January 6 2013 How To Know The Real God

HOW TO KNOW THE REAL GOD
Exodus 20:4-5

The second commandment is a natural extension of the first.  Once you understand that God is to have first place in your life, the natural question is:  What kind of god is God?  What is He really like?

Step two to the Better Life in 2013:
“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything, you shall not bow down to it or worship it.”

The principle things are to be used, but not loved.

I.  What happens when we turn things into “gods?”

3 Consequences

1.  Things will disappoint you.
Jeremiah 10:14 - Those who make idols are disillusioned because the gods they make are false and lifeless.

Hebrews 2:8 - What’s the use of an idol?  It’s only something that a man has made.  What good does it do for its maker to trust it?

2.  Things will deceive you and lead you astray.
Ezekiel 14:3 - They have given their hearts to idols and are letting idols lead them into sin.

3.  Things will begin to dominate you.
Psalm 115:8 - Those who make idols will become like them, and so will those who trust them.
Jeremiah 2:5 - They worshiped worthless things and became worthless themselves.

II.  How to know the real God.

Isaiah 40:18 - To whom, then, will you compare God?  What image will you compare Him to?

Acts 17:29 -  We should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image made by man’s design and skill.

2 Corinthians. 4:4 - Christ is the exact likeness of God.

Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.

Benefits of Worshiping the Real God

1.  There is fulfillment.
Romans 10:11 - Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.

Psalm 37:4 - Seek your happiness in the Lord and He will give you your heart’s desire.

2.  There is freedom.
John 8:31-32 - Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Galatians 5:22 - The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy and peace.

3.  You become like God.
2 Corinthians 3:18 - As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him.

October 14 2012 The Choice Of Reactions

THE CHOICE OF REACTIONS

Matthew 5:5 - Happy are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

I.  Clearing Up The Confusion

• What meekness is not:  Weakness

• What meekness is:  Strength under control

II. When Do I Need To Manage My Reactions?

1. When someone serves you

Be understanding not demanding.

Philippians 2:4-5- Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others too, and in what they are doing.  Your attitude should be the same as Jesus Christ.

2. When someone disappoints you

Be gentle not judgmental.

Romans 14:1 - Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

Galatians 6:1-2 - If a person is trapped in some sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.  But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.  Carry each other’s burdens.

3. When someone disagrees with you

Be tender withoutsurrender.

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer quiets anger but a harsh word stirs it up.

James 3:16-17 - Wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder.  But wisdom from above is pure, peaceful gentle and friendly.

2 Timothy 2:24-25 - The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, those who oppose him, he must gently instruct, in hope that God will give them a change of heart.

4. When someone corrects you

Be teachable not unteachable.

James 1:19 - Let everyone be quick to listen, but slow to use his tongue, and slow to lose his temper.

Proverbs 13:18 - Whoever listens to correction is honored.

5. When someone hurts you

Be an actor not a reactor.

Romans 12:17. 21 - Do not repay evil for evil, overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 16:32 - He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

2 Timothy 1:7 - God does not make us timid, instead His spirit fills us with power, love and self control.

Luke 14:33 - So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.