130929_-_how_is_your_relationship_with_god.mp3 |
Thank you to Mr. Ken Rohrer for providing the message this week in Pastor Scott's absence. I Peter 2:19-25
1. Why it's best not to seek revenge a. refusing revenge is pleasing to God (19) b. It helps you identify with Christ. (21) c. It helps you become holy (3:14; 4:1) 2. What to do instead of seeking revenge Putting an end to unfair treatment is not getting revenge. Revenge is a childish and immature reaction to mistreatment. a. do not retaliate (23) b. do not talk trash (23) c. put yourself in God's hands (23) d. Do something kind for the one who has hurt you (Romans 12:20) 3. How to get your mind off of seeking revenge Say three words to yourself: I am forgiven! (24-25) The more you dwell on your forgiveness, the easier it will be to express forgiveness to others.
I Peter 2:1-3; 9-10The only way to master the art of obedience is through pure, spiritual milk. (2:2) 1. Reading the Bible (1:24-25) When we read the Bible, we become changed by its influence IF we read it with a heart that is willing to be taught. 2. Declaring God's praise (vs. 9) a. Tell it to God- you strengthen the connection in your relationship to Him b. Tell it to others- Sharing your faith is much more effective when you emphasize how good God is, rather than how bad they are. 3. Identifying with God's people (9-10) God's people play a crucial role in society. We recognize that we belong to a people precious to God, a people with a vital mission. 4. Avoid sinful situations (2:11) Certain things in life spoil your appetite for obedience. If you do them, you are not going to be responsive to the Spirit's leading in your life. I Peter 1:17-251. Obedience Opens the Door to God's Blessing in your life. (17) God doesn't bless according to whim, He blesses us according to His laws. Knowing the complete impartiality of God should cause you to have a higher regard for His power and authority. (Romans 2:6-7) 2. Obedience is the Right Response to the Goodness of God. (18-21) The challenge is to live a life of integrity because God has already accepted you. 3. Obedience Equips You to Spread Goodness to Others. (22-25) Justification happens when you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Sanctification is the continued effect of God's Word. Your obedience makes you a better person, and ultimately helps you make the world a better place. Every time you obey God, it increases your capacity to love others with a pure love from the heart. (I Peter 1:13-16) The 21st century church seems to be more concerned with getting right with God than we are with living right. The problem is not so much of wanting to be holy as it is winning the battle to be holy. Holiness begins in your mind. 1. Preparation - “prepare your minds for action. (13) Thousands of events and images attempt to influence the way you think. Be careful to prevent the garbage from entering your mind, and take action to fill your mind with the Word of God. 2. Separation- “be self-controlled” (13) If we are intoxicated by the world, then we live by our emotions and we will not be able to make good decisions. We detach ourselves from our emotions, so they don't have the power to control us, just as we detach from our possessions. 3. Concentration – “set your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you” (13) “charis”- kindness shown to one who is undeserving God shows kindness to us, not because we are good, but because He is good. We cannot learn to live holy until we take our eyes off ourselves and concentrate on God. |
AuthorPastor Scott Goodman |