Do Not Be Weary in Well Doing Pastor Timothy Hinkle July 18, 2010 (Developed by Rob Dirkse)

Isaiah 58:10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness as the noon day. (KJV) If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and- out, your lives will begin to glow in darkness. (The Message)

What does it mean to be truly generous? To give when it is not easy. To give as a lifestyle, not a “one- time shot.”

Who are the hungry and “down- and-out? Poor Homeless Broken Hurting Lost They need us to be Jesus to them!

What does it mean to “glow” in the darkness? To stand out as a bright Light (Jesus in you) To show the way and attract people to the source of The Light (Jesus)!

What is “the darkness?” Everything contrary to God’s best for His creation  Self-focus  Self-indulgence  Ignoring others  Pride  Lust  Greed  Gossip

John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (KJV) “By this will all men know you are my disciples; by your love for one another.” (The Message)

What did Jesus say was the mark of His followers? LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER

Why is it important to love each other, as Christians specifically? If people are to believe the Family of God is worth being a part of, they need to see us “being Jesus” to each other. Then they can see what Jesus is like. If we are divided by race, denominations, wealth, etc., why would they want to be part of that?

What does it mean to be the family of God? That we give, serve and sacrifice for each other like any real, loving family does.

How is this “love for each other” lived out and visible to a lost world? Building each other up (“positive gossip”), choosing not to point out differences or the failings of each other to make ourselves look better. Praying for one another because we are FAMILY— defending each other against the attacks of the world. Supporting another church’s ministry by volunteering, giving $$, praying and encouragement, partnering together in a ministry in the community, etc.

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for witout me ye can do nothing. (KJV) I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in Me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do NOTHING.

What is the relationship between the vine and the branches? The Vine is what nourishes the branches. It keeps them alive and growing, and bearing fruit.

What does it mean to “remain in Him” To stay intimately connected to The Vine. We must have a “personal” and “private” relationship with the Lord. Why must we remain in Him? If we do not, we do not grow, bear fruit, then we die! If we do not, we do not row, bear fruit, then we die!

What are some examples of the “much fruit” that we bear? God uses us to bless the lives of others Tell others about Jesus Building each other up Look like Jesus so that we attract people to Jesus!

Fruit of the Spirit — Galatians 5:22—26 But “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

How much can we do apart from Jesus? NOTHING! All that we do “in our own strength” is “hay and stubble” meaning that it will not remain into eternity.

Proverbs 31:8—9 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. (KJV) Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and- outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute! (The Message)

What does it mean to have “no voice?” No power, no ability to speak/advocate for themselves? The oppressed do not know how to change their situation and are trapped.

Who in our world today have “no voice?” Unborn children Women (in other countries or who are being abused) The poor The persecuted (Christians in other countries) The uneducated The mentally ill Those Physically disabled The elderly Prisoners

How can we speak up for the rights of those who have no voice? Make this a point of prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you!

What does it mean to speak up for Justice? In what ways is our world unjust? When we see ourselves, other individuals, churches, businesses, schools, Government or anyone else ignoring or taking advantage or treating unfairly a person or group of people unfairly—THAT is injustice! God calls us to speak out and ACT on behalf of injustice to anyone!

Galatians 6:9—10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (v. 9—The Message)

Think about it What does it mean to “grow weary in doing good?” Why do you think Paul made a point to say this? What is meant by “the proper time?” What does Paul mean by “reap a harvest?” What are some things we can do to avoid giving up?