TITLE: Oxymornons

TEXT: John 19:38-41

PROPOSITION: We must understand the many oxymorons in our lives.

QUESTION: What?

KEY WORD: Oxymorons

SCRIPTURE READING: Same

The word – Oxymoron – Oxos – sharp; Moro – dull, foolish

Some you may have heard before – Jumbo shrimp; Working vacation; Almost perfect; Freezer burn; Old news; Expanded briefing; Military intelligence

Here are some in the Bible (and in the church today).

1. Secret disciple John 19:38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus.

A.Disciples are not ashamed – Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

1. Disciples share their faith.

2. Are you trying to be a “secret disciple” of Jesus?

3. “I believe in Jesus – but don't tell anybody.”
    

2. Not so, lord Acts 10:11-14 ¹⁰Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance ¹¹and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. ¹²In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. ¹³And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

1. Peter was sure that he was doing the Lord’s will.

2. He refused to obey the command.

3. Luke 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

4. Are you saying, “Not so, Lord” ?

5. If Jesus is LORD – you will do what He commands.
   
    

3. Selfish giving Acts 5:1-4 ¹But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. ²And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ³But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? ⁴While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

1. Giving should be done willingly 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

2. Cheerfully – 2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

3. Our giving should not be from a selfish motive.

4. Are you a selfish giver?
    

4. Cruel kindness

1. Parents treat children this way when:

2. Give them all they want, ask for,

3. Make sacrifices for them

4. Children do not learn appreciation, responsibility

5. FAILURE TO DISCIPLINE IS CRUEL KINDNESS.
    

5. Separated togetherness

1. We have created a generation gap.

2. Sometimes good to mix ages, wisdom, zeal.

3. Families – often going in all directions.
    

6. Holy sweat

1. Holy – sacred, set apart, sanctified, special

2. Sweat – What it takes to get there. Hard work, effort, energy

3. Holy <> Perfect; Sweat <> salvation.

4. Holy = set apart; Sweat = dedication

5. Is your sweat holy?