Rock Springs College Ministry: Recent Episodes

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Man in the Mirror

James 1:22-25

Things types of a mirror:

1. Mirror on a wall.
2. Rearview Mirror
3. A distorted mirror

Things about spiritual mirrors:

1. God’s Word is our mirror

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

James 1:22-25 (NIV)

2. God’s mirror shows us what we are by nature

Proverbs 27:19 (NIV)

Ephesians 2:1-2 (NIV)

John 8:24 (NIV)

Luke 15:4 (NIV)

Luke 19:10 (NIV)

3. God’s Mirror shows us what you can be by Grace.

James 1:25 (NIV)

A. I am alive in Christ

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)

B. I am free from sin…

Romans 6:18 (NIV)

C. I am born of God.

John 1:12 (NIV)

D. I have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV)

E. I have the peace of God.

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

F. I have the spirit of God living in me.

1 John 4:4 (NIV)

G. I have the strength of Christ in me.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

H. I have the peace of God.

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

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Devil Went Down to Georgia

• John 10:10
• Ephesians 6:12

Three things the devil does:

1. The Deceiver (Thief and stealer)

2. John 8:44

3. Genesis 3:1
4. Genesis 3:4-5

2.The Murderer (Kill)

• John 8:44
• Mark 7:21
• Proverbs 4:23

• Philippians 4:7

• The Destroyer (Destroy)

• 1 Peter 5:8

• Jeremiah 29:11
• Galatians 5:22-23

How to stand against the enemy and win:

1. Protect your mind.

2. 2 Corinthians 10:5

3. Colossians 3:2
4. Philippians 4:8

5. Romans 12:2

6. Guard your hearts.

7. Proverbs 4:23

8. Psalm 51:10
9. Proverbs 3:5-6

3.Surrender your will.

• Matthew 16:24
• James 4:7

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The Battle Within

• Romans 7:15

Two sources for inner struggles:

1. The Flesh (Self)

• Mark 7:21
• Romans 7:18
• Jeremiah 17:9

2. The Enemy

• John 10:10

The Enemy comes against us in three basic ways:

1. Oppression

2. Obsession

3. Possession

Romans 7:15-25

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• Two Characteristics of people who know they are loved by God:
  1. Fearlessness  1 John 4:18
  2. Free  1 John 4:7

Learning to live in the light by loving:

1.Love Defined. 

• 1 John 4:7:8

2.Love Displayed.

• 1 John 3:9-11

3.Love Distributed.

• 1 John 4:19-20
• John 15:13
• 1 John 4:19-20

Why we should live in the light!

1. If God is light, we must walk in light.

• 1 John 1:5

2. If God is love, we must show all others love.

• 1 John 4:16

3. If God is life, you must know Him to live

• 1 John 5:11-13

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Evidence of Light

1 John 3:1-10

1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

• THREE Evidences of the Light:
• We Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
• We Seek the Lifestyle of Jesus Christ.
• We Share the Love of Jesus Christ

1 John 3:6,9 (NIV)

Why people continue in sin?

1. Wrong practice.

1 John 3:4

1. Wrong people.

1 John 3:7-8

1 Corinthians 15:33

Proverbs 13:20ESV

Psalm 1:1-2

2 Corinthians 5:17

1. Wrong power.

1 John 3:8-10

John 3:1-3

1. We are redeemed from the penalty of sin.

1 John 3:5

1. We are redeemed from the power of satan.

1 John 3:8

1. We are redeemed from the principle of self.

1 John 3:9

• Why we should live in the light!

• The Father loves you.

1 John 3:1

1. The Son died for you.

1 John 3:8

1. The Holy Spirit lives inside of you.

1 John 3:9

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Evidence of Light

1 John 2:3-11

1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)

1 John 2:1 (NIV)

1 John 2:3 (NIV)

1 John 2:3-4 (NIV)

• THREE Evidences of the Light:
• We Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:3 (NIV)

1. We Seek the Lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:5-6 (NIV)

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

1. We Share the Love of Jesus Christ

1 John 2:7-9 (NIV)

1 John 2:10-11 (NIV)

So how do we get in the Light:

1. Overlook the offense from others.

Proverbs 10:12

Proverbs 19:11

1. Forgive them

Luke 23:24

1. Do good to them.

Romans 12:17-21

1. Keep no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Psalm 130:3 (Message)

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Into The Light

1 John 1:5-7

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.

