Accepting God's Will: A Tale of Two Comings

Certainly, I can help you with that! I will write a twenty-minute sermon and a sermon outline focusing on the crucial decision of accepting or exempting oneself from God's will, drawing comparisons from the time of Jesus' birth to His second coming, and incorporating scripture and Ellen White's writings.

My beloved brothers and sisters, what a blessing it is to gather today in fellowship, to open God’s sacred Word, and to lift our hearts in prayer 🙏. We are living in solemn times, days filled with profound significance, and it is more crucial than ever to consider our stand before God. Our theme today is simple, yet profoundly searching: Accepting God's Will vs. Exempting Ourselves from It.

The Lord has given us His holy precepts because He loves mankind, revealing principles of righteousness to shield us from the results of transgression. His law is an expression of His very thought, and when received in Christ, it becomes our thought, lifting us above sin's power and bringing us joy Luke 2:14DA 308.1+1. God desires us to be happy, and His commands are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh Proverbs 4:226T 224.3.

Right after the introduction, I want to share a little story, especially for our young ones. Imagine a beautiful garden, the most wonderful garden you could ever dream of! 🌳🌻 In this garden, there’s a very special tree that gives the sweetest, juiciest fruit, and the owner of the garden, who loves all the children, says, “You can eat from any tree in this garden, but please, do not pick fruit from this one tree, the Tree of Life. I want you to trust me, and when the time is right, I will give you its fruit myself.” Now, most children trusted the owner and enjoyed all the other fruits. But some children thought, "Oh, surely the owner won't mind if I just try a tiny bite from that one tree. It looks so good, and I don't want to wait." They made excuses, saying, "Maybe the owner doesn't really mean it," or "It's just a little thing." But when they tried the forbidden fruit, it wasn't sweet at all; it brought sadness and made them feel far from the kind owner. The children who trusted and waited, however, always felt happy and close to the owner, knowing that his will was for their best. That special tree, the Tree of Life, is a picture of God's will for us, and when we obey Him, we show that we trust His love and goodness, which is the only way to be truly happy Revelation 22:1-2WLF 14.3.

I. The First Advent: Responding to God's Will in Humility or Pride

When Jesus, our Lord, first came to this world, His advent was a time of decision for many. He, the King of glory, chose to exchange the riches of Heaven for the poverty of earth, humbling Himself to show how much God loves us and how we may honor God through obedience to His willSJ 15.4+1. He came with no outward manifestation of glory, veiled in the garb of humanity, born in a stable, cradled in a mangerSR 196.2+1.

Who accepted God's will then? It was the humble shepherds, watching their flocks by night on the plains of Bethlehem, to whom the birth of Christ was first made known Luke 2:14SJ 15.4+3. Angels from heaven informed them, and light and glory from God accompanied their testimony. The heavenly host touched their harps and glorified God, triumphantly heralding the advent of the Son of GodSR 196.2+1. These humble souls, who were praying earnestly for His coming, were chosen to receive this divine revelationSJ 15.4. They accepted the good tidings of great joy and responded with worship and praise Luke 2:14PrT June 15, 1899, par. 3+2.

But what about those who exempted themselves? The priests and rulers among the Jews were not ready to welcome Jesus. They expected a mighty king who would make them rich and great, too proud to think of the Messiah as a helpless childSJ 15.4. They looked for a god in humanity, and when Christ came in humility, they were offended. They refused to accept Him as the Messiah, despite being convinced of God's power with Him, and worked to prevent the people from accepting the lightBEcho February 20, 1899, par. 6. They sought to counteract His influence and make His teachings of no effectBEcho February 20, 1899, par. 6.

Many religious teachers of that time set forth strange ideas mingled with truth, leading souls away from God while preserving an appearance of true worshipST June 4, 1894, par. 1. They were ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men Matthew 15:9ST June 4, 1894, par. 1. They asked, "Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed?" John 7:48HF 236.1. This is a crucial lesson: unpopular truth is no more acceptable to Pharisaical, self-righteous hearts today than it was when Christ walked the earthST June 9, 1887, par. 13.

