THE KING’S BUSINESS
921
a better life that drew him toward Jesus, as the hungry man is drawn by food, and the cold man by the bright cheer of a fire. 3. The hindrances in the way of the sinner. (a) An unsavory reputation—he was a despised publican. (b) He was rich. Riches tend to pride, satisfaction, and exclusivism. (c) He was short of stature. (d) He might have allowed his dig nity to stand in the way, for he was “chief” among the publicans. To climb a tree was undignified for so prom inent a man. II. Christ seeking the sinner. 1. It seemed as though Christ went for that particular purpose. The “One Things” of the Bible 1. The world’s—Confusion (Acts 19:22). 2. Befalteth all—Death (Ecclesiastes 3 :19). 3. Needful—Conversion (Luke 10:42). 4. Lacking—Decision (Mark 10:21). 5. Known—Assurance (John 9:25). 6. To do—Progress (Philippians 3:13). 7. Desired—Communion (Psalm 27:4). 8. Never fails—Lord’s promise (Joshua 13:14). 9. Forgotten—Lord’s Coming (2 Peter 2 : 8 ). S. R. B. Wanted for Our Country 1. Men like Daniel (Daniel 9:3, 4; Deuter onomy 11:25). 2. Men like Shadrach and his brethren (Exodus 20:4, 5; Daniel 3:4-7, 23, 25, 28). 3. Men in authority (Nehemiah 13:4-9; Jude 3, 4; Revelation 14:10, 11). 4. Men like Paul (1 Corinthians 2:2, 13). 5. Men like the Bereans (Acts 17:10-12) ; Deuteronomy 29:29; John 16:13; Matthew 4:10, 11).
2. He came to the place where the sin ner was. 3. He looked up and saw him. 4. He called him by name. 5. He bade him come down. 6. He sojourned with him. III. The results of the meeting of the seeking sinner and the seeking Sav iour. 1. Cheerful reception of salvation. 2. Restitution—a good indication of real salvation. 3. Benevolence—recognition of Christian stewardship. Up to this time he had lived to make money; now he would live to use it. He had lived to himself; now he would live for God. C onclusion — Jeremiah 29:13. You will find Christ the very moment you seek for him with all your heart. 6. Young women like gracious Ruth (Ruth 1:16, 17; 2 :11, 12; 1 John 3:14; Psalm i01 :l-4). 7. Matrons like the pious Shunamite (2 Kings 4:8, 13; Titus 2:5; 1 Timothy 5:9, 14). 8. Fathers like Abraham (Genesis 18:19; Proverbs 10:21; Luke 19:20, 24, 26). 9. Brethren like Aaron and Hur (Exodus 17:9-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2). 10. Sisters like Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38, 39; John 12:2; Matthew 25:37- 40). S. R. B. The Christian’s Walk (Ephesians 4:1) The first thing necessary for walk with God is : To be agreed (Amos 3:3). Being now reconciled are made nigh (Ephesians 2:13). Called to God’s kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12). Accepted in thé Beloved (Ephesians 1:6). Adopted as sons (Galatians 4:5, 6).
BIBLE STUDIES
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker