Hebrews 11:8-10 (NKJV)
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;
10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:13-16 (NKJV)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.
16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;
10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:13-16 (NKJV)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.
16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
How should we live in this World?
· The only way to be living in this world is:
· As mature Christians and then
· We must live for the next world
1 Peter 1:1 (NKJV)
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
1 Peter 2:11 (NKJV)
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
1 Peter 2:11 (NKJV)
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
What will happen to this World?
· This world is passing away.
· We being the salt of the earth can only delay the decaying process.
· When God’s purposes are fulfilled, it’s gone
· This world is temporary much like an old garment.
· Men think there is no end to this earth but the scripture say different
Psalms 102:25-26 (NKJV)
25 Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
26 They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed.
2 Peter 3:4-7 (NKJV)
4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."
5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water,
6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.
7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
25 Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
26 They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed.
2 Peter 3:4-7 (NKJV)
4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."
5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water,
6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.
7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
What are our responsibilities as Christians?
· This world is under judgment: men must be warned to escape God’s wrath
John 3:36 (NKJV)
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
· Noah a preacher of righteousness warned men of a coming judgment.
2 Peter 2:5 (NKJV)
5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;
5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;
· It will be fire this time and not water.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 (NKJV)
6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,
7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,
7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
· This world system is doomed
1 John 2:17 (NKJV)
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1 Corinthians 7:31 (NKJV)
31 and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1 Corinthians 7:31 (NKJV)
31 and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.
This puts man in two classes
· 1. Those who live to fulfill their own desires and identify with the World
Matthew 25:46 (NKJV)
46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
· 2. Those who live to fulfill he will of God
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 (NKJV)
6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,
7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,
7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.
· How will these affects our way of Life?
2 Peter 3:11 (NKJV)
11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
· (In our reasoning and decision making) knowing the world is coming to a fiery end why live for the World.
· (It is only reasonable) knowing we have a difference nature there should be a different in our life style.
· With a different outlook on life, we should be looking forward to that day
2 Peter 3:12 (NKJV)
12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
What exactly is Hope?
· It’s our expectations for the future
· How we order our lives.
· The future plans we make.
· What we consider important
· What we spend our time and money on.
· It’s really where our hearts is.
· Our hope is not in this world so why should we hope in the world.
Titus 2:13 (NKJV)
13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
You might say I don’t have hope in this World
· If you were summoned into court where the evidence is presented; What would be the verdict; Innocent or not guilty?
· Through our hope is not in this world we must not wait passively for the zero hour.
· We haven’t the knowledge when it will come
· We do have part in bring it to pass
2 Timothy 2:19 (NKJV)
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Psalms 2:8 (NKJV)
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
John 6:37 (NKJV)
37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Psalms 2:8 (NKJV)
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
John 6:37 (NKJV)
37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
According to the scriptures what is our status in the world?
· We are a heavenly people.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV)
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
· With a heavenly vision
Acts 22:11 (NKJV)
11 And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
Philippians 3:7 (NKJV)
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
Acts 26:19 (NKJV)
19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
11 And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
Philippians 3:7 (NKJV)
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
Acts 26:19 (NKJV)
19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
· We have a heavenly calling
· Conversion is an about face
· It is when we begin moving in a new direction toward a heavenly calling
Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
We are a heavenly People
· We are strangers
· You have a change of citizenship which sometimes alienates you from your family
· This loss s nothing compared to what is waiting for you a better homeland and you are on your way.
John 1:10-11 (NKJV)
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Expect conflict
· We are in conflict; everyone will not be happy with your decision
· Your life style change will bring, to those who opposed a conviction of where they really are.
· The world wants us to conform to their standards
· It is uncomfortable for them because of your perpetual influence.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
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.
John 16:33 (NKJV)
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NKJV)
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NKJV)
11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
Revelation 20:6 (NKJV)
6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
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.
John 16:33 (NKJV)
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (NKJV)
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NKJV)
11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
Revelation 20:6 (NKJV)
6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
We have a contrast in character
When the God of Heaven appeared to Abraham and he caught the vision
That vision didn’t just sour Abraham for Ur but for the earth.
Acts 7:2 (NKJV)
2 And he said, "Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,
Hebrews 11:10 (NKJV)
10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:9 (NKJV)
9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;
Hebrews 13:14 (NKJV)
14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.
Romans 4:16 (NKJV)
16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all
Isaiah 41:8 (NKJV)
8 "But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend.
Genesis 18:17-19 (NKJV)
17 And the Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing,
18 since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."