The world was almost wholly under the sway of the prince of darkness, and even God's covenant people had lost all true conception of His characterSS 356.1+1. They might have been a power for good on God's side, but instead, they became a power for evilBEcho February 20, 1899, par. 6. This teaches us that accepting God's will requires humility, open hearts, and a willingness to embrace truth, however unexpected or unpopular it may be.

II. The Second Advent: A Call to Decision Before the Great Day of God

Now, let us turn our gaze to our own time, for the message of Christ’s second coming announces the kingdom of His glory Luke 21:27HLv 149.1. The prophecies plainly indicate that the coming of Christ is near, and we are rapidly approaching the end of this earth’s history4T 592.1+2. What earnest zeal should these words arouse in the heart of the true believer12LtMs, Ms 79, 1897, par. 3!

In the early 1840s, the Advent message, proclaiming Christ's soon coming, awakened widespread interestGC 368.2+1. Many humble laymen, farmers, mechanics, traders, and professional men left their fields and positions to unite in proclaiming the coming of JesusHF 229.1+3. They sacrificed their pride of opinion and joyfully received the truthHF 229.1+2. Those who accepted the Advent doctrine were roused to the necessity of repentance and humiliation before God, feeling that it was time to take a standHF 212.2+1. Eternity assumed an unwonted reality for them, and they were quickened to new spiritual lifeHF 212.2+1. The Spirit of God rested upon them, giving power to their earnest appeals to prepare for the day of GodHF 212.2+1. This message of Christ's second coming brought great joy and hope to the righteousGC88 339.1.

However, just as in Christ's first advent, there were many who exempted themselves from God's unfolding will. The doctrine of Christ's second coming was unwelcome and even offensive to many churchesGC88 339.1+2. Ministers and religious leaders decided against the Advent doctrine, opposing it from the pulpit and denying members the privilege of attending such preachingHF 236.1+1. They closed their ears to explanations, echoing, "No man knoweth the day nor the hour" Matthew 24:36HF 230.3 and hindered those who sought the truthGC88 371.2. Their love for God and faith in His Word had grown coldHF 236.1.

After the "Great Disappointment" of 1844, when Christ did not appear as expected, many renounced their faith, deeply wounded in their pride, some even complaining of God like JonahLS80 189.3. Hypocrites felt relieved and launched into open oppositionLS80 189.3. The weak and wicked declared that "the time had passed, the Lord had not come, and the world would remain the same for thousands of years"LS80 189.3+1. This reveals how many had set their affections on this world rather than on ChristHF 236.1.

Today, Satan's deceptive power is exercised intensely, leading many to lose sight of their high and holy mission, settling down at ease or pursuing worldly advantagesPK 171.3. There are many who have outgrown their Advent faith, living for the world and saying in their hearts, "My Lord delayeth His coming" Matthew 24:4814MR 115.2+2. These unfaithful servants begin to smite their fellow-servants14MR 115.2+2. This is a dangerous path, for God will not accept any excuse for backsliding or remaining in a cold, lifeless spiritual conditionRH March 22, 1906, par. 1.

III. The Call to Action: Embracing God's Will Today

Brothers and sisters, God has given us ample evidence for faith, but He will never remove all excuse for unbeliefDD 11.3+2. All who look for hooks to hang their doubts upon will find themDD 11.3+1. Those who refuse to accept and obey God's Word until every objection has been removed, and there is no longer an opportunity for doubt, will never come to the lightDD 11.3+1.

