Sermon: Alignment
by Chris Cumming
The other day I ventured over to the How Stuff Works web site. Name the
invention, the machine, tradition or process and this site will tell you
how it works. I was interested in car maintenance and what to look for
that would indicate my car needed attention. The following question was
listed at the How Stuff Works site:
How do I know when my car needs to be realigned? Now quoting from the
site:
“You're wondering whether your car needs an alignment, first look at
your tires. Uneven tire wear -- often, more wear on the outside of some
tires -- is a prime indicator that your car is likely out of alignment.
Here are a few more indicators:
• your car seems to be drifting to one side, even when you think you're
driving straight
• your steering wheel vibrates
• you are driving straight, but your steering wheel isn't centered
“If none of these indicators occurs but it's been a while since your
last alignment, check your owner's manual to see how often the
manufacturer recommends having this service.
“An out-of-alignment car is a common result of everyday driving. But the
term alignment doesn't really refer to your car's wheels but rather to
the suspension. As part of normal driving, parts of your car's
suspension may become worn, and springs can be stretched out. Even a
small accident or bumping a curb can disrupt your suspension, knocking
some of the highly calibrated components off-kilter, making your wheels
sit at improper angles. An alignment restores these angles to their
correct measurements, making sure that your wheels sit straight.
“An alignment will ensure that your car drives straight and handles
properly, making your ride safer. You'll also get better gas mileage
because your tires will be properly aligned with the road, decreasing
resistance.” ~end quote from the site
So we can easily see the
importance of having your car’s suspension in alignment. Today I want to talk
about spiritual alignment. If physical alignment is of upmost important for
your car, spiritual alignment is upmost to your Salvation Process.
The purpose of my sermon today is to encourage all of us to be in and stay in
spiritual alignment. Like our cars, we want to ensure that we are walking
straight on the path of righteousness, handling the Word of God properly and
avoiding all undue resistance on our journey to the Kingdom.
What we are going to talk about today under the heading of, “Alignment” is
scriptures that speak to the guidance of Almighty God and admonitions and
commands to walk on and stay on the one path to Salvation and the Kingdom of God
with eternal life.
The Bible says that the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth. To whom are
they mercy and truth?
Psalm 25:10
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and
his testimonies.
I want to now look at scriptures that speak to Godly guidance. His guidance is
what keeps us in alignment.
Guidance
His Instruction
Proverbs 23:19
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your
bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service. [see
sermon on this verse]
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect,
will of God.
Our Duty
Psalm 112:5
A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with
discretion.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Our Prayer/Attitude
Psalm 31:3
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and
guide me.
Psalm 25:4-5
4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on
thee do I wait all the day.
James 1:5-6
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men
liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a
wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Promises of God
Psalm 25:9
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Psalm 48:14
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Isaiah 58:11
And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and
make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring
of water, whose waters fail not.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my
name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
The Future
Isaiah 30:21
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye
in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
We cannot talk about guidance and alignment without talking about the paths of
righteousness. Indeed, God is guiding us down this path and His instruction and
correction keep us in alignment on that path.
The Pathway
In regards to pathways, what should we be praying about?
Psalm 27:11
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine
enemies.
What should be in the wording of these prayers?
Psalm 17:5
Hold up my goings in thy paths,
that my footsteps slip not.
Psalm 119:35
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.
What are firstfruits convinced of regarding the pathways of God?
Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at
thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 23:3
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
name's sake.
Psalm 139:3
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my
ways.
What pathway instructions does God give us?
Proverbs 1:15
My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their
path:
Proverbs 4:11
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.
Proverbs 4:14
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
Proverbs 7:25
Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
Will some in the faith leave the path of righteousness? Is there a way for a
faithful firstfruit to keep from doing that?
Proverbs 2:11-15
11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh
froward things;
13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
Let us look at more on how we stay in alignment on that right path:
Proverbs 2:6-10
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk
uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every
good path.
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy
soul;
Are we to examine ourselves regarding the way we walk on the path? What happens
if we do this examination?
Proverbs 4:26
Ponder the path of thy feet, and
let all thy ways be established.
Does our alignment on the pathway of righteousness get better as we grow in
spiritual maturity?
Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more
unto the perfect day.
Will we know eternal life if we stay on the path?
Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no
death.
Following the Pathway
I want to quote a piece from my sermon, "Moment
of Judgment" which has the tagline, "are we in the time of the 10
virgins?"
In the sermon, I look at a number of the key words Of Matthew 25:1-13. The word
I want to review is, "Wise."
5) WISE (as in the 5 wise virgins)
This is Strong’s word 5429 and means “thoughtful”, “sagacious” or “discreet” (implying
a cautious character).