1. We Try To Live In The Dark

John 3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.2 He came to Jesus at night (In the darkness) and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

• James 2 :19: You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

2. There Is No Understanding In The Dark

Proverbs 3:13-18 ESV Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from understanding is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. ...

John 3:9-12

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?

3. Jesus Sees Us Hiding In The Dark

John 3:17-21 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John 3:16-17

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him

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• The problem with man…

Romans 1:20-25 (NLT)

• Let’s look at the first worshipper and figure out why we should worship.
• THREE NAMED ANGELS IN THE BIBLE!

1. Michael- He is always involved in prayer.

Daniel 10:12-14 (NLT)

2. Gabriel- He is always involved in delivering the Word. (A message)

Luke 1:26-28 (NLT)

3. Lucifer- He is involved with worship.

Let’s look at what happened with Lucifer:

1. Lucifer fell from heaven.

Isaiah 14:12-14

2. Lucifer was created with instruments.

Isaiah 14:11

Ezekiel 28:12-13

Three types of instruments today:

1. Stringed instruments
2. Wind instruments
3. Percussion instruments

3. Lucifer was anointed.

Ezekiel 28:14

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR US?

1. You were created for worship.

• Three types of instruments today:
  1. Stringed instruments
  2. Wind instruments
  3. Percussion instruments
• God gave you the same thing today:
  1. Vocal cords
  2. Lungs
  3. Hands

Psalm 150 (NIV)

PRAISE IS MY PURPOSE!

2. Worship is a choice, not a feeling.

John 4:23 (NLT)

Psalm 95:6 (NLT)

3. Worship changes everything.

1. God’s presence shows up.

James 4:8

1. God’s power is revealed.

Psalm 59:16

2 Chronicles 20:22

Luke 19:37-40

Acts 2:12-16

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Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

• We must die so that we can live.

John 6:60,66 (NIV)

• In order for me to change, something has to die!

Matthew 19:16-22 (NIV)

• THREE COMMANDS JESUS GIVES HIM!
• Sell your possessions.
• Give it to poor.
• Build treasure in heaven.

Three things about this calling:

1. The call demands your all.

Matthew 4:18-20

Mark 1:19-20

Mark 2:14

1. When you follow Jesus, you are not in control.

Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

Romans 6:12-13 (NLT)

1. Heaven, not earth, is my home.

Matthew 6:19-20

Matthew 19:21-22

How to totally surrender:

1. Surrender everything daily.

James 4:7 (NIV)

Luke 9:23 (NIV)

1. View everything through the lens of eternity.

2 Corinthians 4:18

Colossians 3:2

1. Follow Him.

Matthew 8:21-23

Matthew 10:37-39

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John 12:23-25 (NIV)

23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

John 6:60,66 (NIV)

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

Three things about this calling:

1. Requires Obedience.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

1 John 2:3-6

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Hebrews 12:2

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2. Requires Change.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

3. Requires Public Commitment.

Matthew 10:32-33

“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.”

What do I die to?

1. To live, you have to die to sin. (Galatians 5:24)
2. To live, you must die to self. (1 Corinthians 15:31; John 3:30)
3. To live, you must die to the world. (Galatians 6:14; Mark 8:35-37)

Romans 6

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First thing that God said was not good:

Genesis 2:18

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

We are going to take a test to see if our dating is healthy:

1- The Progression Test

Proverbs 25:17

Don’t spend too much time in your neighbor’s house. Otherwise, they’ll get fed up with you and hate you.

2- The Physical Test.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

3- The Priority Test.