We are individually responsible to God and must act as God acts upon us, not as another human mind acts upon our minds1888 112.1+1. God designs that each shall use their mind and conscience for themselves2MCP 785.1+2. There is no excuse for anyone to be destitute of divine help or to be stumbling upon the dark mountains of unbelief, for God's Word is pledged in His abundant promisesRH September 4, 1888, par. 5. If we fail, the responsibility rests upon us, for the promises are made upon plainly stated conditionsRH September 4, 1888, par. 5.

The standard by which to measure character is the royal law. The law is the sin detector; by the law is the knowledge of sin Romans 7:7. Yet, the sinner is constantly being drawn to Jesus by the wonderful manifestation of His love, in that He humbled Himself to die a shameful death upon the cross. What a study is this! Angels have striven, earnestly longed, to look into this wonderful mystery 1 Peter 1:12. This is the mystery of godliness, that man, fallen, deceived by Satan, can be conformed to the image of the Son of the infinite God. That man shall be like Him, that because of the righteousness of Christ given to man, God will love man—fallen but redeemed—even as He loved His Son John 17:23.

Jesus alone has power to save from sin, to free us from the power of evilRH February 10, 1891, par. 5. He is ready to set us free, but He does not force us to stop sinning and choose His waySTJ 30.1. If we do not desire to be free, if we will not accept His grace, what more can He do? We will destroy ourselves by turning away from His loveSTJ 30.1. Paul wrote, "Listen! This is the hour to receive God’s favor. Today is the day to be saved!" 2 Corinthians 6:2STJ 30.1. "If you hear God’s voice today, do not be stubborn" Hebrews 3:7-8STJ 30.1.

God's call to us is to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming15LtMs, Lt 3, 1900, par. 11. This involves the promulgation of health principles, relieving suffering, and teaching people how to prevent sickness by obedience to the laws of life6T 224.3+1. We are to show forth the power of truth and righteousness in our own livesGCB May 28, 1913, par. 2+1. We must work to save souls, being missionaries at home, in our families and neighborhoods, for God requires personal service from everyone to whom He entrusts His truth, and not one is excusedPaM 145.2+3.

No excuse will God accept for neglecting our highest service: the education and training of our children to be ChristiansPaM 277.2+1. No excuse will be accepted for rejecting God's law or for continuing in a cold, lifeless spiritual conditionFW 33.2+1. We cannot accept the representations of Satan and expect to remain free18LtMs, Ms 102, 1903, par. 18. We cannot make worldly interests an excuse for disobedience, saying, "I cannot follow Thee; I pray Thee have me excused"RH January 17, 1899, par. 12. The Sunday-sabbath, though hoary with age, does not have one tittle of sanctity, for God has not made it sacred, and no excuse of long observance of a false sabbath will be accepted by GodRH September 13, 1898, par. 3.

The cross of Calvary is the life-healing balmFW 18.1. The righteousness of Christ must go before us Ephesians 2:8FW 27.2+1. It is a free gift received by faith, and it is the beginning, middle, and end of the only thing God will accept6LtMs, Lt 8a, 1890, par. 19. We are not saved by our good works, but our reward will be according to our works Romans 8:14-17ST May 30, 1895, par. 1. Our acceptance with God is not on the ground of our good works, but because God loves the purchase of the blood of ChristRH September 21, 1886, par. 12+1. Through Him, we may stand on vantage ground with God1SAT 321.3. There is no excuse for any man or woman to lose eternal life; everyone can gain heaven, but God will not force anyone to accept His provisions or obey1SAT 321.3.

Conclusion: What Will You Do?

My dear friends, the message of God’s love and His soon coming is positive, simple, and of the deepest importance17LtMs, Lt 150, 1902, par. 5. We are called to be waiting, watching, working, and praying, warning the world17LtMs, Lt 150, 1902, par. 5. The King's highway must be cleared, for God will remove hindrances out of the way1888 545.5.

The voice of God is heard, declaring the day and hour of Jesus' coming, and delivering the everlasting covenant to His people Ezekiel 12:25+24SP 458.1+1. Like peals of loudest thunder, His words will roll through the earth Jeremiah 25:30-314SP 458.1+1. The Israel of God will stand listening, with their eyes fixed upward, countenances lighted up with His glory4SP 458.1+1.