2 And he said, "Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,
Hebrews 11:10 (NKJV)
10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:9 (NKJV)
9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;
Hebrews 13:14 (NKJV)
14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.
Romans 4:16 (NKJV)
16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all
Isaiah 41:8 (NKJV)
8 "But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend.
Genesis 18:17-19 (NKJV)
17 And the Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing,
18 since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him."
You must have your own vision
· You can’t run and win with someone else’s vision!
· And Lot went with him in the Key Lot wasn’t running with his vision.
Genesis 12:4 (NKJV)
4 So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
Genesis 13:1 (NKJV)
1 Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South.
4 So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
Genesis 13:1 (NKJV)
1 Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South.
Examine Yourself
· Do a self examination to see if you are really going for God
2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)
5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.
5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.
· Who was Lot hanging around with”? Was it affecting his ability to serve God?
2 Peter 2:7 (NKJV)
7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked
7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked
· Notice Abraham’s concern. What was Abraham guarding?
Genesis 13:5-9 (NKJV)
5 Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents.
6 Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together.
7 And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.
8 So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.
9 Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left."
5 Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents.
6 Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together.
7 And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.
8 So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.
9 Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left."
To whom was Lot committed too?
Abraham ?
God ?
Success?
Or things etc.?
Hebrews 11:15 (NKJV)
15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.
Genesis 13:10-12 (NKJV)
10 And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar.
11 Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other.
12 Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom.
15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.
Genesis 13:10-12 (NKJV)
10 And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar.
11 Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other.
12 Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom.
What were the results of his decision?
· Was it profitable?
· What happened to His family?
· Is there any significance to Lot being in a place of leadership in Sodom?
Genesis 19:1 (NKJV)
1 Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground.
Proverbs 31:23 (NKJV)
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
Psalms 49:18 (NKJV)
18 Though while he lives he blesses himself (For men will praise you when you do well for yourself),
Let’s consider Abraham, what was righteous about Abraham’s actions
1 Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground.
Proverbs 31:23 (NKJV)
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
Psalms 49:18 (NKJV)
18 Though while he lives he blesses himself (For men will praise you when you do well for yourself),
Let’s consider Abraham, what was righteous about Abraham’s actions
Genesis 14:12 (NKJV)
12 They also took Lot, Abram's brother's son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
12 They also took Lot, Abram's brother's son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
· He deeply cared for Lot even though they could no longer fellowship
· His feelings for Lot were not dependant on decisions Lot Made. When the time came that Lot needed help, Abraham was there.
Making your judgment sound what is your track record?
· Do you have things that you are proud of and do you have things you wish you could forget?
· Do you only want to forget the bad things or are some of the good things hindering you also?
· What do we really have to forget that is hindering us?
· What about Sin that we have repented of and for which God has forgiven for which we haven’t forgiven our selves
This is a new day for all of us.
· New goals and clear vision will motivate us to accomplish them
· What was Paul’s goal?
Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Are Your memories Strength or Weakness?
· What about the memory of mistakes and failures?
· Satan tells us we are disqualified because of them.
· Look who God chooses to do his work.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NKJV)
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NKJV)
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
2 Corinthians 4:15 (NKJV)
15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NKJV)
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
2 Corinthians 4:15 (NKJV)
15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Notice In mark’s gospel chapter 1:29-35 after having a great out pouring of the Spirit of God many souls were healed and delivered. The bible slays the city came out to him after sunset (the law would not allow them to seek God for their needs on the Sabbath) and Jesus had a great victory yet, He could have depended on the anointing to carry him on but in v 35 early the next morning he was praying. The memory of last night was not going to lull him into a life style that could later mean defeat.
Can memories of successes hinder you?
· What about memories of success and accomplishments?
· Can these cause us not to reach higher?
· We can’t live on past blessings, we must press on.
Ephesians 2:20 (NKJV)
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,
· What are you to take hold of?
Philippians 3:12 (NKJV)
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
· After the Damascus road experience Paul was no longer free to pursue his own desires any longer, he was only free to do the will of God who took hold of him.
· Some time we don’t understand fully the will of God for our lives until later, it is a progressive revelation.
· It is all bound up in knowing Christ
Philippians 3:8 (NKJV)
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
We have a decision to Make!
· All of us who are maturing must take the same view of things.
Philippians 3:15 (NKJV)
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
Philippians 3:18-19 (NKJV)
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
Philippians 3:18-19 (NKJV)
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things.
· If you give your life entirely to God and his purposes what is the prize you can expect to win?
Philippians 3:8 (NKJV)
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJV)
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJV)
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
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