“Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." 1 Kings 17:1
Elijah was the 1st in a long line of important prophets sent to Israel and Judah. Israel, the northern kingdom didn’t have a single faithful king throughout it’s history. Each king was wicked, actually leading the people into worshiping pagan gods. This is God’s chosen people in the promised land and this is how far they’ve fallen. There were few priests left in the land and the priests that were appointed by Israels kings were corrupt and ineffective.
So with no kings or priests to bring God’s Word to the people, God called prophets to try to rescue Israel from it’s moral and spiritual decline. Elijah was the 1st .
v.1 Elijah says to Ahab...confronts Ahab...think about this...
Ahab is the King of Israel - the power of life and death in his hands - to confront him....would be like walking up to Scarface and calling him a little girl - it could get bad.
We talked a bit last week of how Baal was worshiped as a weather god who brought the rains and big harvest. So when Elijah walks into the presence of this Baal-worshipping king and told him there would be no more rain for several yrs. - Ahab was shocked. there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word."
How brave, how courageous - realizing the ramifications of who he is speaking this to.
Elijah gallantly confronts the man who has led his people into evil.
What comes to mind when you think of confrontation? How do you feel when it’s time to confront someone or something?
Does the word confrontation make you feel uneasy? If so, you aren't alone. Although there are people who enjoy taking the bull by the horns, most of us would rather experience flight than fight, therefore make it our habit to avoid confrontation at all costs.
But there are many times, just as here w/ Ahab that it is absolutely necessary to confront an issue or att. or whatever...
(proper way?) vid
How to confront with success:
Get it from God - lines up w/ His Word
•You take the first step. Your goal is reconciliation rather than revenge. First, pray that God will grant you the love you need to speak the truth. Reconciliation is a two-way street, and unless both parties want to rebuild, reconciliation is impossible. Confrontation simply means coming together, articulating the problem, and allowing the other person to choose whether to be part of the solution. If so, you both move toward a fresh start. If not, you move toward a fresh start alone.
•You choose the right time. Timing is everything. Choose a time when you both won't be hurried and can really communicate.
•You choose the right place. Choose a location that is pleasant, private, and, if possible, neutral territory.
•You choose the right attitude. Confront caringly with real concern for the other person. Your main objective is to rebuild the love you once had for him or her. Do it gently, not offering more than the relationship can bear. Be constructive, taking into consideration any possible interpretations of blaming, shaming, or punishing. Be accepting of the other person's response and intentions.
•Don't confront when you are still too angry to control yourself.
•Don't confront when it's none of your business.
•Don't confront if you aren't sure about what really happened. Hearsay evidence doesn't count. - do your homework
•Don't confront when it's wise to overlook the offense. pic battle
•Focus on the issue. Don't wander off the subject or get diverted to another subject. Say, The situation I want to discuss with you is _______. If I get off the subject, please get me back on track, and I'll try to do the same for you, so we can resolve this problem.
•Focus on I, not you. Don't be accusative: You really made me mad. Or you have this lousy habit of... Instead start with the word I. I felt angry when you said... or I feel frustrated by your habit of...
•Focus on growth. Accept the fact that you, too, have contributed to the problem you're having. Enter into your confrontation with a willingness to hear the other person out, admit your faults, learn from your mistakes, and make amends.
•Focus on gentleness and mutual understanding. “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Phil 4:5).
Remember, the person you are talking to is more important than any issue. Affirm the person - confront the issue
Elijah steps up to the plate and confronts Ahab. He gets it from God and confronts Ahab.
It takes faith to live like that! (vid) We are to live by faith.
That means in it’s simplest form - obedience.
When we live by faith, walk in faith great things happen.
When we walk in obedience to God, in what His Word already says it is not only going to make a huge impact on our own lives, but a significant impact on the lives of others around us.
How cool is that! God’s Word will not return void/empty - the promises are true. All we have to do is live by them, walk in them - what are wanting to see happen? what are you dreaming of? what do you want to see happen that is much bigger than you alone can make happen?
Simply live by faith - and watch the Creator of the Universe work
This is exactly what we see in the life of Elijah
Look at how often scripture shows us Elijah walking, moving in obedience -
17:2-5; 8-10; 18:1-2; 19:5-6; 7-8; 11-13; 15-19; 2 Kings 1:3-4; 15
in every command of God, Elijah moved in obedience, w/out hesitation (oh... im not sure about that God.. that doesn’t make any sense.. really, you want me to do that?)
Elijah went for it - w/ a heart completely in line w/ God - it was easy for him to live by faith.
Amazing, amazing things happened in his life, as we see will together in the weeks to come - but I want to show you this before we move on... walking in obed. affects others.
read 17:9-15a
She went - she moved in obed. to the will of God
Obviously, this is a man of God, who is walking in obed. - in line w/ the heart of the Father and it creates in her this willingness to move in obedIence! WOW!
walking in obedience to God, in what His Word already says it is not only going to make a huge impact on our own lives, but a significant impact on the lives of others around us.
We are to be people who live by faith.
Charles Blondin tight rope illus.
