Sermons
Biblical Optimism
Biblical Optimism
The topic of my lesson this morning is optimism. You may wonder what this topic has to do with being a Christian. More specifically, I want us to consider biblical optimism.
As you know, we are now two days away from beginning a new year. I want to challenge each of us, including myself, to look forward to this new year with optimism and anticipating great accomplishments for God.
It would be so easy for us to begin the new year without optimism. We could focus on struggles we have had over the past years and convince ourselves that the new year will just be repeat of those years or we can set goals to grow spiritually in 2019 and to do more to serve God and bring others to the Lord.
As we consider the new year ahead of us, ask yourself this question: What changes or accomplishments do I want to focus my efforts on in 2019? I am referring to changes and accomplishments in our Christian walk, not losing weight or making more money, or other common resolutions that individuals make.
Let’s look at God’s word as we consider this topic of optimism.
We will begin with the words of Paul in Philippians Chapter 3. Read Philippians 3: 7 - 16
1) When we look at the history of Paul, we see that he had everything to be down about.
2) But he was forgiven!
3) He, therefore, went forward doing what was right without letting the past interfere with his work.
God gives us power to do His will through His word.
1) The gospel is God’s power as we see in Romans 1:16 which says: “I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
2) It is important that we remember that power works in us-Christians-if we let it work in us.
3) We see this in Ephesians 3: 20 & 21 where Paul tells us: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen.”
As we consider the future, we need to know how to handle our past. Some will tell you that you need to bury the past. Although we don’t want to hold on to our past mistakes and shortcomings as Christians, we should learn from them as we move forward.
1) Romans 15:4 says:“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.”
2) 1 Corinthians 10:11 says: “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.”
These two passages remind us of the importance of using the past to prepare us for the future and our hope in Christ.
It’s also important for us to keep in mind that we cannot change what is in the past, so we should not live in it. We probably each know someone in our lives that tends to live in the past. To me, it is clear that the individuals that struggle with this are not very happy or optimistic.
We find a lesson on this in the old testament:
1) Notice Joshua’s attitude in Joshua 1: verses 1,2,6,& 9, which says: “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aid: Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them – to the Israelites. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
2) In contrast to Joshua’s attitude is the destructive attitude of Judas after betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. We see in the gospel accounts that Judas returned the money to the chief priests and then hanged himself.
3. We must not think that we have no more future because of sins we have committed.
1) This happens when we negatively reflect upon the mistakes of the past and fail to forgive ourselves.
This reminds of a saying that I regularly heard from one of our elders in the church we belonged to in Florida. When my wife and I were young Christians, he would tell us to “Keep on keeping on”. I have considered those few words many times over the years and have found myself repeating it to others who are struggling with forgiving themselves and getting bogged down in their past sins.
2) Here’s a key thought to keep in mind: “Forgiveness is dealing positively with the negative past”. Matthew 18:21, 22 provides an example where Peter asked Jesus about forgiveness. It says: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” We know that this means times without number and we should keep this in mind when we struggle with our own sins.
3) We may get so caught up in feeling guilty about past sins that we fail to realize the potential that we still have to do good.
4. The time to consider is now. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says: “For he says, In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
1) We need to remember that the decisions we make occur in the present. Also, the actions we take occur in the present. We cannot change our past actions so it is important that we live in the present and not in the past. As we all know, this is much easier to say than it is to do each day.
we talked about dealing with the past – now lets look at our approach for the future.
II. TO LOOK AHEAD
1. We must run a race.
1) We see this in 1st Corinthians 9:24-27 (Read)
2) This passage reminds us that we run to obtain.
3) It also tells that we should run with certainty.
4) and, we must run with discipline.
2. No one here today has finished the race.
1) Does the runner in the middle of the race act as if he is finished?
3) He is NOT finished until the race has ended.
4) Hebrews 12:1 says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
3. Why would we not think that God can still use us today?
I recently noticed a church sign that caught my attention. It said: “God is writing your story. Quit trying to take the pen.” Do you view your Christian walk by trusting in God or are you trying to control your life without God?
1) 1 Corinthians 15:58 says: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
2) Romans 8:31 reminds us that “if God is for us, who can be against us?”
3) Also, Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
4. Let us look ahead toward the future with optimism and hope.
1) Again, in Philippians Chapter 3, verses 13 and 14, which says: “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
2) 2 Corinthians 4:16 says: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
3) The ultimate goal of this lesson on biblical optimism is for us to resolve to PUT OUR COMPLETE TRUST IN GOD AND CHRIST.
