Walk and Live Under the Influence of the Holy Spirit
Jn 21:15-19 Peter teaches us about the reality of the carnal nature, and how we need the Holy Spirit to live in the spirit. The natural man uses his mind and strength to do the will of God. The spiritual man sees life through the filter and lens of the Word of God and is dependent on the Holy Spirit in this life.
1. Self-reliance – The road to self-reliance leads to your own good works. (Self-reliance) comes from false perception and presumption.
2. Distorted perspective – Peter tried fighting God’s battles, this will leave us frustrated and burnt out.
3. Spiritual disconnection – Peter's spiritual life could only be revealed by staying connected to Jesus Christ.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts] (Amplified Bible).
Endeavoring to live the Christian life by your own efforts is the greatest single hindrance to walking in the Spirit. Derek Prince
Let us Go up At Once - Numbers 13:30
Isaiah 53 - Broken for the Broken
Heb 12:1 - How Will I Run This Race
Spiritual warfare is very real. There is a fierce, and ferocious battle raging in the realm of the spirit between the forces of God and the forces of evil. Warfare happens every day, all the time. Whether you believe it or not, you are in a battlefield. You are in warfare.” – Pedro Okoro
This race represents contest and a conflict – Bringing our life into balance can be an agonizing process.
The Greek word for race is agon from which we get our word agony. The race is a conflict in that there is an internal struggle of the soul.
The Pain Of Moving Forward – It’s Like A Long-Distance Runner
What’s interesting about marathon runners is how in tune they are with their own abilities
• They know their strengths and weaknesses – they understand their limitation
• They know how to pace themselves to conserve energy
• They set small goals along the way
• They do not focus on beating the person next to them
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Miracle in the Desert - Isaiah 35:41
Psalm 95 - Our Greatest Enemy
Epaphroditus Brother, Worker, Soldier - Phil 2
Eternity - Have you thought about it?
Dorcas What’s In Your Hands
Acts 9:36-43
She served the Apostles and the body of Christ.
Tabitha was a disciple who lived in Joppa, which was the ancient seaport of Jerusalem. Her Hebrew name is Tabitha, but she is also called Dorcas in Greek.
Tabitha ministered to widows, it’s a testimony not only to her godliness and compassion, but to her importance for the community.
1. She was a Disciple - A disciple is someone who accepted God’s authority and rulership in their life.
2. She Left a Legacy to remember - her legacy was so amazing that her record of good works is put into the Bible for everyone to read.
3. She teaches us that Faith Without Works Is Dead.
“Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in, it is what God gave you time for.” —Rachel JanKovic
“There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother.” —Boyd K. Packer
Luk 19:8-10 - I’m Saved
What does it mean when someone says I’m Saved.
To save, preserve safe from danger, loss, or destruction. To save from the penalty of death and destruction, (not merely to make happy) but to bestow everlasting life as of the result of Jesus resurrection. It refers to helping or saving from danger.
Salvation is a general term, denoting deliverance.
* Jesus came looking for Zac
* Jesus transforms Zac
* Jesus looks beyond the opinions of the crowd to get to Zac
Zac – was saved because he was willing to receive Jesus into his heart and home
Zac – was saved because he turned from his corrupt lifestyle to do the will of God.
Zac – was saved because he was willing to make restitution to those he ripped off.
Thank you, Lord, for saving us from our self.
Paralyzed No More - Exodus 14
Fear Not
The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident. ~ Max Lucado
We could allow fear to control our will and emotions, or instead, let the peace of God rule our hearts and minds.
Col 3:15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
Only he who can say, "The Lord is the strength of my life" can say, "Of whom shall I be afraid?" Alexander MacLaren
I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4