Who Is Leading Your Life?

Who Is Leading Your Life?

gtcotr/ws052803 {Continued}

Key Scripture: Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

4 Key Concepts - (For the purposes of this study - non exhaustive)

* Pneuma -- Spirit (Tonight, May 28, 2003)

* Psuche -- Soul (Wednesday Evening, May 7, 2003)

* Sarx -- Flesh (Wednesday Evening, April 30, 2003)

* Soma -- Body

Text: Galatians 5

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

I. The Carnal Man

Sarkikos

The Flesh Man

A. Lust

B. Fear

C. Darkness (darkness is the absence/vacation of light)

Note: The power of sin is in the secret.

* John 3:19ff

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

II. The Natural Man

Psuchikos

The Soul Man

* 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

A. The Makeup Of The Soul

1. The Mind

2. The Will

3. The Emotions

III. The Spiritual Man

Pneumatikos

The Spirit Man

Ephesians 3:16 The Inner Man

1 Peter 3:4 The Hidden Man of the Heart

* 1 Corinthians 3:1 brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, (Pneumatikos), but as unto carnal, (Sarkikos), even as unto babes in Christ.

* Galatians 6:1 ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, (Pneumatikos), restore such an one in the spirit, (Pneuma), of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

A. Light

* John 1:4 In Him was life and the life was the light of men.

* John 3:19-21

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

B. Life

* Genesis 2:7 Breath of Life

* John 3:16 Everlasting Life

* John 6:48 The Bread of Life

* John 14:6 I Am The Life

* Romans 8:2 The Spirit of Life

C. Love

* 1 John 4:7-8 God is Love

7 ¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

IV. Conclusion - How Can We Be Led Of The Spirit?

We decide, by an act of our will, who controls our life and future:

The Old Carnal Nature

Motivated by lust, fear and darkness

The Intellectual Imaginations & Emotional Mandates

Moved only by what you think, want or feel at that moment

The Spiritual Connection To God

Mobilized & Empowered by Light, Life & Love

* Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Hold On And Don't Let Go

Hold On And Don’t Let Go

gtcotr/ss052503

Turn to the book of Revelation

The second and third chapters of the book of Revelation contains specific messages addressed to the seven churches which are in Asia.

Although these seven churches did physically exist at the end of the first century AD when the aged Apostle John penned this account given to him by Jesus Christ, it is thought by some that these individual messages were also meant to be given to the churches in each succeeding generation since that time.

Some believe that the universal church on planet earth follows a predictable progression from the church at Ephesus, beginning in the first century, culminating with the church at Laodicea at the end of the last days, each message to the succeeding church being applicable in their day.

Still others believe that these seven churches described here represent types of churches with which the Lord continually deals in every generation.

At any rate we need to be less concerned with those details and more concerned with what we can learn from these strong words of our Lord, which we know were written for our admonition.

Now, lets look at the Book of Revelation

I. Revelation 1:4 The Seven Churches Which Are In Asia

A. Revelation 2:1-7 The Church in Ephesus

B. Revelation 2:8-11 The Church in Smyrna

C. Revelation 2:12-17 The Church in Pergamos

D. Revelation 2:18-29 The Church in Thyatira

E. Revelation 3:1-6 The Church in Sardis

F. Revelation 3:7-13 The Church in Philadelphia

G. Revelation 3:14-22 The Church of the Laodiceans

II. The Message

A. Overcome Your Enemy

1. This Message was to all 7 churches

2. A Promise of reward was attached to each who overcame

B. Jesus Describes Each Church and Gives Individual Admonitions On How That Church Is To Overcome

1. Ephesus

* You have forgotten what My Church is all about

* Repent

Note: I have known some Christians who:

“Instead of marrying the Bride of Christ -- Act more like they’re merely dating the girlfriend of Jesus”

Note: More casual than committed

Note: Saving themselves for something better

2. Pergamos

* Prosperity, gluttony & carnal pleasure have become your goals

* Repent

3. Thyatira

* You follow ambitious, rebellious, self-elected & sinful teachers

* Repent

4. Sardis

* You say you are doing Kingdom work - but - hello!