1. We know from the scriptures that Christ makes all things new.
1) 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2) and in Revelation 21:5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”
2. We also know from scriptures that All things are possible.
1) Philippians 4:13 says: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength,”
2) We also see this clearly through the words of Jesus in John 15:4-8 (read passage)
3) If we abide in Christ all things are possible.
3. We have an unshakeable kingdom.
1) Hebrews 12:28 says: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
2) God has given us the perfect pattern for life. Do we believe the words of Peter from 2nd Peter 1:3 where he says: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
3) Also, Do we believe what Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 where he says: “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
4. So if God has done His part, we must consider that the problems lie with us.
1) As we look to the new year, will you be willing, optimistic, helping, and cooperative?
2) Be optimistic! To the pessimist doors have locks and latches, but to the optimist doors have handles and hinges.
3) Again, the words from Philippians 3:13-16 “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.”
As we consider the topic of our lesson this morning, ask yourself this question: “What would I do in the coming year if it was my last year?”
1. What would we do if this were our last year as a congregation?
2. If we set aside any and all excuses.
1) We tell ourselves things like:
- No one is perfect
- I don’t have that talent
- I have failed too many times
- Others won’t listen to me
5) We should learn from Moses where God said “I will be with you.” in Exodus chapter 3.
b. We see in this passage that Moses said, “What will I tell them?” “What if they won’t listen to me?” “I am slow of tongue.”
c. In response to Moses’ questions, God said, “Tell them the great “I AM” sent you.” “Show them the miracles.” “Take Aaron with you.”
6) God accepted no excuses from Moses. He is no respecter of persons. What makes us think he will accept any excuses from us???
3. Let us work heartily and with all our might.
1) Colossians 3:23, 24 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
2) In Ecclesiastes 9:10 we are told “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
4. We must remember God in whatever we do! James 4:13-15 says: “Now listen, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
I recently finished reading a book by Randy Frazee entitled “Think, Act, Believe Like Jesus”. I want to share some information from this book that ties with our lesson this morning. In the last few chapters of his book, Randy talks about ten virtues, we as Christians should have.
The ten virtues are:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Self-Control
- Hope
- Patience
- Kindness/Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Humility
He reminds us from 1st John chapter 4 that “if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” He suggests that we pose this question to ourselves “I am committed to loving God and loving others?” If so, “what difference does this make in the way I live?” Randy suggests that Jesus’ love in our hearts enables us to show the world what true love looks like.
John 15:11 says: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” A key question to ask is: “What gives us true happiness and contentment in life?” Does the joy of Christ replace or reduce stress in our lives? Randy suggests that the joy of Christ will be contagious through us and will draw others to Christ.
We are reminded of the passage in Philippians Chapter 4 where we are told not to be anxious about anything, and that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Ask yourself this question: “Where do I find strength to battle anxiety and fear?” Are you free from anxiety and fear because of the peace you have found with God?
The virtue of Self-Control comes from Titus Chapter 2, verses 11 & 12 which says: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Hebrews 6: 19 & 20 talks about the virtue of hope. It says: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.”
From Proverbs 14:29 we see the importance of the virtue of patience. It says: “Whoever is patient has great understanding but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” Ask yourself this question: “Am I slow to anger and endure patiently under the avoidable pressures of life?”
The virtue of Kindness/Goodness comes from 1st Thessolonians 5:15 which says: “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” Randy suggests that we ask ourselves this question: “What does it mean to do the right thing in my relationships?” We should all do our best to be kind and good in our relationships with others.
Proverbs 3: 3 -4 tells us about the virtue of Faithfulness. It says: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Can each of us honestly say to ourselves: “I have established a good name with God and others based on my loyalty to my relationships.”
The virtue of Gentleness comes from Philippians 4:5 which says: “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” We should ask ourselves: “I am thoughtful, considerate, and calm in my dealings with others?”
Finally, the virtue of Humility comes from Philippians 2: 3 & 4 which tells us: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Do we choose to esteem others above ourselves? Randy suggests that Humility brings a secure knowledge of our identity in Christ. It also brings a desire to reflect Christ in all things.
In closing, let’s keep these biblical virtues in mind and do our best to focus on them in the coming year. It’s time for us as Christians to approach this new year with OPTIMISM and the confidence we have in Christ. As we have discussed, this involves:
- Not focusing on the past
- Looking ahead
- Putting our complete trust in Christ
- Working as if this were our last year
- And focusing on the important virtues we should have as Christians
I firmly believe that each of individually and collectively as a church, can do great things for the Lord in 2019. Let’s leave here today with a renewed focus and optimism in the new year.
