THREE THINGS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US

Scripture Text

2 Timothy 1:7

INTRO: Fear keeps Christians from accomplishing God's will. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. The apostle Paul said in (Phil 4:13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That means anything God wants me to do, I can do it. In our scripture text for today it says that God has given us three things that will help us overcome fear:

A. The Spirit of Power. Power to do what?  1. Power to be saved - (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 2. Power to be a witness for Him - (Acts 1:8) But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 3. Power of the Holy spirit for all joy, peace and hope - (Rom 15:13) Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. We have the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.  4. Power to make you a strong believer – The apostle Paul said in (Romans 16:25) Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began. Paul knew that the gospel and Christ himself would make believers strong in the faith. Believers are established and made strong by the preaching of Jesus Christ. It renews and transforms our mind to think as God does. 5. Power to endure trials - (2 Cor 12:9 NKJV) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, (feebleness) that the power of Christ may rest upon me. If you are trusting in, relying on, and believing in the one who has grace and power, He will give you the grace you need when trials come! Don't be afraid! Live in His grace!!!                                                                                               B. The Spirit of Love. Love can be effective in conquering fear. (1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. We are commanded to have a:

1. Love for God. 1 John 4:19 (NKJV) We love Him because He first loved us. Mark 12:30 (NKJV) And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realize that God will take care of us. We trust in God's word and are not afraid of the future, eternity, or God’s judgment, because of God’s love. We know that he loves us perfectly Now if God does not provide for us, we would be worried. But we know God loves us and does provide for us, so we are not afraid about that. This is why Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Love for God relieves our fears!

2. Love for Others. 1 John 4:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰  If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? ²¹  And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. The more we love God and others the less fear we will have. Love causes us to overcome our fear for the good of others. Jesus told us to love our neighbor as our-self. Love causes us to tell others about Jesus and the salvation He provides.

C. The Spirit of a Sound Mind. 1. Most of the time our harmful fears are the result of wrong thinking. You are what you think in your mind. It's your choice. In our way of thinking, we may be afraid we won't make it financially - IF we trust in God and His word and accept His way of thinking, we will be assured He will take care of us! Scripture says: Matt. 6:33 “God knows what we have need of. We are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these other thigns will be added.” Luke 12:28  If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

2. If you are afraid of dying... That fear is calmed by knowing since we are Christians we will be with the Lord when we die. (2 Cor 5:8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. God has also told us in (LK.12: 32) Fear not little flock for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom. That's what a Christian can expect when they die, to be in God's kingdom. We could go on and apply God's word to every other fear we may have. Something happens when you begin to read God's word. When we think Biblically, we have a "sound mind" Our mind is renewed! (Rom 12:2) And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. As we read God's word we are renewed in our thinking. We begin to think as God intends for us to do and we are changed into a person of faith and trust in God and we prove by experience God's will for our lives.

Conclusion: Conquering fear is not a matter of self determination, It is a matter of dependence on the God whom we can trust and love. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. In Christ you and I can conquer our fears.

INVITATION: Do you have the spirit of power, love, and sound mind operating in your life? Would you surrender to His Holy Spirit today, right now? You have no power at all in your life unless you know God. If you have never done so, would you ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you right now and to come into your life and empower you for victorious living? 

The Glorious Appearing

 

Scripture Text 

Titus 2:11-14

Intro: We are to be looking for the glorious appearing of or God and Savior Jesus Christ. The blessed hope and appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ are not two different things; the blessed hope is the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He shall appear in all the glory and majesty of His Being. What will be so blessed about His return? The word "blessed" means to be filled with happiness, prosperity, richness, benefits, the highest good, all the great and glorious benefits imaginable. Therefore, the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the Lord's return is to be filled with all that you can imagine and more.

1.  The return of Jesus Christ will mean a glorious union. We shall see Christ for the first time and be united with Him forever. John 14:2-3 (NKJV) ²  In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

2.  The return of Jesus Christ will mean a glorious reunion. The dead in Christ shall arise and we who live shall be reunited with our loved ones and friends forever.  1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 (NKJV) 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 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. 

