Parallelism

In Sermon Outlines by Rachel Schultz

Parallelism
Text: Heb. 12:2
Theme: God’s Love
I. Introduction – God goes out of his way to repeat his message of love to us, just in case we get distracted, forget, or just don’t get it the first time.
A. Jn 14:12-14 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. NKJV
B. Why is that not happening? Ask different ones.
C. Have the congregation help by saying, “Don’t make me repeat myself…”  What was that phrase?
II. Parallelism
A. Definition – The quality or condition of being parallel; a parallel relationship. Likeness, correspondence, or similarity in aspect, course, or tendency
B. In Daniel
1. Dan. 2; 7; 8 – Show comparisons to illustrate how God repeats himself. Why would he do that?
C. Parallelism in the gospel stories
1. Feeding of the 5000 (Mt. 14:13-21; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-14)
 In a difficult situation Jesus can provide for you (Fed 5000 w/ 5 loves and 2 fish).
 Gather up the fragments (Jn. 6:12) They were supposed to be mediating on the blessings that he bestows; training the mind to focus on the blessings at hand.
 Instead they are trying to force him to become their king (Jn. 6:15); Their thoughts were stormy and unreasonable and God gave them something to occupy their minds…
2. Seeing Jesus as an omen of doom. Mt. 14:26 (Mk. 6:48-9) Why? He almost passed them by Mk. 6:48. Why? The imaginings of our heart. Dwelling on the doom they didn’t recognize him when he was near.
3. Peter walking on the water: Why did he start to sink? (Mt. 14:28-32)
 The wind and waves were boisterous (Mt. 14:30)  Impossible situation again.
 The angry waves talked of death he couldn’t see Jesus, because he focused on the problem around him.
 He took his eyes off of Jesus. How do we take our eyes off of Jesus today? Focus on the problems around us instead of the One that walks on the storm capped billows; the One that is able to lift us up above the fray…
III. Verses that assure us of His presence and care.
A. Heb. 13:5 – I will NEVER leave you or forsake you. Do you get it?
B. Mt. 28:20 – … and lo I am with you always… (Part of the time…) Do you get it?
C. Heb 12:2 – Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NKJV
IV. Why was he walking on the water?
1. In the sermon on the mount He not only said this (Mt 5:41) And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. But he repeats his point by walking on the water out to them. Do you get it?
B. Story – the sleeping dog in Covelo
C. Prov. 23:7 – As a man thinketh so is he.
D. 2 Pet. 1:13 – Gird up the loins of your mind.
V. Appeal
A. Are you passing through stormy waters?
B. Are your thoughts stormy and unreasonable?
C. Focus illustrations
D. What he wants for you Jn. 14:12-14.
E. The word “compel” – Mt 5:41 – And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

The word “Compel” is of Persian origin and means public couriers or mounted messengers angaroi who were stationed by the King of Persia at fixed localities, with horses ready for use, to send royal messages from one to another. So if a man is passing such a post-station, an official may rush out and compel him to go back to another station to do an errand for the king. This was called “impressment into service.” This very thing was done to Simon of Cyrene who was thus compelled to carry the cross of Christ (Mt 27:32). – (from Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft & Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament. Copyright (c) 1985 by Broadman Press)

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