Sunday Sermon Outline: Luke 13:1-9

“I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong!”
Luke 13:1-9

Introduction: Job 4:7-9; Hebrews 10:26-29; Psalm 90:10

I. Repentance vs. 1-5
     “Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. [2] And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? [3] “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. [4] “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? [5] “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.””

II. Bearing Fruit vs. 6-9
     “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. [7] “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’ [8] “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; [9] and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’”

John 1:11

Conclusion: 2 Peter 3:15; Luke 12:20


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Sunday Sermon Outline: What Really Matters

“What Really Matters”
Acts 24:24-27

Introduction: Acts 24:22-23, "But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case." 23 And he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him."

Acts 24:24-27, "But some days later, Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present, and when I find time, I will summon you." 26 At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned."

1 Peter 3:15


I. Paul Preached Righteousness

Matthew 5:6; 6:33; John 16:8; Romans 10:2-3; 1 John 3:10; 2 Peter 3:13; Matthew 5:20; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 John 2:29


II. Paul Preached Self-Control

Matthew 16:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Peter 2:24; Galatians 2:22-24; Titus 2:11-12


III. Paul Preached Judgment 

2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 12:36; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Peter 4:4-5


Conclusion: Hebrews 13:8


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Sunday Sermon Outlines: Five Things We Cannot Escape

“Five Things We Cannot Escape”

1. We cannot escape personal responsibility.

Matthew 27:22-24,  “"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!" 23 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" 24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"”
 

“In the past God overlooked … ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). 

 

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

 

2. We cannot escape our influence on those around us.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

John 3:20-21, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

3. We cannot escape the consequences of sin.

Galatians 6:7-8, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Romans 2:6-11, “God "will give to each person according to what he has done." 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil … 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good … 11 For God does not show favoritism.”

Numbers 32:23, “If you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” 

 

4. We cannot escape death.

Psalm 89:48, “What man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave?”

“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). “The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him” (Ezekiel 18:20).

“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7). “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

“man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). 

 

5. We cannot escape the Judgment.
 

“Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

“We know that we live in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him” (1 John 4:13-17).
 

Conclusion:

“We will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.'" 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12).

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Sunday Sermon Outline: Everything will be destroyed!

“Everything will be destroyed”
2 Peter 3:11-14

Introduction:
    2 Peter 3:7, “by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people.” 

    2 Peter 3:11-14, “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace.”

I. We should change our behavior. v. 11
    “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness.”

II. We should want the destruction to happen quickly. v. 12
    “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!" 

Philippians 4:11, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” 
Revelation 22:15, “Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral persons, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.”
Revelation 22:20. “Yes, I am coming quickly.” “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

III. We should look forward to our permanent home. v. 13
    “But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”

IV. We should actively work to make peace with God. v. 14
    “Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace.”

Romans 5:1-11, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

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Sunday Sermon Outline: Daniel 7 (part 3)

“Solid Faith in a Shaky World”
“When they call for your allegiance” (part 3)
Daniel 7

II.  The Ancient of Days  vs. 9-12
     “9 “I kept looking until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire. 10 “A river of fire was flowing And coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, And the books were opened.
     11 Then I kept looking because of the sound of the boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but an extension of life was granted to them for an appointed period of time.”


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Daniel 5

Solid Faith in a Shaky World
“When they call for your honor”
Daniel 5

Introduction
     “1 King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. 2 While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.” 
     “5 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6 His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way. 7 The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers and diviners to be brought and said to these wise men of Babylon, "Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom." 8 Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant. 9 So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled.”
     “10 The queen, … said. "Don't be alarmed! Don't look so pale! 11 There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar … appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. 12 This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means." 13 So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, "Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah?"” 
     “14 I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. 15 The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. 16 Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

     “26 This is what these words mean: Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. 27 Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. 28 Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians." 29 Then at Belshazzar's command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom. 30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, 31 and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.”

I. Remember The Real Issue. vs. 2-3
     "While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them."

     Romans 16:17-18, “17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” 

II. Don’t Change the Message.
     2 Timothy 4:3-4, “the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

III. Consider What’s Appropriate. v. 17
     “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.”

     Genesis 14:22-23: “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath 23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.'” 
   
     Luke 14:10-11, “When you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 

IV. Fear God’s Judgement. v. 30
     “That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain.”

     “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20).


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Romans 14

Romans 14
The Accommodation of Faith

I. Acknowledging the Father vs. 1-8
     “Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. 2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”


II. Acknowledging the Family vs. 9-13
     “9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God.” 12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.”


 III. Acknowledging the Faith vs. 14-23
     “14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. 22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.”


NEXT WEEK: Romans 15, The Edification of Faith




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Sunday Sermon Outline: Romans 2

Romans 2
"The Impartiality of Faith"

Introduction: Romans 1:16-17, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”"


I. The Righteous Judgment of God vs. 1-10
     "Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to each person according to his deeds: 7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."


II. The Righteous Standard of God vs. 11-16
     "For there is no partiality with God. 12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; 13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus."


III. The Righteous Knowledge of God vs. 17-24
     "But if you bear the name “Jew” and rely upon the Law and boast in God, 18 and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth, 21 you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” just as it is written."


IV. The Righteous Spirit of God vs. 25-29
     "For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God."


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Sunday Sermon Outline: Romans 1:18-32

Romans 1:18-32

"The Rejection of Faith"

I. Man's Rejection and God's Response  vs. 18-20

     "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."

John 3:36, "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

1 Peter 4:17-19, "For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

John 15:22, "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin."

II. The Priority of Honor  vs. 21-25

     "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."

Romans 13:7, "Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."

Matthew 23:5-7, "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. ⁶ They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, ⁷ and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men."

Hebrews 3:3-4, "For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. ⁴ For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God."

III. God's Rejection and Man's Response  vs. 26-32

     "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."

Romans 9:21-24, "Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? 22 What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? 23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles."

Conclusion: 2 Peter 3:15, "regard the patience of our Lord as salvation;" Hebrews 5:8-9, "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. ⁹ And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation."

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Sunday Sermon Outline: John 8:12-30

John 8:12-30
“Truth and Life”

Introduction: John 1:1-5, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” 


I. The Basis of Truth vs. 12-20
     “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” 
     13 So the Pharisees said to Him, “You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true.”
     14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. 16 But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. 17 Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me.”
     19 So they were saying to Him, “Where is Your Father?” 
     Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.” 20 These words He spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.” 


Introduction: John 1:10-13, “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” 


II. The Basis of Life vs. 21-30
     “21 Then He said again to them, “I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.” 
     22 So the Jews were saying, “Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?” 
     23 And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” 
     25 So they were saying to Him, “Who are You?” 
     Jesus said to them, “What have I been saying to you from the beginning? 26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world.” 
     27 They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” 30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him."


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Sunday Sermon Outline: John 5:15-47

John 5:15-47

“Equal with God”

Introduction: John 1:1-13


I. Fighting Against the Truth vs. 15-18

      “The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. [16] For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. [17] But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.” [18] For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.”

II. Learning the Truth vs. 19-23

      “[19] Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. [20] “For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel. [21] “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. [22] “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, [23] so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”

III. Judging the Truth vs. 24-30

      “[24] “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. [25] “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. [26] “For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; [27] and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. [28] “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, [29] and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. [30] “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

IV. Telling the Truth vs. 31-46

      A. The Testimony of John vs. 31-35

      “[31] “If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. [32] “There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true. [33] “You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. [34] “But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. [35] “He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.”

      B. The Testimony of Jesus v. 36

      “[36] “But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.”

      C. The Testimony of God vs. 37-47

      “[37] “And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. [38] “You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent. [39] You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; [40] and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.

      [41] “I do not receive glory from men; [42] but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. [43] “I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. [44] “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?

      [45] “Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. [46] “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. [47] “But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?””

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Sunday Sermon Outline: Jeremiah 52

Jeremiah 52

The Fall of Jerusalem

I. The Seige of Jerusalem vs. 1-11

      A. Zedekiah's Sin vs. 1-3

      “Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. [2] He did evil in the sight of the LORD like all that Jehoiakim had done. [3] For through the anger of the LORD this came about in Jerusalem and Judah until He cast them out from His presence. And Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.”

