“Searching to Be Nurtured”
2003 Searching Series
Hebrews 10:19-25
September 14, 2003
Purpose: In our search to be valued and cared for, God’s plan is that he nurtures us so we can nurture one another.
Introduction
1. We need to be nurtured…
2. But we also have a drive in us that wants to nurture others…marriage, children, grandchildren, pets, men and our special projects
Point: God nurtures us so that we have the ability nurture others.
I. We are nurtured to nurture others when…we discover God is willing to nurture us.
I John 3:16 – “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us…”
When we say it’s impossible…God says, “all things are possible.” (Luke 18:27)
When we say we’re too tired…God says, “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
When we say, no one loves us…God says, “I love world so much, I’ve sent my son…”
(John 3:16)
When we say, we can’t go on…God says, “My grace is sufficient…when you’re at your lowest, I’m at my best.” (II Corinthians 12:9)
When we say, we cant’ figure things out…God says, lean on me and “I will direct your
paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
When we say, we can’t do it…God says, “you can do all things” through my Son who give
you strength (Philippians 3:4)
When we say, we’re not able…God says, “I am able to make grace abound toward you…” (II Corinthians 9:8)
When we say, It’s not worth it…God says, “all things will work together” –Romans 8:28
When we say, we can’t forgive ourselves…God says, “If you’ll confess them, I’ll forgive them.” (I John 1:9)
When we say, we can’t manage, we’re afraid, we’re worried and frustrated, that we don’t have enough faith, that we aren’t smart enough, that we feel all lone...
It is God who says, “I will supply your needs” (Philippians 4:19)
who says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear, but the power of love” (II Timothy 1:7)
who says, “Cast all your cares upon me.” (II Peter 5:7)
who says, “I have sent Jesus who is your wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption” (I Corinthians 1:30)
who says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:6)
When things are going bad and it seems like they are going to get worse before they get any better, we don’t need to lose heart. Even in the midst of the pain and suffering we experience, God is there to nurture us through it.
What did we hear from Hebrews? Since we have confidence…by the blood of Jesus…since we have this great priest who has opened for us a new and living way…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…” (10:19-22)
We are nurtured to nurture others when…we discover God is willing to nurture us.
II. We are nurtured to nurture others when…we discover that we want what God is willing to give.
Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Can we conceal our sin from God? Of course not! But when we accept the grace-filled nurturing of Christ, we find, not condemnation, but forgiveness and mercy.
2 Corinthians 5:19 says that “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting humanity’s sins against them.” – God’s not a scorekeeper!!!
In fact in Hebrews 10:17, just before the passages we read this morning, we hear God saying, once they have “put my law in their hearts, and I have written it upon their minds…their sins and lawless acts, I will remember no more.”
God’s nurturing offer is simply this…when we confess honestly, God blesses immensely!
Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He
who promised is faithful.”
We are nurtured to nurture others when…we discover that we want what God is willing to give.
III. We are nurtured to nurture others when…we discover the need to give to others what God has given to us.
The grace and forgiveness that we have been given…needs to be shown and practiced w/ others.
The blessings that we have been given…need to be shared with others.
The faith that we have been given…needs to be witnessed to others.
The joy that we have been given…needs to be experienced with others.
The love that we have been given…needs to be lifted as an example for others.
The peace of knowing about our eternal lives that we have been given…needs to be offered to others.
The truth that we have been given…needs to be heard by others.
The salvation that we have been given…needs to be communicated to others.
Romans 13:8 says “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.”
Isn’t that the encouragement of Hebrews 10:24-25, “…let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Lord’s Day approaching.”
Conclusion
Are you searching to be nurtured this morning…God is willing to nurture you.
Are you searching to be nurtured this morning…May you want what God is willing to give.
Are you searching to be nurtured this morning …Discover the need to give to others…
Will you join me in prayer?
Heavenly Father,
Today, we do come in confidence before your throne. Not because of what we have done, but only through the blood of Christ are we able to experience this new and living way opened for us.
Help us to draw near to you with a sincere heart.
Help us to hold steadfast to the hope we profess.
Help us to consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds.
Help us to encourage one another each day as we await your coming.
We give you thanks for the nurturing you have shown us.
Help us to accept your gracious offer, and to share that offer with others.
And help us always to remember, that we are not in this alone, but that we are in this together with each other, and with your Son, Jesus Christ in whose name we pray…Amen.
#557 – Best Be the Tie That Binds
Benediction
As we leave this place…
May our searching be fruitful…
May our witness be sincere…
And may we nurture as we have been nurtured by the One who has created, redeemed, and is
sustaining us to this very day…Amen.
Note: If for any reason you did not find this sermon helpful, please let me know by contacting me at gb@clergy.net. Your input will help me personally and my congregation as I learn professionally.
