North Charlottesville church of Christ

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The Seen & The Unseen

Larry Rouse
11/13/22 - Sun AM

The Seen and the Unseen www.ncvchurch.com Introduction: Our faith will keep us content and confident in a chaotic world. A. Jesus sought to teach His disciples on how to view this world. 1. For now, Satan is in control. (Jn 8:23; 14:30) 2. We should see this world through the light Jesus gives. Our values will dramatically change! (Jn 11:9-10; 12:25) B. Our ability to do this depends on our seeing the unseen. 1. We know there is a God and He has spoken through faith. (Heb 11:1-3) 2. God gives us evidence to believe in Jesus. When we know this then we will listen to His testimony about the unseen! (Jn 3:11-13) 3. What is the ultimate reality? It is that which we do not see! I. The unseen reality will teach us not to fear A. Learn to look at God and not just at our fears. 1. When we know the presence of God we can face the unknowns of our lives. (Gen 26:24; Num 14:9) 2. “The fear of God makes a hero; the fear of man makes a coward.” 3. What did Jesus often tell His disciples and others? (Mk 5:36; Jn 14:27) B. Accept with confidence the tests that God allows you to face. 1. God will cause us to face our greatest fears. (2 Cor 4:16-18) 2. We need to be careful in saying that a thing must never happen! 3. God has ways of reassuring you. (Acts 18:9-10) C. Can we see what Elisha saw? (2 Kings 6:15-18) 1. Is this a special unusual case? What do we know about the work of unseen angels? a. Balaam’s donkey could see what Balaam could not. (Num 22:23-26) b. Angels have some place in seeing what happens to us. (Mt 18:10) c. It is possible to “have unwittingly entertained angels” (Heb 13:2) 2. One thing can be said to every servant of God: "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 3. How many times are we told of the power of God and our own security? (Rom 8:31-32) 4. The key to overcoming fear is to see the unseen! Our God is in control! II. The unseen reality will teach us not to trust in politicians A. While we should pray for our leaders, the battle for good can only be won by the Lord! (Ps 146:3; Isa 31:1) 1. We would be wise to see the direction our country is going in to prepare for things we may face. 2. Please do not worry but know that the battle is the Lord’s! (1 Sam 17:47; 2 Chron 20:15-17) B. Consider what God’s view is of the nations. 1. They are less than nothing and have no power against God. (Isa 40:15, 17, 23) 2. Satan has the overwhelming majority of mankind under his control. a. He controls governments. (Rev 13:1-2) b. He controls religions. (Rev 13:11-14; 19:20) c. He controls our media. 3. Jesus never sought a political solution to the problems of man. a. He plainly explained this to Pilate. (Jn 18:36) b. Rather than spend time in politics build your faith in God! (Ps 56:3-4, 10-11) III. The unseen reality will teach us not to be dismayed at the rejection of the world A. Jesus wanted all of His followers to know this. (Jn 16:1-4) 1. The world will make fun of you and ridicule you. 2. You could suffer loss of employment, freedom and even loss of life. B. Jesus explained and then showed us how to handle this irrational hatred. (Jn 16:32-33) 1. Since God was with Jesus He was never alone. 2. He saw His enemies as deceived and only wanted good for them. 3. When God is with us we will give Him all desire for personal vengeance. (Rom 12:17-21) IV. The unseen reality will teach me to love and cherish my brothers in Christ A. What do I see when I see my brethren? 1. I can take a worldly view and become bitter and proud. (1 Cor 8:1-3) 2. When I see them as God does then they are precious. (Rom 14:15) B. When I have come to see God I will watch my attitude towards the weaknesses of my brethren. 1. Satan will take full advantage of those who become “toxic” towards brethren. (1 Jn 4:20-21) 2. If you want to lead someone away doctrinally, then first get him angry and keep him angry at Christians. (1 Jn 2:9-11) 3. When I see God, I see my own forgiveness. (James 2:13) C. I will become thankful towards my brothers! (1 Thess 1:2) Conclusion: How well are we seeing the unseen?