     B. Zedekiah's Shame vs. 4-7

      “[4] Now it came about in the ninth year of his reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, camped against it and built a siege wall all around it. [5] So the city was under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. [6] On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land. [7] Then the city was broken into, and all the men of war fled and went forth from the city at night by way of the gate between the two walls which was by the king's garden, though the Chaldeans were all around the city. And they went by way of the Arabah.”

     C. Zedekiah's Suffering vs. 8-11

      “[8] But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho, and all his army was scattered from him. [9] Then they captured the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, and he passed sentence on him. [10] The king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and he also slaughtered all the princes of Judah in Riblah. [11] Then he blinded the eyes of Zedekiah; and the king of Babylon bound him with bronze fetters and brought him to Babylon and put him in prison until the day of his death.”

II. The Destruction of the City vs. 12-16

      “[12]  Now on the tenth day of the fifth month, which was the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard, who was in the service of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. [13] He burned the house of the LORD, the king's house and all the houses of Jerusalem; even every large house he burned with fire. [14] So all the army of the Chaldeans who were with the captain of the guard broke down all the walls around Jerusalem.”

      “[15] Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away into exile some of the poorest of the people, the rest of the people who were left in the city, the deserters who had deserted to the king of Babylon and the rest of the artisans. [16] But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left some of the poorest of the land to be vinedressers and plowmen.”

III. The Looting of the Temple vs. 13-23

      “[17]  Now the bronze pillars which belonged to the house of the LORD and the stands and the bronze sea, which were in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried all their bronze to Babylon. [18] They also took away the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the basins, the pans and all the bronze vessels which were used in temple service. [19] The captain of the guard also took away the bowls, the firepans, the basins, the pots, the lampstands, the pans and the drink offering bowls, what was fine gold and what was fine silver.”

      “[20] The two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve bronze bulls that were under the sea, and the stands, which King Solomon had made for the house of the LORD —the bronze of all these vessels was beyond weight. [21] As for the pillars, the height of each pillar was eighteen cubits, and it was twelve cubits in circumference and four fingers in thickness, and hollow. [22] Now a capital of bronze was on it; and the height of each capital was five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the capital all around, all of bronze. And the second pillar was like these, including pomegranates. [23] There were ninety-six exposed pomegranates; all the pomegranates numbered a hundred on the network all around.”

IV. The Replacement of the Leadership vs. 24-34

      A. Execution of the Shepherds vs. 24-27

      “[24]  Then the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest and Zephaniah the second priest, with the three officers of the temple. [25] He also took from the city one official who was overseer of the men of war, and seven of the king's advisers who were found in the city, and the scribe of the commander of the army who mustered the people of the land, and sixty men of the people of the land who were found in the midst of the city. [26] Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. [27] Then the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was led away into exile from its land.” 

 

      B. Deportation of the Sheep vs. 28-30

      “[28] These are the people whom Nebuchadnezzar carried away into exile: in the seventh year 3,023 Jews; [29] in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar 832 persons from Jerusalem; [30] in the twenty-third year of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried into exile 745 Jewish people; there were 4,600 persons in all.” 

 

      C. Elevation of the King vs. 31-34

      “[31]  Now it came about in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, showed favor to Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. [32] Then he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon. [33] So Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes, and had his meals in the king's presence regularly all the days of his life. [34] For his allowance, a regular allowance was given him by the king of Babylon, a daily portion all the days of his life until the day of his death.”

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Sunday Sermon Outline: Jeremiah 51

Jeremiah 51

Judgment on Babylon II

I.   A God Who Speaks vs. 1-12

      “Thus says the LORD: “Behold, I am going to arouse against Babylon And against the inhabitants of Leb-kamai [Chaldeans] The spirit of a destroyer. [2] “I will dispatch foreigners to Babylon that they may winnow her And may devastate her land; For on every side they will be opposed to her In the day of her calamity. [3] “Let not him who bends his bow bend it, Nor let him rise up in his scale-armor; So do not spare her young men; Devote all her army to destruction. [4] “They will fall down slain in the land of the Chaldeans, And pierced through in their streets.” [5] For neither Israel nor Judah has been forsaken By his God, the LORD of hosts, Although their land is full of guilt Before the Holy One of Israel. [6] Flee from the midst of Babylon, And each of you save his life! Do not be destroyed in her punishment, For this is the LORD's time of vengeance; He is going to render recompense to her. 

