Snares of Life III-power

Snares of Life III: Power/Pride

Intro Video-

Third snare of life: power (1st two-money/sex.  CD available if desired)

   -not power by itself-by really the desire for power and pride that comes with it.  Seeking to gain power and control for yourself.

We see this all the time:

   -In business and politics-people doing all they can to “get to the top”-they want to be in control and don’t care what they do to get there.

   -In certain religions today-teach that we can control our bodies-our mental and physical health. Can control the world around us and become God ourselves.

Modern displays of power: Disney, Coke vs. Pepsi

Throughout history:

  -Dictators seeking to control the world: Adolf Hitler, Napolean, Alexander the Great.

  -Even the church has had times in history of seeking more power for itself-led to abuses of power in the name of God.

àThey want things their way!

Can go all the way back to the garden of Eden and see the search for power and control that led to problems:

Genesis 3:2-5

     The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "

"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

“You will be like God”.  Can know what God knows!

More subtle ways search for power trips us up: All About You

  -works attitude in most religions-all about you(except Christian-more later)

  -Self-help attitude-we want to be in control.  Control own destiny Puffs up

  -Everyday life: We don’t like it when things don’t go the way we want them to. want life to work “the way it should” Feel frustrated, angry.

            “If I was in charge around here!!!”

 Even guilty feelings tied up in this search for control.

àAt the root of all these situations is a desire to have more power/control in our lives.  Leaves us with lives full of frustration, anger, impatience.  Causes us to treat others poorly (slowing us down or annoying us, getting in the way of what we want )

In reality…and I think we all know it and can admit it…is that we are not in control. (Imagine what life would be like if you or I were! Prob. Not good!)

There are certain things we can directly make choices about in our lives….

            …Wendy’s I-ball analogy….ask her about it.

            …probably fewer things than we think, though.

If we are not in control, then who is?  Is anyone?  Just random evets?

According to the Bible…God is in control… Embrace it, enjoy it…not just accept it.

Genesis 1:1-in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

            -Creator knows all about how His creation is supposed to work. He knows what best for us. When we ask for guidance in life…may lead us into situations that best teach us lessons we need to learn.

            -technology.  Blinking VCR clock

Col 1:16 says this about Jesus: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him.

In fact, God had a plan for where the world is headed…may need to directly influence events in order to make sure certain things happen:

            -Israel exile/return

            -stepped into history by sending Jesus…changing mankind’s relationship with Him for all time…something He wanted to do.

God makes it clear that it is not our place to question why he does certain things….

  àScientists: If there was a God, he would have designed things better.

            God would answer as in Job.  “Oh really?”

  Job 38: 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have understanding…goes on.

   Makes it clear that He knows what is best for the world and He is in charge.

How should we respond?

-Trust the one who is in control.  He cares about us…sent His only son to die for us because He loves us so much.

Proverbs 3:5-6:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

            -We will help you and guide you if you trust in Him-whatever it is we do with our lives.

            -in all things this is really what God wants from us…to trust Him…depend upon Him.

Often, the more we know about something, the more we feel we can handle things on our own…this is when we run into trouble in life.  God doesn’t want us to try to live life without Him.  Really…too much going on, too many different people we interact with for us to figure it all out on our own.

Second-be a good steward of what God gives us.-money, health, family, skills, abilities, power: influence, power of the Holy Spirit.  What God gives, God can take away.

Third way we can all respond to this is to learn to be content.

 Phil 4:12-I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

13- I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

He learned He could trust God in every situation in life.

Same is true for us – if we put our faith in Him rather than in ourselves, He will take care of every need…

    …this is what Wendy and I depended upon when we left Farmington to move here for this church over a year ago.  We continue to trust that He will take care of our needs as we hold onto a house we no longer need until the timing is right to sell it.  We look forward to praising Him when it does finally sell!

The life I want to see you all have is a life of contentment and trust in God…not frustration, anger, envy..everything that goes along with seeking power and control for yourself.

If we are going to experience the greatest of blessings in this life and beyond…we need to humble ourselves and admit that God is on control.  He knows what’s best for us better than we do ourselves.  And he is faithful to take care of those who trust in Him.

As people of God, followers of Christ, want this to be message of our lives: Roman 11:36-For from Him and Through Him and to him are all thing.  To Him be glory forever! Amen!

Pray: giving glory & honor to One who has all the power.; Blessing; say grace over meal.