Sagacious:
a) of quick sense perceptions; keen-scented; skilled in following a trail (as
in the pathway God has set before us).
b) Hence, of quick intellectual
perception; discerning and judicious; knowing; far-sighted.
Discreet:
Possessed of discernment, especially in avoiding error or evil, and in the
adaptation of means to ends, prudent, sagacious, not rash or heedless; cautious.
Now, don’t these two words capture what a Wise servant is? They are actively and energetically involved in the Salvation process. They avoid error and evil. They know how to work their way clear through the Salvation process and they never take their eye off the Kingdom of God.
They are ready at all times and
keep themselves full of Spirit. ~end quote from the sermon
Let us go back to that quote from the How Stuff Works site on alignment of your
car’s suspension.
It said to first look at the tires for uneven ware. We want to examine our
current walk on the path of righteousness. Are we still going straight?
The web site then says to look for more indicators:
• your car seems to be drifting to one side, even when you think you're
driving straight.
Note: Referencing 1 Timothy 1:6, are we even beginning to swerve
off the path into “vain jangling.”
• your steering wheel vibrates.
Note: Is your spiritual wheel vibrating? That is, are you are having
doubts, growing weary in well-doing and lacking in spiritual fervency and
diligence.
• you are driving straight, but your steering wheel isn't centered.
Note: This is likened to a lack of spiritual interface with God’s Word
and God’s ways. We are currently driving straight but our “steering wheel” is
not centered.
The web site then states:
“If none of these indicators occurs but it's been a while since your last
alignment, check your owner's manual to see how often the manufacturer
recommends having this service.” This statement is likened to our examining
ourselves and getting immersed into the Word of God. In other words, stop the
neglect.
How Stuff Works then states:
“An out-of-alignment car is a common result of everyday driving. But the term
alignment doesn't really refer to your car's wheels but rather to the
suspension. As part of normal driving, parts of your car's suspension may become
worn, and springs can be stretched out. Even a small accident or bumping a curb
can disrupt your suspension, knocking some of the highly calibrated components
off-kilter, making your wheels sit at improper angles. An alignment restores
these angles to their correct measurements, making sure that your wheels sit
straight.”
---Getting out of “alignment” can happen at any time while in the Salvation
Process.
---In this analogy, the suspension is likened on to the Holy Spirit in us. The
site says, “it’s not the wheels but the suspension. Clearly the Holy Spirit is
our suspension as it keeps us on the straight and narrow. While in the
Salvation Process our “suspension could become worn or stretched out. The Bible
says, “Quench not the Spirit” [1 Thessalonians 5:19]. It says, “Grieve
not the Holy Spirit of God” [Ephesians 4:30]. The meaning of “grieve”
here means, “By giving way to any wrong temper, unholy word, or unrighteous
action.” ~Adam Clarke
The web site then states, “Even a small accident or bumping a curb can disrupt
your suspension, knocking some of the highly calibrated components off-kilter,
making the wheels sit at improper angles.” The Word of God says, “A little
leaven leaveneth the whole lump” [Galatians 5:9].
2 Timothy 2:16-18
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past
already; and overthrow the faith of some.
How Stuff Works then says, “An alignment restores these angles to their correct
measurements, making sure that your wheels sit straight.” The Word of God gives
us all manner of admonitions on getting aligned and staying in alignment. Here
are a few.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye
not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Psalm 26:2
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Psalm 17:3
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried
me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Psalm 139:23-24
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting.
Job 31:4-7
4 Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?
5 If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;
6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
7 If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes,
and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and
not faint.
Finally, the web site states:
“An alignment will ensure that your car drives straight and handles properly,
making your ride safer. You'll also get better gas mileage because your tires
will be properly aligned with the road, decreasing resistance.” Does the Word
of God say anything like this for obeying His laws, commandments and ways?
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide
thee with mine eye.
Psalm 73:24
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Psalm 37:23-24
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his
way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him
with his hand.
Proverbs 2:8
He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and
ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Let us finish our discussion today with a reading of an alignment chapter from
Proverbs.
Proverbs 3:1-35
1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them
upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine
increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out
with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his
correction:
12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he
delighteth.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the
gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are
not to be compared unto her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one
that retaineth her.
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he
established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and
discretion:
22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and
thy sleep shall be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when
it cometh.
26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being
taken.
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of
thine hand to do it.
28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give;
when thou hast it by thee.
29 Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
32 For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the
righteous.
33 The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the
habitation of the just.
34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
Let us end by reading Proverbs 12:28 again.
Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no
death.
Stay in alignment!!