Think about that. What does that mean? What could that look like even in a smaller community, a small group right here -
FOCUS*
The impact we can have even today is HUGE!
Let’s commit to being people who live by faith.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Elijah Element - Polarity
As we begin this series, let's take a quick look at Israels history.
Following the reign of King David, his son, Solomon reigned in what scrip. says, in wisdom and the strength of God for approximately 30-35 years before his own decline and downfall. After Solomon, Israel divides into 2 separate nations - Judah (southern) & Israel (northern) - the Kings of Israel all did evil in the sight of the Lord. They forsook His ways to serve idols, and led the people themselves into idolatry. Conspiracy and assassination were the methods used in ascension to the throne; a sharp contrast to the anointing that God gave His chosen Kings; David, and Solomon. Finally, fifty-five years and six kings later, Ahab comes on the scene. The Bible tells us that Ahab did more evil in the sight of the Lord than all who were before him.
What a legacy; to be known as one who has excelled in evil!
In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years. 30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. 31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him. 1 Kings 16:29-33
I Kings 16:31 tells us that Ahab considered it ‘no big deal’ to walk in the sins of Jeroboam, who had raised up idols in the land after the death of Solomon; and so little did sin and the
doing of evil matter to Ahab.
Making light of less sins makes way for greater sins, that he even marries Jezebel, a devout worshipper of Baal and the daughter of a king who worshipped Baal.
He marries this wicked woman, who he knew would bring in the worship of Baal, and seemed to marry her with that design. As if it had been a light thing to walk in the sins of Jeroboam, he took Jezebel as his wife(v. 31), she’s a God hater, extremely malicious in her natural temper, addicted to witchcraft (2 Ki. 9:22), and every way vicious. considered 2day:
High Maintence wicked Pysho-babel babe
Ahab built a temple in Samaria, the royal city, because the temple of God was in Jerusalem, the royal city of the other kingdom. He would have Baal’s temple near him, that he might the better frequent it, protect it, and put honour upon it.
He built an altar in that temple, on which to offer sacrifice to Baal, and they acknowledged their dependence upon him and sought his favour.
To sum up the life of Ahab we could say,
Completely ignoring God and living for self.
We've seen people like this in our world. We know folks who fit this description don't we?
Completely ignoring God and living for self.
I think if we look really close, I think we'll see we all have a little Ahab in us. Not nearly to the extreme he took it, but something there.
Ahab walked his own path, did what he wanted to do - we do that from time to time. “Aahhh it’s not that big of deal is it? I live under God’s grace”
Ahab choose to serve and worship other gods - we don’t do anything like that do we? That sounds so harsh. I don’t worship other gods! Really?
I do everytime I place something above God or at a higher priority than Him, or things I even choose to spend more time in or with - we have so many interests, hobbies, things we love to do,
watch on TV, and submerge ourselves totally in to. There are 1000's of things that fit this description.
In every instance, if not done in balance and with the proper
priority in order w/ God, we too serve these other gods - we think they’re serving us, giving us great pleasure, but how naive we are.
Then we look at the people Ahab chose to be with. Jezebel in particular b/c she had the greatest influence on him.
We just talked about influ. a couple of weeks ago, but who we hang out with, spend our time w/ matters. it matters.
It doesn’t mean we forsake all contact w/ those we know who are not true Christ-followers, but it certainly matters what kind of impact is taking place. Now that really matters!
Are you impacting/influ. them w/ the love of Christ or are you using this time w/ them to drop our guard a bit,
b/c “they won’t mind, and I can’t do this at home, so... it’s ok today”
Oh, there’s a little Ahab in us all I’m afraid.
This hard heart that sometimes ignores God and lives for self.
Let's set up this next verse. Baal was worshipped as a weather-god. Later, the weather-god should have been able to strike his priest’s sacrifice with lightning, there on Mt. Carmel. But God would mock this false god by consuming Elijah’s sacrifice with fire from heaven. In like manner Elijah, first coming on the scene in chapter 17, mocks Baal’s power by announcing that there will be no rain...not even morning dew...until he, Elijah, says so.
“Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." v.1 Now as a legitimate prophet of God, we know that Elijah didn’t just decide on his own initiative to make this declaration.
That would be stupid - get you killed.
It must have followed very earnest and real-time in prayer, that God told him to go to Ahab and make the announcement. Ahab would understand that it was Elijah’s God who would hold back the rain; but I don’t want you to miss the way God honors the man who is truly close to His own heart. He has promised Elijah that when the rain finally comes, it would be at Elijah’s bidding. (“...there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”)
This can only be done by a man who truly loves and seeks God in all and every area of life that his heart is in complete line w/ the heart of God - WOW!
What a contrast to Ahab.
He is the polar opposite - a true follower of the Most High God.
One with a heart after God.
A Heart after God
The Beatitudes do not describe many separate individuals, but rather the characteristics of those who are wholeheartedly,
passionately pursuing God.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were
before you. Matthew 5:3-12
Let’s look at each of these & how they describe those with a heart after God
I. Seek God (3) ...poor in spirit...
Know they don’t know it all
Know they need outside help
2. Mourn Sin’s Results (4) ...they that mourn...
Sad from what they see, not proud of the world
around them - people lost w/out Christ (what do you see in regards to people
when walk into rest... groc.. mall... ballgame...?)
