Be Your Own Boss!
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What does it mean to be your own boss?
What does it mean to be your own boss?
MYTH 1. When we're our own boss we are not accountable to anyone but ourselves
No! Even while being our own BOSS we are accountable to someone.
Accountable to IRS
Accountable to governments
MYTH 2. We can do what ever we want when we want to!
No! Even while being our own BOSS takes Discipline
9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.
Well, folks, grace is what all of us need. What is grace? After we get saved, grace continues to work. Grace is the ability to know and do the will of God. That’s what grace is—the ability to know and do the will of God. But the Bible says, “God resisteth the proud; he gives grace to the humble.” If you are not humble, if you don’t have the spirit of a servant, not only will God not give you grace, but God will actually stand in your way! So what we need, what we need in our church is, first of all, some grown up, mature Christians who have a spirit of submissiveness and who have a spirit of servitude, who will tie on the apron of a slave, and do those menial tasks that have to be done.[1]
[1] Adrian Rogers, “Maturity,” in Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive (Signal Hill, CA: Rogers Family Trust, 2017), 1 Pe 5:5–10.
So Its not about being our own boss but being able to apply the grace that God has given to us.
In Galatians 5 it talks about the fruits of this grace or the spirit.
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely
Its called Self-control or Self-discipline.
Self-discipline. Jesus’ ethics of righteousness both fulfill and surpass the stringent code of the old covenant (Mt 5:17–48). Yet Christians are not therefore inherently more legalistic than were the Pharisees. Set free from “the law of sin and death,” Christians have “the law of the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ” (Rom 8:1–8) to provide a built-in dynamic to fulfill the will of God. Beyond slavish obedience to the letter of the law, believers are enabled by the indwelling Spirit of God to exercise self-discipline. Spiritual transformation is accompanied by renewal of the mind (Rom 12:2), which brings fresh understanding of oneself, one’s motivations, and one’s attitudes.
Over the centuries the church has realized the value of certain “spiritual disciplines” encouraged in the NT. In the Roman Catholic tradition they formed the basis for the way of life of “the religious” (priests, nuns, monks, etc.).
Prayer
Fasting
Study of Scripture
Acts of charity or almsgiving
These have always been included among the spiritual disciplines. Protestants have been less inclined to establish religious orders or communities based on the spiritual disciplines, more often trusting the Holy Spirit to produce self-discipline in individual lives and seeking fellowship and exhortation in the context of the church. Among evangelicals there seems to be a new appreciation of the need for spiritual discipline. A well-ordered, wholesome, liberated life that releases the Christian for service is almost always a self-disciplined life.[1]
[1] Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Discipline,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 632.
Jesus is our Master and the one we ultimately answer to; so lets look into HIS Word.
Discipline in Your Devotional Life
Discipline in Your Devotional Life
Many fail in the Christian life. They do not discipline themselves when it comes to their daily devotions.
We must make time for God—to read, to pray, and to meditate on God’s Word each day, giving Him first place in our lives.
Prayer
Prayer
Lk 6:12; Acts 6:4; Rom 12:12; 1 Pt 4:7
12 One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.
4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”
12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.
300 Quotations for Preachers from the Modern Church When We Don’t Feel like Praying
Oftentimes when we come to God in prayer, we do not feel like praying. What shall one do in such a case? Cease praying until he does feel like it? Not at all. When we feel least like praying is the time when we most need to pray.
R. A. TORREY
Fasting
Fasting
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.
18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
Fasting is Feasting
What does the Bible teach about fasting? Reflecting on Matthew 6:16–18 and other passages, Richard Foster comments in Celebration of Discipline:
“It is sobering to realize that the very first statement Jesus made about fasting dealt with the question of motive. To use good things to our own ends is always the sign of false religion...Fasting must forever center on God. It must be God-initiated and God-ordained...Fasting reminds us that we are sustained by ‘every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’ (Matt. 4:4)...Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting!”
