(I have begun a new category called Sunday Service. It is the notes I took from that week’s Sunday Service. I learn so much attending a service, but I often lose the lesson "from the altar to the door". This will help me apply what I have learned and may you be encouraged and blessed by it as well. Our pastor often uses the NIV version during the service. I have also added The Message for additional understanding and application.)
July 20, 2008 Pastor John
Questions to ask yourself: "What has been the hardest trial I have ever had?"
"What is the storm I am going through right now?"
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (THE MESSAGE VERSION)
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Last week’s message: "There’s no community like the faith community." It’s imperfect. It’s historical. It’s cosmic. It’s global. It’s hopeful. It’s diverse. It’s honest.
The Value of Hard Honesty
KEY TRUTH: Hindrances and sin: When I move towards more honest, I live with more hope.
1. A hindrance is anything in the way; anything that slows us down. Distractions. Good things can be hindrances if we place a high priority on them. (One hindrance is an overscheduled life.)
2. A sin is something we do that is outside God’s will. This includes attitudes and actions. It means "missing the mark", "falling short", "crossing the line".
1 John 1:8 (NIV VERSION)
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8 (THE MESSAGE VERSION)
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
What happens if I ignore my hindrances and sins?
- My faith will drift; I will lose the vitality in my faith.
- My stamina will suffer.
Throw off the RAGS of your hindrances and sins!
R = Rage and Resentment……..Replace with LOVE
A= Anxiety…Who is your God? Who do you trust?
G= Greed…Coveting that grips you and sucks the life out of you……replace with Generosity
S= Superiority…Pride. "I don’t need God"….Replace with Humility
Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV VERSION)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15 (The MESSAGE VERSION)
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.
How can I throw these RAGS off?
- We have to do it courageously
- We have to be specific
- We have to be militant
- We have to be dramatic
Question to ask yourself:
"What is the one thing more than anything else that God wants you to throw off today?"
Our church leaders pray for honesty and hope that can bring preseverence, joy, and hope. It’s always better to go through storms together.