12 RULES FOR A STRONG LIFE

Welcome

Van is doing well

Last week we talked about wisdom

if you're new, you've made a great choice

series were in is called best life

We want to live the virtues because its fruit of the gospel

We never want to ignore virtue

Today is about strong life

Historical people with rules for life

Jonathan Edwards had 70 here are a few...

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance

Edwards had a strong life, died of polio at 54 but the life he lived was incredibly strong

Today were talking about 12 Rules for the strong life

All of these are deeply rooted in the gospel

Twelve rules for a strong life

(ESV) — 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

A strong life is not found in new ideas or life hacks

I enjoy these too, but we quickly get disappointed by these because there is no life hack for strength, its a slow process.

Chronological snobbery

We want time tested!

  ...to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength...

...Last chapter...

  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 

PRAY

1. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY TO ADMIT WEAKNESS

Everyone has encountered the person who tries to prove their strength all the time

deep insecurity

kid who swears its not cold

We all struggle with this at some level and the church has become a place of expert mask wearers, but true strength knows its weak!

The church is founded off of the weak

hospital not museum

Its not ok to project strength when things fall apart

(ESV) — 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul had strong life but still shows vulnerability

That kind of person is brave ---just like those who come out of abuse

God has always used weak people

(ESV) — 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

If God is doing this in us, his strength is put on display

We need God’s strength to strengthen feeble knees

(ESV) — 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

It is only when we can finally admit that we don’t have everything together that we can truly be ready to grow in a strong life

2. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY FOR GROWTH

q 1.  FOR GROWTH

  And the child (Jesus) grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

If Jesus had to grow, we should not be surprised that we need to grow

You don’t need to beat yourself up—Jesus died for this!

I think failure is part of the process and Jesus isn't expecting more from us than he knows we are capable of

If he saw all of your sin from before the foundations of the earth were laid, He isn’t shocked when you fail. Yes sin is so serious that it took the death of the Son of God, but don’t allow your shame or fear of failure to cripple you, we are all called to grow

Take looks at yourself but keep looking to Christ

Sometimes reframing our failure with a gospel lens propels us into deeper growth and maturity

We need to take steps of action in this though!

  ...train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

There is a huge difference between training and exercise

how many of us have tried to go as hard as we could at the first workout?

For some people your growth may not be trying to read for an hour a day, it may mean you try to stay consistent to read for ten minutes everyday for the next three months

3. THE STRONG LIFE PRIORITIZES TIME

q 2.  FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

NOT the… BULLY      —      VICTIM     —     SAVIOR

So many of us struggle with this!

1. Self-deceived 4.  Self-righteous

2. Hurt people 5.  Deflect criticism

The world is your oyster of things to be done, but are those our priority?

3. Are self-absorbed 3.  Avoid responsibility

  Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

To have a strong life we must look at how we use our time

Are we taking adequate time to rest? God did it, why cant we?

Are we working diligently when it is time to work? ---or going through the motions?

The master is away for right now, but He’s entrusted us with time talents and resources, the question that I am always asking is… Will he find me with my boots on? ---Van’s Brother story

Make a list of everything you value in life, see if those things are in the appropriate order, if not ask God to help you to set things in the right place

4. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY FOR OPPOSITION

q 3.  FOR OPPOSITION

  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed...

There is a certain resilience that accompanies the Christian life

The Christian should never take the victim mentality, if there was ever a person who existed that should have been given the right it would have been Paul ---never took victim mentality

When you encounter opposition, ask yourself the question…What is God trying to teach me?

Sometimes God pulls back so we will lean in

(ESV) — 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Every opportunity that you face is a chance to learn something about God, Yourself, or the world you inhabit, there is always something to learn

5. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY FOR A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS

q 4.  FOR A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS

Everyday has up and down, dont be blown about

allow your emotions to be grounded in the gospel

we dont try to fix on our own but run to him who can

  For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Are we driven by fear? ---God is strong and in control

If that is true, allow that to work down into your veins

  ... mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.

  ...do not be anxious about anything, (really 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.

These negative emotions are there, are you going to run to Christ or to your anxiety? This is a process!

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.

But we must guard our hearts and minds in Christ

Strong life is ready for those days…are you?

6. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY FOR TEMPTATION

Everyone has desire that is contrary to God

q 5.  FOR TEMPTATION

Sometimes we feel like we have been good for long enough that we deserve to give in

its foolish to be unprepared to be tempted

we are never more in danger than when we grow lax in our defense

Are we ready for temptation? When it comes… Whats your plan?

