Sermon Outlines

By Frederick F. Schwindt, Evangelist

DOING EXPLOITS FOR GOD

1. This text shows that there are two classes of people:
   1. One group is swayed by flattery and betray the cause of God.
   2. The other group is loyal to God and the church; they are strong in God and do exploits.
2. It is by pointing out the difference between the two groups in the church that God teaches His people some timely lessons:

1. Their similarity:
   1. They belong to the same people, at least in name.
   2. Yes, they bear the same name.
   3. Live under the same environment.
2. Their dissimilarity:
   1. They are different in their conduct - that is what counts.
   2. They are dissimilar in their outlook and deeds.
3. Of one group God says:
   1. That they do wickedly.
   2. This type of wickedness differs from other iniquities; it is a sin that is based upon knowledge which is harmful to the cause of God.
      1. Judas belonged to that group - Matt. 26:14-16
      2. Gehazi, too, belonged to this group - 2 Ki. 5:20-27
      3. Ahithophel a key actor in this group - 2 Sam. 15:12
      4. Doeg is still another case in question - 1 Sam. 21:7; 22:22
      5. Enemies in the church are among the most dangerous to God's cause. They know the inside of the church and use their knowledge to harm God's cause.
4. They do wickedly against the covenant:
   1. They betray the sacred relationship set forth in the covenant.
   2. This is practicing in the highest sense possible.
   3. We have already indicated that Judas was guilty of this conspiracy - Luke 22:47

1. "But the people that know their God shall be strong":
   1. They have strength of character and for that reason they cannot be bought or sold.
   2. They are strong in faith which helps them to surmount all difficulties - 1 John 5:1-6
   3. God has supplied us with a roster of such worthies in Hebrews chapter 11.
2. "They shall do exploits": The word "exploits" indicates that their accomplishments were out of the ordinary, outstanding. EXAMPLES -
   1. Zadok - 1 Chron. 12:28
   2. Benaiah - 1 Chron. 27:6
   3. Abijah - 2 Chron. 13:47
   4. David - 1 Sam. 17:40-47
3. A very instructive lesson for God's people in the remnant church:
   1. There are the builders in the church -
      1. They know and love the Lord.
      2. They hold their membership in the church very sacred.
      3. No amount of flattery will make them disloyal to God's cause.
      4. They do exploits - accomplish the unusual in the cause.
   2. And then there are the destroyers -
      1. They are, so to speak, parasites to begin with.
      2. They are a plague to the church.
      3. They will, thank God, eventually leave the church - Isa. 49:17
   3. My friends, to which of the two groups do we belong - not only in theory but much more in practice!