Sermon on 3 May 2020 by Pastor Justin
Introduction
This May, we are on a series on women. There are 5 parts and we begin the first today.
God intended for man to have a companion.
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the main should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” - Genesis 2:18
The most beautiful woman is a holy woman.
For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands – 1 Peter 3:5
Message
Canaanites were outcasts in the eyes of Jews. From today’s scripture verses, we will see from this Canaanite woman that faith must produce action; faith must be visible to have miracles.
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” - Matthew 15:21-23
How many times have you does God remain silent? When God is silent, it is because He has a higher divine purpose for you and me.
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” - Matthew 15:24-26
Jesus’ words are not to be misinterpreted as harsh. The children refer to the Israelites. The little dogs refer to the Gentiles. Jesus wants the woman to understand that he came to save the lost.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. - Luke 19:10
“Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. - Matthew 15:27-28
Despite Jesus’ words, she persevered, because for her, the stakes were too high. Her daughter needed healing. A crumb might have been all she could get, but she knew that even a crumb from the Lord’s hand was enough. Her faith was so great that she did not even seek proof of healing.
1. Perseverance is the most important test of our genuine faith
The Canaanite woman did not fit in the Jews’ view as someone who could enter into the blessings of God. Despite being an outcast, she persevered. In whatever circumstances, we must always be fervent in prayer. We must turn to Jesus and call out to Him, just like the Canaanite woman. Humble yourself and His grace will pour down on you.
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; - Colossians 4:2
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. - Matthew 7:7
Keep praying and keep giving thanks. Do not give up no matter how difficult it is. Believe. Belief is very important.
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” - Mark 9:23
2. Always draw near to God
The Canaanite woman drew close to God, likening herself to a dog under the table. We cannot rely on others to draw close to God. We need to follow Him of our own accord. Let us follow Him, doing His will, being ambassadors of Christ.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:8
How can we draw near to God? We draw near to Him by praying, by reading His word, by obeying Him. We need to spend time with the Lord. We need to meditate on His word.
She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God. - Zephaniah 3:2
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. - Psalm 73:28
Why couldn’t the Canaanite’s daughter come to Jesus in person? She was demon-possessed. A person who is in bondage cannot draw near to Christ.
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. - John 3:19
3. Don’t be easily discouraged
When Jesus did not say a word to her, the Canaanite woman was not discouraged. When Jesus’s disciples wanted to send the Canaanite woman away, she was not discouraged either.
If you feel that this is not your season, have faith in Him. You will be delivered.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. - 1 Peter 4:14
Closing
You have the authority to withstand the devil. Don’t allow your pride to hold you back. Have faith in God, like the Canaanite woman. Satan’s lies will not be able to hold on to you. He will flee from you.
Faith produces doers. Faith will display in works. Don’t give up. Keep on believing. He will hear your cry.
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