THE TENT’S MASTER
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Jan. 10, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
THE TENT’S MASTER
By Michael D. O’Neal ……Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church ……Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: 2 Sam. 7:1-7
Text: 2 Sam. 7:6
2 Samuel 7:6 Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.
Introduction: The term “Master” indicates ownership, leadership, and craftsmanship. The local church is something that belongs to God. It is sometimes referred to in scripture as “the church of God.” For instance, a scriptural saying is that Gospel Light Baptist Church is one of the churches of God in Albany, Georgia. It belongs to Him. We must remember of the tent, and of our local church, the claims of THE MASTER, our Lord Jesus Christ:
I. HE DESIGNED IT
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
A. He designed its make-up
1. It has not many high or noble
2. God has chosen the foolish things
B. He designed its mission
C. He designed its manual – the word of God!
II. HE DIRECTS IT
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
A. Through the Spirit of God
B. Through the scriptures
C. Through the shepherd
III. HE DWELLS IN IT
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
A. We should recognize Him in our midst
B. We should reveal Him
C. We should resemble Him (not by copying Him, but by spending time with Him – Acts 4:13)
IV. HE DEFENDS IT
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
A. He defends the church from despair
B. He defends the church from destitution
C. He defends the church from destruction
V. HE DEDICATES IT
Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
A. This church is dedicated to the glory of God
B. This church is dedicated to the good of the saints
C. This church is dedicated to the gospel ministry
VI. HE DEMONSTRATES THROUGH IT
Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
A. He demonstrates His wisdom
B. He demonstrates His word
C. He demonstrates His work (especially the work of salvation, as well as sanctification)
VII. HE DELIGHTS IN IT
Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
A. He loves the church
B. He longs for the church
C. He will leave heaven one day to get His church!