3.  The return of Jesus Christ will mean a glorious transformation of our bodies. We shall receive our new incorruptible and eternal bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 (NKJV) 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"  Philippians 3:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹  who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

4.  The return of Jesus Christ will mean a glorious life of happiness. We shall receive perfect joy and freedom from trials, pain, suffering, evil, and death. Matthew 13:43 (NKJV) Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Revelation 21:4-5 (NKJV) ⁴  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." ⁵  Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."

5.  The return of Jesus Christ will mean a glorious inheritance. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NKJV) ³  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴  to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵  who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6. The return of Jesus Christ will mean a glorious dwelling place and mansion. [John 14:2-3] "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." You may have a fine home or a humble dwelling here on this earth but nothing will compare with the mansion Jesus has prepared for you. When He returns we will take possession of those mansions where there are streets of gold and gates of pearl.

Invitation: Are you prepared for Jesus to break through the clouds as He comes to receive His church to Himself. It could be any day and Jesus warns us to be prepared so we will not be left behind. If you are not sure you are ready for Jesus to return then right now confess your sins to Him and ask Him to forgive you and give you a mansion in heaven when this life is over. Then publicly profess your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord and be baptized. You will be so glad you did!

Taking Inventory for 2022

 

Intro: At the beginning of each new year businesses take inventory to see what they did last year and see what they need to change for the upcoming year. As we begin this year we need to open our hearts to the Lord and allow Him to take inventory of our spiritual life and see where we need to improve for 2022. King David a man after God's own heart gives us good example to follow. He said in; Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.

I. Ask God’s Spirit to examine you. Getting saved is only the beginning. Ask God to study you in careful way and show you where you need to change! God’s purpose for all His people is to conform them to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 (NKJV) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Conform means to be in agreement on every point. Is your life being brought into agreement with Christ’s way of doing things? Let God examine and show you the truth.    Are you fulfilling the purpose of God in your life? Do you even know your purpose? Our purpose in life is to constantly be changed into that new person Christ created us to be. We are changed in our thinking as we pray and read God’s word. We find His good, perfect and acceptable will for us. We were created to bring praise, honor and glory to Him while we are in this world. This is the way to worship God

II. Ask God to prove you through your actions.

1. Prove means to show the character or ability expected of one, especially through one's actions. Are you most like Jesus or the world in your actions?

2. Is your life being shaped more by others’ expectations of you than by God’s priorities? Remember God's priority is to conform you to the exact likeness of Christ.

3. Are some of the things you are doing based on guilt, or a desire for someone's approval or a need to make a good impression? Do others see Jesus in you?

4. Does God see the motive for your actions based on His will, yours, or someone else?

5. Take note each week as to the use of your time. How much time do you spend carrying out God's priorities for you? His priority is for you is Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
¹  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
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.

6. How much time is spent on the things of God such as Prayer, bible reading, mediating and studying His word?

7. Ask God if any activities you are involved in might not be on His agenda for you.

8. When your activities have a reason, God’s reason, you can be more effective for Him and receive more of His blessings, and be less affected by the opinions of those who may not understand why you do what you do. God blesses His activities!

III. Ask God to try your mind and heart! [Proverbs 24:10]

a. Try means to test the quality of something: Proverbs 24:10 (NKJV) If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small. Adversity is a time of difficulty, & hardship! A lot of people talk the talk of faith, but do not walk the walk of faith when tested. Galatians 6:4-5 (NKJV) ⁴  Let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. ⁵ For each one shall bear his own load.

b. We are to be examining and judging our own lives under the leading of the Holy Spirit, not the life of our brother or sister. Scripture is forceful on this point: every man is to keep busy examining his own work and life, and no one is exempt. All must answer for themselves, not for their neighbors. And every man must expect to be dealt with by the Divine Judge Jesus Christ, according to your character and conduct in this life. The apostle Paul is an excellent example of one who lived faithfully for Christ. Philippians 1:20-21 (NLT) ²⁰ For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. ²¹ For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. This should be the goal for our lives this year of 2022!

