2 Chronicles 25:11 “And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.”
Daniel 10:19“And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”
1. THE LORD PROVIDES STRENGTH WHEN WE ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND UP FOR HIM.
Colossians 1:11“Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
2 Timothy 4:17“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”
2. WHEN WE ACKNOWLEDGE OUR HUMAN WEAKNESS AND TURN TO GOD, WE ARE MADE STRONG BY OUR FAITH IN HIM.
Hebrews 11:34“Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” 2 Corinthians 12:10“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
3. WE CAN LOSE OUR STRENGTH FROM GOD WHEN WE DECIDE TO DO THINGS OUR OWN WAY, AND NOT HIS.
Judges 16:19-21“And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him. But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.”
4. GOD PROVIDES THE RESOURCES SO WE CAN BE STRONG.
COMPLETE FAITH IN THE PERSON OF OUR LORD.
Hebrews 6:18“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”
NOURISHMENT FROM THE WORD OF GOD.
Hebrews 5:12“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Hebrews 5:14“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
POWER FROM HIS SPIRIT.
Ephesians 3:16“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;”
5. THERE ARE GOOD RESULTS WHEN WE DEPEND ON GOD AND NOT OURSELVES.
Philippians 4:13“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Ephesians 6:10“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”
2 Corinthians 4:18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
1. THE UNSEEN HELP FOR US ALL.
A. BLESSINGS WE NEED.
1 Corinthians 2:9-12But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
B. THE PROMISES OF GOD FULFILLED TOTALLY. AN EXAMPLE IS THE PROMISE OF A NEW BODY.
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:2For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
C. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS. UNSEEN, BUT PRESENT DAILY.
HEALING. STIRRED THE WATERS AT BETHSAIDA. John 5:4For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
MINISTRY TO ENCOURAGE AND LIFT. TEMPTATION OF JESUS. Matthew 4:11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS. ELIJAH—FOOD. I Kings 19:5And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.
BRING JUDGMENT—SODOM. Genesis 19:13For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
BRING PHYSICAL DELIVERANCE—BRINGING LOT & GIRLS OUT OF SODOM. Genesis 19:16And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
KEEPING MAN FROM A WORSE FATE. (ACCIDENTS, ETC. ?) KEPT ADAM FROM GARDEN. Genesis 3:24So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
CARRIED MESSAGES FROM GOD. DANIEL. Daniel 8:15-17And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
CARRY OUT DECREES OF JUDGMENT. REVELATION. Revelation 15:6And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
TO BRING SOULS TO THEIR PLACE OF JUDGMENT. Luke 16:22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; —AND THIS IS FUTURE, TOO.— Matthew 24:31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
2. WE MUST HAVE FAITH IN GOD TO ACCEPT THE UNSEEN.
A. WE HAVE NOT SEEN JESUS. He was before our time.
John 20:29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
B. WE HAVE NOT SEEN THE FATHER.
Colossians 1:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
C. WE HAVE NOT SEEN GOD’S WRATH OR THE RAPTURE, BUT WE KNOW IT WILL COME.
Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
3. WE MUST DEPEND UPON HIS WORD TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNSEEN.
A. THAT IS THE BASIS FOR OUR FAITH.
Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
When God lifts you, He takes you up and away from someplace. It is always better than where you have been.
I know most people think of God doing that at death. But, the Bible has many more accounts of God lifting us while we are living our lives right here on earth.
***There are times when we get help by using whatever weak power we have left, and at other times, God wants us to just stop our efforts, and watch as His hand comes down and pulls us up. –The case off Peter walking on water. He began to sink. There was an alternative to that, wasn’t there ? He could have started swimming back to the ship. After all, he was a fisherman, raised on the water, and probably knew how to swim. But, he chose to cry out to the Lord. It was the right thing for him to do at the time.
WHEN TORN BY SPIRITUAL BATTLES–GOD LIFTS US UP.
Psalms 30:1«A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David.» I will extol thee, O LORD; for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
THIS WAS TO BE SUNG AT THE DEDICATION OF THE HOUSE OF DAVID. IT DEALS WITH THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE, AND THE ENEMIES OF GOD.
WHEN HURT BY CONVICTION, GUILT AND SHAME, GOD WILL REACH DOWN AND LIFT US UP.
Psalms 102:10Because of Thine indignation and Thy wrath: for Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
WE ARE CHASTEN OUT OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US.
Hebrews 12:6For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.
Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD CAN LIFT US TO GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE.
Ezekiel 3:14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
Ezekiel 11:1Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD’S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.
GOD CAN LIFT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN CHASTENED.
1 Samuel 2:7The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up.
GOD CAN LIFT THOSE IN POVERTY.
1 Samuel 2:8He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and He hath set the world upon them.
Psalms 113:7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;
Psalms 147:6The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.
GOD LIFTS US UP WITH THE BLESSINGS ONLY HE CAN GIVE.
JOY AND PEACE AND A KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
Luke 24:47-53And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
HE WILL LIFT PEOPLE TO JUDGMENT.
HE WILL LIFT THEM IN RESURRECTION, BOTH SAVED AND LOST.
John 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.
THE SAVED TO THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST.
THE LOST TO THE WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT.
John 12:34The people answered Him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest Thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
SOME SAY THAT IT CAN’T BE DONE TODAY. THEY SAY THAT IN THE PAST, THE DISCIPLES WALKED WITH JESUS. THEY SAY THAT IN THE PAST, WHEN JESUS WAS ON EARTH, PEOPLE COULD HAVE THAT PRIVILEGE, BUT NOT TODAY. JESUS HAS TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT IN ORDER TO WALK WITH HIM… NOT SO ! LOOK AT THIS–
Genesis 3:8And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 5:22And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Genesis 6:9These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
COULD HE BE SEEN ? WAS HIS PRESENCE ALWAYS PHYSICAL ? IF NOT, CAN THIS SAME PRIVILEGE BE GRANTED TO PEOPLE TODAY ?
1. WALKING WITH HIM IS TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
WHAT IS FELLOWSHIP ? IT MEANS ONE THING WITH ONE PERSON AND ANOTHER TO SOMEONE ELSE. GOD’S DEFINITION IS THE ONE THAT COUNTS.
FELLOWSHIP IS TURNING OUR ATTENTION ON GOD, NOT EVERYONE ELSE. (Rejecting the distracting appeal of idolatry).
2 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
FELLOWSHIP CANNOT BE OBTAINED IF WE DWELL IN UNBELIEF. IF WE ARE TO WALK WITH JESUS, WE MUST FOLLOW HIS WORD.
John 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
John 5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
John 5:12Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD MEANS NO TIME FOR EVERYTHING. YOU WILL HAVE TO DROP FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER THINGS IN ORDER TO MAKE THE ROOM. YOU CANNOT BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE. YOU CANNOT FULFILL ALL THAT YOU WANT TO DO. TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS, YOU MUST DENY YOURSELF.
Mark 8:34And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
IF A PERSON FAILS TO FOLLOW, THEY NO LONGER HAVE FELLOWSHIP.
Matthew 19:21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.
WAS PETER HAVING FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS WHEN HE FOLLOWED FROM A DISTANCE ? NO !
Matthew 26:58But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
2. BY PUTTING YOUR ATTENTION ON JESUS, YOU WILL LEARN THINGS THAT YOU WOULD MISS BY SIMPLY READING.
YOU SEE THE REAL STANDARDS. IT IS DIFFICULT TO REALLY TELL MUCH ABOUT A PERSON BY HEARING THEM IN A RELIGIOUS CONTEXT. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO KNOW THEIR STANDARDS WHEN IT ISN’T AROUND CHURCH. YOU SEE WHAT THE PERSON’S DESIRES REALLY ARE.
HOW CAN WE APPLY JESUS TRUE DESIRES TO OUR LIVES ?
SEEK & SAVE THE LOST. Mt 18:11 “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”
JERUSALEM. YOU WILL GET CONCERNED ABOUT ISRAEL. Luke 13:34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!”
HIS HURT OVER UNBELIEF. John 11:35 “Jesus wept.” (You don’t see such emotions while doing your own thing).
HIS FRUSTRATIONS OVER…
PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T COME TO UNDERSTAND THE BASICS ABOUT GOD. “HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN WITH YOU ?” John 14:7-11“Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake.”
PEOPLE WHO OUGHT TO HAVE FAITH, WHO DON’T EXERCISE IT. Luke 8:25“And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him.”
PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE TRUSTING GOD, BUT TRY TO REASON THINGS OUT LOGICALLY AMONG THEMSELVES. Mark 8:16“And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no bread.”
3. YOU GET TO SEE WHAT GOD DOES.
A child often has no idea what the parent does at work unless they go there and walk with him. The same is true to the Christian life.