Today, the Lord Jesus has the table provided to meet the necessities of every case, and He invites us to the gospel feast13LtMs, Ms 184, 1898, par. 50. To refuse this heavenly invitation, to separate ourselves from God and heaven, and to walk in the imagination of our own hearts, means separation from Him who alone can bless usRH September 24, 1895, par. 2.

So, I ask you today, beloved, what are you going to do? Will you, like the humble shepherds, accept God's will with joy and open hearts, preparing for His glorious appearing? Or will you, like those who rejected His first advent, find excuses, cling to worldly interests, and miss the profound blessings He so freely offers?

The Lord is testing us now7LtMs, Lt 10, 1892, par. 25+1. The whole earth is to be lightened with the glory of God Revelation 18:1ULe 21.1+2. How hard it has been for proud hearts to accept Jesus as their personal Savior, to get out of the rut of a legal religion, to grasp the rich, free gift of Christ7LtMs, Lt 10, 1892, par. 25+1. But for those who maintain contrition of soul, Jesus can abide with them; they will let nothing interpose between their souls and God7LtMs, Lt 10, 1892, par. 25+1.

I entreat you, do not delay to make your peace with Him18LtMs, Ms 102, 1903, par. 18. Your surrender to God must be as free and complete as has the offering of Christ been free and complete for youST September 25, 1893, par. 4. Then you will be accepted of God in every work you do, in every prayer you offerST September 25, 1893, par. 4. Place your hand in His, and let Him guide you9MR 305.3+1. For "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" Romans 6:233T 365.1+1.

May we all choose to walk in obedience, embrace the truth, and with expectant hearts, make ready for the soon coming of our King! Amen.

Here is the sermon outline:

Accepting God's Will vs. Exempting Ourselves from It

Introduction: The Significance of God's Will

• We live in solemn times, requiring us to consider our stand before God.
• God's precepts are given out of love, leading to joy and life Luke 2:14+1.
• Story for children: The Garden of Life – illustrates trusting the owner's instruction for true happiness Revelation 22:1-2.

I. The First Advent: Responding to God's Will in Humility or Pride

• Jesus' Humility:
  • Exchanged heavenly riches for earthly poverty to show God's love and the honor of obedience.
  • Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, without outward glory.
• Those who Accepted God's Will (Humility):
  • Humble shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem were first to know.
  • Angels announced Christ's birth with light and glory.
  • Shepherds, earnestly praying for His coming, accepted the good tidings with worship and praise Luke 2:14.
• Those who Exempted Themselves (Pride):
  • Priests and rulers expected a mighty king, too proud for a humble Messiah.
  • Offended by His humility, they refused to accept Him despite evidence of God's power.
  • Sought to counteract His influence and teachings.
  • Many religious teachers taught human commandments, ignoring Scripture and God's power Matthew 15:9+1.
  • Unpopular truth was rejected then, as it is now, by self-righteous hearts.
  • God's covenant people lost their true conception of His character, becoming a power for evil.
• Lesson: Accepting God's will requires humility, open hearts, and a willingness to embrace unexpected truth.

