The High Calling of a Bond Slave

Exodus 21:1-6  Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.  (2)  If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.  (3)  If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.  (4)  If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.  (5)  And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:  (6)  Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

Introduction:   This is an account of a bond slave in the Old Testament.  It is amazing the correlation a bond slave has with how the Christian life ought to be lived. 

I.            A SLAVE IS PURCHASED FOR A PRICE.

              A.           Jesus Was Purchased For A Price.

                             1.           The price of a slave.

(Titus 2:14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

                                           i.            Jesus redeemed you and I

(Galatians 3:13)  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

   
              B.           Jesus' Sentence Was Delivered.

                             1.           The price was paid.

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? ²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

                       

II.           THE SLAVE WAS FACED WITH A CHOICE.

              A.           His Decision Was Plain.  (v 5)

                             1.           There was no double-mindedness about his decision.

(James 1:8)  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

                                           i.            The slave must make a choice

                                           ii.           Stay with his family

                                           iii.          Leave his family

                                                2.           We like the servant must choose.

(Joshua 24:15)  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

i.                Do we choose the gods of the

              Amorites

                             ii.           The gods that our fathers served on the other side of the flood.

                             3.           Christ had to make a choice.

                                           i.            Stay in heaven

                                           ii.           Be born as the man Jesus.

              B.           The Servants Decision Was Public.              (v 6a)

                             1.           He was brought before the judges.

(Luke 12:8-9)  Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:  ⁹ But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

                            2.           He was marked as a servant.

(John 13:3-5)  Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; ⁴ He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.  ⁵ After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

                            3.           Jesus was marked as a servant

                                           i.            The pierced hands

                                           ii.           The pierced feet

                                           iii.          The pierced side

              C.           The Slaves Decision Was Permanent.          (v 6b)

                             1.           There was no way to take back the decision.

                                           i.            The ear was permanently pierced.

                                           ii.           A ring added to signify the owner.

                            2.           He had forever surrendered his will

                                           to his master's will.

                             3.           Jesus' decision was permanent.

                                           i.            He couldn't take back what was done.

                                           ii.           The piercing was indelible.

                             4.           By our acceptance of Jesus

                                           i.            An indelible mark of the Holy Spirit is given us

                                           ii.           To identify our owner.

III.         THE SLAVE WAS CONSTRAINED BY LOVE.

              A.           He Was More Devoted To His Family Than To His Freedom.

(2 Corinthians 5:14)  For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

              B.           He Recognized That His Master Presented The Best Offer.

(Hebrews 11:24-25)  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; ²⁵ Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

(1 Corinthians 2:9)  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

CONCLUSION: We have seen what a slave must do to give up his freedom. 

              We have seen that sometimes the choice of being a slave is the best choice.

              Jesus came to this world to seek and save the lost, give them an eternal home.

              He has shown us that being a servant (slave) is good.

There is freedom in Christ's slavery.

              Christ asks us when we accept Him to go out and confess Him publicly.

              Tell others, profess Him, with your mouth.       Romans 10:9

1.           Have you been redeemed from the slave market of sin?

2.           Have you acknowledged that you were purchased with a price?

3.           Have you made the decision to follow God no matter what the cost?

4.           Does your love for Christ constrain you to be devoted to Him?

5.           Is Christ pleased with your life?

PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD

Amos 4:11-12  I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.  (12)  Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

Amos 4:6  And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

INTRODUCTION:           On this anniversary of our infamous 9/11 what I really wanted to do is take a deeper look at our nation’s situation with God.  A portion of our verse says we need to be preparing to meet our God.

              I really believe the time is coming near to the point whereby Jesus is about to return and take us home.

              What Have We Learned About Ourselves Since 9/11?  America is still as wicked as ever. America has still not recognized God as God.  America will do anything to honor the dead rather than the living Saviour.  America still needs churches that will...

              Preach the Gospel

              Preach Repentance and Faith

              Preach that we need to reach the lost.

              Preach the saving grace of Jesus

              Preach Holy Living.

              Preach growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and       Saviour Jesus Christ

We have not learned anything new. 

As God tells us in Amos:

Amos 4:6  And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

              

     This last portion “…yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.…” is repeated three more time in Amos Chapter 4.  Regardless of what God does for us, or what we promise God, we turn our backs and walk away from Him.

Deuteronomy 1:17   Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.

I.            “YE SHALL NOT RESPECT PERSONS”

              A.           Ye Shall Hear

                             1.           The “small”

                                           i.            Our newscasters

                                                          a.           Spewing out generalities

                                                          b.           One conspiracy theory after

                                                                        another.

                             2.           The “great”

                                           i.            We need to be listening to something                                       

                                           ii.           We need to listen to God

                                           iii.          See what He has to say.

              B.           “Be Not Afraid”

1.               Is your heart right with God?

i.            If so you are then ready for your day.

                                           ii.           These catastrophes do strike terror in

                                                          our hearts. 

                                           iii.          I know for me stand up hear to quote                                                      “…be not afraid...”

2.               I have never witnessed a storm of terror we are currently going through

i.                Human bombs

ii.               Lack of concern for human life

iii.             Lack of concern concerning morals

iv.             Our willingness to follow the world

3.               I would be fearful for sure

              i.            Except I know my LORD and Saviour Jesus stands within.

              C.           The Judgment Is God's

                             1.           If it is to hard for you

                             2.           God tells us “Bring it unto me”

                                           i.            I will hear it

                             3.           Our problem is our hearts,

                                           i.            Strive to get us back to God

                             4.           The terrorists will never get to God.

(Amos 4:12) Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

II.           GOD'S PUNISHMENT DOESN'T WORK 

              A.           “I have overthrown some…”                                       (v 11)

                             1.           He overthrew the Northern Tribes of Israel. 

                             2.           He overthrew Judah and Benjamin also

                                           i.            They worshipped idols and other gods.

