November 15 2015 The Prayer Of Fulfillment

THE PRAYER OF FULFILLMENT

Matthew 6:13 – For thine is the Kingdom and the power, and the glory forever.

God’s Kingdom is His plan.

God’s Power is His program.

God’s Glory is His purpose.

Romans 11:36 – Everything comes from God alone.  Everything lives by His power, and everything is for His glory.

REAL FULFILLMENT COMES THROUGH

1. Living in God’s Kingdom.

1 Thessalonians 2:1 - You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into His Kingdom and glory.

Matthew 6:33 – God will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

First in your finances.
Interest
Relationships
Schedule
Troubles

2. Live by God’s power.

1 Corinthians 4:20 – For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God’s power.

Ephesians 3:20 – By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

BY praying.

BY taking a risk.

BY not giving up.

3. Live for God’s glory.

Romans 6:10-11 – Jesus died to defeat sin and now He lives for the glory of God.  So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus.

HOW:

  • Show love to everybody.

Romans 15:7 – Warmly welcome each other into the Church, just as Christ has warmly welcome you; then God will be glorified. 

  • Use your abilities to serve everybody.

1 Peter 4:10-11 – God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other so that God will be glorified.

  • Share the good news about Jesus with everyone.

2 Corinthians 4:15 – As God’s grace brings more and more people to Christ.  God will receive more and more glory!

  • You should join the Church.

Ephesians 3:21 – To God be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen

March 22 2015 Overcoming Temptation Under Pressure

OVERCOMING TEMPTATION UNDER PRESSURE

1 Peter 4:1-11

TEMPTATION IS: The process that attempts to draw us away from God.

EIGHT WAYS TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION

1. Propose to what’s right.

Verse 1 – Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourself with the same attitude (or purpose).

Lesson:  The battle can be won before the battle has begun.

Three Hebrew children.

Hebrews 11: 36 – 38

2. Stop doing what’s wrong.

Verse 1 – Because He who suffered in His body is done with sin.

3. Stop running with the wrong crowd.

Verses 3 & 4 – For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do, living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it is strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation and they heap abuse on you. What the world expects: They expect us to change and be different, the reject us when we live for Christ.

4. Live for the Will of God.

Verses 2 & 6 – Live for the Will of God, but live according 

Verse 5 – But they will have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

5. Live in the light of accountability.

Verse 5 – But they will have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6. Be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Verse 7 – Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Peter’s experience: Went to sleep on the job.

7. Minister to one another.

Verses 8, 9, 10 – Above all, love each other deeply, offer hospitality to one another, use whatever gift he has received to serve others.

THREE WAYS WE MINISTER TO ONE ANOTHER

  1. Love.
  2. Offer hospitality.
  3. Use your God given gift.

8. Rely on God’s power.

Verse 11 – Do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised.

SAMSON’S FOUR STEPS TO FAILURE

  1. He was fascinated with sin.
  2. He flirted with sin.
  3. He forgot his source of power.
  4. Then he failed.