II. The Second Advent: A Call to Decision Before the Great Day of God

• The Nearness of Christ's Return:
  • Prophecies indicate Christ's coming is near, and the end of earth's history is rapidly approaching Luke 21:27.
  • This should arouse earnest zeal in true believers.
• Early Advent Movement (Acceptance):
  • The Advent message of Christ's soon coming awakened widespread interest in the 1840s.
  • Humble laymen sacrificed pride and joyfully received the truth.
  • Roused to repentance and humiliation, feeling the necessity to take a stand.
  • Eternity gained new reality, and they experienced spiritual quickening.
  • The Spirit of God empowered their appeals to prepare for God's day, bringing great joy and hope.
• Those who Exempted Themselves (Rejection):
  • The doctrine of Christ's second coming was unwelcome and offensive to many churches.
  • Ministers and religious leaders opposed it, hindering members from hearing.
  • Closed ears to explanations, quoting "No man knoweth the day nor the hour" Matthew 24:36, hindering those seeking truth.
  • Love for God and faith in His Word had grown cold.
  • After the "Great Disappointment" of 1844:
    • Many renounced faith, wounded in pride, some complaining like Jonah.
    • Hypocrites felt relieved and launched open opposition.
    • The weak declared the "time had passed," revealing their worldly affections.
• Present-Day Exemption:
  • Satan's deception leads many to lose sight of their mission, pursuing worldly advantages.
  • Many have "outgrown" Advent faith, living for the world, saying, "My Lord delayeth His coming" Matthew 24:48.
  • These unfaithful servants "smite their fellow-servants."
  • God will not accept excuses for backsliding or spiritual coldness.

III. The Call to Action: Embracing God's Will Today

• Personal Responsibility and Divine Help:
  • God provides ample evidence for faith but will not remove all room for doubt.
  • Those seeking doubt will find it and will never come to light.
  • We are individually responsible to God, using our own minds and consciences.
  • No excuse for being destitute of divine help or stumbling in unbelief, as God's promises are abundant (if conditions are met).
• The Royal Law and Christ's Love:
  • The law is the standard for character, the "sin detector" Romans 7:7.
  • Sinners are drawn to Jesus by His love, humbling Himself to die on the cross 1 Peter 1:12.
  • This "mystery of godliness" allows fallen man to be conformed to Christ's image.
  • Through Christ's righteousness, God loves redeemed man as He loves His Son John 17:23.
• Choosing Freedom and Grace:
  • Jesus alone saves from sin and frees from evil 2 Corinthians 6:2+1.
  • He does not force us; if we don't desire freedom or accept grace, we destroy ourselves.
• God's Call to Prepare a People:
  • Promulgate health principles, relieve suffering, and teach obedience to life's laws.
  • Show forth truth and righteousness in our lives.
  • Be missionaries at home, in families and neighborhoods; personal service is required and no one is excused.
  • No excuse for neglecting children's Christian education.
  • No excuse for rejecting God's law or remaining spiritually cold.
  • No excuse for accepting Satan's representations or making worldly interests an excuse for disobedience.
  • No excuse for observing a false Sabbath.
• Salvation by Grace through Faith:
  • The cross of Calvary is the healing balm.
  • Christ's righteousness Ephesians 2:8 is a free gift received by faith—the beginning, middle, and end of what God accepts.
  • Not saved by good works, but rewarded according to them Romans 8:14-17.
  • Acceptance is based on God's love for "the purchase of the blood of Christ."
  • Everyone can gain heaven, but God does not force acceptance or obedience.

Conclusion: What Will You Do?

• God's message of love and His soon coming is positive, simple, and important.
• We are called to be waiting, watching, working, and praying, warning the world.
• The voice of God will declare the day and hour of Jesus' coming, delivering the everlasting covenant Ezekiel 12:25, 20:37+2.
• The Lord Jesus invites us to the gospel feast; refusal means separation from Him.
• Decision: Will you accept God's will with joy (like the shepherds) or make excuses and cling to worldly interests (like those who rejected His first advent)?
• God is testing us now; the earth will be lightened with His glory Revelation 18:1.
• Humble hearts accept Jesus; they allow nothing to interpose between their souls and God.
• Do not delay in making peace with Him; surrender must be free and complete, mirroring Christ's offering.
• Then, you will be accepted in every work and prayer.
• Place your hand in His; "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" Romans 6:23.
• Choose obedience, embrace truth, and prepare for the King's coming. Amen.

