Verses 25-27 show us that God is at work in our lives. These verses mention hope, the Holy Spirit and intercessions. He is active in our lives at all times through His Spirit. Which brings us to verse 28, a great promise.
I. Vs. 28a - God is at work in every detail of our lives, but we can't blame Him when things go wrong. A. We choose to do wrong things. 1. We are subject to the law of "cause of effect." If we choose to do A. then B. might occur. That is not God's fault. 2. There is also the work of the devil. 1 Peter 5:8-9 B. "All things work together..." 1. All of the good things and all of the bad things work together. This is even true of the stupid things that we might do. They might leave scars, but they are thrown into the mix and teach us. 2. Joseph is a good example. After all that happened to Joseph between he and his brothers here is his conclusion: Genesis 50:20. C. God is at work in whatever is going on in your life at the present time. II. Verse 28b - Who is the promise for? A. To those who love God and have accepted His love by faith in Jesus. B. To those are the called, or have accepted His call. (verses 29-31) C. To those "who have been called according to His purpose." Take this verse personally. Release yourself to God's work and purpose in your life.
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We do not naturally think with the mind of Christ. We need to turn our thoughts over to Him and the Holy Spirit will literally change our minds through repentance. What is the mind of Christ?
I. Humble submission to the will of God. A. Look at what Jesus said in John 5:30. B. Look at Philippians 2:5 and verses following. C. Christ's exaltation came from humble submission, and our exalted service will come from humble submission. 1. Obedience 2. Service 3, Sacrifice II. Accepting the call to serve. A. John 9:4 B. Mark 10:43-45 C. Ephesians 2:10 III. Having compassion for others. A. Matthew 9:36 B. It took compassion for Jesus to die for us. C. We need to learn to look at the world with compassion. 1. It will mean that we really care. 2. It will mean that we will act on that care. Do you have the mind of Christ? Only He, through His Spirit, and give it to you. It is not natural, it is spiritual. After Jesus stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee for His disciples. He noticed that they were afraid and He asked them "Where is your faith?" That's a good question for us.
I. Is your faith anchored in Christ? A. Jesus saves us from sin - Ephesians 2:8-10 B. Jesus sustains us in daily life. C. Jesus sets us free. John 8:32 and 36 II. Is your faith in Christ the basis of your hope? A. He is the reason for optimism for the future, for the future belongs to Him. B. He is the reason for not being anxious and worrying. Philippians 4:7 C. He is the reason why we love people and want to see them saved. III. Is your faith in Christ making you a light to others? Matthew 5:14-16 A. "You are the light of the world..." B. You shouldn't hide your light. C. Let your light shine. We end where we began: where is your faith? Israel had come to decision time. Things were "coming unwrapped," and "loose at both ends and flapping in the middle." Our text shows us God's heart for Israel, and for us, through a grand invitation.
I. Vs. 18 - An invitation to come to God. (Also think of Matthew 11:28-30, another magnificent call.) A. Come to the throne....of grace. B. Come to the ultimate power of the universe... C. Come to where the answer is, whatever the question. II. Vs. 18 - An invitation to reason with God. (Keep in mind that God does not have to reason with us -- He is God!) A. Perfect reason B. Wise reason C. Reliable reason Listen to reason from God, the reason of the world is often faulty. III. Vs. 18 - An invitation to pardon from God. A. Sins forgiven - God is always ready to forgive. 1 John 1:9 B. Sinners cleansed - "What as snow....as wool." 1 John 7 & 9 C. Sinners set free IV. Vs. 19 - An invitation to willing obedience. A. Be willing. B. Be obedient. C. Be blessed. The invitation given here, and throughout the Bible, still stands. In our case the invitation comes from the perspective of the cross and the resurrection. Jesus does not just save us, though that is wonderful, but He brings new and good things into our lives that we absolutely cannot have without Him. Our three texts reveal these things.
I. Acts 1:8 - Power A. Power to witness B. Power to live (abundant life) C. Power to overcome: 1. Satan 2. Sin 3. Self II. John 14:27 - Peace (John 16:33) A. Peace that passes understanding. Philippians 4:7 B. Peace "in spite of" whatever comes.... C. Peace with God and with people. III. Galatians 2:20 - Purpose A. Purpose for you life. 1. What is His will? 2. What is it that He specifically wants you to do? B. God's purpose becomes our purpose. (or His purposes our purposes) C. Realize God's purpose for your life. Few people do. They just go through life doing what they want to do, and then wonder why their lives are so unfulfilled. Think of your life! Jesus has either brought these things into your life, or He will bring them into your life. For some people life means knowledge (education)....athletics.....wealth....power ....
pleasure, etc. For Paul it was Christ and magnifying Him. I. Magnifying Christ is the highest purpose of life. A. It will make us better people. 1. At home...... At work.....3. At play.....4. In church, etc. B. It will make our lights shine brigher. Matthew 5:14-16....Illustration: Some people seem to have dead batteries. C. It will make us better witnesses. What, or who, do people see when they look at our lives? II. The value of the higher purpose of glorifying and magnifying Christ. A. It keeps us from focusing on trivialities. B. It demands our best efforts. C. It encourages our prayer life. D. It encourages us to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. What is your purpose????? |
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