     [7] Babylon has been a golden cup in the hand of the LORD, Intoxicating all the earth. The nations have drunk of her wine; Therefore the nations are going mad. [8] Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; Wail over her! Bring balm for her pain; Perhaps she may be healed. [9] We applied healing to Babylon, but she was not healed; Forsake her and let us each go to his own country, For her judgment has reached to heaven And towers up to the very skies. [10] The LORD has brought about our vindication; Come and let us recount in Zion The work of the LORD our God!  

     “[11] Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, Because His purpose is against Babylon to destroy it; For it is the vengeance of the LORD, vengeance for His temple. [12] Lift up a signal against the walls of Babylon; Post a strong guard, Station sentries, Place men in ambush! For the LORD has both purposed and performed What He spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.”

II.  A God Who Acts vs. 13-24

      “[13] O you who dwell by many waters, Abundant in treasures, Your end has come, The measure of your end. [14] The LORD of hosts has sworn by Himself: “Surely I will fill you with a population like locusts, And they will cry out with shouts of victory over you.” [15] It is He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom, And by His understanding He stretched out the heavens. [16] When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, And He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain And brings forth the wind from His storehouses. [17] All mankind is stupid, devoid of knowledge; Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, For his molten images are deceitful, And there is no breath in them. [18] They are worthless, a work of mockery; In the time of their punishment they will perish. [19] The portion of Jacob is not like these; For the Maker of all is He, And of the tribe of His inheritance; The LORD of hosts is His name. 

     [20] He says, “You are My war-club, My weapon of war; And with you I shatter nations, And with you I destroy kingdoms. [21] “With you I shatter the horse and his rider, And with you I shatter the chariot and its rider, [22] And with you I shatter man and woman, And with you I shatter old man and youth, And with you I shatter young man and virgin, [23] And with you I shatter the shepherd and his flock, And with you I shatter the farmer and his team, And with you I shatter governors and prefects. [24]  “But I will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea for all their evil that they have done in Zion before your eyes,” declares the LORD.”

III. A God Who Remembers vs. 25-40

      “[25] “Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, Who destroys the whole earth,” declares the LORD, “And I will stretch out My hand against you, And roll you down from the crags, And I will make you a burnt out mountain. [26] “They will not take from you even a stone for a corner Nor a stone for foundations, But you will be desolate forever,” declares the LORD. [27] Lift up a signal in the land, Blow a trumpet among the nations! Consecrate the nations against her, Summon against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni and Ashkenaz; Appoint a marshal against her, Bring up the horses like bristly locusts. [28] Consecrate the nations against her, The kings of the Medes, Their governors and all their prefects, And every land of their dominion. [29] So the land quakes and writhes, For the purposes of the LORD against Babylon stand, To make the land of Babylon A desolation without inhabitants. [30] The mighty men of Babylon have ceased fighting, They stay in the strongholds; Their strength is exhausted, They are becoming like women; Their dwelling places are set on fire, The bars of her gates are broken. [31] One courier runs to meet another, And one messenger to meet another, To tell the king of Babylon That his city has been captured from end to end; [32] The fords also have been seized, And they have burned the marshes with fire, And the men of war are terrified. [33]  For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor At the time it is stamped firm; Yet in a little while the time of harvest will come for her.”” 

     “[34] “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured me and crushed me, He has set me down like an empty vessel; He has swallowed me like a monster, He has filled his stomach with my delicacies; He has washed me away. [35] “May the violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon,” The inhabitant of Zion will say; And, “May my blood be upon the inhabitants of Chaldea,” Jerusalem will say. [36] Therefore thus says the LORD, “Behold, I am going to plead your case And exact full vengeance for you; And I will dry up her sea And make her fountain dry. [37] “Babylon will become a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals, An object of horror and hissing, without inhabitants. [38] “They will roar together like young lions, They will growl like lions’ cubs. [39] “When they become heated up, I will serve them their banquet And make them drunk, that they may become jubilant And may sleep a perpetual sleep And not wake up,” declares the LORD. [40] “I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, Like rams together with male goats.”

