First Baptist Church
Fairbanks, Alaska
805 Sixth Avenue
(907) 456-4923
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Fairbanks, Alaska 805 Sixth Avenue (907) 456-4923 |
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“What’s in your closet?” Luke 5:12-16 Mark Howdeshell (January 20, 2008) Luke 5:12-16 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean ." 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean !" And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Introduction 2006--- Population in Alaska—670,053 people 28, 765 crimes were committed I tell you this in order to paint the picture of prevalent sin. The crimes referred to by these statistics were ones documented and the victims were evident. As we look at our scripture this morning…I want to look at the evident. Those things in our lives that others can easily see. The things that we normally pay attention to. Then I want to look at the other side of the coin. Heart of the Matter For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 The Meat of the Message
Luke 5:12-16 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean ." 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean !" And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 Then Jesus ordered him, "Don't tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
i. It was evident that this man was unclean ii. Others would have nothing to do with him iii. It was an “incurable disease” iv. Could not do anything about it himself
i. Humbled himself by falling on his face ii. Begged for help
i. It was up to the will of Jesus ii. Jesus had the power to clean him when no one or nothing else could
i. It wasn’t time yet ii. You don’t have to tell anybody that you’ve been cleansed for them to know! 1. Being cured of leprosy with no scarring…very visible 2. What do they see different about you? iii. Following Jesus’ directions 1. Showed obedience to the laws of the day a. We still have to follow the laws of the land b. If we mess up, we’re obligated to pay for it 2. Acts as a testimony on Jesus’ behalf
i. We would want to hold a press conference, be on Oprah, and or see Matt Lauer on the Today Show ii. Some would see it as glorifying oneself instead of the Creator iii. Easy to be bombarded with accusations, pointing fingers, and doubt when people face things they don’t know about or understand 1. Have to be prepared by maturing in the Word to face some of Satan’s most direct onslaughts 2. Prayer
i. People came to hear Him 1. Can you imagine what it must have been like? 2. Would you have made the trip? ii. AND to be healed of their sicknesses 1. If Jesus could heal a man of leprosy…then can He heal me? 2. Physical healing second to spiritual healing
John 4:28-29 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"
i. Jesus knew all of the woman’s sins…most of which weren’t evident to everyone ii. Jesus “fed” off of teaching her
i. He wants to cleanse us of these sins just as much the other ii. These sins are potentially more destructive because there are no limitations
The Bottom Line “Jesus, if you are willing…make me clean.” Have you turned all of your heart to Jesus? He wants you to. He already knows all about it. He knows what everyone sees…and He knows what no one else sees. If you approach Him with a repentant heart, in humility, through faith, Jesus wants to clean you. Once you’ve been cleaned, others will know. The testimony will be evident…even if you don’t say anything. Clean out the closet…and rest in His peace. INVITATION This morning I ask you to search your closet. Do you have people that you need to forgive, things that you need to face and repent of, or things that no one knows about? Give it over to God. Let Jesus cleanse you this morning. |
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