WELCOME!
ONLINE SERVICE:https://youtu.be/R5hFbV3zjCE
SERMON NOTES/REFLECTION
I. LIVING IN THE WORLD
a. Why do Christians, who have been believers for years, still find themselves struggling with sin-habits and/or oppressive strongholds?
b. Do you believe once saved in Christ that God will do all the sanctifying work in order to live a holy life?
c. What might it look like for Christians to love the ways of this world?
II. ABIDING IN THE WORD
a. Read: Matthew 6:16-18; Ephesians 2:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Peter 1:3-11
d. What verses stand out to you? How might God be speaking to you specifically through these verses?
III. GROWING IN THE WAY
a. We are comprised of a spirit (God-consciousness), soul (self-consciousness), and body (world-consciousness).-1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 4:12
b. Adam and Eve's sin brought death upon all humankind - spirit and body (Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1-2).
c. At our conversion our spirit was made alive through the Holy Spirit (John 1:13, 3:6; Eph. 2:4).
d. Our soul (mind, emotions, will) needs to be trained to reject the tempting ways of this world. This means crucifying the old sin-nature ways to live alive in the Spirit of Christ (Gal. 5:24, 6:14; 1 Cor. 6:19).
IV.SURRENDERING INTO THE MINISTRY OF CHRIST
a. Fasting is a spiritual discipline where one voluntarily gives us food or something else in order to focus more upon God and be strengthened in the spirit (Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 13:2-3).
b. What sin-driving cravings, the sensual lusts, the pride of life do you need to crucify (stop doing) in order to train your soul to find satisfaction in Christ?
c. Is there a specific area God is asking you to fast from? The intent is for you to spend more concentrated time with Jesus (eg. fast from social-media, non-essential shopping, watching TV, gaming, movies, food, etc.).
Steps to consider:
1. Examination: Invite the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and make known any sinful ways against God.
2. Confess and Repent: Seek God's forgiveness in those areas made known by the Holy Spirit (1 John 1:9)
3. Seek Guidance: Ask the Lord if there is any area(s) He would like for you to fast from including time in doing so.
4. Draw Close to God: Spend daily time with God in Scriptures, a devotion, in prayer, in worship. Watch how drawing close to God will battle against the tempting ways of this world.
"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." - 1 Thess. 5:23-24
God bless!
Pastor Trevor