                             3.           He brought down Egypt, Greece, Rome and many other nations

                                           i.            Why would we think the USA is exempt

                  

              B.           “...yet have ye not returned to me…”

                             1.           A small faithful remnant.

C.           He said These Will I Do:

  1.           I have Sent You Pestilence                          (v 10)

    i.            Of the type sent to Egypt

                                                      a.           Storms, volcanoes, tsunami’s,                                                                

                                                      b.           Terrorist

                                       ii.           God has sent us a sign.

2.           I Have Slain With The Sword

                                           i.            As a Church and as a nation

                                                          a.           We need to be paying

                                                                        attention

D.           “...yet have ye not returned to me…”

              1.           I will do these things

                             a.           “…prepare to meet thy God…”

(Ezekiel 18:25) Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

III.         IS THE WAY OF THE LORD NOT EQUAL?         [fair]

              A.           God's Way Has Always Been Fair

1.           We all say we just want to be fairly treated. 

2.           What is the cost of your salvation? 

3.           Is eternal life fair for a little devotion?

B.              Our Ways Are What Is Not Equal

1.               You and I are not equal

              i.            With one another

              ii.           With God

                             2.           We expect all from God

                                           i.            Little from us. 

                             3.           The balance scale cannot be balanced.

              C.           Our God Is A Just God

                            1.           Justice

                             2.           Judgment

(Ezekiel 18:21)  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

IV.         IF WE (the wicked) WILL

              A.           Turn From Our Sin

  B.              Keep His Statutes

1.           Follow Him

              C.           We Shall Surely Live

1.           All our transgressions shall not be mentioned.

  D.           Does God Have Pleasure In The Wicked Dying?

(Ezekiel 33:11)  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Conclusion:         What I am trying to say with all this that has gone before us, in remembrance of 9/11 we as Christians must realize where we stand.  Do the right thing in the eyes of God.  We must keep from looking to the World, the devils domain, as did Lot.  (Luke 17:32) “Remember Lot’s wife.”

              We have several Pastor’s leaders of Church’s threatened to burn Koran’s in opposition to the 9/11 Mosque that is proposed near the site of the Twin Towers. 

              What a media uproar, yet how many know of our military burning several hundred Holy Bibles in two Afghan languages to keep some from converting Afghan Muslims, thereby causing unrest.

              I am not for burning anything; I am not in favor of this Cordoba House Mosque.  As an American Patriot I am also against the threats of retaliation by this Muslim leader if they are not allowed to build their Cordoba House Mosque.

              Is this what God is doing to get our tolerance under back to the proper separation as He has always taught. 

              We must understand He will finally have His fill of our sinfulness, and our turning our backs on Him.  One day that will happen.

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

              We as Christian’s and our Nation must do what it will take to get our Nation back to His standards.  We must get a hold of our morality, get the wickedness, the sin as much out of our lives as possible.

              We don’t seem to care that we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ one time.     

              That time may be short or long.  It could be joyful or it could be gut wrenching.              What do you want it to be? 

Faith, Love, and Patience

1 Thessalonians 1:3-10 KJB  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;  (4)  Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.  (5)  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.  (6)  And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:  (7)  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.  (8)  For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.  (9)  For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;  (10)  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

INTRODUCTION:   In my studying for future Sunday School lessons I have discovered a new verse pairing for me.  I have found in these verses how you and I should treat and relate to God; with our Faith, our Love and our patience.

I.            OUR WORK OF FAITH                                            (v 3)

Revelation 2:2  I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: ³And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

                              A.              I Know Your Works

Psalm 1:6                 …the LORD knoweth...

Revelation 2:2       ... I know thy works, …

1.               Your Labor

a.               You have held fast to my name.

Revelation 2:13     …and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith,…

b.           And you who have not denied my faith

B.              You Do Not Tolerate Them Who Do Evil

Revelation 2:2   … how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

                       

1.               You have tried them who call themselves apostles, which are not.

a.           You found them to be liars.

1 Thessalonians 1:9               …and how ye turned to God from idols …

C.           Now We See Our Work Of Faith.

Romans 10:9          That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

1.           It is Salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ

John 6:29   Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

II.           OUR LABOR OF LOVE                                                          (v 3)

1 Peter 1:22             Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: ²³Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Revelation 2:2   …and thy labour…

A.              You Have Obeyed The Truth

1.               Through the Holy Spirit

a.               With an unfeigned (sincere) love

1 Thessalonians 4:9b            … for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

b.           Unfeigned, because God taught us sincerity.

1.)             Incorruptible

2.)             By the Word of God

Hebrews 6:10   For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

1 Thessalonians 1:9    …to serve the living and true God;

B.           Is To Serve Jesus Christ

John 12:26   If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

1.               Serve Him, Be Where He is.

2.               A service of love

III.         OUR PATEINCE OF HOPE                                                    (v 3)

Romans 15:4          For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

              A.           Written For Our Learning

                                 1.               That we through patience have hope.

Romans 4:23         Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

              B.           For Our Sakes

1 Corinthians 9:10                  Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

1.               No doubt

a.               We that plow, plow in Hope

b.                Be a partaker of His Hope

1 Thessalonians 1:10               And to wait for his Son from heaven…

              C.           Let Us Wait With Patience

Conclusion:         We can see one more step these verses display:

The Past, The Present, and the Future. 

The Past =           We turned to God =                        Salvation

The Present =     Serve The Living God =                 Sanctification                         

The Future = Patiently Waiting for Jesus’ return = Glorification   

Is Your Present, the now, a time of service to Jesus Christ?

Has Your Future been sealed, by your past acceptance of Jesus Christ?