REMEMBER OUR HEROES
Acts 26:12-23
People are not born as heroes. They emerge from the mass of humanity and do something above the norm. They act because they see a need and have a vision for solving the problem. The vision may come in the form of a long contemplated dream or maybe it’s a split second decision to act immediately (with exceptional results).
Remembrance Sunday is a time for us to remember those who have contributed to the personal security and blessings we enjoy. Hebrews 11 lists a roll of heroes as people who entered into the conflicts of life and emerged victoriously. It is possible that some of us will become a hero to someone.
In this sermon I would like to draw attention to three Biblical individuals who became heroes. Moses, Isaiah and Paul came to grips with some spiritual needs in their society and had a vision that brought results and we still remember them today. Maybe the great need for our generation is a vision.
I. VISION OF LIFE’S WORK (v.16 “a purpose”)
(A) Moses was commissioned to be a national leader. (Ex 3:10-11)
(B) He saw the oppression of his people and acted. (Acts 7:20-24)
(C) He obeyed the vision no matter the cost. (Hebrews 11:23-27)
(D) Obedience can be costly but disobedience is more costly.
(E) Isaiah had a vision of renewing values for the nation of Judah.
(F) He saw his duty in Isa. 6:8-13 and volunteered to serve.
(G) He courageously denounced sin. (v.5)
(H) He humbly admitted sin. (“I’m undone…”)
(I) God effectively dealt with sin and purged it. (v.7)
(J) Paul saw the vision of the NT church. It required obedience. Acts 26:16
(K) He helped formulate our Christian beliefs.
(L) His vision was to build the kingdom of God. (Acts 26:18)
II. VISION OF SIN (v.18 “from darkness”)
(A) Moses never forgot the burning bush. (Exodus 3) He saw his sin and God’s holiness. He removed his shoes in humility.
(B) God assured Moses that their prayers had been heard. (Ex 3:7)
(C) Moses saw more than the bush (sin), he saw the fire (God’s holy power).
(D) Isaiah had his vision in church. He saw sin in the group and in himself.
(E) When he saw his own sin he had to admit it and quit it. (Isa 6:7-8)
(F) Paul was travelling, not in church, when his vision came. (Acts 9:3)
(G) When he caused trouble in the church he was actually fighting God. (v. 4)
(H) His former colleagues were actually enemies of God and he saw he had been wrong all along. (Acts 22:4-8)
III. VISION BECAME REALITY (v.19 “obedient”)
(A) Moses remained meek; his authority didn’t go to his head.
(B) His troubles drew him closer to God. (Deut. 34:10)
(C) Isaiah became a hero because he had a willing heart. “Send me” (v.8)
(D) He saw the mystery of salvation: some hear and others refuse. (Jn 12:38)
(E) Paul became known as the NT theologian. He was fearless. (Acts 26:22)
(F) He saw the connection between Moses and Christ. Jesus said, “You should have believed Moses because he wrote of me!” (Jn 5:46)
IV. VISION MEANS ACTION (v.22 “I continue”)
(A) All three heroes acted on their visions.
(B) Illus: Telemachus, 4th century monk, acted on his vision of sin. Charles Colson, LOVING GOD, p.241
(C) This monk couldn’t do much but he did what he could and stopped a tradition of gladiatorial brutality.
V. WE ALL NEED A VISION
(A) Do you see the awfulness of sin? It caused the death of Jesus.
(B) Sin dooms everyone who embraces it.
(C) Sin rebels against the Lord’s will for you.
(D) Are you willing to do something about it? Will you say NO to sin in you?
(E) Will you resist sin and cry out against it?
(F) God will not bless laziness; you must follow your vision.
(G) If you will do something for God he will bless it.
(H) Pray daily; pay your tithe; fast a meal; pass out a tract; write a letter of encouragement or just smile and greet someone cordially.
(I) Illus: Ship bound for India lost a man overboard. The crew laboured in the darkness but all hope fled. One man put a candle in his window and the light revealed the struggling seaman. He was rescued. The next day he was told that his little lamp was the sole means of seeing and saving the man. The light showed them where to throw the rope. He had done something and God had blessed it. He became a hero. All of us can do something. Even a stately oak tree begins with a small acorn. Don’t get discouraged. Embrace and obey your vision.
As we remember our national and family heroes, we must also remember what Christ has done for us. He is the Christian’s hero. The Lord’s Supper is an act of remembering. Jesus said that every time we do it we should remember Him.
10 November 2002
London Pillar of Fire Chapel
Bernard Dawson, pastor Offering last Sunday £138.55 (am)
£131.00 (pm)