WALKING WITH JESUS IS ESSENTIAL TO RECOGNIZING AND DEFEATING DEMONIC ACTIVITY.
DEMONS OBEY. Luke 4:36“And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
WALKING WITH JESUS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHERE AND HOW TO PLACE OUR ACTIONS OF LOVE.
HIS COMPASSION.
THE HUNGRY CROWD. Matthew 15:32“Then Jesus called His disciples unto Him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”
THE CHILDREN THAT OTHERS REJECTED. Mark 10:14“But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
4. YOU GET TO SEE HIS ASSOCIATIONS.
THE PEOPLE WHO WALK WITH HIM SEE MORE. UNLESS YOU ARE WALKING WITH HIM, YOU MIGHT NOT SEE THEM. **SOME SAY, “I’M THE ONLY ONE SERVING THE LORD.”
Acts 9:26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
YOU SEE WHO ISN’T WALKING WITH HIM, BUT PUT THEIR OWN DESIRES AND WAYS AHEAD OF HIS. THEY SIMPLY WON’T BE THERE.
1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
THIS SERIES ON “POWERFUL WORDS” EXAMINES SOME IMPORTANT WORDS USED IN THE BIBLE WHICH PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND ANYMORE. EVEN MANY CHRISTIANS DON’T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THEIR TRUE MEANING.
SERVICE
1. SERVICE THAT INVOLVES WORSHIP.
DO WE FAIL TO MAKE WORSHIP A PART OF OUR SEEKING GOD ?
…Or, do we come to Him as pleading for things instead of recognizing that He is greater than our problems. Most disappointment in prayer can be avoided if we come to Him with absolute faith in His greatness, and worship Him because of it. It helps us recognize that His answers are best.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service <2999>.
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What is service as the Bible defines it ? Here are a few of the words used to describe serving and ministering.
Strong’s Concordance #2999
λατρεία latreia lat-ri’-ah
AV-translated as “service” 4 times, “divine service” 1 time; used a total of 5 times
Definition:
1) service rendered for hire
1a) any service or ministration: the service of God
2) the service and worship of God according to the requirements of the Levitical law
3) to perform sacred services
Strong’s Concordance #3000
λατρεύω latreuo (pronounced = lat-ryoo’-o)
AV-translated as “serve” 16 times, “worship” 3, “do the service” 1, “worshipper” 1; used a total of 21 times.
Definition:
1) to serve for hire
2) to serve, minister to, either to the gods or men and used alike of slaves and freemen
2a) in the NT, to render religious service or homage, to worship
2b) to perform sacred services, to offer gifts, to worship God in the observance of the rites instituted for his worship
2b1) of priests, to officiate, to discharge the sacred office
1) to serve the state at one’s own cost
1a) to assume an office which must be administered at one’s own expense
1b) to discharge a public office at one’s own cost
1c) to render public service to the state
2) to do a service, perform a work
2a) of priests and Levites who were busied with the sacred rites in the tabernacle or the temple
2b) of Christians serving Christ, whether by prayer, or by instructing others concerning the way of salvation, or in some other way
2c) of those who aid others with their resources, and relieve their poverty
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Acts 13:2 As they ministered <3008> to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve <3000> God acceptably with reverence and godly fear
Romans 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve <3000> with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
IT CAN BE USED FOR THE WRONG PURPOSE.
Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship <3000> the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
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2. SERVICE THAT FOCUSES UPON HELPING OTHERS.
IT MAY NOT ALWAYS BE ACCEPTED BY PEOPLE.
Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
THIS SERVICE IS HELPING OTHERS, BUT IT DOES NOT NECESSARILY INCLUDE WORSHIP.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving <1248>, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry <1248>.
Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry <1248> of the word.
AV-translated as “serve” 18 times, “be in bondage” 4, “do service” 3; used a total of 25 times
1) to be a slave, serve, do service
1a) of a nation in subjection to other nations
2) metaph. to obey, submit to
2a) in a good sense, to yield obedience
2b) in a bad sense, of those who become slaves to some base power, to yield to, give one’s self up to
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Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants <1401>, and delivered unto them his goods.
Galatians 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant <1401>; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
THIS IS THE WORD WHICH JESUS USED MOST TO DESCRIBE HIS CHILDREN,. THEY WERE SERVANTS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD. HE MADE THEM FOR THAT PURPOSE, AND GAVE THEM OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME MORE THAN SERVANTS.