IV. A God Who Saves vs. 41-53

      “[41] “How *Sheshak [Babylon] has been captured, And the praise of the whole earth been seized! How Babylon has become an object of horror among the nations! [42] “The sea has come up over Babylon; She has been engulfed with its tumultuous waves. [43] “Her cities have become an object of horror, A parched land and a desert, A land in which no man lives And through which no son of man passes. [44] “I will punish Bel in Babylon, And I will make what he has swallowed come out of his mouth; And the nations will no longer stream to him. Even the wall of Babylon has fallen down! [45] “Come forth from her midst, My people, And each of you save yourselves From the fierce anger of the LORD. [46] “Now so that your heart does not grow faint, And you are not afraid at the report that will be heard in the land— For the report will come one year, And after that another report in another year, And violence will be in the land With ruler against ruler— [47] Therefore behold, days are coming When I will punish the idols of Babylon; And her whole land will be put to shame And all her slain will fall in her midst. [48] “Then heaven and earth and all that is in them Will shout for joy over Babylon, For the destroyers will come to her from the north,” Declares the LORD. [49] Indeed Babylon is to fall for the slain of Israel, As also for Babylon the slain of all the earth have fallen.”

      “[50] You who have escaped the sword, Depart! Do not stay! Remember the LORD from afar, And let Jerusalem come to your mind. [51] We are ashamed because we have heard reproach; Disgrace has covered our faces, For aliens have entered The holy places of the LORD's house. [52] “Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “When I will punish her idols, And the mortally wounded will groan throughout her land. [53] “Though Babylon should ascend to the heavens, And though she should fortify her lofty stronghold, From Me destroyers will come to her,” declares the LORD.”

V. A God Who Judges vs. 54-64

      “[54] The sound of an outcry from Babylon, And of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans! [55] For the LORD is going to destroy Babylon, And He will make her loud noise vanish from her. And their waves will roar like many waters; The tumult of their voices sounds forth. [56] For the destroyer is coming against her, against Babylon, And her mighty men will be captured, Their bows are shattered; For the LORD is a God of recompense, He will fully repay. [57] “I will make her princes and her wise men drunk, Her governors, her prefects and her mighty men, That they may sleep a perpetual sleep and not wake up,” Declares the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts. [58] Thus says the LORD of hosts, “The broad wall of Babylon will be completely razed And her high gates will be set on fire; So the peoples will toil for nothing, And the nations become exhausted only for fire.””

      “[59]  The message which Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah the son of Neriah, the grandson of Mahseiah, when he went with Zedekiah the king of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. (Now Seraiah was quartermaster.) [60] So Jeremiah wrote in a single scroll all the calamity which would come upon Babylon, that is, all these words which have been written concerning Babylon. [61] Then Jeremiah said to Seraiah, “As soon as you come to Babylon, then see that you read all these words aloud, [62] and say, ‘You, O LORD, have promised concerning this place to cut it off, so that there will be nothing dwelling in it, whether man or beast, but it will be a perpetual desolation.’ [63] “And as soon as you finish reading this scroll, you will tie a stone to it and throw it into the middle of the Euphrates, [64] and say, ‘Just so shall Babylon sink down and not rise again because of the calamity that I am going to bring upon her; and they will become exhausted.’” Thus far are the words of Jeremiah.”

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Sunday Sermon Outline: Jeremiah 50

Jeremiah 50

Judgment on Babylon I

I.   First Cycle vs. 1-10

      A. Babylon's Destruction vs. 1-3

      “The word which the LORD spoke concerning Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans, through Jeremiah the prophet: [2] “Declare and proclaim among the nations. Proclaim it and lift up a standard. Do not conceal it but say, ‘Babylon has been captured, Bel has been put to shame, Marduk has been shattered; Her images have been put to shame, her idols have been shattered.’ [3] “For a nation has come up against her out of the north; it will make her land an object of horror, and there will be no inhabitant in it. Both man and beast have wandered off, they have gone away!”

