25-1221p - Detailed Summary

Mike then announces that this is part three of the lesson titled "Someone Needs Help by Someone." The previous two lessons addressed issues in both fleshly and spiritual families, where problems arise among members, such as jealousy, health issues, loss of employment, or financial difficulties. Some people are too proud to ask for help, while others habitually rely on begging. Nonetheless, many need assistance. The congregation has reviewed lists of brothers, sisters, and families facing various illnesses, emphasizing that the church, as God’s spiritual family, must be prepared to help when opportunities arise. Galatians 6:10 instructs believers to do good to all, especially those of the household of faith. Numerous unmentioned challenges can create problems in families.

Turning to problems in fleshly families, Mike examines biblical examples, starting with Genesis 4:1-8, where Cain and Abel offer sacrifices to God. Abel’s offering is accepted, but Cain’s is not, leading to Cain’s anger and fallen countenance. God counsels Cain, asking why he is angry and reminding him that doing well brings acceptance, while sin lies at the door desiring him, but he must rule over it. Cain later talks with Abel in the field and kills him, marking the first murder within a family. As punishment, God makes Cain a fugitive and vagabond, though Cain fears others will kill him. God declares that vengeance sevenfold will fall on anyone who kills Cain and places a mark on him for protection. Even in dealing with the guilty Cain, God ensures his safety.

Mike continues with Genesis 37, detailing Joseph’s brothers' jealousy over his dreams implying they would bow to him. They initially plan to kill him, but instead cast him into a pit and sell him into slavery, deceiving their father Jacob with a bloody coat to suggest a wild animal killed him. In Egypt, Joseph prospers initially until falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, leading to imprisonment. There, he interprets dreams for the chief butler and baker. After two years, the butler remembers Joseph when Pharaoh has troubling dreams. Joseph interprets them as seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, crediting God for the revelation. Elevated to second in command, Joseph oversees storing food during plenty. During the famine, his brothers come to Egypt for grain, not recognizing him. Joseph tests them, eventually requiring Benjamin’s presence and planting a cup in his sack to provoke confession. Overwhelmed, Joseph reveals his identity, forgives them, stating they meant evil but God meant it for good to save many lives. After Jacob’s death, the brothers fear retaliation, but Joseph reassures them he holds no grudge.

Problems in families can persist, as Micah 7:6 states a man’s enemies are those of his own household, detailing conflicts between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters. Jesus echoes this in Matthew 10:34-36, saying He came not to bring peace but a sword, setting family members against each other. Though called the Prince of Peace, Jesus did not come to force familial harmony. Following Christ can be difficult when household members oppose it, potentially deterring someone from becoming a disciple. Jesus warns that loving family more than Him makes one unworthy, and one must take up their cross to follow Him, even amid reluctant or opposing families. Believers desire family unity in faith, but disagreement can feel like opposition, requiring endurance of this cross in fleshly families.

Shifting to the spiritual family, Mike examines issues in the Corinthian church from 1 Corinthians. The first problem is division, with members claiming allegiance to Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ, prompting Paul to ask if Christ is divided. This critiques denominationalism and calls for unity in mind and judgment without divisions. While personal opinions differ and deserve respect, believers must unite on scriptural truth. Paul questions if he was crucified or if they were baptized in his name, emphasizing ministers like Paul and Apollos are merely servants—Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gives increase. All are fellow workers focused on God’s word producing faith. This division leads to mistreatment, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, where brethren sue each other before unbelieving judges instead of settling matters among saints, marking a failure when brother goes to law against brother before unbelievers.

Paul continues addressing the Corinthians by questioning why they do not rather accept wrong or allow themselves to be cheated instead of taking brethren to court before unbelievers. He speaks to their shame, asking if there is not even one wise man among them capable of judging between brethren. This mistreatment extends to arguments over spiritual gifts, as detailed in the entirety of 1 Corinthians 12. Some members looked down on others who lacked certain gifts, such as speaking in tongues. Paul illustrates this issue using the analogy of body members, explaining that if the foot should say because it is not the hand it is not of the body, it is still part of the body. Even the seemingly least significant members are essential, just as the small toe, though it may appear invaluable, contributes to balance. In the spiritual family, every member is important, and no one should be made to feel as though they do not belong.

The spiritual family must treat one another with respect, recognizing that each person needs help at some point. When help is offered, it should be received graciously, even if pride makes one reluctant to accept what feels like charity. If someone knows of a need and offers assistance, that help ought to be accepted with gratitude. As opportunities arise to do good, believers should seize them, as Galatians 6:10 instructs to do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith. While priority is given to the spiritual family, help should not be withheld from those outside the body. Everyone, at one time or another, stands in need of assistance from others.

God is ever ready to provide help, and Jesus, as part of the Godhead, extends a personal invitation: Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. He calls believers to take His yoke upon them, for He is meek and lowly in heart, and His yoke is easy while His burden is light. In this imagery, Jesus walks beside us, sharing the load and offering relief from our burdens. The sermon title, "Someone Needs Help by Someone," reminds the congregation that each person is either in need of help or in a position to offer it. When a need is observed, that help should be given. The preacher extends the invitation, urging any who are burdened or heavy laden to answer Jesus' call for rest, to make their needs known so the church can pray for them. Whether one needs help or can provide it, the time to act may be now. The congregation is encouraged to come forward while standing and singing.