THIS IS ALSO THE WORD WHICH PAUL USED TO DESCRIBE HIMSELF IN ALMOST EVERY EPISTLE, A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST.
Romans 6:16-17 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants <1401> to obey, his servants <1401> ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants <1401> of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Ephesians 6:7 With good will doing service <1398>, as to the Lord, and not to men
1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service <1398>, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
1. FILLED WITH THE RIGHT THINGS…IF WE RECEIVE THEM BY FAITH.
A. IS MY MOUTH FILLED WITH THE RIGHT THINGS ?
Profanity has become an acceptable language for the average person today. But Christians are not average, and profanity does not belong anywhere in their speech. Christians have better things to talk about than damning people and talking about excrement and immoral sex.
Psalms 71:8Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise and with Thy honour all the day.
Psalms 104:28That Thou givest them they gather: Thou openest Thine hand, they are filled with good.
–SPEAKING IN A GODLY WAY OFTEN BRINGS THE SCORN OF THOSE WHO ARE UNGODLY.
Psalms 123:4Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
B. IS MY ENTIRE BEING FILLED WITH THE LORD ?
***HOW DID THEY KNOW THEY WERE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ?
Acts 13:52And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
–IT IS A COMMAND FROM GOD FOR US, TOO.
Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
C. ARE WE FILLED WITH COMFORT OVER DEATH ?
NOT JUST LOSS OF LOVED ONES, BUT LOSS OF THINGS PRECIOUS TO US. OUR COUNTRY HAS DIED. MANY ARE LAMENTING EVERY DAY WHEN THEY SEE THE STENCH OF DEATH OVER WASHINGTON DC. MANY CHRISTIANS FALL BY THE WAYSIDE. DO WE FEEL THE COMFORT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT REMINDING US THAT JESUS IS COMING SOON AND WE WILL HAVE REWARDS FROM HIM ?
2 Corinthians 7:4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
D. ARE WE FILLED ENOUGH TO BE DOING GOOD THINGS THAT GET NOTICED.
WE ARE NOT TO BE NOTICED, BUT CHRIST IN US IS. (ACTIONS—ALL CALCULATED TO DO GOOD FOR HIM).
Romans 15:14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
2. WE NEED TO GET RID OF THE THINGS WHICH FILLED US BEFORE.
WE NEED TO HATE THE THINGS THAT WERE IN OUR LIVES PREVIOUSLY. NOT JUST JOKE ABOUT THEM OR SIMPLY RECOGNIZE THEIR PRESENCE.
A. WITH THE DEVICES OF THE SINFUL HEART.
Proverbs 1:30-31They would none of my counsel, they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
B. WE NEED TO BE AWARE THAT WE CAN FALL BACK INTO THE WRONG WAYS IF WE DO NOT TREASURE AND MAINTAIN OUR WALK WITH THE LORD.
Proverbs 14:14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
3. ARE THERE CONSEQUENCES TO BEING ONLY PARTLY FULL ?
*For one thing, you won’t go as far on half a tank as you can with a full tank. If you are working like a bulldozer, you can only get half the work done that God wants before you run out of steam.
A. CONSEQUENCES TO BEING FILLED WITH THE WRONG THINGS.
Haggai 1:6Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
B. CONSEQUENCES TO BEING FILLED WITH BAD THINGS LEADS TO MORE BAD ACTIONS.
Luke 6:11And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
FALSE CONFIDENCE IS THE CONDITION OF MANY TODAY. PEOPLE ARE DEPENDING UPON THE GOVERNMENT FOR THEIR SAFETY. THEY THINK THE GOVERNMENT CAN STOP ALL HARM FROM COMING TO THEM.
Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
CONFIDENT IN SELF.
Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
1. OUR CONFIDENCE IS IN GOD.
THERE ARE TIMES WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO ACCEPT THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD.
A. THE WORLD DOES NOT UNDERSTAND IT.
Isaiah 36:4And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
B. IT IS BASED ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW THE BIBLE, OR RECEIVE WHAT THEY HEAR THE BIBLE SAYING, CANNOT BE CONFIDENT IN GOD EASILY.
Ephesians 3:11-12According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.
SOLUTION: STUDY THE WORD.
2. CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OTHER CHRISTIANS.
A. WE CAN ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVES.
DON’T BE FOOLISH AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN PEOPLE WHO HAVE A TRACK RECORD OF NOT BEING SPIRITUALLY MATURE OR SPIRITUALLY STABLE.