     B. Israel's Salvation vs. 4-10

      “[4]  “In those days and at that time,” declares the LORD, “the sons of Israel will come, both they and the sons of Judah as well; they will go along weeping as they go, and it will be the LORD their God they will seek. [5] “They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come that they may join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.

     [6] “My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place. [7] “All who came upon them have devoured them; And their adversaries have said, ‘We are not guilty, Inasmuch as they have sinned against the LORD who is the habitation of righteousness, Even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.’

      [8] “Wander away from the midst of Babylon and go forth from the land of the Chaldeans; Be also like male goats at the head of the flock. [9] “For behold, I am going to arouse and bring up against Babylon a horde of great nations from the land of the north, and they will draw up their battle lines against her; From there she will be taken captive. Their arrows will be like an expert warrior who does not return empty-handed. [10] “Chaldea will become plunder; all who plunder her will have enough,” declares the LORD.”

II.  Second Cycle vs. 11-20

      A. Babylon's Desolation vs. 11-16

      “[11] “Because you are glad, because you are jubilant, O you who pillage My heritage, Because you skip about like a threshing heifer and neigh like stallions, [12] Your mother will be greatly ashamed, she who gave you birth will be humiliated. Behold, she will be the least of the nations, a wilderness, a parched land and a desert. [13] “Because of the indignation of the LORD she will not be inhabited, but she will be completely desolate; everyone who passes by Babylon will be horrified and will hiss because of all her wounds.

      [14] “Draw up your battle lines against Babylon on every side, all you who bend the bow; Shoot at her, do not be sparing with your arrows, For she has sinned against the LORD. [15] “Raise your battle cry against her on every side! She has given herself up, her pillars have fallen, Her walls have been torn down. For this is the vengeance of the LORD: Take vengeance on her; As she has done to others, so do to her. [16] “Cut off the sower from Babylon and the one who wields the sickle at the time of harvest; from before the sword of the oppressor They will each turn back to his own people and they will each flee to his own land.”

     B. Israel's Restoration vs. 17-20

      “[17] “Israel is a scattered flock, the lions have driven them away. The first one who devoured him was the king of Assyria, and this last one who has broken his bones is Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. [18] “Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I am going to punish the king of Babylon and his land, just as I punished the king of Assyria. [19] ‘And I will bring Israel back to his pasture and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan, and his desire will be satisfied in the hill country of Ephraim and Gilead. [20] ‘In those days and at that time,’ declares the LORD, ‘search will be made for the iniquity of Israel, but there will be none; and for the sins of Judah, but they will not be found; for I will pardon those whom I leave as a remnant.’”

III. Third Cycle vs. 21-28

      A. Babylon's Removal vs. 21-27

      “[21] “Against the land of Merathaim, go up against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod. Slay and utterly destroy them,” declares the LORD, “And do according to all that I have commanded you. [22] “The noise of battle is in the land, and great destruction. [23] “How the hammer of the whole earth Has been cut off and broken! How Babylon has become an object of horror among the nations! [24] “I set a snare for you and you were also caught, O Babylon, while you yourself were not aware; You have been found and also seized because you have engaged in conflict with the LORD.” [25] The LORD has opened His armory and has brought forth the weapons of His indignation, for it is a work of the Lord GOD of hosts In the land of the Chaldeans. [26] Come to her from the farthest border; Open up her barns, Pile her up like heaps and utterly destroy her, Let nothing be left to her. [27] Put all her young bulls to the sword; Let them go down to the slaughter! Woe be upon them, for their day has come, The time of their punishment.”

     B. Israel's Return v. 28

      “[28] There is a sound of fugitives and refugees from the land of Babylon, To declare in Zion the vengeance of the LORD our God, Vengeance for His temple.”