3. Wait for God to Act (5) ...the meek...
Not resisting God’s directions
Following God and letting Him change your life
4. Work to Further God’s Impact (6) ...after righteousness...
Work to satisfy strong desires for what’s right. Balance God’s grace and our good works (“speak truth in love” Eph.4:15)
5. Help Suffering People (7) ...the merciful...
Desire to be a “neighbor” (Luke 10:25-37)
Distributing mercy and relief - Montrose
6. Seek Another’s Best (8) ...the pure in heart...
Pure hearts share service and love
Pure motives, putting others above yourself - known by love
7. Help Strengthen Relationships (9) ...the peacemakers...
Builders, not breakers
bringing people 2gether and to Christ ()
8. Stand Up for What is Right (10-12) ...for my sake...
Does the “unusual” for God - go against the grain/ the world
Taking a stand for God & His ways - Elijah
It’s amazing to see as we study the life of Elijah just how
passionate and obedient and willing he was to move and
stand for God.
Over the next weeks we will see these in Elijah.
What a heart! What an example. study the life of Elijah this summer to learn, glean from God’s Word how to implement
The Elijah Element into our own lives.
It begins in the heart
Following the reign of King David, his son, Solomon reigned in what scrip. says, in wisdom and the strength of God for approximately 30-35 years before his own decline and downfall. After Solomon, Israel divides into 2 separate nations - Judah (southern) & Israel (northern) - the Kings of Israel all did evil in the sight of the Lord. They forsook His ways to serve idols, and led the people themselves into idolatry. Conspiracy and assassination were the methods used in ascension to the throne; a sharp contrast to the anointing that God gave His chosen Kings; David, and Solomon. Finally, fifty-five years and six kings later, Ahab comes on the scene. The Bible tells us that Ahab did more evil in the sight of the Lord than all who were before him.
What a legacy; to be known as one who has excelled in evil!
In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years. 30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. 31 He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him. 32 He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria. 33 Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him. 1 Kings 16:29-33
I Kings 16:31 tells us that Ahab considered it ‘no big deal’ to walk in the sins of Jeroboam, who had raised up idols in the land after the death of Solomon; and so little did sin and the
doing of evil matter to Ahab.
Making light of less sins makes way for greater sins, that he even marries Jezebel, a devout worshipper of Baal and the daughter of a king who worshipped Baal.
He marries this wicked woman, who he knew would bring in the worship of Baal, and seemed to marry her with that design. As if it had been a light thing to walk in the sins of Jeroboam, he took Jezebel as his wife(v. 31), she’s a God hater, extremely malicious in her natural temper, addicted to witchcraft (2 Ki. 9:22), and every way vicious. considered 2day:
High Maintence wicked Pysho-babel babe
Ahab built a temple in Samaria, the royal city, because the temple of God was in Jerusalem, the royal city of the other kingdom. He would have Baal’s temple near him, that he might the better frequent it, protect it, and put honour upon it.
He built an altar in that temple, on which to offer sacrifice to Baal, and they acknowledged their dependence upon him and sought his favour.
To sum up the life of Ahab we could say,
Completely ignoring God and living for self.
We've seen people like this in our world. We know folks who fit this description don't we?
Completely ignoring God and living for self.
I think if we look really close, I think we'll see we all have a little Ahab in us. Not nearly to the extreme he took it, but something there.
Ahab walked his own path, did what he wanted to do - we do that from time to time. “Aahhh it’s not that big of deal is it? I live under God’s grace”
Ahab choose to serve and worship other gods - we don’t do anything like that do we? That sounds so harsh. I don’t worship other gods! Really?
I do everytime I place something above God or at a higher priority than Him, or things I even choose to spend more time in or with - we have so many interests, hobbies, things we love to do,
watch on TV, and submerge ourselves totally in to. There are 1000's of things that fit this description.
In every instance, if not done in balance and with the proper
priority in order w/ God, we too serve these other gods - we think they’re serving us, giving us great pleasure, but how naive we are.
Then we look at the people Ahab chose to be with. Jezebel in particular b/c she had the greatest influence on him.
We just talked about influ. a couple of weeks ago, but who we hang out with, spend our time w/ matters. it matters.
It doesn’t mean we forsake all contact w/ those we know who are not true Christ-followers, but it certainly matters what kind of impact is taking place. Now that really matters!
Are you impacting/influ. them w/ the love of Christ or are you using this time w/ them to drop our guard a bit,
b/c “they won’t mind, and I can’t do this at home, so... it’s ok today”
Oh, there’s a little Ahab in us all I’m afraid.
This hard heart that sometimes ignores God and lives for self.
Let's set up this next verse. Baal was worshipped as a weather-god. Later, the weather-god should have been able to strike his priest’s sacrifice with lightning, there on Mt. Carmel. But God would mock this false god by consuming Elijah’s sacrifice with fire from heaven. In like manner Elijah, first coming on the scene in chapter 17, mocks Baal’s power by announcing that there will be no rain...not even morning dew...until he, Elijah, says so.
“Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word." v.1 Now as a legitimate prophet of God, we know that Elijah didn’t just decide on his own initiative to make this declaration.
That would be stupid - get you killed.
It must have followed very earnest and real-time in prayer, that God told him to go to Ahab and make the announcement. Ahab would understand that it was Elijah’s God who would hold back the rain; but I don’t want you to miss the way God honors the man who is truly close to His own heart. He has promised Elijah that when the rain finally comes, it would be at Elijah’s bidding. (“...there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”)
This can only be done by a man who truly loves and seeks God in all and every area of life that his heart is in complete line w/ the heart of God - WOW!
What a contrast to Ahab.
He is the polar opposite - a true follower of the Most High God.
One with a heart after God.
A Heart after God
The Beatitudes do not describe many separate individuals, but rather the characteristics of those who are wholeheartedly,
passionately pursuing God.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of
righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were
before you. Matthew 5:3-12
Let’s look at each of these & how they describe those with a heart after God
I. Seek God (3) ...poor in spirit...
Know they don’t know it all
Know they need outside help
2. Mourn Sin’s Results (4) ...they that mourn...
Sad from what they see, not proud of the world
around them - people lost w/out Christ (what do you see in regards to people
when walk into rest... groc.. mall... ballgame...?)
3. Wait for God to Act (5) ...the meek...
Not resisting God’s directions
Following God and letting Him change your life
4. Work to Further God’s Impact (6) ...after righteousness...
Work to satisfy strong desires for what’s right. Balance God’s grace and our good works (“speak truth in love” Eph.4:15)
5. Help Suffering People (7) ...the merciful...
Desire to be a “neighbor” (Luke 10:25-37)
Distributing mercy and relief - Montrose
6. Seek Another’s Best (8) ...the pure in heart...
Pure hearts share service and love
Pure motives, putting others above yourself - known by love
7. Help Strengthen Relationships (9) ...the peacemakers...
Builders, not breakers
bringing people 2gether and to Christ ()
8. Stand Up for What is Right (10-12) ...for my sake...
Does the “unusual” for God - go against the grain/ the world
Taking a stand for God & His ways - Elijah
It’s amazing to see as we study the life of Elijah just how
passionate and obedient and willing he was to move and
stand for God.
Over the next weeks we will see these in Elijah.
What a heart! What an example. study the life of Elijah this summer to learn, glean from God’s Word how to implement
The Elijah Element into our own lives.
It begins in the heart
Sunday, May 06, 2007
HEROES - The Success Journey
There's this time of discovery for every HERO - discovering their powers, abilities, gifts, talents.
They all come to this moment, this place of... what does it all mean? What is the purpose?
The begin to discover a true meaning and goal in life.
However, each of them discover that it's a journey - it may even be a long journey toward the ultimate goal
or dream or vision. That is filled with difficulties and obstacles along the way.
There are examples of this all through scriptue.
moses
noah
joseph
Our lives are very much the same.
recap series
1. TWO SIDES TO SUCCESS: Finding the Right Way +
Persevering in it. 1a. Finding the right way is essential. Illustration: Climbing a ladder up a wall with great perseverance over one’s entire life, only to find out in the end that you were on the wrong ladder 1b. Persevering in it is essential. Illustration: The couple who has gotten in debt and decides to dig out. They plan a workable budget, which over time will get them out of debt. But after a couple of months, they fall back into their over-spending ways.
Success is obedience - it’s really that simple
Success is a matter of being where God wants you to be
“We live by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Success is growing to your potential.
Our potential is God’s gift to us, and what we do with it is our gift back to him. In truth, our potential is probably our greatest untapped resource. Henry Ford said, "There is no man living who isn’t capable of doing more than he thinks he can do." We have nearly limitless potential, yet too few ever try to reach it. Many people let everyone around them decide their agenda in life and as a result they never really dedicate themselves to their purpose in life. They become a jack of all trades, master of none--rather than a jack of few trades, focused on one.
Let me give you some principles on growing toward your potential
1. Concentrate on one main goal.
Reaching your potential requires focus, that’s why it is important to discover your purpose. Once you decide where to focus your attention, you must decide what you are willing to give up to be successful, for there can be no success without sacrifice. If you want to accomplish little, sacrifice little, but if you want to accomplish great things, be willing to sacrifice much. 2. Concentrate on continual improvement.
This is the key to reaching your potential, each day you work to be a little better than you were the day before, it puts you one step closer to your potential.