2 Corinthians 7:16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
B. A TRACK RECORD IS IMPORTANT IN DISCERNING WHERE WE CAN PLACE OUR CONFIDENCE.
2 Thessalonians 3:4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
WE KNOW THAT WE CAN PLACE OUR ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD BECAUSE HIS TRACK RECORD OF LOVE FOR US AND FAITHFULNESS TO US IS PERFECT.
C. THERE IS CONFIDENCE IN THE FAIRNESS AND COMING JUDGMENT OF GOD.
Galatians 5:10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
3. BELIEVERS WAIT FOR GOD’S WILL WITH CONFIDENCE.
A. THERE IS A TEMPTATION TO BE AFRAID IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. THE WORLD PANICS.
Luke 21:26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
–CHRISTIANS HAVE GOOD SENSE–UNLIKE THE WORLD THAT IS GOING CRAZY.
2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
–PEOPLE ARE MANIPULATED INTO FEAR BY THE MEDIA AND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNS GOD IS GIVING EVERYONE.
Hebrews 10:35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
B. CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER—TODAY, IF YOU NEED SALVATION, OR NEED HELP TO GROW SPIRITUALLY, YOU MUST COME WITH FAITH.
1 John 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:
THEY ATTEMPT TO BREAK YOU DOWN, INTIMIDATE YOU, MAKE YOU FEEL AS IF YOU DON’T HAVE A CHANCE. JUST LIKE GOLIATH TRIED TO DO.
Joshua 15:8And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:
WHO ARE SOME OF THESE GIANTS ?
THE WORLD’S VIEW OF THE NEWS
DEPRESSION. CAN BE HORMONAL, HABIT, UNWILLINGNESS TO TURN THINGS OVER TO GOD AND LEAVE THEM THERE IN HIS HANDS (LACK OF FAITH).
DEFEATS OF THE PAST. THEY COME AND HAUNT YOU, SAYING YOU CAN’T WIN.
BLINDNESS. CAN’T SEE ANY HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
ANGER AND HATRED. THINGS NOT COMMITTED TO GOD WITH A WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE.
Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
God didn’t leave us here for a lifetime of defeat ! That would be an embarrassment upon His Name, and would be miserable for us ! He gave us power over ALL the power of the enemy, and we need to use what He gave to us !
2. THERE IS A VALLEY FOR JUDGMENT.
GET OUT OF IT AS SOON AS YOU CAN. IT USUALLY HAS SEVERAL CITIES IN IT. GOD SAYS GET OUT OR BE JUDGED WITH THEM. (Modern Law: “Accessory to a crime” “To be convicted as an accessory to a crime, the person must possess an awareness of the crime, either before or after its commission.” ).
A. IT HAS A HISTORY OF JUDGMENT TAKING PLACE.
YET SOME PEOPLE WANT TO DWELL THERE. ABRAHAM KNEW ABOUT IT AND SO HE PRAYED FOR LOT.
2 Samuel 8:13And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.
DON’T STAY IN A PLACE WHERE GOD SAYS
Ephesians 5:11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
B. THE SAME VALLEY WILL SPELL THE DEATH OF NATIONS IN THE FUTURE.
Ezekiel 39:11And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog.
3. THE VALLEY OF UNNECESSARY BATTLES.
GOING INTO WAR AGAINST SOMETHING OR SOMEONE THAT GOD SAID NOT TO DO. JOSIAH WAS ONE OF THE MOST GODLY KINGS, YET HE MADE THE MISTAKE OF TAKING ON BATTLES THAT HE WAS NOT CALLED TO FIGHT.
2 Chronicles 35:22 20-23After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not. Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
WE HAVE ENOUGH BATTLES TO WAGE THAT GOD GAVE TO US AND THEY ARE IMPORTANT, SO WE SHOULD NOT GO OUT PICKING BATTLES THAT GOD DIDN’T CALL US TO. IT PLACES TOO MUCH ON YOU, AND YOU CAN GET HURT. *Josiah was seeing people turned back to God. He needed to lead a revival among the people, not go and fight physical armies.
4. THERE IS A VALLEY THAT HAS A SCARY SHADOW.
***Heard even younger people speaking about the possibility of death recently. The warning from China to keep away from their newly created islands, the possibility of some unidentified space object crashing down to earth, the diseases being raised out of ancient archeological dig sites, all bring people of all ages to wonder if they will live tomorrow. BUT, GOD WANTS YOU TO KEEP ON WALKING !
Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
DEATH FOR THE TRUE BELIEVER IS MERELY THAT–A SHADOW. THERE IS NO DEATH FOR US. WE SIMPLY GO FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER.
John 11:24-26Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
5. THE FINAL VALLEY FOR MEN WHO WANT TO RULE THEMSELVES. PEOPLE WHO DON’T WANT JESUS TO BE LORD OVER THEM.
Joel 3:12Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Joel 3:14Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Matthew 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Many have never experienced anything except the world’s concept of rest and vacation. As a result, they don’t get all God wants them to have !
1. PLAN FOR YOUR PHYSICAL REST.
A. GOD’S PLAN IS FOR ONE DAY OUT OF THE WEEK TO BE A TIME OF PHYSICAL REST.
—GOD DID IT.
Exodus 31:17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
B. RECOGNIZE THAT YOU WON’T GET PHYSICALLY RESTED UNLESS YOU ARE SPIRITUALLY RESTED FIRST. IF ONE PART IS NOT RESTED, IT WILL HAVE AN EFFECT UPON ALL THE OTHER PARTS.
2. PLAN FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL REST.
A. GET THE ISSUES THAT TROUBLE YOU REMOVED IF POSSIBLE.
Many times, the phone, email, or mail can pull you down. Try not checking on them for a day or two. The world won’t collapse.
Psalm 55:6And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
B. WHAT IS IT THAT CAUSES THE SPIRIT OF MAN TO WORK HARDER ? FOR THE CHRISTIAN, IT IS BATTLING TEMPTATIONS. AVOID UNNECESSARY TEMPTATIONS.
1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
THERE ARE SOME PLACES OF TEMPTATION YOU NEED TO STAY AWAY FROM. STAY OFF THE iPOD, THE PC, THE PHONE, THE STORES, ETC. ANYTHING WHERE YOU BATTLE TEMPTATIONS, STAY AWAY !
3. PLAN FOR YOUR MENTAL REST.
A. CONSIDER JESUS. HE GOT AWAY WITHIN HIS OWN AREA.
Luke 9:18And it came to pass, as He was alone praying, His disciples were with Him: and He asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
Luke 22:39-40And He came out, and went, as He was wont, to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him. And when He was at the place, He said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Matthew 14:23And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone.
MANY SEEK TO REST THE MIND, BUT WEAR OUT THE BODY IN THE PROCESS. FOR INSTANCE – GOING ON LONG, TIRING TRIP, BUT DON’T TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT THE BODY AFFECTS THE REST OF YOU.
JESUS WAS ABLE TO DO IT–GO THROUGH TROUBLES, THEN BE RESTED–SO CHRIST IN US CAN DO THE SAME.
Hebrews 12:3For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
B. SOME FAIL TO RENEW THEIR MINDS BY TAKING CLEAN WATER ALONG.
Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
C. MEMORY CAN HURT YOUR RESTFULNESS.
GET YOUR MIND OCCUPIED ON OTHER THINGS. YOU WON’T GET REST THINKING ABOUT ISSUES THAT YOU HAVE TO BATTLE ALL THE TIME. TAKE A BREAK FROM THE THINGS WHERE YOU HAVE TO DO A LOT OF THINKING.
***Obviously, you don’t stop thinking. BUT, you need to rest from the areas of mental troubles. If you are mentally fatigued at thinking about someone in your past, quit thinking about them. remove yourself from their thoughts.
–GET YOUR MIND ON THINGS THAT ARE HAPPY, LOVELY. PLAY CHRISTIAN MUSIC, FIND SOME GOOD CLEAN COMEDIES, WATCH SOME EDIFYING CHRISTIAN MOVIES.
NOT FOREVER. JUST AS A REST FOR A TIME.
3. THE FINAL REST—WILL IT BE REST, AT ALL ?
A. MEMORY IS NOT DESTROYED WHEN WE GET TO HEAVEN.
WILL THERE BE PAINFUL TIMES, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE PAST, AND YOUR FAILURE TO GIVE TO GOD WHAT HE HAS COMMANDED YOU TO DO ? WHEN UNDER CONVICTION, THERE WILL NOT BE MUCH REST, UNLESS YOU HAVE BECOME INSENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Jeremiah 45:3Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.