IV. Fourth Cycle vs. 29-34

      A. Babylon's Repayment vs. 29-32

      “[29] “Summon many against Babylon, All those who bend the bow: Encamp against her on every side, Let there be no escape. Repay her according to her work; According to all that she has done, so do to her; For she has become arrogant against the LORD, Against the Holy One of Israel. [30] “Therefore her young men will fall in her streets, And all her men of war will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD. [31] “Behold, I am against you, O arrogant one,” Declares the Lord GOD of hosts, “For your day has come, The time when I will punish you. [32] “The arrogant one will stumble and fall with no one to raise him up; and I will set fire to his cities and it will devour all his environs.””

      B. Israel's Redemption vs. 33-34

      “[33] Thus says the LORD of hosts, “The sons of Israel are oppressed, And the sons of Judah as well; And all who took them captive have held them fast, They have refused to let them go. [34] “Their Redeemer is strong, the LORD of hosts is His name; He will vigorously plead their case So that He may bring rest to the earth, But turmoil to the inhabitants of Babylon.”

V. The Lord's Judgment on Babylon vs. 35-46

      A. The Sword of the Lord vs. 35-40

      “[35] “A sword against the Chaldeans,” declares the LORD, “And against the inhabitants of Babylon And against her officials and her wise men! [36] “A sword against the oracle priests, and they will become fools! A sword against her mighty men, and they will be shattered! [37] “A sword against their horses and against their chariots And against all the foreigners who are in the midst of her, And they will become women! A sword against her treasures, and they will be plundered! [38] “A drought on her waters, and they will be dried up! For it is a land of idols, And they are mad over fearsome idols. [39] “Therefore the desert creatures will live there along with the jackals; The ostriches also will live in it, And it will never again be inhabited Or dwelt in from generation to generation. [40] “As when God overthrew Sodom And Gomorrah with its neighbors,” declares the LORD, “No man will live there, Nor will any son of man reside in it.”

     B. The Agent of the Lord vs. 41-44

      “[41] “Behold, a people is coming from the north, And a great nation and many kings Will be aroused from the remote parts of the earth. [42] “They seize their bow and javelin; They are cruel and have no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea; And they ride on horses, marshalled like a man for the battle against you, O daughter of Babylon. [43] “The king of Babylon has heard the report about them, and his hands hang limp; Distress has gripped him, agony like a woman in childbirth. [44]  “Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thicket of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will make them run away from it, and whoever is chosen I will appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand before Me?””

Daniel 5

     C. The Will of the Lord vs. 45-46

      “[45] Therefore hear the plan of the LORD which He has planned against Babylon, and His purposes which He has purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: surely they will drag them off, even the little ones of the flock; surely He will make their pasture desolate because of them. [46] At the shout, “Babylon has been seized!” the earth is shaken, and an outcry is heard among the nations.””

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Sunday Sermon Outline: Jeremiah 49

Jeremiah 49

Judgment on the Nations II

I.   Ammon vs. 1-6

     “[1] Concerning the sons of Ammon. Thus says the LORD: “Does Israel have no sons? Or has he no heirs? Why then has Malcam taken possession of Gad And his people settled in its cities [2] “Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “That I will cause a trumpet blast of war to be heard Against Rabbah of the sons of Ammon; And it will become a desolate heap, And her towns will be set on fire. Then Israel will take possession of his possessors,” Says the LORD. [3] “Wail, O Heshbon, for Ai has been destroyed! Cry out, O daughters of Rabbah, Gird yourselves with sackcloth and lament, And rush back and forth inside the walls; For Malcam will go into exile Together with his priests and his princes. [4] “How boastful you are about the valleys! Your valley is flowing away, O backsliding daughter Who trusts in her treasures, saying, ‘Who will come against me?’ [5] “Behold, I am going to bring terror upon you,” Declares the Lord GOD of hosts, “From all directions around you; And each of you will be driven out headlong, With no one to gather the fugitives together. [6] “But afterward I will restore The fortunes of the sons of Ammon,” Declares the LORD.”

