Fitness Fails

Fitness Fails Fitness Fails Michael Morse / General CrossFit / Faith; Trust; Rebuke; Great; Forgiveness; Pride; Humility / Luke 9:37-56 In the gym when we walk in ignorance or ignoring instruction there occurs something known as gym fails. It is the same with cross fitness - when we walk in ignorance or ignoring we are on the path to fail - the only way out is to humble ourselves. Pride leads to failure, but humility ensures our success. Introduction 1. Gym Fitness - is great and progresses when everything goes well - but what happens when things go awry? a. Well thats what YouTube is for - the place where you can catch a glimpse of Fitness Fails i. While funny to look at - and understanding some led to some significant injuries - we can look at this topic of fitness failures as something more than just humor ii. In fact if we look at it in the correct lense - these failures can teach a lot of good habits to keep us from ending up in the same failed spot. › SLIDE Any fool can learn from his own mistakes, but it is the wise man who learns from the mistakes of others - Unknown › SLIDE Learn from the mistakes of others you cannot live long enough to make them all yourself b. Most gym fails come from a place of pride i. Pride keeps from admitting we dont know, we cant do it, etc ii. In these areas - the number 1 thing that results is a lack of asking instruction or clarification 1. Then people end up stuck in machines › SLIDE Gym Fail Pic 2. We have been going through Luke - and looking at it through the lense of Cross Fitness - the same principles apply here a. We come to several disciple fails - and we have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes so we dont have to make our own. b. The only way that will happen - is if we attack our pride - as we will see it is the sin of pride that set the disciples on the course to fail. › SLIDE Luke 9:37-39 CSB 37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 Just then a man from the crowd cried out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, because he's my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him; suddenly he shrieks, and it throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; severely bruising him, it scarcely ever leaves him. › SLIDE Luke 9:40-42 CSB 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn't." 41 Jesus replied, "You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." 42 As the boy was still approaching, the demon knocked him down and threw him into severe convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. › SLIDE Luke 9:43-45 CSB 43 And they were all astonished at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all the things he was doing, he told his disciples, 44 "Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men." 45 But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. › SLIDE Luke 9:46-48 CSB 46 An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them. 47 But Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts, took a little child and had him stand next to him. 48 He told them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. For whoever is least among you-this one is great." › SLIDE Luke 9:49-51 CSB 49 John responded, "Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us." 50 "Don't stop him," Jesus told him, "because whoever is not against you is for you." 51 When the days were coming to a close for him to be taken up, he determined to journey to Jerusalem. › SLIDE Luke 9:52-53 CSB 52 He sent messengers ahead of himself, and on the way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make preparations for him. 53 But they did not welcome him, because he determined to journey to Jerusalem. › SLIDE Luke 9:54-56 CSB 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" 55 But he turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went to another village. › SLIDE Defeated by "Can't" › SLIDE Luke 9:37-39 CSB 37 The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 38 Just then a man from the crowd cried out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, because he's my only child. 39 A spirit seizes him; suddenly he shrieks, and it throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; severely bruising him, it scarcely ever leaves him. › SLIDE Luke 9:40-42 CSB 40 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn't." 41 Jesus replied, "You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." 42 As the boy was still approaching, the demon knocked him down and threw him into severe convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 1. After their mountain top experience Jesus and the three disciples came down the mountain a. The first thing they see is that ministry has not waited, but had continued! i. A man comes and calls out for Teacher - Jesus - begging Him to come look at His son 1. He even adds the emphasis that this is his only son ii. The man explains to Jesus what has been happening with his son 1. suffering from a demonic spirit seizing him 2. causing him to shriek out 3. throwing him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth 4. severely bruising him 5. it is constant hardly ever leaving him iii. The man also add the caveat - I begged your disciples to drive it out but they could not b. Jesus responds with a rebuke i. Saying "You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long will I be with you put up with you" 1. This is an odd response - especially when you dont take into account who Jesus is speaking to 2. Was it the disciples who couldnt help or heal or the father? a. A straight reading of this it would seem that Jesus is speaking to the father of the suffering boy b. This would seem extremely unfair and out of character for Jesus to speak this way to this man c. I believe it was the disciples that Jesus was rebuking ii. Jesus was rebuking the disciples 1. because they were unbelieving still a. They waited for Jesus to return to do something - instead of believing in the power Jesus had already given them i. The power over demons and sickness › SLIDE Luke 9:1 CSB 1 Summoning the Twelve, he gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. 2. Because they needed to learn and see that He wouldnt always be with them a. Jesus said how long will I be with you and put up with you? i. They should know Jesus is going to be suffering and dying and it is them who must carry on the work of spreading the kingdom 2. Jesus also says - to the father bring your son here a. As the boy approached the demon knocked or threw him down i. The word knocked is the word used of a boxer dealing the knock-out punch ii. The final blow b. Some relegate this story of the boy to pure epilepsy with nothing demonic i. Luke the physician specifically notes both in how Jesus healed the boy 1. Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit 2. then he healed the boy and gave him back to his father ii. Healing this boy took two parts 1. Both of which the disciples could do by the power given them of Christ c. Luke gives us some details and the other Gospels can give us additional details › SLIDE Matthew 17:19-20 NKJV 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" 20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. › SLIDE Matthew 17:21 NKJV 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." i. Their failure was unbelief - I can't - forgetting what Jesus said they could do ii. Jesus said it does not come out except by prayer and fasting 1. He isnt saying prayer and fasting makes us able to cast out demons and heal - the idea is that by prayer and fasting we are drawn closer to Him and He is the true power iii. Their failure was in fact good for them and us 1. It teaches us ministry is not mechanical 2. It teaches us Jesus is superior 3. It teaches us to seek the presence of Jesus 4. It teaches us to bring our problems to Jesus 5. It teaches us that when we can't we can if Jesus gives us the power › SLIDE Being Afraid to Ask › SLIDE Luke 9:43-45 CSB 43 And they were all astonished at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all the things he was doing, he told his disciples, 44 "Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men." 45 But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it. 1. Everyone was astonished at the greatness of God and amazed at all the things Jesus was doing a. They were all thinking and continuing on as this was going to continue forever i. But remember Jesus's rebuke - how long shall I be with you ii. Jesus was alluding to His coming departure then b. Again Jesus flat out tells the disciples - "let these words sink in" › SLIDE "Read my lips..." - 80's "Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth..." 90's "Do you hear me now?" 00's i. The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men 2. The disciples did not understand this statement a. Who could possibly want to harm you or betray you - look at all the wonderful and amazing things you are doing i. It states that it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it 1. That despite the awesome transfiguration and casting out the demon - the mission for Jesus remained the same b. They knew they did not understand - but they chose not to ask Him i. It states that they were afraid to ask Him about it 1. Maybe they didnt want to admit ignorance whether to Jesus or to each other › SLIDE When you choose not to admit ignorance, you also choose to remain ignorant a. Remember ignorance is not a defense it is a sentence ii. The scripture says that it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it 1. It was not concealed by God - but their own determined refusal to not want to understand. › SLIDE Selfish-Ambition › SLIDE Luke 9:46-48 CSB 46 An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them. 47 But Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts, took a little child and had him stand next to him. 48 He told them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. For whoever is least among you-this one is great." 1. After being in a situation for the disciples desiring to not look ignorant or without understanding before each other - they begin arguing a. The disciples - while not understanding decided to argue about who was greater i. I can hear them - i understand what you are saying Jesus - Peter doesnt though and Peter saying I understand more than you -I mean I was with Jesus on the mountain - how come you didnt go Andrew? ii. Then all of a sudden they are saying well I am greater because I cast out 5 demons - well you didnt cast out any demons today did you? › SLIDE Jesus does not have favorites but He does have intimates - those who seek to be closer b. Everyone can have this closeness - its open for any who would seek it out - know this not all do, only some do; it doesnt come from Him elevating your position in Him - for in Christ we are all equal › SLIDE Galatians 3:28 CSB 28 There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus. 2. Jesus knowing their inner thoughts took a child and stood him next to Him a. In this culture children were of little importance i. The child is not threatening ii. A child is not concerned with social status iii. A child is too young to be jaded by success or ambition b. With this child in view Jesus said i. Whoever welcomes this child in My name welcomes Me ii. Whoever welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me iii. Whoever is least among you - this one is great › SLIDE Greatness comes from occupying the same least space - like a humble child c. Imagine if the disciples were instead fighting for position of least i. This would require finding ways to elevate others and serve one another instead of thinking of themselves. This is true humility › SLIDE C.S. Lewis True humility is not thinking less of yourself - it is thinking of yourself less. ii. Imagine if we did that in this world - instead of fighting and pulling others down to lift ourselves up - what if we elevated everyone else around us? 1. This is the kingdom of God - it is so much greater than the world - it ensures everyone is covered › SLIDE Philippians 2:3-4 CSB 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. 2. Look out for the interest of others - whats does this look like? everyone is looking out for everyone else - did you know that would multiply how many people are looking out for us? › SLIDE When everyone looks out for themselves in selfish-ambition all they have is themselves a. The kingdom of God is so much greater and better - it is a reversal of the values of the world but with greater reward b. Lift everyone else up around you and you also shall be lifted up - i. in God's way everyone is lifted up ii. in the way of the world everyone is pushed down while trying to lift ourselves up - while everyone else is also pushing us down d. The call from Jesus is that in the kingdom - everyone can be great as they serve each other i. Serving one another makes you great - this is the exact example that Jesus came with › SLIDE Mark 10:45 CSB 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." › SLIDE Exclusiveness › SLIDE Luke 9:49-50 CSB 49 John responded, "Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us." 50 "Don't stop him," Jesus told him, "because whoever is not against you is for you." 1. John comes to Jesus - and I can hear his delight as he awaits to please Jesus with his news a. He tells Jesus - Master we saw someone driving out demons in your name - but dont worry we tried to stop him - because he doesnt follow us i. John is saying here - we found a guy casting out demons in Jesus name nonetheless (something they recently had failed to do - and he says oh yeah we put a stop to that ii. Obviously it would be for a great reason right? Nope - because he did not follow them b. Dont worry Jesus we stopped it because He doesnt have our stamp, our logo - he didnt get our approval i. John's attitude is one of exclusivity - and it is damaging in the CHURCH and to the CHURCH 1. John is saying because this guy isnt from the 12 that he isnt a disciple of Jesus 2. Before we are too hard on John - what criteria do we use to say someone is not a christian or is not approved as a disciple of Jesus? 