B. THE “REST” OF SOME WILL CONTAIN NO REST WHATSOEVER.
Isaiah 57:21There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
C. THE ONLY TRUE REST BEGINS WHEN WE STOP TRYING TO WORK OUR WAY INTO HEAVEN, AND RECEIVE GOD’S PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS.
Hebrews 4:9-11There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
TOO MANY GIVE UP AND DON’T REALIZE THAT BEING SURROUNDED IN THIS EARTH WITH ENEMIES, WE HAVE TO FIGHT JUST TO STAY ON AN EVEN PLAIN.
IN THIS LIFE, THE SPIRITUAL BATTLES ARE DAILY, NOT JUST A FEW TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. GOD SHOWS US THE RIGHT PATH–BE ANGRY WITH SIN EVERY DAY !
Psalms 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
DAVID UNDERSTOOD THAT EVERY DAY WAS A BATTLE.
Psalms 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
THIS IS NOT AS TERRIBLE AS SOME THINK. ON MANY DAYS, IT IS HUMOROUS THAT THE ENEMY IS SO WEAK !
Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
THEY WERE IN THE MIDST OF THE BATTLE. BUT WINNING IS FUN ! IT FILLS YOU WITH JOY !
TODAY, WE ARE GOING TO LEARN WHERE THE BATTLE IS, AND HOW TO WIN IT !
1. BATTLING AND WINNING FOR GOD SHOULD BE A LIFELONG PROJECT.
A. DANIEL’S FIGHT TO STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT BEGAN AS A CHILD.
Daniel 1:12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Daniel 1:16Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. (“pulse” = literally “vegetables”)
B. THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S BUT HE OFTEN WANTS TO WIN IT THROUGH YOU.
YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING. SOMETIMES MORE THAN JUST PRAY AND BELIEVE.
1 Samuel 17:47And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give you into our hands. And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
WORSHIP AND PRAISE CAN BE WEAPONS AGAINST OUR ENEMY.
2 Chronicles 20:15And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.
Obviously, they were involved as soldiers. But, God would work through them.
C. PAUL FOUGHT EVER SINCE HE BECAME A CHRISTIAN.
2 Timothy 4:7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
WHAT DID PAUL HAVE TO GO THROUGH ?
2 Corinthians 11:23-28Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
HIS BATTLE WAS NOT A ONE-TIME EVENT. HE HAD TO FIGHT EVERY DAY.
2. IT IS WORTH IT WHEN WE REALIZE THE ALTERNATIVE THAT IS AROUND US.
A. THE PEOPLE OF GOD ALWAYS HAD TO FIGHT SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY THE ENEMY.
NOT ONLY WERE THERE SOLDIERS OR ARMIES, BUT ALSO PROPHETS WHO BECAME PART OF A DIFFERENT FIGHT, A SPIRITUAL ONE.
Hebrews 11:32-35And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Ephesians 6:11-13Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
B. THE ALTERNATIVE IS DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD.
HE TOLD US TO FIGHT FOR WHAT HE HAS GIVEN US. TIMOTHY WAS COMMANDED TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT. This is not to be disagreeable, or picking fights with people over lesser issues.
1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
3. WE SHOULD SEE OUR LITTLE DAILY BATTLES AS PRIVILEGES TO SERVE GOD AND PROTECT THOSE WE LOVE.
A. THE “GOOD FIGHT” OF FAITH INVOLVES FIGHTING FOR THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE GOD-GIVEN.
YOUR HUSBAND, YOUR WIFE. THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE. THE VOWS YOU MAKE TO GOD–THOSE ARE ALL UNDER ATTACK.
B. THE GOOD FIGHT CAN BE AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU SURRENDER TO GOD’S POWER AND DON’T RELY UPON YOURSELF WITH ALL YOUR WEAKNESSES.
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Romans 8:37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Matthew 17:20And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Luke 1:37For with God nothing shall be impossible.
C. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED SOMETHING OF A BLESSING, YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.
WHAT DID YOU DO WITH IT ? WHAT DID YOU DO WITH YOUR MARRIAGE ? YOUR MONEY ? YOUR HEALTH ? YOUR CHILDREN ?
James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
D. FIGHTING INVOLVES PUSHING ASIDE ALL THE CLAIMS OF THE DEVIL AND RECEIVING JESUS AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD.
NOW IS THE TIME TO WIN THE VICTORY BY PUTTING YOUR FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS.
