Sermon Tone Analysis

Still_pt2: Touchy Subjects

[LAST WEEK]

I don’t need to defend myself,

I don’t need the what’s fair,

I don’t need the credit.

[THIS WEEK] – Let’s take a look at some more intimate issues.

Issues surrounding our own walk with Christ.

o[THIS WEEK] – Let’s take a look at some more intimate issues.

Issues surrounding our own walk with Christ.

[PAYOFF] - You are never more still than when you are laid upon the altar!

The apostle was able to say he had no regrets, he’s done all he could, he’d lived up to the calling!

At times, for us, we are kept awake at night with thoughts racing in our mind of:

our mind of:

Things we know we should be doing, but aren’t doing,

Things we shouldn’t be doing, but are doing,

Or hurt or pain others have caused us, or we have caused them.

[LETS GET REAL] – At Connect Church, we mostly focus on the abundant life of God.

You won’t hear much “fire and brimstone” – and you won’t hear that this morning, BUT let’s get honest with ourselves.

Let's take a look at these touchy subjects that cause us to be stirred and not still.

Touchy subjects

Discipline

Jesus: The Kingdom is like a master...

He returns to see what His servants have done with what they have been given.

2 doubled (multiplied)

1 kept hidden

Discipline - don’t waste your life.

Apply yourself to the work of the Kingdom, over your own interest or desires.

Avoid distraction.

Discipline - MULTIPLY!

Avoid the urge to keep your gift for yourself, just working on YOU.

[MISUNDERSTANDING] - Discipleship is for us.

NO! - Our discipline is allying our lives God’s purpose - His people, spreading the Gospel, saving the lost, reconciling men!

[MISUNDERSTANDING] - The Kingdom of God is far off in Heaven, perfect.

NO! - His Kingdom is right here, in our hearts.

A space you and I share together!

What connects us is our love of Christ, His Blood, and the mission we’ve all been called to!

[TRANSITION] - Now, let’s talk about the DISCIPLINE you may have had in mind...

The next touchy subject is Sin.

Sin

Paul often compared “following Christ” to competing in the Greek games.

In Hebrews the author is recounting all the men and women of faith from the OT.

He describes them now as being spectators/fans in the race we now run.

“Let us throw off “- Even clothing was removed for the games

Sin is what holds up back.

It prevents us from running towards the finish line!

Forgiveness

Paul gives us the measure in which we are to forgive...

= As the Lord forgave you.

In this scripture here, we see that reconciliation comes even before worship – because you cannot truly worship while un-reconciled.

[PAYOFF] - Unforgiveness will wold you back from freely worshiping your Heavenly Father!

[MINISTER] - Holy Spirit, move in our heats to forgive.

Heal the wounds and scars...

Eyes on the prize

[SO] Why not train for the race??

It’s not just an important part of life, it IS life!

1. Resolve to live it!

RESOLVE - Decide firmly on a course of action!

2. Recognize it for what it is!

Know temptation when it comes!

Know where it comes from when it comes!

James 4:27

James 4:27

Tell it where to go back to!

Let’s go back to the very beginning and see how Eve handled it...

Know where it comes from when it comes!

says He gives us “a way out of temptation.”

Eve reasoned with the temptation and fell.

If she would have rebuked the enemy, he would have fled.

[WRITE OUT NEXT TO HERE]

Resist the devil, not the temptation

And when it seems good, ask Him if it is “good.”

3. Remember He did it first!

He’s already forgiven you!

[NOW] We live by a different standard, on a new system, a new order - Christ called it a new law...

Colossians

Again, Paul give us the measure - As the Lord forgave you!

We cannot be fully free (OR STILL) until we forgive!

Take Away

() “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God [the best offering] —this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world [don’t lower the standards of the race to match the cultural climate], [But how will I know???] but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

[He will allow you to see and think differently] Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Live as an offering to Him!

You are never more still than when you are laid upon the altar.