WHAT I LEARNT OVER CHRISTMAS
by
Becky Rene
Introduction
1. This is a lesson about what I learned over Christmas.
2. You might not like this lesson because it is true!
I. People are Disobedient Because they want to Keep Traditions
A. The Bible says we must not be greedy and be gluttons but because it is traditional to stuff yourself at Christmas then people forget all about what God says.
1. Look what the Bible says about son that is a glutton…
"If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear" (Deuteronomy 21:18-21 KJV)
2. Look what happens to people who are glutton…
"For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags" (Proverbs 23:21 KJV)
B. The Bible says we must not be covetous (covetous means when you just want things all the time) but because it is traditional to give presents at Christmas then everyone starts thinking about what they want for a present and they covet things that they do not even need.
1. Look what the Bible says about wanting things all the time…
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15 KJV)
2. The Bible says you should just be happy with what you have…
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:7-8 KJV)
II. People are Very Happy at Christmas
A. Well, being happy is not a bad thing is it?
1. People are sooo happy when they open all their presents on Christmas morning.
2. People are sooo happy when they have family come over for Christmas dinner.
3. People are sooo happy when they are playing games after Christmas dinner.
B. People think those things make them happy so that is why people like presents and family get-togethers, and playing games. So that is why people like those things.
1. The Bible tells us about being happy and it does not have anything to do with presents, food, and playing games. Look at what the Bible says in Matthew 5.3-12…
"3Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Happy are those who mourn [over their sin], for they shall be comforted.
5Happy are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7Happy are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8Happy are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9Happy are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10Happy are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you"
2. So that is what makes us happy and we should be happy and rejoicing all the time.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NASBR)
Conclusion
1. So what did I learn?
I learnt that gluttony and covetousness are traditional at Christmas and some people do not care what the Bible has to say about that.
I learnt that some people are looking for happiness in the wrong place. It is not things outside of you that make you happy, it is things inside your head that make you happy.
2. So what do we need to do?
If you are fat then you need to go on a diet right now, especially if you are an elder or a deacon or a preacher because those men are supposed to be examples.
"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:12 NASBR)
If you have lots of things then maybe you need to sell a few things and give the money to people who need food.
If you are not happy inside all the time then maybe you need to really examine yourself to see if you are poor in spirit and all the other things in that Scripture.
