Sermonette: Don't Show Up Empty
#1822-AMs
David C. Grabbe
Given 08-Jun-25; 17 minutes
description: Exploring the concept of "empty," this message warns us about God's command not to return physical or spiritual blessings which He has bestowed upon us with zero fruit. The major example is Exodus 23, covering the three Feasts wherein our forebears were not to come empty after the agricultural produce bestowed upon them. But empty is not just monetary, as was shown with Saul's military campaigns which he often victoriously completed. We observe in Isaiah 55 that God's word does not return in futility but rather proceeds as a chain of interlocking events instead of a spontaneous outcome. Our spiritual growth, likewise, should be a constant process of becoming increasingly godlike. As each day unfolds, we should continually grow to a new depth of godly character as God gives us the opportunity to become His first fruits. It requires heavy labor to bear fruit, cultivating the healthy spiritual soil which we are commanded to dress and keep. We cannot foolishly think that we will achieve spiritual growth merely by passively standing in close proximity to God's word or His church.