SBS Sermon Notes Note 03/10
1. SMALL BEGINNINGS
Man's way of doing things is to start with an impressive show, to put on
something big, something spectacular, something that will win the attention
and admiration of as many people as possible. This is natural and human, but
very immature; especially when the end is total failure. Yahweh's way is the very opposite. He begins everything He
does in a small way; with a seed, an idea, a word, a baby. But then there is
growth, increase and steady progress. Let us examine this spiritual concept
of 'small beginnings' and steady growth and see how the Most High seeks to
work in our lives. And if He isn't already doing so, then let us determine to change.
Matthew 13:31 | Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. |
2. WHAT IS A SEED?
The seed represents a characteristic of the Kingdom of Heaven. Initially it
may appear of small account and not worthy of attention. But, like that tiny
mustard seed Yahweh's truth is infinitely powerful and once it takes root in
the human mind it can become the most important thing in a believer's life.
Yahweh's Kingdom; His Word, His Law, His power, His authority, His fame and
His ever-growing influence over all things may initially appear insignificant
and small: but never underestimate truth and its power. This fact is
encompassed in the parable of the black mustard seed. Let us look at a few
examples of this characteristic of the Kingdom of Heaven in the past.
Judges 6:14 | And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? 15: And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. 16: And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. |
2 Kings 5:2 | And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. 3: And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. 4: And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. |
John 6:5 | When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6: And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7: Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8: One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9: There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10: And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11: And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. |
Acts 23:12 | And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13: And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. 14: And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. 15: Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. 16: And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. 17: Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him. 18: So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee. 19: Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? 20: And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly. 21: But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee. |
3. WHAT CAN WE DO?
From these examples we can learn certain facts about the Kingdom of Heaven,
of which every believer is a part. Here is a brief - though not
complete - list of taboos of which to rid yourself:
SBS Sermon Notes More sermons on the Parables