25-0921a - Detailed Summary

Mike greets the congregation, including visitors, and explains that he is presenting the lesson as part of a rotation among the men. The lesson, titled "Finding Things," is derived from materials by Bulletin Digest, founded by a man who disseminates these ideas to account holders. The core idea is that true finding occurs only when one is genuinely seeking something. In the introduction, the speaker references Nielsen Media Research, noting that the average American spends 90 minutes a day searching for lost items, assuring listeners they are not alone in this frustration. He shares personal experiences, such as frequently misplacing pens and asking, "Where is my…​?", illustrating how common phrases in households revolve around locating misplaced objects. This everyday reality serves as a relatable entry point to deeper spiritual discussions on seeking.

The preacher recounts stories from the lesson material, including how his son, when younger, would misplace a 2-inch Transformer robot’s leg and become determined to find it, designating the father as the official finder due to its importance. He then shares frustrating memories of his late wife, who habitually dropped her keys anywhere upon entering the house, leading to searches before leaving, despite his advice to designate a specific spot for them. Another anecdote involves her misplacing a phone handset after a call while doing routine housework; she searched extensively, even using the other handset to locate it, but paused temporarily. Later, while in the kitchen, she discovered it in the refrigerator, prompting amusement and highlighting how such misplacements are a common human experience. These stories underscore that people invest effort in searching for what matters to them, drawing a parallel to biblical seeking. The preacher ties this to scriptures where men and women seek important things, forming the basic tenet of the lesson.

Jesus urges prioritizing the kingdom of heaven, yet people often claim they lack time or worry excessively about material needs. In Matthew 6, Jesus advises against fretting over food, clothing, or other provisions, as God knows these needs and provides for even the birds and lilies. Instead, He instructs to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all these things will be added. The preacher affirms this truth from personal experience, noting that one’s searches reveal much about their character and priorities. This section emphasizes shifting focus from worldly anxieties to spiritual pursuits, assuring divine provision for those who align their seeking with God’s will.

The sermon explores famous biblical searches, starting with King Saul’s pursuit of David across several chapters in 1 Samuel, driven by jealousy and a desire to kill him, viewing David as a threat to his lineage. Saul wanted his son Jonathan to succeed him, but Jonathan’s close friendship with David fueled Saul’s anger. In 1 Samuel 26:20, Saul nearly catches David on opposite mountainsides; David and a companion sneak into Saul’s camp while he sleeps, taking only his spear and water jug instead of slaying him. David then calls out, revealing he had the opportunity and motive to kill Saul but chose mercy, demonstrating restraint. This encounter leads Saul to recognize David’s integrity, marking the last time Saul hunts him. These events illustrate how searches expose heart motives, with Saul’s revealing envy and disobedience.

King Saul repeatedly disobeys God’s commands, prompting God to regret anointing him and instruct the prophet Samuel that He has rejected Saul, seeking instead a man after His own heart. In Acts 13:22, Paul recounts this while preaching on a mission from Antioch, stating that after removing Saul, God raised up David, son of Jesse, as king, testifying that David would fulfill all His will. Though Saul reigns until his death in battle years later, 1 Samuel 26 represents his final pursuit of David. This narrative contrasts Saul’s self-serving searches with God’s deliberate quest for a faithful servant, highlighting divine priorities in seeking obedience and alignment with His heart.

Other searches in the Bible reveal character, such as the wise men seeking Jesus to worship Him, contrasting with Herod’s intent to kill Him, exposing their respective hearts. John the Baptist and his disciples sought the Messiah, preaching His coming as in Matthew 11:3. Jesus taught disciples to prioritize the kingdom in Matthew 6:33, but Judas Iscariot among them sought to betray Jesus in Mark 14:10-11, betraying his greedy motives. The preacher poses a self-reflective question: What do I search for? Since searches disclose the heart, one’s actions in seeking reveal true priorities and values. This examination encourages introspection on personal pursuits.

Delving into Romans 2:5-10, the passage warns that a hardened, unrepentant heart accumulates wrath for the day of God’s righteous judgment, where He repays according to deeds: eternal life for those patiently persisting in good, seeking glory, honor, and immortality. Conversely, self-seekers who reject truth and embrace unrighteousness face indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish, affecting every soul—Jew first, then Greek. Yet, glory, honor, and peace await those doing good, again to Jew first and Greek. The preacher stresses that genuine seeking of positive attributes leads to pursuing them, while self-centeredness yields negative outcomes. This scripture reinforces that one’s searches profoundly indicate character and eternal destiny.

The effort in searching reflects value placed on the object; thus, God’s pursuit shows His deep care for us. In Luke 19:10, Jesus came to seek and save the lost, sent by the Father for this purpose. Referencing 1 Corinthians 16:22, the preacher notes that not loving the Lord Jesus Christ invites a curse, especially given God’s sacrifice of His Son, who died, shed blood for sin remission, and purchased the church as in Acts 20:28. This demonstrates God’s profound love and commitment to our salvation, proving how highly He values humanity through His active seeking.

In concluding Part 1, with Part 2 planned for tonight, the preacher urges self-examination of what one seeks and the time invested, questioning if efforts to pursue God’s will match His dedication to us. Are we self-centered or recognizing God’s purposeful redemption through Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and establishment of His kingdom? Salvation is intentional, not accidental, requiring faith, repentance, and baptism for remission of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit, as Peter preached on Pentecost. Once saved, faithfulness unto death is essential. The Bible guides to soul salvation; God and Jesus seek us, so we must seek His words. The invitation calls those needing salvation to come now through belief and baptism, or the erring to repent and seek church prayers for restoration, while the congregation stands and sings.