The Plowman

 

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Gospel of John #50: an exposition of John 19:17-30. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 5, 2012.

Intro:
Have you ever been shocked or surprised by the unexpected?  One of those times when something came out of nowhere and slapped you in the face?  You stagger back and think, “where did that come from?”  Or maybe someone said something you never thought you would hear them say.  You know, like you heard a politician tell the truth!  Or even more unexpected, you saw a preacher perform manual labor!  From time to time we have all been surprised.  Sometimes it is a pleasant surprise.  At other times it is a devastating surprise.

When I read the Gospels, I’m often surprised by what I see and hear.  Sometimes I see the response of Jesus and it shocks me – usually because it is so unlike they way I would have responded.  At other times I hear the words of Jesus and I think, “that can’t be right.  I must not have heard that right.  The Lord couldn’t possibly expect me to do that.”  Without a doubt the most shocking portion of scripture to me is the account of the arrest and the crucifixion of our Lord.  To see Him abandoned.  To see the injustice.  To hear the lies.  To hear the bloodthirsty mob and to see the cowardice of Pilate – I want to cry out, “No!  This can’t be.  This can’t happen.”  Yet the majestic bearing of our Lord is evidence enough that He is in complete control.  The sovereign hand of the invisible God is guiding all things to a predetermined end.  Each participant is acting according to his own choice yet playing the role determined by the Divine Author.

I want to encourage you to keep all of this in mind as we explore John’s account of the crucifixion.  Our text this morning is found in John chapter 19.

Text: John 19:17-30

We have been treading on holy ground for the last few weeks as we have moved closer and closer to the cross.

This morning we step behind the veil in to the holy of holies or the most holy place.

This is the pivotal moment in all of history.

This is why the Lord Jesus left the glory of heaven to become a man.  This is the reason for the incarnation.  This is the “hour” that Jesus kept referring to throughout His ministry.  This is the revelation of those Old Testament prophecies.  This is the reality behind the symbols of bloody sacrifice and the various offerings.  Jesus, the great high priest is about to enter in behind the veil in that tabernacle not made with hands, into the very presence of God to offer that once and for all sacrifice for the sins of man.  Redemption’s payment is being made.  Salvation is being secured.  The cross of Jesus is not a tragedy, it is a triumph!

As I read John’s account, there is something that stands out in my mind.

It is something that John has done throughout his Gospel.

John has used contrast as a literary tool.  Light and darkness, spirit and flesh have been reoccurring themes.  And there are several contrasts in his account of the cross.  That is what I would like to focus on this morning.

I want to encourage you to look closely at the cast of characters surrounding this story.  Again, you’ve heard it so often that it is difficult to see it with new eyes or hear it we fresh ears – but try to this morning.  Experience the cross this morning as we explore our text.

There are three contrasts that I want to note.

1. Note the contrast between the blindness of the religious establishment and the orthodox confession of Pilate.  (John 19:17-22)
2. Note as well, the contrast between the indifference of the Roman soldiers and the loving concern of the crucified.  (John 19:23-27)
3. Finally, note the contrast between death’s arrival and our Lord’s shout of victory.  (John 19:28-30)

Conclusion:
We’ve been talking about contrasts.  Seeing and hearing the unexpected.  That’s what is unique about the Gospel.  It is not what you might expect.  The Gospel is the “good news” of how an absolutely pure and holy God reaches out to rescue dirty, sinful, stubborn folks like you and like me.

It’s not about what you do – it’s about what He did.
It’s not about your getting your act together – it’s about your declaring spiritual bankruptcy.
It’s about justification by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone, for the glory of God alone!

 

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Philippians #10: an exposition of Philippians 4:10-19. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, February 1, 2012.

 

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Philippians #9: an exposition of Philippians 4:8-9. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, January 25, 2012.

 

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1 Samuel #10: an exposition of 1 Samuel 10:17-27. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, January 29, 2012.

Intro:
It was a dramatic moment.  Tensions ran high following the fiery sermon from God’s prophet.  The people had demanded a king.  A king like the nations surrounding them.  Though it was a rejection of God’s sovereign reign, God gave them a king.  In dramatic fashion old Samuel told the people to assembly by tribes.  Through the casting of lots the tribe of Benjamin was selected.  From the tribe of Benjamin the clan of the Matrites was taken.  Finally the family of Kish and that dramatic moment when Israel’s new king was introduced…hello.  Is anyone home?  You must picture this scene.  Imagine a dramatic fanfare as the king is announced.  Every head turns the people straining for a glimpse of his royal majesty and no one appears.  His name is called again.  Nothing.  A search is made - nothing.  Finally they resort to prayer as they inquire of the Lord, “Can you please help us find our king?”  “He is over there hiding in the baggage!”  Israel has her king but perhaps he’s not like the kings of her neighbors.  Our text this evening is found in 1 Samuel chapter 10 and verses 17-27.