Conclusion: What you and I are seeking in the end is to be who God created us to be. We want to be able to say at the end of this year, “I have lived up to the potential God gave me.” What a way to start the New Year. Not just in theory, but in everyday practice.

Invitation: Allow God to examine your heart right now? Where do you stand in your relationship with God? Close, somewhat close or distant. Do you even have a relationship with God? If not, confess your sins to Christ and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life to take charge of you. If you know Jesus as your personal Savior allow God to test your motives and purposes for what you do and help you live a better life for Him? Allow God to examine your heart continually throughout this year and allow Him to show you your heart as He sees it. Will you rededicate your life to Him as we begin 2022?

PRIORITIZING GOD'S WORD

Scripture Text

Psalm 119:7-11

Intro: When you are about to make a trip where you have never been before, you get instructions from a map to guide and direct you on your journey. If you don’t get instruction from a map to guide you, you could get lost and waste lots of time and gas. The same is true with our spiritual life. We need spiritual directions and instructions as we journey through this world seeking our heavenly home. As we begin this New Year we need to prioritize the word of God and make it of the utmost importance in our lives.

I    I. Let God’s word instruct your way. ( Psalms 119:105) Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. When you buy an article that needs to be put together, you always get the instructions out and read them first because the one who made the product knows best how to assemble it. The same is true with spiritual things. There are many obstructions and detours in our journey through this world. God made us and knows what the best way to navigate through this world on our way to Heaven.                                                                                                                                                                                        II. God’s instructions are perfect. Psalm 19:7 (NKJV)  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; Not only does God's word guide our way through life but The perfect instructions of God’s word can change people. It converts (transforms) the soul from sinner to saint. From worry, doubt and fear to power, love, And a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7). God's word imparts wisdom. The instructions of God can be trusted to make the simple, the humble and lowly one wise. God has revealed His instructions and His “ways” so that people may know them, and base their lives on them so they can walk in the favor and blessings of God and avoid the wrong path.

III. God's word brings joy and enlightenment. Psalm 19:8 (NKJV) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; God’s instructions give joy to the heart and they enlighten (educates) one’s spiritual eyes, that is, improves his life with God's blessings and guides him in the righteous way. The statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances are all specific instructions within the word to show us how to live the abundant life and avoid sin and the evil way. Joy and guidance fill the soul of one who meditates on and follows God’s commands.

IV. God's word is true and righteous. Psalm 19:9 (NKJV) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. God's word is pure and free from defilement. The world is constantly trying to deceive us and lead us astray. But there is no error or deception in God's word. Judgments is here a synonym for the Law or God’s word, for its purpose was to put fear into human hearts. Fear of God means we respect and reverence Him and His word. The instructions of God are pure.. sure, and righteous. The instructions to fear the Lord was designed to cause believers to obey God and lead righteous lives which leads to God's favor and blessings.

V. God's word is valuable. Psalm 19:10-11 (NKJV) ¹⁰  More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹  Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. Nothing in this world is more valuable! David disclosed his personal reaction to God’s perfect instructions in His Word. He found the instructions of God desirable and enjoyable. In describing their value to him, he compared them to gold and honey—they are more precious than gold, the most valuable commodity, and sweeter than honey, the sweetest substance known. The instructions of God’s word are not a burden to believers who were trying to please God with their lives. For David, keeping God’s instructions for life, which warned him of the dangers of folly and sin, brought great reward. It will do the same for us. Those rewards will go on through out eternity. God's word will bring us the best life possible.

I Conclusion: Psalm 111:10 says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” Proverbs 8:13 (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” In vain does any man pretend to be wise who does not fear the Lord; and he who fears the Lord and has a good understanding departs from evil and does the commands of God. He who lives in sin neither fears God, nor is wise. How important is God’s word to you? Are you are missing out on the blessings of God for your life by not putting a priority on reading His word daily. You can change that right now by prioritizing God's word.

Invitation: If you have never had your sins forgiven, now is the time to confess your sins to Jesus Christ and ask Him to forgive you and save you from Hell. John 6:37 (NKJV) “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” Jesus promises here He will by no means refuse you! Come to Him now!