3. Forget the past.
Jack Hayford said, "The past is a dead issue, and we can’t gain any momentum moving toward tomorrow if we are dragging the past behind us." Maybe you made a lot of mistakes in your life, or you’ve had an especially difficult past, work your way through it and move on, don’t let it stop you from reaching your potential. Think of people like Booker T. Washington who was born into slavery, denied access to the resources available to white society, but did not let that prevent him from pursuing his potential. He founded the Tuskegee Institute and the National Black Business League. He said, "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed." Think of Helen Keller who lost her sight and hearing at nineteen months old. She overcame her severe disabilities, went on to graduate from Radcliffe College and became an author, lecturer and champion for people who are blind. Think of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In 1921, at the age of 39 he had a severe case of polio which left him disabled and in severe pain. He never walked again without assistance. But that did not stop him from pursuing his potential. Eight years later he became governor of New York and in 1932, he was elected President of the United States. I know there are others you can think of who have overcome past tragedies or mistakes and pursued their potential. Let them inspire you to do the same because God has placed within you the potential to become an overcomer.
4. Focus on the future.
Your potential lies ahead of you, no matter what your age. You can become better tomorrow than you are today.
And remember that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). The purchase price for all of God’s blessings has already been paid. All we have to do to receive them is to keep believing, and keep praying. 2. THE TEMPTATION TO QUIT. 2a. The biblical history shows us the type, those who start but do not finish, those who draw back and are lost (Heb 10:39).
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, (they quit - tough, obstacles) but of those who believe and are saved.”
We maintain in good times, in bad times, in all circumstances. 2c. One characteristic of the “quitting” phenomenon: There are signs leading up to it. It is a sliding back, not a falling off. They are just - hanging on - barely. “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” Heb. 12:12
2d. One thing that commonly leads up to it: the feeling that it is a “futile perseverance.”
-It is the feeling that whatever fruit it produces is not worth it (Illustration – pastoral license).
We can be sure, however, that to persevere for GOD’S SAKE is worth it. Hebrews 6:10.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” -Or it is the feeling that it cannot be done, that we’ve gotten ourselves in over our heads in taking this one on.
So let’s consider some things that will relieve us of this feeling of futility....first, that we must be relieved of any false models that we hold of perseverance.
3. MODELS OF CHRISTIAN PERSEVERANCE 3a. A false model of perseverance leads to despair.
Example: The Perfectionist Model. The Comparison Model 3b. We must develop a true model of perseverance, and keep it ever in view.
The Apostle Paul
Jesus/carpenter 30 years 3 yrs ministry
Elements of a true model of perseverance: (1) Persevering in FAITH, in looking to Christ Jesus as the Mediator, the Author of your salvation. In other words, in trusting in God and seeking personal salvation in the ways the Gospel directs us too. “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” Rom. 4:20 (2) Persevering in DISCIPLESHIP. In learning. In growing. In eating the bread of life.
“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.” 1 Thes 4:1 - purple book (3) Persevering in WORSHIP.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all
circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thes 5:16-18. In Prayer, Joy and Thanksgiving.
(4) Persevering in GOOD WORKS.
“So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit.” Gal 6:9.
In using your talents, in shining your light. Think especially of these three areas: FAMILY, CHURCH, JOB It has been said that we make a living by what we get, and we make a life by what we give.
4. HOW CAN WE PERSEVERE? 4a. Only with self-determination
It begins in the heart and travels to the mind - Rom. 12:1
ILLUS: Story of Glenn Cunningham (Found in "Chicken Soup for the Soul"). 4b. Only with the help of others.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together,
as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another
Heb 10:24-25
4c. Only with the help of God.
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Phil 1:6;
“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. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”
1 Thes 5:23-24;
Conclusion. Perseverance is essential. What would Christianity on earth be without it? What will be the destiny of your soul without it? But when it’s all said and done, it will be to the praise of God that we endure. All glory and praise be to him, the creator and sustainer of Christian perseverance. Amen
They all come to this moment, this place of... what does it all mean? What is the purpose?
The begin to discover a true meaning and goal in life.
However, each of them discover that it's a journey - it may even be a long journey toward the ultimate goal
or dream or vision. That is filled with difficulties and obstacles along the way.
There are examples of this all through scriptue.
moses
noah
joseph
Our lives are very much the same.
recap series
1. TWO SIDES TO SUCCESS: Finding the Right Way +
Persevering in it. 1a. Finding the right way is essential. Illustration: Climbing a ladder up a wall with great perseverance over one’s entire life, only to find out in the end that you were on the wrong ladder 1b. Persevering in it is essential. Illustration: The couple who has gotten in debt and decides to dig out. They plan a workable budget, which over time will get them out of debt. But after a couple of months, they fall back into their over-spending ways.
Success is obedience - it’s really that simple
Success is a matter of being where God wants you to be
“We live by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Success is growing to your potential.
Our potential is God’s gift to us, and what we do with it is our gift back to him. In truth, our potential is probably our greatest untapped resource. Henry Ford said, "There is no man living who isn’t capable of doing more than he thinks he can do." We have nearly limitless potential, yet too few ever try to reach it. Many people let everyone around them decide their agenda in life and as a result they never really dedicate themselves to their purpose in life. They become a jack of all trades, master of none--rather than a jack of few trades, focused on one.
Let me give you some principles on growing toward your potential
1. Concentrate on one main goal.
Reaching your potential requires focus, that’s why it is important to discover your purpose. Once you decide where to focus your attention, you must decide what you are willing to give up to be successful, for there can be no success without sacrifice. If you want to accomplish little, sacrifice little, but if you want to accomplish great things, be willing to sacrifice much. 2. Concentrate on continual improvement.
