The Christian Life (2)

Introduction

Recap Series

Week 1 - Godly Leadership

people of character who can defend the gospel

for the glory of God, not the glory of themselves

Week 2 - Discipleship as God’s plan and out duty

for the betterment of the people

to advance the kingdom of God

Today - Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

The Christian Life

Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

Living - Interacting with those around us

lost and saved

local and abroad

Knowing - with and understanding

we often live without thought to the kingdom of God

when we talk about a life of knowing, it is understanding that what we do and say, how we live effects those around us

not just day to day, but more importantly, eternally

we represent the king of kings

We Must Live Knowing Who We Are

There are a lot of tools out there for people to figure out who they are

people read all kinds of books

people go on trips and journeys all trying to “find” themselves.

Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people.

Citizens of Heaven, not of this world

our thoughts should be kingdom minded, not US minded

that does not give us excuse to disobey the laws of the land

our actions and words should point others to Jesus

submit - obey

your exemptions - Unbiblical, illegal, unethical, and immoral

We interact with others in a godly way

this does not change for believers vs non believers

even more so with the lost - point them to Jesus

no slandering - speaking evil of ...

avoid fighting - living peaceably

 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

be kind - gentle

gentle - meekness

meekness is a humble strength

We Must Live Knowing Who We Were

Selective Amnesia

I do not remember high school

we do not like to remember who we were before Jesus

 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

What were we like

lost…

this verse describes a lost person and what their life looks like

Why would God remind us of this

God does not have to remind us...

empathy

you were there…

understand the lost…

should not make us remove ourself from them

we should run to the lost to help them come to Christ

appreciation

remembering where you were will make you appreciate where you are

there is no boring testimonies of faith

even the best lost person is going to hell

we are not spoiled kids who do not appreciate what we have

We Must Live Knowing How We Got That Way

We like to take credit for good things

it is easy to pass blame when things go wrong

it is easy to accept credit when things are good

we are a lot like politicians in that way

4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

God reminds us who we were, and quickly reminds us how we got to where we are

when God appeared… He saved us!

not because of anything you have done… not by our works

even your best works are filthy rags…

All of us have become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment; all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

by his mercy...

All of us have become like something unclean,

and all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment;

compassion for the people he created

how does God let people go to hell?

all of us wither like a leaf,

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

the unfair part of this equation is that we can be saved from hell

and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

regeneration… born again

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,,s he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

4 “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

3Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,,s he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

this passage is the answer to Nicodemus’ question

you are regenerated, renewed, born again by the Holy Spirit that has been poured out on you… abundantly.

this is not a process that you go through, as you hear the word and the Lord calls you to himself, the Holy Spirit is making you knew.

not after you have done something, this is God doing this.

really drive home this point!!!

you must be regenerated, born again… imposters need not apply

Spurgeon’s illustration about those who could see the queen

Spurgeon’s illustration changed to America

suppose Trump passed a law to only allow US born citizens to visit the white house in DC.

Do you know Jesus… Are you a born again, regenerated believer in Jesus?

Are you confident that you are going to Heaven when you die?

I now call myself American

I now dress like an American

I want you to know, live with that knowing today

I now speak like an American