Bob Josey - Thriving in Jesus - Lesson 4C- Routine Maintenance- Oct 31, 2021

SLIDES

Thriving in Jesus

4C – Routine Maintenance

Choosing Our Way, Not God’s

Introduction

In our last lesson we discussed the sin cycle or the sin process. We learned there are 4 steps in the process:

1. External temptation

2. Internal Lust (Conception Occurs)

3. The Birth of Sin

4. Physical Death

We discussed how each of these steps played out in the adulterous affair between King David and Bathsheba.

Choosing Our Way, Not God’s

Even though we know the process and the steps that lead to sin, we still end up sinning each and every day. Some sins are committed out of ignorance, but most are committed with full knowledge that we committing them. It is a choice that we make.

Of course, when we choose our ways over God’s ways it is considered by God as human rebellion or committing the sin of iniquity. He uses a very profound verse to illustrate the sin of iniquity.

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

Sin means missing the mark. It’s the breaking of God’s commands He gave believers in Scripture. To the nation of Isarel it was the Mosiac Covenant. To the believer in Jesus, it’s the New Covenant. Another aspect of human rebellion against God is iniquity. Pastor Stroud says, “Iniquity has more to do with the subtle attitudes of pride and independence that give rise to sin.” (p.24) He a gave an illustration of David’s sin with Bathsheba. Pastor Stroud gave examples how believers can commit inequity. Think of specific examples in your life when you committed the specific inequity listed.

• Seeking God in a crisis and forgetting Him in times of prosperity.

Deuteronomy 31:20 - For when I bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey, which I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and are satisfied and become prosperous, then they will turn to other gods and serve them, and spurn Me and break My covenant.

21 “Then it shall come about, when many evils and troubles have come upon them, that this song will testify before them as a witness (for it shall not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants); for I know their intent which they are developing today, before I have brought them into the land which I swore.”

• Seeking to be served rather than laying down our lives to serve others.

Galatians 5:13- For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but

with humility of mind regard one another as more important than

yourselves;4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but

also for the interests of others.

• Taking credit for our accomplishments instead of giving glory to God.

• Bragging on our successes instead of letting others recognize our achievements.

• Doing our spiritual service for the sake of man and not God.

Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Ephesians 6:7 - With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to

men…

• Refusing correction instead of hearing reproof.

Proverbs 12:1 - Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge

But he who hates reproof is stupid.

• Taking matters into our own hands instead of trusting our situation to God.

Proverbs 20:7 - Some boast in chariots and some in horses,

But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God

• Relying on our own thinking instead of seeking God's wisdom.

Proverbs 28:26 - He who trusts in his own heart is a fool,

But he who walks wisely will be delivered.

• Focusing on present gratification instead of future consequences.

Luke 12:16 - And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive.

17 “And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’

18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.

19 ‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’

21 “So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

• Trying to always maintain control and avoiding vulnerability.

• Holding grudges and/or retaliating rather than forgiving offenders.

Leviticus 19:18 - You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Romans 13.19 - Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for

the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the

Lord.

• Indulging rather than denying ourselves.

Proverbs 23:22 - And put a knife to your throat

if you are a man of great appetite.

Galatians 5:13 - For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

• Hoarding our resources instead of being rich toward God.

Proverbs 11:26 - He who withholds grain, the people will curse him,

But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.

It clear that many times after we become a believer in Jesus, we choose our way rather than God’s way. Sometimes it’s out of ignorance, but most of the time it’s a choice we make. When we sin, fellowship with God is broken. Are there consequences associated with breaking fellowship with God? How do believers in Jesus restore or reestablish this fellowship. Are there any verses in the New Testament that explain this process? This is what we are going to discuss during our next lesson.

We are also going to discuss the job description for an:

• Advocate

• Attorney

• Intercessor

Get these descriptions from the internet or a dictionary, if you still have one. Are there any distinctions or overlap between the three job descriptions?