> NIV says in Revelation 3:2 “Wake up!” You’re not - you’re only a product of a great marketing scheme, some advertising campaign --- but, despite your reputation of being alive, you are as dead as they come. I know your deeds … it isn’t happening Buddy -

* Repent

5. Laodicea

* You have achieved your goals and lost your passion

* Repent

Note: Every remedy of God is aimed at giving individuals a greater future & an eternal reward

Note: Thus far all 5 of these churches were in sin and needed to repent

C. Now, let’s look at the remaining two churches:

6. Smyrna

* I know things are tough and you may not have everything you think you need - but …

* You are richer than you think

* Don’t be afraid of the future - just keep being faithful

7. Revelation 3 The Church at Philadelphia

7 ¶ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

* I know what you have done for Me

* I have set an open door before you

> No one can shut it

* I know you don’t have much to work with

* But I am going to exalt you above your enemies

* You have been patient

* Now I will protect you from the trying days ahead

* Hold on tightly to what you have

* Don’t let the victory go

III. Conclusion

A. I believe that you are like the Church in Philadelphia

1. The Church of Brotherly Love

2. Fulfilling not only The Great Commandment

* Love God More Than You Love Yourself

* Love Others As Much As You Love Yourself

3. But also fulfilling The Great Commission

B. I believe that God has set an open door before us that no man can shut

C. I know at times things seem tough and tight so that it looks like we don’t have enough to get all of the work of the kingdom done

* But I take courage that “we are richer than we think”

D. Let me encourage you in your personal life - because, as goes the individual, so goes the family & as goes the family, so goes the church.

E. Be Personally Encouraged

* It may seem like you don’t have much to work with

* Be patient

* Don’t let the victory go

The remedy of God is able to give you a greater future and an eternal reward.

God's Way Will Work

God’s Way Will Work

gtcotr/ss051803

Thought for the week:

Point #201. The treasure of God’s blessing on your life is found in the field of God’s will for your life.

Please turn to Romans 10

Key Scripture: Isaiah 55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

I. Romans 10:1-4

1 ¶ Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

A. verse 3: Many ignore God’s way and try their own way and fail because they never commit to God’s way.

B. verse 4: Jesus settled it: For those who believe, God’s way will work.

C. For those who do not believe in God‘s way, no way will work!

II. The Method & The Madness

* John 18:36 Jesus said, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

A. The Kingdom Is A System; A Method … Not A Place

B. The World

1. Not The Planet Earth

2. A System

3. Kosmos

4. The World System

C. There is a difference between the way the world thinks and acts and how Jesus taught His disciples to think and act.

D. There is a difference between how the children of the world think and act and how the children of God think and act. -- or at least there should be!

* Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

* Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

* Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live …

III. Matthew 13

44 ¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

A. The person did not buy the treasure … but the field

B. Why? Remember the ‘Thought For The Week’

1. The treasure of God’s blessing on your life can only be found in the field of God’s will for your life.

2. The treasure does not and cannot exist outside of the field.

3. The blessing of God does not and cannot exist outside of the will of God.

C. The prodigal son of Luke 15 was blessed when in his fathers will and cursed he abandoned his father’s will for his own way.

D. Jonah of the OT was blessed in God’s way but cursed when that way was abandoned and he attempted to go his own way.

E. So are we!

F. But Good News!

1. Isaiah 54:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

2. Jesus paid the price for each one of us having abandoned God’s way for our own way.

3. Jesus made a way back into the will of God for every one of us.

IV. Romans 10

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

V. This Morning

A. Abandon your own way

B. Decide to believe God’s way is right and will work for you

C. Ask God’s Forgiveness

D. Call Upon Him For Help

E. Commit To His Will and His Way

Mothers - Rise Up!

MOTHERS - RISE UP!

gtcotr/ss051103

Key Scripture: Psalms 113:9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

I. Judges 5:6 In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.

A. In the days of Shamgar & Jael

1. Shamgar killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad ...

> Judges 3:31 And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

2. Jael, she went softly and drove a tent peg into Sisera’s head

> Judges 4:21 Then Jael Heber’s wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

Note: (Eventhough there were mighty men and women)

B. The right ways were abandoned (good & straight paths)

C. People chose a hard, dark and dangerous path (byways)

II. Judges 5:7 The inhabitants of the villages ceased,

A. Village Life Ceased?

1. no community

2. no family, friends or social life

3. everyone afraid of everyone else

4. no common bond with others

B. Judges 5:7 The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.

What Happens When A Mothers Job Goes Undone?

Proverbs 29:15 ¶ The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

III. Judges 5:8 They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

A. On top of what we have already read:

1. v.6: people abandon the right way for the wrong way

2. v.7: family, community & eventually society will cease to meaningfully exist

B. When there are no mothers making their voice & demands heard:

3. v.8: people will choose new gods and stray from Jehovah God

4. v.8: fussing, fighting and all out war comes into the house

5. v.8: people grow defenseless without a Mother’s protection, or perhaps without a mother to protect.