Text: 1 Samuel 10:17-27

1 Samuel is not about Samuel, or Saul, or David or even the kingdom…it is about God.
It is about His sovereignty, His rule, His reign, His character.
It is a reminder to us that God will accomplish His purpose in the earth.
God has a people and He has entered into covenant with them.
While they may violate that covenant, He never will.
While they may prove unfaithful, He will remain forever faithful.

In their lust to be like everyone else the people of God forgot His ways are not our ways neither are His thoughts our thoughts.  The people of God, then and now, are often blind to their own wickedness and folly.  Out of their own sinful hearts they clamored for a king and rejected the only rightful king.  Yet even in their sin they served God’s sovereign purpose.

This passage serves to remind us that God’s will is done in spite of us.
God’s plans cannot be thwarted.
What is clear in this text is that…

Thesis: Saul’s public coronation as king makes it clear that Israel’s king is like no other king.

Chapter 10:1-16 introduces us to Saul.
A handsome young man who is literally head and shoulders above all others.
His father Kish had some runaway donkeys and Saul is sent to look for them.
But we learner the seeker is actually the one sought!
Lost donkeys were just part of God’s sovereign plan.
There was a private ceremony in which Saul is anointed king.
Then he goes home and tells no one!

This is where I know Saul is different.
I don’t think I could have kept such a thing a secret.
“Hey, don’t tell anybody but I’ve been declared king.”
Saul is even asked directly - “What did Samuel tell you?”
“Oh, he told us the donkeys had been found.”

I would have taken the question to be a clear sign that God wanted everyone to know I was their new king!

As we consider this text I want to point out three things to you.  Things that are important for us to understand.

1. In their rush to be like everyone else Israel was rejecting their standing as God’s unique people.  (10:17-19)
2. God’s choice of a king and his appointment underscores Israel’s ultimate dependence upon God.  (10:20-24)
3. As Samuel establishes Israel’s monarchy, he establishes the priority of God’s law and brings division among the people.  (10:25-27)

Conclusion:
Israel’s king is like no other.

When God’s people long to be like everyone else they abandon God and His calling.
When God appoints His leader - He underscores our dependence upon Him.
We have no king other than Jesus.

 

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Gospel of John #49: an exposition of John 18:28-19:16. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, January 29, 2012.

Intro:
I don’t know why I did it.  It was a dumb thing to do.  It was in a weak, unthinking moment.  I actually said, “Oh go on Rheadon.  Why don’t you just get out of here?  I can handle things.  I’ll watch the baby.  I can handle it.”  She left and I said, “What do you want to do Zac?  Watch a little of the ball game – do some guy things?  It’s you and me pal.  Just the guys.”  I’m thinking how hard can this be?  He’s just a few weeks old; I’m a college graduate – a seminary man, no problem.  Things were going just fine and then all of a sudden – I noticed an odor.  What in the world?  Where is that coming from?  Suddenly I knew from whence cometh the smell.  Oh no!  I broke out in a cold sweat.  A crisis had arisen and I wasn’t sure I was up to the occasion.

Throughout the years various crises have arisen.  In each crisis I, as the husband and father, the rock, the stabilizing influence of the family, have proven my true character.  The rock of Gibraltar has consistently been reduced to a mound of Jell-O!  A crisis has a way of revealing our true nature.  In the midst of a crisis we find out what we are really made of.  We are exposed for what we are.  Not what we want to be.  Not what we want others to think we are – but what we in fact are.

Early in His ministry, the Lord Jesus angered the religious establishment.  It was clear He was not impressed by their ceremonial splendor or intimidated by their authority.  His teaching cut across the grain of their traditions.  The multitudes were flocking to Him and they saw their power base eroding.  It was in that house in Capernaum that we heard the first rumblings of the storm that would ultimately lead to Calvary.  The hour had come.  The moment set by the Father’s authority had now arrived.  God’s eternal plan of the ages was now unfolding.  The die had been cast.  Our Lord, knowing that He had already been betrayed, met with His disciples in that upper room to celebrate the Passover and to institute the new memorial meal.  He spoke with them about His coming death and His resurrection.  He told of the coming of the Holy Spirit.  He taught them about their need of abiding in Him.  He told them of the glorious place He was preparing for them and then He prayed for them.  He prayed for their protection and for unity.  Then they left the upper room, crossed the Kidron brook and into the Garden of Gethsemane.  Soon the quiet of the evening was shattered by the approaching, angry mob.  Temple police, Roman soldiers, and religious officials led by the betrayer approached Jesus and His frightened disciples.