This is the key to reaching your potential, each day you work to be a little better than you were the day before, it puts you one step closer to your potential.
3. Forget the past.
Jack Hayford said, "The past is a dead issue, and we can’t gain any momentum moving toward tomorrow if we are dragging the past behind us." Maybe you made a lot of mistakes in your life, or you’ve had an especially difficult past, work your way through it and move on, don’t let it stop you from reaching your potential. Think of people like Booker T. Washington who was born into slavery, denied access to the resources available to white society, but did not let that prevent him from pursuing his potential. He founded the Tuskegee Institute and the National Black Business League. He said, "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed." Think of Helen Keller who lost her sight and hearing at nineteen months old. She overcame her severe disabilities, went on to graduate from Radcliffe College and became an author, lecturer and champion for people who are blind. Think of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In 1921, at the age of 39 he had a severe case of polio which left him disabled and in severe pain. He never walked again without assistance. But that did not stop him from pursuing his potential. Eight years later he became governor of New York and in 1932, he was elected President of the United States. I know there are others you can think of who have overcome past tragedies or mistakes and pursued their potential. Let them inspire you to do the same because God has placed within you the potential to become an overcomer.
4. Focus on the future.
Your potential lies ahead of you, no matter what your age. You can become better tomorrow than you are today.
And remember that God "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). The purchase price for all of God’s blessings has already been paid. All we have to do to receive them is to keep believing, and keep praying. 2. THE TEMPTATION TO QUIT. 2a. The biblical history shows us the type, those who start but do not finish, those who draw back and are lost (Heb 10:39).
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, (they quit - tough, obstacles) but of those who believe and are saved.”
We maintain in good times, in bad times, in all circumstances. 2c. One characteristic of the “quitting” phenomenon: There are signs leading up to it. It is a sliding back, not a falling off. They are just - hanging on - barely. “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” Heb. 12:12
2d. One thing that commonly leads up to it: the feeling that it is a “futile perseverance.”
-It is the feeling that whatever fruit it produces is not worth it (Illustration – pastoral license).
We can be sure, however, that to persevere for GOD’S SAKE is worth it. Hebrews 6:10.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” -Or it is the feeling that it cannot be done, that we’ve gotten ourselves in over our heads in taking this one on.
So let’s consider some things that will relieve us of this feeling of futility....first, that we must be relieved of any false models that we hold of perseverance.
3. MODELS OF CHRISTIAN PERSEVERANCE 3a. A false model of perseverance leads to despair.
Example: The Perfectionist Model. The Comparison Model 3b. We must develop a true model of perseverance, and keep it ever in view.
The Apostle Paul
Jesus/carpenter 30 years 3 yrs ministry
Elements of a true model of perseverance: (1) Persevering in FAITH, in looking to Christ Jesus as the Mediator, the Author of your salvation. In other words, in trusting in God and seeking personal salvation in the ways the Gospel directs us too. “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” Rom. 4:20 (2) Persevering in DISCIPLESHIP. In learning. In growing. In eating the bread of life.
“Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.” 1 Thes 4:1 - purple book (3) Persevering in WORSHIP.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all
circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thes 5:16-18. In Prayer, Joy and Thanksgiving.
(4) Persevering in GOOD WORKS.
“So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit.” Gal 6:9.
In using your talents, in shining your light. Think especially of these three areas: FAMILY, CHURCH, JOB It has been said that we make a living by what we get, and we make a life by what we give.
4. HOW CAN WE PERSEVERE? 4a. Only with self-determination
It begins in the heart and travels to the mind - Rom. 12:1
ILLUS: Story of Glenn Cunningham (Found in "Chicken Soup for the Soul"). 4b. Only with the help of others.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together,
as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another
Heb 10:24-25
4c. Only with the help of God.
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Phil 1:6;
“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. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”
1 Thes 5:23-24;
Conclusion. Perseverance is essential. What would Christianity on earth be without it? What will be the destiny of your soul without it? But when it’s all said and done, it will be to the praise of God that we endure. All glory and praise be to him, the creator and sustainer of Christian perseverance. Amen
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
HEROES - The Sylar Scenario
in the show, HEROES, we find these ordinary people who are actually extraordinary. Of those there are 2 that are very extraordinary - Sylar and Peter Petrellie.
Both of them can absorb the extraord. abilities of others.
Sylar takes this to an extremely negative level.
Peter puts a positive spin on his.
Our lives are very much the same way.
We too have this ability - and just as Sylar and Peter have the choice, as to how they are influenced and choose to influence others - so do we.
Key Question for us to ask regarding everything we do and are in life:
what is your motive/purpose?
some sub-questions to help answer that are:
is it for me?
who do you spend time with?
where do you spend your time?
what do toy do with your time?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:21
Sylar’s motivation was self and b/c of that he was never satisfied. He was intent on getting more and more, feeding on others to make him stronger. He would try whatever he could to get and do what he wanted, mostly manipulation.- selfish motivation
This same type scenario can occur w/ us if we too have these selfish motivations. repeat ?’s Gal. speaks to this:
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:16-17
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:14
Godly Influence
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-5:16
Sermon on Mount
In the SOM, Jesus’ aim was to create a lifestyle in his followers that would make people think about the value of God, or to glorify God. Jesus talks about being salt and light that is being an influence in the world around us, even a hostile world.