Matthew 19:5-6

…a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Matthew 22:37-39

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

1. Jesus is the ONE.
2. Your spouse is the TWO.

Exodus 34:14

Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Exodus 20:1-5 (Ten Commandments)

1 And God spoke all these words:2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.3 “You shall have no other gods before me.4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God,

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Tips for Dating:

1. Keep the main thing the main thing

Matthew 6:33 / Matthew 22:37-40

1. Two Boo’s make a BOO BOO

Isaiah 58:11

1. Don’t settle for a snack

Song of Solomon 2:3 / 2 Samuel 11:1-4

1. Your Vibe attracts your Tribe

Prov 23:7

1. Set the Tone

1 Corinthians 10:13

1. Honesty is the best policy

Proverbs 18:21

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1 Corinthians7:7-9, 32-34

7 I wish everyone could get along without marrying, just as I do. But we are not all the same. God gives some the gift of a husband or wife, and others he gives the gift of being able to stay happily unmarried. 8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—better to stay unmarried if you can, just as I am. 9 But if you can’t control yourselves, go ahead and marry. It is better to marry than to burn with lust. 1 Corinthians 7:7-9

32 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.1 Corinthians 7:32-34

Things God desires to give you before a partner:

1- Developing a love for self.

I want you to live as free of complications as possible.1 Corinthians 7:32

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-38

1 Corinthians 7:7

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:13-16

2- Developing a love for God.

32 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34 and his interests are divided.1 Corinthians 7:32-34

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.Matthew 6:33

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.Matthew 22:37-38

3- Developing a love for your purpose.

1 Corinthians 7:33-34

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James 5:13-20

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13

Reasons James tells us we should pray:

1- Prayer leads us from suffering to relief

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.James 5:13

Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. Psalm 50:15

2- Prayer leads us from sickness to recovery

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. James 5:14-15

3- Prayer leads us from sin to redemption

If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:15-16

4- Prayer leads us from ordinary to extraordinary power.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18

Process of praying:

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’ Matthew 6:9

1. P- Praise
2. R- Repent
3. A- Ask
4. Y- Yield

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James 4:1-10

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? James 4:1

Two reasons why conflict:

1- Problem one- Selfish Heart

Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:1-3

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. Proverbs 29:11

A quick-tempered man does foolish things. Proverbs 14:17

Man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:20

2- Problem three- Adulterous Heart

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4

But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 2:20

Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? James 4:5

3- Prescription (Solution) - Humble Heart

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." James 4:6

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Philippians 2:3-8

Process of getting rid of conflict:

1. Submit to God

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

2. Draw near to God

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

3. Humble yourself before God

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10

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James 3

The Power of the Tongue::

1- The tongue can direct life.

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. James 3:3-4

2- The tongue can destroy life.

5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6

3- The tongue can be divided in life.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth James 3:9-10

The Problem of the Tongue:

11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:11-12

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8

1- Change of HEART

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

2- Change of input

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

3- Change of Words

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.Ephesians 4:29

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James 2

1)  Examine/faith/change

2) Three types of faith in James 2

3) Three types of faith

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James 1:1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

James 1:2-3

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Two things::

1- Trials are going to happen

James 1:2

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

2- Trials have a purpose

James 1:4

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Two reasons we struggle with trials::

1- Lack of wisdom

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

2- Lack of faith

James 1:6-8

6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

1. Deception

James 1:13

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

2. Desire

James 1:14

14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

3. Disobedience

James 1:15

15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;

4. Death

James 1:15

15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Help for overcoming temptations.

1. Identify your weakness

2. Understand there is power within you.

Ephesians 1:18-20

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

3. Look for the way out

1 Corinthians 10:13

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

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Isaiah 43:18-19

Three reasons why we don’t like the unknown:

1. It’s unclear.

2. It’s unsettled

3. It’s uncontrollable

• Philippians 3:12-14

Three things to move on from:

1. Move on from old history

• Isaiah 43:18-19

2. Move on from old habits

• John 8:31-36

3. Move on from old hurts.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

How do I move past my past?

• Colossians 3:1-4

1. Remember your identity.

2. Remember to die daily.

• Colossians 3:5-9

3. Remember to renew.

• Colossians 3:10-17

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Hebrews 12:1-12

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The Mystery of the Unknown

Exodus 13-14

• Acts 20:22

Why we don’t like the unknown:

1. It’s unclear
2. It’s unsettled
3. It’s uncontrollable

Three Reasons God will deter your life into the unknown:

• Exodus 13:17

1. For your Good (Cause You’re not ready yet)

• Exodus 13:17-18
• Exodus 14:1-4

2. For His Glory

• Exodus 14:21-28

3. Grow your faith

• Exodus 14:29-31

When you are headed into the mystery of the unknown, I want you to know three things:

1. God is for us.

• Romans 8:31

2. God has a plan.

• Jeremiah 29:11

3. God is in control.

• Proverbs 19:21

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Mystery in Motion

Joshua 3:1-4

Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it." 