Judas, the black-hearted disciple had sold the precious Lord of Glory for 30 pieces of silver.  The night would be a whirlwind of activity.  Shuttled from one place to another.  False accusations, lying witnesses and innumerable injustices would lead to the sentence of death.  There is that part of us that looks at the events of that evening and says, “Lord how could such a thing happen?  Where were you?  Why?”  But on the other hand we know that while each of those involved acted according to their own will, they were doing the bidding of the sovereign, eternal God.  The death of Jesus Christ was no accident.  It was the plan of the ages.  For He is, “The lamb slain before the foundation of the world.”

As we explore the events of that evening we learn a great deal about the character of those involved.  One thing is certain.  The character of the Lord Jesus stands in sharp contrast to those around Him.

Text: John 18:28-19:16

This is the most dramatic account of the trial of Jesus in the New Testament.  We are, in dealing with this section, on holy ground.  In the midst of all this uncertainty and confusion – the sovereign hand of the invisible God is very evident.  History was moving to a predetermined end.  I want to invite you to look closely at this section.  In particular I want you to contrast the Lord Jesus with the others mention in this text.  When you do, I am convinced that you will see that:

Thesis: The trial of Jesus serves to reveal His incomparable glory.

To read this section is almost laughable.

The very idea that these petty leaders thought that they were in control.

Look at John 18:12-13.

They “bound” Him?  They bound the eternal one?  The creator bound by His creation?  The one who spoke and the universe came into being.  The one who put the stars in place.  The one who spoke to the storm on the Sea of Galilee and said, “Hush, be still!”  This is the one they bound?  They did not bind Him.  Love bound Him.  Love for you.  Love for me.  Love for those for whom He came to redeem.  He gave himself.  He chose the way of the cross.

He was taken first to Annas the former High Priest who was the power behind the scene.  He had served as High Priest from 6 – 15 A.D. before being removed from office by the Romans.  Four of his sons and his son-in-law Caiaphas all served as High Priest.  Annas was a corrupt man who made his fortune through corruption and graft in the Temple.  In fact the shops in the Temple where you could buy sacrificial animals were called the Bazaars of Annas.  The Jews themselves hated the household of Annas.  There is a passage in the Talmud that says:  “Woe to the house of Annas!  Woe to their serpent’s hiss!”  This is the man they brought Jesus to.  Annas served as Jesus’ first questioner.  Jesus showed nothing but contempt for Annas.

From there it was on to Caiaphas then to Pilate to Herod and then back to Pilate.

As we explore this passage I ask you to look first at the Jews.

1. The Jews: the face of intense hatred and hostility.
2. Pilate: the face of cowardice and compromise.
3. Jesus: the face of sovereign authority.

Conclusion:
This is our King.  This is the savior, the Son of God.  His kingdom is not of this world.  He came to reveal the truth and those who love truth come to Him.  He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  He is the great High Priest who willingly gave His life.  He chose the way of the cross.  He chose to give His life for His sheep, those, who believe, who trust in Him.

The trails serve to reveal His incomparable glory.

 

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1 Samuel #09: an exposition of 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, January 22, 2012.

Intro:
We know Him because He wants to be known.  We have understanding of God and His ways because He has graciously chosen to reveal himself to us.  How has He revealed himself?  In what ways does He make himself known?  The Psalmist tells us the heavens declare His glory.  All of creation is a revelation.  Through the creation we can know that God is powerful, that He has supreme intelligence, that He loves variety, and that He cares about the smallest detail.  But we do not know His name.  We do not know how He thinks or what He thinks of us.  Thus God has revealed himself through His word, the Bible.  Theologians call these two forms of revelation “general” and “specific” or “special” revelation.  Another way God has revealed himself is through history.  History is His story.  We do not believe in random chance.  We do not view history as an endless cycle.  Rather we see it as linear.  History is moving somewhere.  It is moving toward a point God has determined.  God is not a detached, disinterested “watchmaker” who simply watches history unfold, He is making history.  He is personally and intimately involved in the affairs of men.  History is a revelation of God.  That is the focus of our text this evening found in chapters 9 and 10 of 1 Samuel.