IV. Mothers We Need You … Arise … Take Your Place

Note: When God needs a job done, a child is born … however, God entrusts these children to Mothers! Remember, Mary gave her Firstborn & Moses’ Mother gave her son, but they raised them first!

A. Teach us the straight ways of life

1. not to lie, cheat, steal, loose our tempers, be dishonest

2. to respect our elders and honor our parents

3. to keep our commitments and pay our just and honest debts

B. Build our family and give us community relationships

1. you have the grace for intimacy - for kononia - relationship

2. you have the pattern for family imprinted in your lives

C. Introduce us to God

D. Keep our homes free of fussing & fighting & all out war

1. make us a peaceful people

2. teach us the value in others

E. Arm us against our enemies

Teach us to both defend ourselves and conquer our enemies

Defense & Offense

> Ephesians 6:16-18

* The Shield of Faith

* The Sword of the Spirit

* The Spear of Prayer

Mothers Arise ---- Pray For Mothers & Women To Be Mothers.

Who Is Leading Your Life?

gtcotr/ws050703 {Continued}

Key Scripture: Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Matthew 16:

21 ¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

* Offence

skandalon skan’-dal-on ("scandal")

1) the movable stick or trigger of a trap, a trap stick

1a) a trap, snare

1b) any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall, (a stumbling block, occasion of stumbling) i.e. a rock which is a cause of stumbling

2) any person or thing by which one is (entrapped) drawn into error or sin

4 Words - Pneuma; Psuche; Sarx; Soma

Spirit -- Soul -- Flesh - Body

I. The Carnal Man

Sarkikos

The Flesh Man

A. Lust

B. Fear

C. Darkness

II. The Natural Man

Psuchikos

The Soul Man

* 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

* 1 Corinthians 15

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

44 It is sown a natural (Psuchikos) body (Soma); it is raised a spiritual (pneumatikos) body (Soma). There is a natural (Psuchikos) body (Soma), and there is a spiritual (Pneumatikos) body (Soma).

45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul (Psuche); the last Adam was made a quickening spirit (Pneuma).

46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

A. The Makeup Of The Soul

1. The Mind

* Thoughts

* Knowledge

* Wisdom/Common Sense (James 3:15 sensual = psuchikos)

* Understanding

* Imagination

* Intellect

* Romans 8:7
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

* Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

* Col 1:21

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled

* Ephesians 2:3

among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

* Ephesians 4:17

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of[a] the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,

* 1 Peter 1:13

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

2. The Will

* Decisions

* Commitments

* Restraints

* Determination

* Purpose

* John 18:39 will ye that I release unto you

* 1 Corinthians 7:37 … he that hath power over his own will …

* 1 Peter 4:3 … the will of the heathen …

3. The Emotions

* Either fruits of the spirit

* Works of the flesh

Depending upon which man dominates & controls the soul

III. The Spiritual Man

Pneumatikos

The Spirit Man

Ephesians 3:16 The Inner Man

1 Peter 3:4 The Hidden Man of the Heart

* Romans 1:11

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—

* 1 Corinthians 2:13-14

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

* 1 Corinthians 3:1

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.

* 1 Corinthians 10:3

all ate the same spiritual food,

* 1 Corinthians 14:1 & 37

1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

* 1 Corinthians 15:44-46

44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”^[ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.

* Galatians 6:1 1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

* 1 Peter 2:5 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

A. Light

* John 1:4 In Him was life and the life was the light of men.

* John 3:19-21

19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

B. Life

* John 3:16 Everlasting Life

* John 6:48 The Bread of Life

* John 14:6 I Am The Life

* Romans 8:2 The Spirit of Life

C. Love

* 1 John 4:7-8 God is Love

By an act of your will, you decide who controls your life and future:

The Old Carnal Nature

motivated by lust, fear and darkness

The Intellectual Imaginations & Emotional Mandates

moved only by what you know or feel at that moment

The Spiritual Connection To God

envisioned by eternal truth and godliness

Then the discipleship begins - we feed, support, defend and die for the one we choose.

Conclusion: Don’t be led by the flesh or the soul, but by the spirit.

* 2 Timothy 3:1-7

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,

4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,

7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

* Galatians 5:18

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

* Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.