Still_pt2: Touchy Subjects
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Still_pt2: Touchy Subjects
Still_pt2: Touchy Subjects
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
[LAST WEEK]
I don’t need to defend myself,
I don’t need the what’s fair,
I don’t need the credit.
[THIS WEEK] – Let’s take a look at some more intimate issues. Issues surrounding our own walk with Christ.
o[THIS WEEK] – Let’s take a look at some more intimate issues. Issues surrounding our own walk with Christ.
Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”
[PAYOFF] - You are never more still than when you are laid upon the altar!
The apostle was able to say he had no regrets, he’s done all he could, he’d lived up to the calling!
At times, for us, we are kept awake at night with thoughts racing in our mind of:
our mind of:
Things we know we should be doing, but aren’t doing,
Things we shouldn’t be doing, but are doing,
Or hurt or pain others have caused us, or we have caused them.
[LETS GET REAL] – At Connect Church, we mostly focus on the abundant life of God. You won’t hear much “fire and brimstone” – and you won’t hear that this morning, BUT let’s get honest with ourselves. Let's take a look at these touchy subjects that cause us to be stirred and not still.
Touchy subjects
Touchy subjects
Discipline
Discipline
Jesus: The Kingdom is like a master...
He returns to see what His servants have done with what they have been given.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
2 doubled (multiplied)
1 kept hidden
Discipline - don’t waste your life. Apply yourself to the work of the Kingdom, over your own interest or desires.
Avoid distraction.
Discipline - MULTIPLY! Avoid the urge to keep your gift for yourself, just working on YOU.
[MISUNDERSTANDING] - Discipleship is for us.
NO! - Our discipline is allying our lives God’s purpose - His people, spreading the Gospel, saving the lost, reconciling men!
[MISUNDERSTANDING] - The Kingdom of God is far off in Heaven, perfect.
NO! - His Kingdom is right here, in our hearts. A space you and I share together! What connects us is our love of Christ, His Blood, and the mission we’ve all been called to!
[TRANSITION] - Now, let’s talk about the DISCIPLINE you may have had in mind...
The next touchy subject is Sin.
Sin
Sin
Paul often compared “following Christ” to competing in the Greek games.
In Hebrews the author is recounting all the men and women of faith from the OT. He describes them now as being spectators/fans in the race we now run.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
“Let us throw off “- Even clothing was removed for the games
Sin is what holds up back. It prevents us from running towards the finish line!
Forgiveness
Forgiveness
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Paul gives us the measure in which we are to forgive...
= As the Lord forgave you.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
In this scripture here, we see that reconciliation comes even before worship – because you cannot truly worship while un-reconciled.
[PAYOFF] - Unforgiveness will wold you back from freely worshiping your Heavenly Father!
[MINISTER] - Holy Spirit, move in our heats to forgive. Heal the wounds and scars...
Eyes on the prize
Eyes on the prize
[SO] Why not train for the race??
It’s not just an important part of life, it IS life!
though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
1. Resolve to live it!
1. Resolve to live it!
RESOLVE - Decide firmly on a course of action!
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
2. Recognize it for what it is!
2. Recognize it for what it is!
Know temptation when it comes!
Know where it comes from when it comes!
James 4:27
James 4:27
Tell it where to go back to!
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Let’s go back to the very beginning and see how Eve handled it...
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Know where it comes from when it comes!
says He gives us “a way out of temptation.”
Eve reasoned with the temptation and fell. If she would have rebuked the enemy, he would have fled.
[WRITE OUT NEXT TO HERE]
Resist the devil, not the temptation
And when it seems good, ask Him if it is “good.”
3. Remember He did it first!
3. Remember He did it first!
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
He’s already forgiven you!
[NOW] We live by a different standard, on a new system, a new order - Christ called it a new law...
Colossians
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Again, Paul give us the measure - As the Lord forgave you!
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
We cannot be fully free (OR STILL) until we forgive!
Take Away
Take Away
() “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God [the best offering] —this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world [don’t lower the standards of the race to match the cultural climate], [But how will I know???] but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. [He will allow you to see and think differently] Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Live as an offering to Him!
Live as an offering to Him!
You are never more still than when you are laid upon the altar.