1. Courage is Crucial

Joshua 1:9

Romans 8:31

Romans 8:37

Mark 11:23

2.Faithfulness is His Forte

Hebrews 10:23

2 Timothy 2:13

Hebrews 6:18

3.Fix Your Focus

Joshua 3:3-5

Psalms 34:1-4

4.Confidence is Contagious 

Joshua 3:16-17

Psalms 66:12

2 Corinthians 1:10

Joshua 1:8

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Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Happiness vs. Joy

• Happiness is external- Joy is internal
• Happiness is based on circumstance- Joy is based on Christ
• Happiness happens by chance- Joy happens by choice

*Worry is carrying tomorrows load with today’s strength!

How to have Joy for Life?

1. Pray- about everything

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

*Three things to thank God for:

1. Thank God for who He is.
2. Thank God for what He has done.
3. Thank God for what He is going to do.

2. Perspective- think about right things

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

*The mind is where the battle is won.

3. Practice- do the right things

Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

4. Position (for Joy)- Trust God in ALL things.

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Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

Three Dangers to every believer:

Philippians 3:2-3

2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—

1. Don’t substitute rules for relationship

Philippians 3:4-6 Though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

2. Don’t substitute rubbish for riches

Philippians 3:7-8 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Philippians 3:9-11 And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

3. Don’t substitute Complacency over intimacy

Philippians 3:12-14Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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Philippians 2:5-11 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

J- JESUS

Philippians 2:5-7 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form

O- OTHERS

Philippians 2: 3-4Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Y- YOURSELF

Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

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Philippians 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Difference between happiness vs joy:

1. Happiness is outside, Joy is inside

2 Corinthians 11:23-27 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

2. Happiness is based on circumstances, Joy is based on Christ

Philippians 4:11 …for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

3. Happiness happens by chance. Joy happens by choice

Secret to Joy

1. Stop asking “why?”

2. Start asking “what?”

God…

• What are you doing in this?
• What is your purpose?
• What are you up to now?
• What are you trying to change in me?

3. Focus on what really matters.

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2 Corinthians 10:3-5

3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Taking Captive My Thoughts:

1. Recognize the lies

• John 8:44 "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

2. Reject harmful thoughts

• Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

3. Replace with Truth

• Psalm 119:9-11 "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

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Genesis 3:1-5 -

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

3 Truths:

• We have a real enemy, and the battlefield is our mind
  • 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour
• We agree with the lies of the enemy when we begin to believe them
  • Jn. 8:44 When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies
• We must hold on to God's truth and discard satan's lies
  • Jn 8:47 Anyone who belongs to God HEARS the words of God

How to defeat the enemy:

1. Confess
2. Reject
3. Replace
4. Remind

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The harvest depends on three things:

1. The harvest depends on where you sow. (Psalm 1:1-6)

• Good soil (Matthew 13:8)
• Fertile Ground (Matthew 6:33)

2. The harvest depends on when you sow. (1 John 2:15)

3. The harvest depends on why you sow. (Galatians 5:16)

THE LAW OF THE HARVEST

1. We sow and reap in like kinds. (v.7-8)

• Prayer (John 15:7)
• Planted in the Word (Psalm 1:2-3)

2. We reap later than we sow. (v.9)

3. We reap more than we sow.

Fruit is not something you try to produce to become a christian, it is something you produce because you are a christian.

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What type of Root SYSTEM do you have?

• Bad Root System
• Damaged Root System
• Healthy Root System

Where are you drawing life from?

• Self
• Sinful desires (world)
• Savior

What fruit is on your vine?

• The fruit defines the root.

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NEW SERMON SERIES!! This week we are starting a new series on the fruits of the spirit. Join us each week to see what God has laid on Clay's heart to encourage us through this series.