Sunday, January 18, 2015

830AM SERMON - The 90-10 Principle: Debt Trap

Sermon Text:  2 Kings 4:1 NIV, The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”
Sermon Title:  The 90-10 Principle: Debt Trap
Point 1:  How did we get here?
Vs. 1 - 1 NIV, The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.”
        What is it that the father wanted so bad that he mortgage himself for and now his sons have got to pay the bills with their lives? What did the family decide to buy that the debt is so big the creditor cannot wait until the father is cold in the ground before he is knocking at the door wanted to get paid.
Point 2: It’s in your House
vs. 2 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” What shall I do
        Elisha tells her the problem and the answer to the problem is in the house. Whatever has caused them to be in debt I am sure you can find in their house. Whether it's the flat screen TV, clothes, new car in the garage or something else. The problem is in your house not next door at your neighbors house.
        Not only is the problems found in the house the answer to the problem is in the house as well. Elisha ask her what's in the house and notice her answer… nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil. The answer tells us she doesn't regard the little she has as being capable of getting her out of her dilemma.
Point 3: Follow the Plan
vs. 3 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.
        Elisha gives her specific instructions as to how to pay off this debt. First check and see how many jars you have in your house. Then go get more jars from your neighbors. Vs. 4 says Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." Vs. 5 She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she keep pouring. Vs. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one." But he replied, "there is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing. On the surface everything he is saying seems to make no sense, but it paid off.
Point 4: The plan will pay off
2 Kings 4: 7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left."
        Again nestled in the text is revelation we often over look. The money she makes is so much not only do pay their debts but have enough to live on. There is no mention of getting a job. They have enough to satisfy their needs for the rest of their lives.
Life Application:
1.  Receive/follow the instructions – miracles always follow instructions...2 fish & 5 loaves of bread, Moses w/staff in his hand
2.  Ask for help

3.  Ask for Jesus

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thanks for your thoughts! Come again soon!

Virtual Family Sunday Questions

What ways can we create community as a family? How has our viewership/church attendance enhanced or diminished our family covenant? What way...