Text: 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16

It is a critical time in the life of the nation of Israel.
Samuel has been Judge of the people for decades.
He has been their God-appointed leader.
He is now an old man and his sons, whom he appointed judges, have proven inadequate.
The people have demanded a king like the nations around them.
Chapter 8 ends with God telling Samuel to give the people what they want.

Though their demand was from impure motive and was a clear rejection of God, God said, “Let them have their way.”  That is seldom, if ever, a good thing.  Samuel was not pleased yet he was determined to obey God.  Yet the chapter ends with Samuel sending the people away.  He told them to go back to their cities.

What is going to happen?
Are they going to get their king?
How will they get one?
When will they get one?
We are left with all kinds of questions and not even a hint of an answer!

Chapter nine opens like an entirely different story - “There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a man of wealth…”

It reads like the opening of 1 Samuel chapter 1.  Further we are told this man Kish had some missing livestock and he sent his son to look for them.  What is going on here?  We are at a crisis moment.  Tension is high.  The people have made demands.  God has said, “Make them a king.”  Why does the Spirit inspire the biblical writer to include this farm report?

Who cares about lost donkeys?
A nation is at stake.

When I first read this it reminded me of the old Monty Python show.  There would be a skit or story and then the announcer would say, “…and now for something completely different” which would be followed by something that had nothing to do with what had been going on.  That’s how this reads.  It’s how life often seems.  But we are going to find they are related.  It’s all part of one grand story.  A story that gives us insight into the character of our God.

As we work through these two chapters I want you to see that…

• Thesis: 1 Samuel 9 and 10 serve to remind us of the rule, the mercy and the sovereignty of our God.

There are 4 things to note.

1. In God’s orchestration of the events of Saul’s life we are reminded of the wonder of God’s providential leading.  (9:3-27)
2. In the opening words of chapter 10 we are struck by the kindness of God in providing assurance.  (10:1-9)
3. With God’s empowering of Saul we are encouraged by God’s faithfulness in equipping.  (10:9-13)
4. Our text closing in silence reminds us that we are not entitled to know what God is up to.  (10:14-16)

Only Saul is aware of the anointing.
Only Saul knows that he is king.
He says nothing.

So often we feel entitled.
We demand to know what is happening.
But who are we to make demands?
What right do we have?
God is God.

In this extraordinary tale of God’s sovereign work we find a revelation of God.  We come to see He reigns, He is merciful, He is faithful and He is sovereign.

This is the God we serve.
This is the God who has made himself known to us.

 

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Gospel of John #48: an exposition of John 18:12-27. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, January 22, 2012.

Intro:
Betrayal.  The word itself makes me mad.  Inherent in the word is the breaking of trust, the denial of relationship and the violation of confidence.  It is ugly, offensive and deserving of scorn.  Yet when you are betrayed by one you love the primary emotion is not hatred.  It is not anger.  It is hurt.  A deep, genuine sorrow caused by the loss of relationship.  That’s if you are the one betrayed.  When you are on the outside looking in well, that’s another matter.  I must admit when I read the text I get upset.  I just can’t believe what I’m reading.  How could he do it?  What kind of worthless degenerate are we dealing with?  How could you do that to Him after all He has done for you?  How could you be so calloused?  Have you no heart?  Have you no conscience?  Have you no decency?  After my initial burst of self-righteous indignation I then settle down and think it through.  It is then I get uncomfortable.  I start to realize that he is really no different than me.  Reflecting on the context I’m forced to consider how often I’ve been guilty of the same betrayal.  How often I’ve played the coward and practiced the fine art of denial.  Suddenly the tables are turned.  I’m no longer angry with him in fact I’m sympathetic.  I understand how difficult it must have been.  As I seek to justify his, and in turn my own, failure I am overcome with a since of shame.  Then I’m grateful, once again, for the Gospel.  I’m grateful for the love and grace of God that secured my redemption.  The grace that removes my sin and says, “You’re loved.  You’re accepted.  You’re Mine and forever will be.”  I’m grateful for the truths revealed through failure.  Our text this morning is found in John’s Gospel chapter 18 beginning with verse 12.

Text: John 18:12-27

We are marching toward the cross.
Judas has completed his treacherous work.
Our Lord is in the custody of the Jewish authorities.
Now begins the mockery of a trial that will lead, in hours, to His brutal death.
John, as he has done throughout his Gospel, provides us with another contrast.
This time the contrast of the strength of Jesus and weakness of Peter.

The fact that it is Peter who denies the Lord is part of what is so shocking about all this.  Had it been Nicodemus we would not be shocked.  He came at night and there seemed hesitancy on his part.  If he were to deny Jesus we’d  not be shocked.  If it had been the Rich Young Ruler we would not think much of it.  After all he loved the things of this world.  But Peter?  Earlier that evening Peter said, “Lord even if I must to die with you, I will never deny you!”

