Improve your own sermons by reviewing some of the best from the Preaching Today collection. The information below provides a brief synopsis of what you can expect from the downloadable transcript.
Download the transcript as a Word file to receive access to the full outline and complete sermon.
Inquiring of the Lord
by Jim Cymbala
Text: 1 Samuel 23:1–13
Topic: Why we need to inquire of the Lord
Big Idea: Inquiring of the Lord enables us to identify God's plan for our lives and experience his provision.
Keywords: Christ, as shepherd; Christ, lordship of; Faith; God; providence of; God, will of; Holy Spirit, leading; Planning; Prayer, need for; Prayer, power of; Will, human; Will, of God
Introduction:
- 1 Samuel 23:1–2
- The events of September 11th forced many people to think of eternity and the brevity of life.
-Proverbs 27:1
- The question is: How do we figure out what God wants us to do?
God has a plan for our lives.
- When David heard that Keilah was under attack, he could have ignored the situation because he was being pursued by Saul.
- David also could have rushed in to deal with the problem because he viewed himself as God's anointed and assumed he couldn't fail.
- Instead, David went to God and asked, "God, should I at this moment in my life go and attempt to save Keilah and attack the Philistines?"
- We are responsible to follow God's plan for our lives in the same way that a bondservant obeys his or her master.
-Romans 1:1; Hebrews 10:7
God uses the Holy Spirit to reveal his plan for our lives.
- The Bible is primarily a rule for our morals and our doctrine; it does not tell us many things that are critical to our lives.
-Illustration: Cymbala's staff routinely faces situations that are not addressed in Scripture, for example: finding a suitable building, dealing with HIV patients, and finding a spouse.
- All through the Old Testament you find that whenever David was at his best, he was inquiring of the Lord.
- The will of God can only be known through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 16:6–10
- Illustration: Cymbala recounts several instances that he could not face as a pastor without the leading of the Holy Spirit, including gang violence and financing a building in the middle of downtown New York City.
When we follow God's plan, he will supply our needs.
- Wherever God leads you, God is under covenant to supply what you need.
- When we stray out from under the umbrella of God's plan, we are leaving his provision also.
- Christians must allow their ministries to remain flexible to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
- Remember that God has a specific plan for your specific situation.
- David was able to rescue the town of Keilah, and escape Saul afterward, because he inquired of the Lord.
- Whatever problem you are facing now, ask the Lord what he wants you to do.
For additional information on how to order downloadable sermon transcripts, click here.
100% GUARANTEE - If you are not completely satisfied with the downloadable transcript you purchase, please e-mail us and we'll provide your next one completely free!
|