It is truly insightful to observe the contrasting responses to Jesus' birth and early life, as some embraced God's will with humble faith while others exempted themselves through pride, indifference, or fear 🙏.

Those Who Accepted God's Will

• Joseph and Mary: These humble individuals exemplified deep faith and submission to God's purpose, even amidst challenging circumstancesCSA 5.5+1. They journeyed to Bethlehem for the enrollment, fulfilling prophecy, and Mary, in particular, cherished every evidence that Jesus was the Messiah, though doubts and disappointments might have mingled with her hopesCSA 5.5+2. They raised Jesus, instructing Him according to His sacred mission, and Mary carefully treasured His profound words in her heart5BC 1116.7+2. Joseph and Mary provided a home where Jesus was subject to them, contributing to the family's sustenance through laborFE 151.2+2. They did not have much of earth's riches, but were rich in God's love and chosen for a wonderful honorSJ 13.4.

• The Shepherds: These humble men, watching their flocks by night, were chosen by God to receive the glorious announcement of Christ's birth from angelsRH December 17, 1872, par. 21. They were terrified by the divine brightness, but readily accepted the good tidings, finding the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, just as the angel had foretoldRH December 17, 1872, par. 21. Their joyful reception stands in stark contrast to the indifference of the learned and powerfulTA 164.1+1.

• The Wise Men: Guided by a miraculous star, these men from the East diligently sought the newborn King of the Jews, making inquiries in Jerusalem and eventually finding Jesus in Bethlehem5BC 1077.2+3. They came to worship Him, offering costly gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, thereby providing for the family's journey to EgyptSJ 25.6+2. Their sincere appreciation and worship of the infant Jesus, despite knowing little of Him, stood out in true devotionDA 564.3.

Those Who Exempted Themselves from God's Will

• The Innkeeper: In the bustling city of Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary found no room at the crowded inn, compelling them to seek refuge in a rude building where animals were shelteredCSA 5.5+1. The innkeeper's indifference highlights a missed opportunity to welcome the Redeemer of the world, prioritizing convenience or worldly guests over the weary travelersCSA 5.5+1.

• Herod: King Herod reacted with suspicion, envy, and intense agitation upon hearing of the birth of the infant KingRH December 24, 1872, par. 9+1. Troubled by the news, he gathered the chief priests and scribes to ascertain the Messiah's birthplace, not out of reverence, but to plan dark purposes for the future, eventually intending to destroy the childTA 165.2+4. His murderous intent and willingness to inflict terror revealed a heart consumed by earthly power and fear1Red 21.1.

• The Chief Priests and Leaders: These religious authorities showed a "stupid indifference" to the story of the wise menRH December 24, 1872, par. 9+1. Despite knowing the prophecies that foretold Christ's birth in Bethlehem, their indifference irritated Herod, who suspected they were concealing factsRH December 24, 1872, par. 9+1. Throughout Jesus' ministry, their pride and prejudice led them to reject Him, despising Him by whom the law was given, even though inanimate nature bore witness to His divinityPP 475.2+1. They continually sought to silence Jesus and His disciples, ultimately leading to His crucifixion and even planning to slay Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead1SG 45.1+1. They were self-confident and scorned to be taught by Christ, preferring their own traditions over God's WordHLv 51.4+2.

• The People of Nazareth: While Jesus spent nearly thirty years in Nazareth, His hometown became a place of rejection for HimDA 66.3. When He preached in the synagogue, sharing gracious words, the people questioned, "Is not this Joseph's son?" displaying prejudice and unbelief1888 1345.2+1. They were filled with wrath, seeking to thrust Him out of the city and even cast Him down headlong, illustrating how a prophet is often not accepted in his own country1888 1345.2+1.

These diverse responses illustrate a profound truth: God's will is often revealed in humility and calls for a response of faith and openness, while exemption from it often stems from pride, self-interest, or a hardened heart. May we all choose to accept His will with gratitude and obedience 🙏.