As we work our way through this text I want us to see that…

• Thesis: Peter’s monumental failure serves to teach us valuable truths about ourselves and our Savior.

Before we get to the lessons we can learn let’s set the scene.
Our Lord has been arrested and we begin with this mockery of a trial.

1. Peter and John (another disciple) followed the authorities and because of John’s connections were able to gain entrance to the courtyard (18:15-16).
2. Peter’s first denial - 18:17-18
3. Jesus before Annas - 18:18-24
4. Peter’s second and third denial - 18:25-27

What do we learn from this?

Peter’s failure reveals the depth of the perversion of the human heart and warns of the danger of an overconfident faith.

Peter’s failure serves to reveal the depth and the wonder of our Savior’s love.

Conclusion:
You must not walk away from this text without hearing Luke 22:31-32:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Following the resurrection Jesus said to Mary, “Go tell my disciples and Peter…” (Mark 16:7).
Then comes that passage in John 21:15 when our Lord commissions Peter, “…feed my sheep.”

Peter’s failure becomes a means for teaching us great truths about ourselves and about our Savior.  Apart from the grace of God there’s nothing we would not do - be warned.  Take heed less you fall.  Yet our Savior is a gracious merciful God whose love never fails.  That’s the Gospel.  Therein is our hope.

 

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Philippians #8: an exposition of Philippians 4:6-7. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, January 18, 2012.

 

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An exposition of Matthew 7:13-27. This message by Andrew Hoyt was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, January 15, 2012.

 

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1 Samuel #08: an exposition of 1 Samuel 8:1-22. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, January 8, 2012.

Intro:
No one likes to be exposed or revealed for who they really are.  At church we put on the smile and cheerfully respond, “I’m doing well, thanks for asking.”  When in reality we are, at times, dying inside.  At work we’re praying our boss never finds out how incompetent we are.  We hope our friends and neighbors never see past the facade we’ve built.  Perhaps worst of all we think maybe God hasn’t noticed the truth about us after all He’s busy running the universal why should He take not of me?  I don’t want to burst any bubbles but probably the only person you’ve fooled is you!  You’ve not been exposed because your fellow church members, your boss, neighbors and friends have their own faults they’re trying to keep under wraps.  As painful as it may be, from time to time, we need to take a good, honest look at ourselves.  We need to take a no holds barred look deep into our own souls.  The mirror through which we are to look is the Word of God.  When we look carefully into the Word we often see our own reflection.  Not the reflect we want others to see, not the reflection we are trying to create but the cold hard truth about ourselves.  Our text this evening is one of those texts.  1 Samuel chapter 8 is a mirror that reflects the true nature of Israel and in turn each of us.

Text: 1 Samuel 8:1-22

A considerable amount of time has passed between 7:17 and 8:1 (30 or more years?).  Samuel is now an old man.  He has appointed his sons Joel and Abijah as judges.  They were far from him in the south.  The problem is they were not like their father.  They did not “walk in his ways but turned aside after gain.”  They took brides and perverted justice.

Sound familiar?  Sounds an awful lot like Eli and his boys.  Why did he appoint them?  Well he was getting old.  Making the circuit became increasingly difficult.  By having his boys cover the south he would not have to travel as much and it lighted the work load.  That’s logical but by what authority did he appoint them?  Samuel was a judge.  Israel’s judges did not appoint successors.  Judges were raised up by God.  In fact there was a time when Israel wanted their judge to establish a dynasty.  They said to Gideon, “Rule over us…you and your son and your grandson also.”  Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you” (Judges 8:22-23).

Why did Samuel do it?  We don’t know why but we do know it was a colossal failure!  Samuel’s sons were no better than Eli’s.  That brings us to a proposal from Israel’s elders and that is the heart of our text.

Their proposal seems logical.  It seemed like a reasonable means for bringing security and stability but as we will discover…

Thesis: Israel’s demand for a king, like the other nations, exposes the depth of human depravity.

There are two reasons for why I say that.

1. Israel’s demand exposes our penchant for substitutes.  (8:5-8)
2. Israel’s demand exposes disdain for holiness.  (8:5, 19-20)

Conclusion:
1 Samuel chapter 8 is a mirror.  It reveals Israel and you.  It shows how easily you misplace your trust; how ashamed you are to be different; how resistant you are to any word that does not agree with your opinion.  You are exposed.  And that is a good thing.  Because exposure leads to repentance and faith.