II. Edom vs. 7-22

     “[7] Concerning Edom. Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Is there no longer any wisdom in Teman? Has good counsel been lost to the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed? [8] “Flee away, turn back, dwell in the depths, O inhabitants of Dedan, For I will bring the disaster of Esau upon him At the time I punish him. [9] “If grape gatherers came to you, Would they not leave gleanings? If thieves came by night, They would destroy only until they had enough. [10] “But I have stripped Esau bare, I have uncovered his hiding places So that he will not be able to conceal himself; His offspring has been destroyed along with his relatives And his neighbors, and he is no more. [11] “Leave your orphans behind, I will keep them alive; And let your widows trust in Me.” [12]  For thus says the LORD, “Behold, those who were not sentenced to drink the cup will certainly drink it, and are you the one who will be completely acquitted? You will not be acquitted, but you will certainly drink it. [13] “For I have sworn by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that Bozrah will become an object of horror, a reproach, a ruin and a curse; and all its cities will become perpetual ruins.”

     [14] I have heard a message from the LORD, And an envoy is sent among the nations, saying, “Gather yourselves together and come against her, And rise up for battle!” [15] “For behold, I have made you small among the nations, Despised among men. [16] “As for the terror of you, The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, O you who live in the clefts of the rock, Who occupy the height of the hill. Though you make your nest as high as an eagle's, I will bring you down from there,” declares the LORD. [17]  “Edom will become an object of horror; everyone who passes by it will be horrified and will hiss at all its wounds. [18] “Like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah with its neighbors,” says the LORD, “no one will live there, nor will a son of man reside in it. [19] “Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan against a perennially watered pasture; for in an instant I will make him run away from it, and whoever is chosen I shall appoint over it. For who is like Me, and who will summon Me into court? And who then is the shepherd who can stand against Me?” 

     [20] Therefore hear the plan of the LORD which He has planned against Edom, and His purposes which He has purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: surely they will drag them off, even the little ones of the flock; surely He will make their pasture desolate because of them. [21] The earth has quaked at the noise of their downfall. There is an outcry! The noise of it has been heard at the Red Sea. [22] Behold, He will mount up and swoop like an eagle and spread out His wings against Bozrah; and the hearts of the mighty men of Edom in that day will be like the heart of a woman in labor.”

III. Damascus vs. 23-27

     “[23] Concerning Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, For they have heard bad news; They are disheartened. There is anxiety by the sea, It cannot be calmed. [24] “Damascus has become helpless; She has turned away to flee, And panic has gripped her; Distress and pangs have taken hold of her Like a woman in childbirth. [25] “How the city of praise has not been deserted, The town of My joy! [26] “Therefore, her young men will fall in her streets, And all the men of war will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD of hosts. [27] “I will set fire to the wall of Damascus, And it will devour the fortified towers of Ben-hadad.” 

2 Kings 14:28

IV. Kedar and Hazor vs. 28-33

     “[28]  Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated. Thus says the LORD, “Arise, go up to Kedar And devastate the men of the east. [29] “They will take away their tents and their flocks; They will carry off for themselves Their tent curtains, all their goods and their camels, And they will call out to one another, ‘Terror on every side!’ [30] “Run away, flee! Dwell in the depths, O inhabitants of Hazor,” declares the LORD; “For Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has formed a plan against you And devised a scheme against you. [31] “Arise, go up against a nation which is at ease, Which lives securely,” declares the LORD. “It has no gates or bars; They dwell alone. [32] “Their camels will become plunder, And their many cattle for booty, And I will scatter to all the winds those who cut the corners of their hair; And I will bring their disaster from every side,” declares the LORD. [33] “Hazor will become a haunt of jackals, A desolation forever; No one will live there, Nor will a son of man reside in it.”

V.  Elam vs. 34-39

     “[34]  That which came as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying: [35] “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Behold, I am going to break the bow of Elam, The finest of their might. [36] ‘I will bring upon Elam the four winds From the four ends of heaven, And will scatter them to all these winds; And there will be no nation To which the outcasts of Elam will not go. [37] ‘So I will shatter Elam before their enemies And before those who seek their lives; And I will bring calamity upon them, Even My fierce anger,’ declares the LORD, ‘And I will send out the sword after them Until I have consumed them. [38] ‘Then I will set My throne in Elam And destroy out of it king and princes,’ Declares the LORD. [39] ‘But it will come about in the last days That I will restore the fortunes of Elam,’” Declares the LORD.” 

Acts 2:9


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