20-0712p - Detailed Summary

Mike delivered his third and final part of a series titled "Teach Me Your Statutes." Mike begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to present this lesson, which was delayed due to technical difficulties during a previous conference call. He introduces the central theme by referencing Psalms 119:66-67, where the psalmist requests good judgment and knowledge, acknowledging that before affliction, they went astray, but now they keep God’s word. Mike emphasizes that ease and lack of suffering can lead people to stray from God, but affliction often brings them back to obedience. He supports this with Hebrews 12:5-6, which speaks of God’s chastening as a sign of His love, comparing it to a father disciplining his children to guide them.

Mike continues by exploring the concept of divine chastening, referencing Hebrews 12:7-11, which explains that God disciplines those He loves, treating them as sons. He notes that while chastening may take forms like illness or other afflictions, such as the ongoing pandemic, it ultimately yields the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" for those who learn from it. The psalmist in Psalms 119:71 reflects this, stating that affliction was beneficial because it led to learning God’s statutes. Mike highlights the psalmist’s high regard for God’s law, as seen in Psalms 119:72, where it is valued above wealth. He clarifies that terms like "statutes," "commandments," and "word" in Psalms 119 all refer to God’s law, emphasizing its goodness and the psalmist’s desire to be taught it. Mike also references a song, "God is So Good," and 1 Chronicles 16:34 and Psalms 118:1, which praise God’s enduring goodness and mercy.

Mike delves into the theme of God’s care, using the song "God is So Good" to frame his discussion. He cites 1 Peter 5:7, encouraging believers to cast their cares on God because He cares for them. To illustrate, he recounts the three parables in Luke 15: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. In each, God’s care for the lost is evident. The shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to find the one that is lost, the woman diligently searches for her lost coin, and the father eagerly awaits the return of his prodigal son, celebrating his return with joy. These parables demonstrate God’s love for those who stray and His rejoicing when they repent, with heaven celebrating even one sinner’s return. Mike emphasizes that while God seeks the lost, individuals must also choose to return to Him.

The sermon transitions to the command to love God, as outlined in Matthew 22, where Jesus identifies loving God with all one’s heart, mind, and soul as the greatest commandment, followed by loving one’s neighbor. Mike connects this to the song’s stanza, “I love him so,” underscoring that believers should love God because of His goodness. He then addresses the theme of answered prayers, referencing Acts 12, where the church prays for Peter, who is imprisoned by Herod. God answers their prayers by sending an angel to miraculously free Peter, who escapes past guards and an iron gate. Mike highlights the church’s persistent prayer and the surprising outcome, as the believers, despite praying for Peter’s release, are initially skeptical when he appears at their door, mistaking him for an angel. This illustrates both the power of prayer and human doubt, even when prayers are answered. Mike concludes by affirming that God answers prayers, often in non-miraculous ways, such as healing the sick, encouraging believers to trust in His responsiveness.

Preacher Mike continues his sermon by elaborating on the miraculous release of Peter from prison in Acts 12. He describes how Peter, after being freed by an angel, knocks at the door of the house where the church is praying for him. The believers, despite their fervent prayers, are astonished to see him, highlighting their surprise and initial disbelief that God has answered their prayers so directly. Peter motions for silence and explains how the Lord delivered him from prison, instructing them to share the news with James and the brethren before departing to another place. Mike emphasizes that this event underscores the reality that God answers prayers, reinforcing the need for believers to trust in His responsiveness, as echoed in the psalmist’s affirmation that God is good and answers prayers.

Mike returns to Psalms 119:108, where the psalmist prays for God to accept the “freewill offerings of my mouth” and teach him His judgments, equating this to learning God’s statutes. He connects this to Hosea 14:1-2, where Israel is urged to return to God with words of repentance, offering the “sacrifices of our lips.” Mike further explains this concept through Hebrews 13:15-16, which calls for continual sacrifices of praise, described as the “fruit of our lips” giving thanks to God’s name. He notes that believers can offer such sacrifices through preaching, teaching, prayer, and singing, expressing gratitude for God’s goodness. Additionally, he highlights verse 16, which encourages doing good and sharing as sacrifices that please God, reinforcing the idea that verbal and active expressions of faith are valuable offerings to God.

Mike shifts focus to Psalms 119:136, where the psalmist weeps because people do not obey God’s law, expressing deep sorrow over their disobedience. He notes that godly individuals often shed tears for loved ones who are spiritually lost, recognizing their failure to follow God’s will. Mike then references Psalms 119:124, where the psalmist asks God to deal with him according to His mercy and teach him His statutes. He connects this to the theme of God’s abundant mercy, recalling a previous lesson that described the earth as full of God’s mercy. This section emphasizes the psalmist’s emotional response to disobedience and his reliance on God’s merciful guidance to learn and follow His statutes.

In the concluding section, Mike draws on Romans 12:1-2, which urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, in response to His manifold mercies. He stresses that God’s mercies are numerous and should inspire transformation through the renewing of the mind to discern God’s will. Mike calls for acceptance of God’s grace through faith, repentance, confession of belief in Christ, and baptism for the remission of sins, citing Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, and Romans 6:3-4. He encourages erring believers to return to God, like the prodigal son, and seek the church’s prayers for restoration. Mike closes by urging the congregation to adopt the psalmist’s attitude, valuing God’s law above wealth and obeying Him promptly, as they stand and sing, inviting anyone with spiritual needs to respond immediately.