February 27 2011 Responding To The Deeper Life

Responding To The Deeper Life In 2011

(Luke 6:46-49 - "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.")

Five Steps

1. The deeper life can't be lived without adversity

(Verse 48 - "He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.")

  • Temporal affliction
  • Temptation

(Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.)

  • Sin

2. The deeper life must have aim

(Matthew 7:24 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.")

(Matthew 7:26 - "But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.")

(Matthew 5:38-39 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

(Mat 5:39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.")

(Matthew 7:12 - "Do unto others what you would have them do to you.")

Proverbs - If you want friends show yourself friendly.

(Matthew 7:21 - "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.")

3. The deeper life have assurance

(1 Corinthians 3:11 - For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.)

Nahum said - The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.

(1 Peter 2:6 - For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.")

4. The deeper life takes action

(Verse 47 - "I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.")

(Hebrews 7:25 - Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.)

5. The deeper life has accountability