He tells us how influence in a godly way
1. My life is an influence (v. 13a).
The text tells us that we are salt and that we are light. The personal pronoun is emphatic – you are. It is what we are – salt and light. You are an influence. God by nature influences and as followers of Christ we partake of the divine nature so that we influence also. For example, the love we have is Gods love in us; the joy we have is Gods joy in us; the passion we have is Gods passion inside of us; the mercy we have is God’s mercy in us.
Reflect on your life this morning. What was your influence this morning on your house, what about yesterday. What was your influence down at the restaurant, at the store, your work. How did you treat your family, your coworkers, the person standing next to you in line? Was it Sylar or was it Peter? Would they have any idea that you are a christian? Did you laugh at their off colored jokes? Did you participate in a conversation degraded another person? Did you stand up for what was right?
• Salt is a preservative
Salt is a preservative. The ancients used it to preserve food in the days when there were no refrigerators. So as salt we preserve our culture or society around us with our influence. That is, the poor in spirit influence, the meek influence, the merciful influence, the pure in heart influence, the peacemakers influence. But to preserve salt must come into contact with that which it seeks to preserve. No contact no preservative. We cannot blame society for its evils when we idly stand by and just let it be. No contact; no impact!
God says we’re salt so make an impact - to touch the lives of those around you - some take opposite approach ‘bubleman’
Salt does not just preserve, it also produces.
• Salt is used to season
Salt is also used to season, to make something taste better. By our contact with our culture we season it, make it better. We Influence it. But again no contact; no impact.
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer
everyone.
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up
according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Do you fit this description? know anyone that fits this description?
v.13 there is a promise but also a warning here – if the salt loses it saltiness it will be thrown away and trampled. context of J.C day - Some salt had impurities so that the outer layer was lacking flavor so was discarded as worthless. Salt would be thrown into the street to be trampled. He is trying to shake us up – wake up. True followers are salty, have flavor. Don’t think you can slide in this life. Do not insulate and isolate. Jesus is warning us not to pull back and be people who are caught up in themselves or just follow the pattern of everyone else.
Salt is useless without contact!
No contact; no impact!
2. My life makes a difference (v. 14a).
Jesus tells us we are not only salt but we are also light of the world. His point is that the world is shrouded in darkness because it does not see Jesus and we are to light the way or be a light.
Our lives can point to Jesus (v. 16).”In the same way, let your light shine before men” In the same way that a light beacon in the ocean lights up the dark skies - so to do the lives of followers of Christ light up a world shrouded in darkness. Your words and your life makes a difference. You may not see it or you may not hear about it, but it does. We are light because Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12 )
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
ESV Ephesians 5:8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
• Light exposes darkness(v. 14b) “you the are light of the world”
Jewish tradition considered Israel or Jerusalem the light of the world. A city on a hill exposes the darkness around it. In modern times in so many cities the skys are lit up by the lights that you do not realize how dark it is without lights.
we must remain distinct; the danger in American church is that we are not distinct. There is not a big difference. Too often Christ followers just blend in rather than stand out for J.C.
what happens? we end up influenced by world, rather than
influencing the world.
• Light must not be hidden(v. 15)
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone”
The danger of the Christian community is to withdraw, to have no contact with unchurched around us so we become insulated and isolated.
It’s like we’re all in this spiritual jacuzzi - you know?
I’m comfortable with these people -
Think about it - Hotel jac. - people in it - you don’t want to join in with strangers - your family of 4 waits for it to empty out - but as soon as it does another group of people jump in, b/c they’re thinking the same thing - you never get in by yourself and say, ‘I want 7 strangers to jump in with me” - don’t do that!
I think what happens alot of times is we live our lives in the jac. of relationships. We have a group of people we enjoy, they enjoy us, were comfortable - so we don’t have room in the jac. for other people.
For us to be the salt and light, to really influence and impact -
it begins when you have a life compelling enough that other people want to be around you.
How - we are only alive in Christ - it’s only when we focus on developing a relationship w/ Christ that we can fully enjoy life.
and see His love impact those around us.
THE GOAL is to Glorify God (v. 16)
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
I have a vision for us to be so radically distinct and different in our values and our lifestyles that people want Jesus.
wouldn't it be cool if your friends or family members said to you - "im not sure about the whole God, Jesus thing, but i cant explain you"
that’s when we are being the salt and light to the world.
What path are you taking?
Sylar or Peter?
Both of them can absorb the extraord. abilities of others.
Sylar takes this to an extremely negative level.
Peter puts a positive spin on his.
Our lives are very much the same way.
We too have this ability - and just as Sylar and Peter have the choice, as to how they are influenced and choose to influence others - so do we.
