                Acts 18:3
Watchman                   2 Samuel 18:26
Weaver                        Exodus 35:35
Winemaker                  Nehemiah 13:15
Writer                          Judges 5:14

Notice what’s missing? Preachers! You all are more important than any preacher. Why? They can’t do what you can do!

Many want a ministry, but they already have a ministry. I look around and see unlimited potential. Business men need to be doing the business of the Kingdom. Financiers need to be financing the Kingdom. Managers need to be managing in the Kingdom. Artisans need to be creative in the Kingdom. Craftsmen need to be building in the Kingdom. Tech people need to be ‘techie’ in the Kingdom. Marketers need to be promoting the Kingdom. Teachers need to be teaching in the Kingdom. Law enforcement need to be protecting in the Kingdom. Lawyers need to be bringing justice in the Kingdom. Counselors need to be counseling in the Kingdom. Health providers need to be healing in the Kingdom. The list goes on and on; just plug your skill in! Cooks, servers, maintenance, repairmen, pilots, office workers, all have a place!

Example: salesman = evangelist

Now there may not be a direct one to one relationship, but the skill set will transfer.

Illustration: Richard Humphries in Ruidoso…

There has been a longstanding issue in the church: we separate secular and sacred. What we do at work is different than what we do at church. That is a lie! God created work and called it good!

Romans 11:29 NCV God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them.

Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Illustration: Erwin McManus, whatever…

INSPIRATION There is a truth in church work and in all volunteer organizations: most people will not volunteer. They have to be asked. The problem is that I am not a good asker. I have cheated you out of opportunities to use your gifting. That is about to change!

1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 MSG One final word, friends. We ask you— urge is more like it—that you keep on doing what we told you to do to please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance.

APPLICATION/ACTION STEPS

Now let’s get down to it in our lives and in our church. If we want God to show up and show off, we must…

1.     We must deal with sin individually.
a.     What’s in the closet?
                                               i.     We already know…
                                             ii.     God will expose it!
b.     You can’t beat it.
                                               i.     Get filled with the Spirit
                                             ii.     Get help.
                                            iii.     We can help!

2.     We must all work collectively.
a.     What do you have in your house?
                                               i.     What floats your boat, lights your fire, turns you on…
                                             ii.     How can you use it here?
                                            iii.     Do it!
b.     We need your commitment.
                                               i.     Show up
                                             ii.     Make it a priority
                                            iii.     We do what’s important

HASHTAG #TheBigAsk