Do you do what Jesus did in the wilderness? ---Word dwelling in us richly

  No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Your’e not alone! Your temptation is common to man!

What is this way of escape that God has given us? Jesus quoted scripture and set his mind on the Spirit!

GROWTH/PROBLEMS/OPPOSITION/EMOTION/TEMPTATION TO BE SELF CONTROLLED

7. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY TO BE SELF CONTROLLED

q 6.  TO BE SELF CONTROLLED

There have been days where I haven’t been self controlled

Some of us need to start dealing with our stuff in order to have a strong life of self control

I had to go through years of counseling to work on my darkness to see changes of holiness in my own heart

(ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

  And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. 

God’s grace convicts us to train ourselves to live holy lives and one of those virtues is self control, not giving up and giving in to our sin patterns but waiting for the return of Christ!

  Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

We must lean on Christ and ask Him for this kind of life, this is supernatural work that is his alone to do!

but you must be connected to the vine in order to see the fruit

8. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY TO BE SELFLESS

q 7.  TO BE SELFLESS

  We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

If you are strong you are a servant

This is why we lay down our preferences as the gathered church! Lay down your selfishness!

I struggle with this too!---I don’t see mess

I need to be better at serving my wife

What does this practically look like? Are you putting your spouses needs in front of your own? What about the needs of your kids?

If not, this is sin and we need to grow for a strong life

9. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY TO BE RELIABLE

Strong people are reliable and willing to commit

q 8.  TO BE RELIABLE

We always look to what might be more fun

Men…Sign up for men’s retreat today!

Reliability is a stewardship issue, are we doing well with the relationships, money, gifting, and the blood bought spirituality that God has given us.

(ESV) — 10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

Dont be shocked that you're not stepping into more responsibility unless you're being responsible and reliable with what God is doing in you now

  ...those who act faithfully are his delight.

Be active in your reliability, don’t settle for passivity

Life doesn’t magically happen to us

  A faithful man will abound with blessings

10. THE STRONG LIFE NEVER FIGHTS ALONE

Hebrews 3:12–13 ESV

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

HB 3:

The lone ranger is not the strong ranger, that person is in danger

When I notice my heart wanting isolation…Im in danger

(ESV) — 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Pastors fall away from faith and my suspicion is that they isolated from Christ exulting community

A chord of many strands cannot be broken…Do you have community?

Not only do we have other people with us but be encouraged at God’s strength!

(ESV) — 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

When we know that God is with us, and when we know that others are fighting with us, we live a strong life!

11. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY TO BE BRAVE & CONFIDENT

q 9.  TO BE BRAVE & CONFIDENT

Confidence is not arrogance

Last week...Meekness of wisdom is strong

Those who are confident in who God is making them to be have confidence…Those who are confident in themselves are arrogant!

PREPARED for UNKNOWN WORLD | NOT SAFE |

do you need to go on an adventure for this? No, one of the most brave things you can do is know your neighbor!

  Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed...

Why was Joshua so strong during the conquest? His own strength??? Nope!

  Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

Why was Joshua so strong during the conquest? His own strength??? Or why did David operate with so much courage. was it his own strength??? Nope!

12. THE STRONG LIFE IS READY FOR THE LONG HAUL

God conducted things in the Scripture different than I would… HE had a long view

q 10.  FOR THE LONG HAUL

Adam and Eve—wipe them out

Isreal sins---wipe them out, start over with new people---God walks them through wilderness

We show a weakness in life when we have a short view of things

Doing this for strength NOW, but also for LONG HAUL

(ESV) — 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

We have a long view in seasons of suffering because we are confident that God is doing something, that he’s producing something beautiful in us.

The holy spirit has been poured into our hearts to make us confident that God has a greater long wrought plan for our lives and for the whole world!

  Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds,3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

our strength comes out when we believe God’s promises not because of who we are but because of who He is!

When you have a strong life, you realize that everything is about God.

God provides the strength

God equips us with strength

and we long for his plan to be fulfilled

Outro:

Life does is not this constant up and up, there are seasons where we struggle with any one of these given categories of the strong life. Yes we should always be growing, but we will also always be growing and struggling. If you're in the struggling category be reminded of this,

(ESV) — 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The ultimate reason that we long for a strong life is not that others could see our strength but that we will see more of Christ and that we will experience more of the fullness of God. That is the strong life, and that is the best life you could have.

Lets pray