Key Question for us to ask regarding everything we do and are in life:
what is your motive/purpose?
some sub-questions to help answer that are:
is it for me?
who do you spend time with?
where do you spend your time?
what do toy do with your time?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:21
Sylar’s motivation was self and b/c of that he was never satisfied. He was intent on getting more and more, feeding on others to make him stronger. He would try whatever he could to get and do what he wanted, mostly manipulation.- selfish motivation
This same type scenario can occur w/ us if we too have these selfish motivations. repeat ?’s Gal. speaks to this:
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:16-17
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:14
Godly Influence
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-5:16
Sermon on Mount
In the SOM, Jesus’ aim was to create a lifestyle in his followers that would make people think about the value of God, or to glorify God. Jesus talks about being salt and light that is being an influence in the world around us, even a hostile world.
He tells us how influence in a godly way
1. My life is an influence (v. 13a).
The text tells us that we are salt and that we are light. The personal pronoun is emphatic – you are. It is what we are – salt and light. You are an influence. God by nature influences and as followers of Christ we partake of the divine nature so that we influence also. For example, the love we have is Gods love in us; the joy we have is Gods joy in us; the passion we have is Gods passion inside of us; the mercy we have is God’s mercy in us.
Reflect on your life this morning. What was your influence this morning on your house, what about yesterday. What was your influence down at the restaurant, at the store, your work. How did you treat your family, your coworkers, the person standing next to you in line? Was it Sylar or was it Peter? Would they have any idea that you are a christian? Did you laugh at their off colored jokes? Did you participate in a conversation degraded another person? Did you stand up for what was right?
• Salt is a preservative
Salt is a preservative. The ancients used it to preserve food in the days when there were no refrigerators. So as salt we preserve our culture or society around us with our influence. That is, the poor in spirit influence, the meek influence, the merciful influence, the pure in heart influence, the peacemakers influence. But to preserve salt must come into contact with that which it seeks to preserve. No contact no preservative. We cannot blame society for its evils when we idly stand by and just let it be. No contact; no impact!
God says we’re salt so make an impact - to touch the lives of those around you - some take opposite approach ‘bubleman’
Salt does not just preserve, it also produces.
• Salt is used to season
Salt is also used to season, to make something taste better. By our contact with our culture we season it, make it better. We Influence it. But again no contact; no impact.
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer
everyone.
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up
according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Do you fit this description? know anyone that fits this description?
v.13 there is a promise but also a warning here – if the salt loses it saltiness it will be thrown away and trampled. context of J.C day - Some salt had impurities so that the outer layer was lacking flavor so was discarded as worthless. Salt would be thrown into the street to be trampled. He is trying to shake us up – wake up. True followers are salty, have flavor. Don’t think you can slide in this life. Do not insulate and isolate. Jesus is warning us not to pull back and be people who are caught up in themselves or just follow the pattern of everyone else.
Salt is useless without contact!
No contact; no impact!
2. My life makes a difference (v. 14a).
Jesus tells us we are not only salt but we are also light of the world. His point is that the world is shrouded in darkness because it does not see Jesus and we are to light the way or be a light.
Our lives can point to Jesus (v. 16).”In the same way, let your light shine before men” In the same way that a light beacon in the ocean lights up the dark skies - so to do the lives of followers of Christ light up a world shrouded in darkness. Your words and your life makes a difference. You may not see it or you may not hear about it, but it does. We are light because Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12 )
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
ESV Ephesians 5:8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
• Light exposes darkness(v. 14b) “you the are light of the world”
Jewish tradition considered Israel or Jerusalem the light of the world. A city on a hill exposes the darkness around it. In modern times in so many cities the skys are lit up by the lights that you do not realize how dark it is without lights.
we must remain distinct; the danger in American church is that we are not distinct. There is not a big difference. Too often Christ followers just blend in rather than stand out for J.C.
what happens? we end up influenced by world, rather than
influencing the world.
• Light must not be hidden(v. 15)
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone”
The danger of the Christian community is to withdraw, to have no contact with unchurched around us so we become insulated and isolated.
It’s like we’re all in this spiritual jacuzzi - you know?
I’m comfortable with these people -
Think about it - Hotel jac. - people in it - you don’t want to join in with strangers - your family of 4 waits for it to empty out - but as soon as it does another group of people jump in, b/c they’re thinking the same thing - you never get in by yourself and say, ‘I want 7 strangers to jump in with me” - don’t do that!
I think what happens alot of times is we live our lives in the jac. of relationships. We have a group of people we enjoy, they enjoy us, were comfortable - so we don’t have room in the jac. for other people.
For us to be the salt and light, to really influence and impact -
it begins when you have a life compelling enough that other people want to be around you.
How - we are only alive in Christ - it’s only when we focus on developing a relationship w/ Christ that we can fully enjoy life.
and see His love impact those around us.
THE GOAL is to Glorify God (v. 16)
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
I have a vision for us to be so radically distinct and different in our values and our lifestyles that people want Jesus.
wouldn't it be cool if your friends or family members said to you - "im not sure about the whole God, Jesus thing, but i cant explain you"
that’s when we are being the salt and light to the world.
What path are you taking?
Sylar or Peter?
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