Practiced What is Preached

INTRO:

Help with Easter services

KETO, Paleo, Alkaline, Whole 30 - fad diets

Why are diets so hard?

Require a lifestyle change

Require discipline

Require hardwork

What are the benefits of dieting?

Feel better

in better shape

Overall health improves

While dieting is tough it has amazing benefits

The Christian Life

What is the hardest thing about being a Christian

Following after God

Rejecting the things of this world - Inner battle

Why is it hard?

Requires a lifestyle change

Requires discipline

Requires hardwork

So often we think a relationship with Christ is suppose to be easy after salvation

Paul tells us to keep pressing on, to keep fighting for our faith, to struggle well

Paul gives us encouragement to follow after Christ

Philippians 4:4–9 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

First we are called to worship - vs.4

Your life reflects a life changed, can’t be a lip service - vs. 5

Be in constant prayer, ask God for the things that are on your heart - vs. 6

A verse of hope and ability to overcome any adversity - vs.7

Cling to holiness and good sound teaching - vs. 8-9

Follow Christ with Complete abandon, trust Him, obey Him, seek Him

He is worthy

He is the atonement

1 John 2:2 ESV

2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

STOP

The Gospel of Christ gives life to the dead, how are or were we dead? Why does our sin make us dead? How does Christ become the atoning sacrifice?

Does the Gospel give life in all areas of our lives or just the religious parts? If the Gospel gives life in all areas where are you struggling to trust Him with your life?

What does God want for us with your doubts and struggles? (Lay them at the foot of the cross). What ways can you discipline yourself to live a life worthy of the life Christ has given you?