2. Jesus responds to John and I can see John's face drop in utter confusion a. While expecting Jesus to be proud of Him - instead Jesus rebukes him i. He says - Dont Stop Him! ii. Whoever is not against you is for you 1. This is no time for sectarianism, cliques, exclusivity 2. We must be tolerant of methods of work for Christ a. Consider this - if this man wasnt of Jesus would he have the power to cast out demons? i. We know he could the scripture says John is quoted as trying to stop him - ii. meaning he didnt stop him - meaning a demon was cast out b. If this man was not in Christ's name he wouldnt have been able to cast out the demon - I mean seriously the 12 - just recently failed to cast out a demon and they were of their own clique b. We need to remember - that the body of Christ is much larger than us, our ministry, our local church, our regional churches, the body of Christ is the whole church i. We are not God's exclusive representatives › SLIDE Philippians 1:15-18 CSB 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice › SLIDE Our greatness for the kingdom is not diminished when God uses someone else ii. We should rejoice as God uses others to manifest His power and His kingdom on earth! › SLIDE Bitterness › SLIDE Luke 9:51-53 CSB 51 When the days were coming to a close for him to be taken up, he determined to journey to Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead of himself, and on the way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make preparations for him. 53 But they did not welcome him, because he determined to journey to Jerusalem. › SLIDE Luke 9:54-56 CSB 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" 55 But he turned and rebuked them, 56 and they went to another village. 1. Luke leads us to know time is passing and Jesus days are coming to a close a. As His days were running short - Jesus remained focused on His mission - and set His face to Jerusalem i. Determined - is to set your face - it is the stern unchanging look ii. As He journeyed to Jerusalem - he sent messengers ahead - and they entered a village of Samaritans b. They were to make preparations for Him - but upon arrival the Samaritans were unwelcoming i. The reason is because He was continuing to Jerusalem 1. Samaritans and Jews had no love lost between them - it was a hatred in the making for several hundred years and it went both ways a. It was purely racial b. Completely fleshly c. worldly d. and it had and it has no place in the kingdom of Jesus brings › SLIDE John 4:9 CSB 9 "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" she asked him. For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. ii. James and John saw how Jesus was treated and offered to handle the situation 1. They said Lord do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them? a. Unwilling to trust in authority to cast out demons and heal the sick but they were ready to trust Jesus to give them power to destroy and judge? b. Their instinct was judgment instead of grace - no forgiveness because they too were consumed with a bitterness 2. Jesus - the one who is actually rejected - rebukes the disciples a. His answer - simply to go to another town i. They should have remembered this from their previous instructions › SLIDE Luke 9:5 CSB 5 If they do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them." b. Other manuscripts - like the one used for the NKJV adds these words also › SLIDE Luke 9:55-56 NKJV 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." And they went to another village. i. This was the acceptable year of the Lord and not the day of vengeance ii. Jesus first mission would be characterized by grace and forgiveness - not by bitterness and vindictiveness › SLIDE We are still part of the first mission of grace and forgiveness Conclusion As I see this list of discipleship failure - cross fitness fails - one word stands out to me ENDURING Jesus is longsuffering with us as disciples - though we will have our fitness failures - He doesnt give up on us, doesnt leave us. Jesus endured though His disciples failures - in pride and selfishness I also want to point out what Satan's demons did to the boy as Jesus came to do what no one else can - He saved him and healed him - beware the final blow In a sermon titled The Devil's Last Throw, Spurgeon considered how the devil often strikes hard against a person just as they begin to come to the Savior. "I have seen men, just when they were beginning to hear and beginning to think, taken on a sudden with such violence of sin, and so fearfully carried away by it, that if I had not seen the same thing before I should have despaired of them." iii. Spurgeon considered some of the lies that Satan uses to throw men down just as they are coming to Jesus: • "You're not elect." • "You're too big of a sinner." • "It's too late." • "There's no use in trying-give it up." • "This won't work for you." Be careful of the same pride as the disciples - they came to Jesus and answered Jesus expecting Him to see things their way but each time they were needing a rebuke The inner circle 3 failed also › SLIDE 1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. › SLIDE Proverbs 16:18 CSB 18 Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. Fathers - I want to speak to us for a moment. We hold much power in our families - what we value our kids learn to value. Let us strive to be proud of our kids - for lifting other up around them, for valuing others more themselves - individual achievements are great - lets strive to not make them everything - because the kingdom of God is others focused not me focused. The best way to teach them this - is to live it for them as an example to follow. Page . Exported from Logos Bible Software, 12:23 PM June 20, 2020.