Fasting, like praying and giving, is a legitimate spiritual discipline to be practiced in private between a Christian and the Lord. How often we practice it is not prescribed, because that too is between the believer and Christ. When we desire to seek God’s face more than we want dinner, that will be the proper time to fast.
But as with other disciplines, fasting opens the door to showmanship rather than spirituality. In Jesus’ day the Pharisees fasted twice a week (Luke 18:12). While fasting, they went about with somber faces and disheveled appearances so that everyone would see (and praise) their piety.
Why did Jesus scorn this custom? Because He could see their hearts and their true motives. He also knew that fasting had been abused by the Jewish people in the past (see Isaiah 58:1–7).
What about fasting for us today? The issue is the same as it has been throughout this section (Matt. 6:1–18). How you fast depends on whom you want to impress. If your fast is for your spiritual benefit and God’s glory, no one else needs to applaud your commitment.
Today in the Word, January 19, 1997, p. 2[1]
[1] Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).
Study of Scripture
Study of Scripture
Acts 17:11; 2 Tim 2:15; 3:16, 17
11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
George Mueller
Is reading the Bible a necessary part of your day or does it have a low priority in your life?
George Mueller, after having read the Bible through one hundred times with increasing delight, made this statement:
“I look upon it as a lost day when I have not had a good time over the Word of God. Friends often say, ‘I have so much to do, so many people to see, I cannot find time for Scripture study.’ Perhaps there are not many who have more to do than I. For more than half a century I have never known one day when I had not more business than I could get through. For 4 years I have had annually about 30,000 letters, and most of these have passed through my own hands. Then, as pastor of a church with 1,200 believers, great has been my care. Besides, I have had charge of five immense orphanages; also, at my publishing depot, the printing and circulating of millions of tracts, books, and Bibles; but I have always made it a rule never to begin work until I have had a good season with God and His Word. The blessing I have received has been wonderful.”
Source unknown[1]
[1] Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).
Discipline in Your Doubts
Discipline in Your Doubts
Some people nurture negative thoughts and doubts. This causes discouragement and failure, not only i ourselves, but other as well.
What We Think (Philippians 4:19)
Our Thinking: “It’s impossible.” “I am too tired.” “Nobody really loves me.” “Nobody really cares for me.” “I cannot go on.” “I cannot figure things out.” “I cannot do it.” “I am not worth it.” “I cannot forgive myself.” “I cannot afford to.”
His Thinking: “All things are possible” Luke 18:27. “I will give you rest” Matthew 11:20–30. “I love you” John 3:16. “I care for you” 1 Peter 5:7. “My grace is sufficient” 2 Corinthians 12:9. “I will direct your steps” Proverbs 20:24; 3:6. “You can do all things” Philippians 4:13. “I am able” 2 Corinthians 9:8. “It will be worth it” Romans 8:28. “I forgive you” Psalm 103:12; 1 John 1:9. “I will supply all your needs” Philippians 4:19.[1]
[1] AMG Bible Illustrations, Bible Illustrations Series (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2000).
We must discipline our thinking, refusing to allow doubts to linger too long. We drive away doubts by replacing them with thoughts of faith (Phil. 4:13).
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Paul, having warned the Ephesians about “the unfruitful works of darkness” and the days “that are evil,” urged them to continue to be filled with the Spirit. All the gifts of the Spirit were needed to equip them for effective warfare. He told Timothy to be inspired by the “prophetic utterances which pointed to you,” so that “you may wage the good warfare.” Repeatedly, and perhaps painfully, God will remind us of our own utter weakness without him. Pride, seen in self-confidence and self-reliance, so easily dominates our thinking. Like Simon Peter, we think we can do it ourselves: others may fail, but we shall stand firm. We are shocked by the sin of another Christian, but blind to our own weakness. We need to come to that point, in every area of our lives, where we have to depend on the Holy Spirit. Unless we are daily cleansed from our sin by the blood of Jesus, and daily filled with the Spirit as we yield to him, we shall never overcome the Evil One[1]
[1] Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Discipline in Your Desires
Discipline in Your Desires
We live in a materialistic society. The souls of millions have been captured by affluent living. They pursue selfish, sensual, and sinful goals.
