DON’T JUDGE THE GIFT BY THE WRAPPING
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, Dec. 19, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
DON’T JUDGE THE GIFT BY THE WRAPPING
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: John 7:14-24
Text: John 7:24
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Introduction: A lot of people are exchanging gifts right now. Although sometimes gifts are open, and others are in decorative bags, most have been wrapped. Sometimes the wrapping is the best part of the gift. 🙂 Expensive gifts sometimes come in small wrappings, and sometimes big wrappings may conceal a small gift. You really don’t know the value of the gift until you open the wrapping.
I. MANY PEOPLE MISJUDGE THE BABE IN THE MANGER BY THE WRAPPING
Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
A. The child was the Creator
B. The cradle was the humility Christ accepted
C. The cause was the need for man to be saved
II. MANY PEOPLE MISJUDGE THE BELIEVER BY THE WRAPPING
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
A. They despise his wealth
B. They despise his wisdom
C. They despise his ways
* Church attendance
* Refraining from worldly amusements and pleasure — drinking, gambling, fornication
III. MANY PEOPLE MISJUDGE THE BRIDE OR BRIDEGROOM BY THE WRAPPING
Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
A. The wrapper is distracting
* It can keep you from looking within to view the CHARACTER of the person.
* It is what is INSIDE that counts!
B. The wrapper is deceitful
C. The wrapper will deteriorate
IV. MANY PEOPLE MISJUDGE THE BRIBES OF THE DEVIL BY THE WRAPPING
2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
A. His appearance is deceitful
B. His attitude is deceitful
* He seems open-minded.
* He seems positive – “Yea …” – Gen. 3:1.
* He seems tolerant
C. His attractions are deceitful
* All of Satan’s apples have worms!
* Of liquor the Bible says, “At the LAST it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” – Prov. 23:32
* He persuades people to accept His pleasures now and put off trusting in the Lord until TOMORROW. But tomorrow never comes …!