Be Positive, Be Spiritual, & Be Blessed
1 Thess. 5:16-24
1 Corinthians 14:29-33

Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

1.       Recap of Sermon
(Hold discussion till application this week)

Ø     We can choose to be joyful by abiding in Jesus, reaping the fruit of the Holy Spirit that is produced which includes joy.

Ø     This abiding will include living in perpetual communication with Jesus though much of this will be a non-verbal awareness of his companionship.

Ø     Aware that God is in charge and using all things for our good, even painful things, allows us to thank him, even for the painful spiritual exercise, surgery & discipline.

Ø     This joyful, thankful abiding adds to our fervor which we should fan, not quench.

Ø     As a body, we avoid the extremes of dismissing the fervent and miraculous and unbridled, unexamined fervor and prophecy.

Ø     We allow this fervent, examined abiding lead us to submit fully to the unreserved transforming control of Christ in our lives.  We hold back NOTHING!

Ø     When frustrated with our progress, remember God will do it.  He promised.

2.       Application

Ø     Where do you need to apply these teachings?  Pick one or two areas and share what/why.

·        Being joyful

·        Abiding in constant communication with Jesus

·        Being thankful in all circumstances, even the pain that God allows.

·        Fanning your spiritual fervor, not despising it.

·        Avoiding uncontrolled spiritual expression.

·        Allowing God to purify every aspect of your life without exception.

·        Trusting God to finish his work in your life.

3.       Pray & Praise

4.       Announce & Give

Ø     Potluck Dinner to honor Tim and Ashley on Sat. March 17th at 6:00pm @ The Feild's house - 1309 Surry Dr.
Bring your favorite dish to share.  Come for a time of fellowship, eating and blessing for Tim and Ashley.