Every choice that we make in life we make for some reason. Our decisions are based upon what seems good for us at the moment, all things considered. We do some things out of intense desire. We do other things with no awareness of desire at all. Yet the desire is there or we wouldn’t choose to do them. This is the very essence of free will—to choose according to our desires.[1]
[1] R. C. Sproul, Essential Truths of the Christian Faith (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1992).
We must discipline our desires. We must guard against the love of money, excessive popularity, and illicit sex.
7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Seek first the Kingdom of God
Seek first the Kingdom of God
What is it that drives you in your daily walk
Or what makes you do what you do
Let me put it this way, what are the desires of your heart that dominate your thoughts, attitudes? is it money, possessions, earthly things? Or ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’[1]
33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
[1] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 6:31.
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’
20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as,
In Contrast
19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.
Whatever we make an idol of, will either be a cross to us if we be believers, or a curse to us if unbelievers.
Discipline in Your Duties
Discipline in Your Duties
A lack of discipline causes many to waste time or spend it selfishly. They neglect church attendance and fail to accomplish God’s work.
How important is church life to you?
How important is church life to you?
Are there other things more important then church life?
Or is church life not important?
Or has church life and worship just become an habit?
Worship As Only a Habit
Satan was standing outside a church building one Sunday morning. Inside, the people were singing, praying, and listening to preaching. A passerby asked Satan if that did not bother him. With a demonic, sneering laugh he replied negatively. Then he added, “They get that way on Sunday, but they will be all right on Monday. It’s just a little habit they’ve acquired.”
God save us from such a habit. Our worship is to make a difference in who we are and what we do.[1]
[1] Herschel H. Hobbs, My Favorite Illustrations (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1990), 272.
25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
The Early church thought it to be very important
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
13 You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.
11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.
5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
37 “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay.
9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live,
12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.
13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.
The Man Who Refused to Attend Church
A book in my library includes a humorous tale about a man who refused to attend church. When a pastor asked him why, he answered, “I don’t go to church because every time I do they throw something at me.” “What do you mean?” the preacher inquired. The man went on to explain. “When I was just a baby and my parents took me to church, the minister threw water on me. When I got married, the wedding ceremony took place in a church, and they threw rice at me.”
Hearing this the pastor quickly responded, “And if you don’t start going to church soon, the next time you do I’m afraid they’ll throw DIRT on you!” - R.W.D. Our Daily Bread, October 28 [1]
[1] Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).
We must be faithful to God, allowing and making time for His work. We must witness to the lost and seek to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:6).
6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Acts of charity or almsgiving
Mt 6:1–4; Acts 11:29, 30; 2 Cor 9; 1 Timothy 6:17–19
10,000 Sermon Illustrations Three Levels of Giving
Three Levels of Giving
1. You have to (law)
2. You ought to (obligation)
3. You want to (grace)
- Waldo Weaning
Cheerful Givers
A mother wanted to teach her daughter a moral lesson. She gave the little girl a quarter and a dollar for church. “Put whichever one you want in the collection plate and keep the other for yourself,” she told the girl. When they were coming out of church, the mother asked her daughter which amount she had given. “Well,” said the little girl, “I was going to give the dollar, but just before the collection the man in the pulpit said that we should all be cheerful givers. I knew I’d be a lot more cheerful if I gave the quarter, so I did.”
Bits & Pieces, February 4, 1993, p. 23 Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).
1 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.
2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.
3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could.
30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.
1 I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem.
2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.
3 But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you.
4 We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them!
5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.
14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.
15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.
19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Leftovers
Leftovers are such humble things,
We would not serve to a guest,
And yet we serve them to our Lord
Who deserves the very best.
We give to Him leftover time,
Stray minutes here and there.
Leftover cash we give to Him,
Such few coins as we can spare.
We give our youth unto the world,
To hatred, lust and strife;
Then in declining years we give
To him the remnant of our life.
Author Unknown[1]
[1] Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).