What Makes Us Strong?

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Ephesians 3:14-21

 

Paul prayed for:

  1. Strength founded on faith.
  2. Comprehension and knowledge of God's love.

 

What We Have

  1. We have the money
  2. We have the talent
  3. We have the tools

If we have these things, what prevents us from doing the work of God? 

 

What God Offers

  1. A Father who is able (Eph 3:20) .
  2. A living Savior (Eph 3:21) .
  3. An empowering Holy Spirit (Eph 3:20). 

Fully Committed to God's Word (Pt. 2)

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If we are not committed to God's word (=the Bible), how can we say we are committed to Him?

 

1. God's Word Saves Us (2 Tim 3:18) 

  • Without God's word we could not know how to be saved.
  • Only the Bible provides rules for life and living: how to please God. 

 

2. God's Word Disciplines Us (2 Tim 3:16) 

  • The word can instruct us and correct us when we need it. 

 

3. God's Word Empowers Us (2 Tim 3:17) 

  • It equips us for good works.
  • Reading about Jesus empowers us to know how to live righteously. 

4. God's Word Motivates Us (2 Tim 4:2) 

  • Preach God's word at all times.
  • Don't let the season determine the preaching. 

Fully Committed to God's Word

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Rom 10:17

 

When we are fully committed to Jesus, we will be committed to the Bibl e.

 

  1. Jesus was committed to God's Word (Matt 4)  — to defend the truth and convict the devil.
  2. Paul was committed to God's Word  (Eph 6:10) — consider his exposition of the Armor of God. His Word is part of our armor to fight against the darkness and the Enemy.
  3. Too Few Christians are Dressed for Life  (Gal 3:27) — how can we know righteous living or know what is sin unless we know God's Word?
  4. The Word  of God has Always been Powerful  (Gen 1:3) — God created the world and will take it away with his Word.

 

It is impossible for someone to be fully committed to Jesus and not be committed to his teachings and the Bible. 

Fully Committed to Jesus Christ

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Acts 20:16–24

 What are you committed to and how much are you committed to it?

  • For some people, it takes a lot to become committed to taking care of responsibilities. The utility company has to knock at their door, threatening to shut off the power, before they are motivated to pay their bill.
  • Jesus is fully committed to the truth of the Gospel and his people in the church. He was committed to his death. Are we? 

 

 

 

 

 

The Treasure without Tears

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Psalm 126:5-6. 

 

God has given us an opportunity for success: the treasure. But this treasure requires tears.

 

God has given us “treasure” to complete the task: 

  • The treasure is the seed (Luke 8:11) .
  • The seed is the Word of God (Matt 7:23). 
  • The seed is Jesus Christ (John 1:1-2, 14). 

 

Tears are required. The Christian's life is often tough. 

  • Jesus cried in sympathy for his friends (John 11:35) 
  • Jesus cried over a lost opportunity (Luke 19:41) 
  • Jesus cried over suffering and death (Heb 5:5-11) 

Making Adjustments: New Testament Examples

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God has always asked His people to make adjustments in order to follow Him. We don't always understand why He wants us to make certain adjustments — but one day, with wisdom, we will.

 

1. Joseph and Mary

The earthly parents of the Son of God certainly had to rethink and adjust their life to fit this circumstance (Luke 1:26–38). Mary never expected to have a child then and especially not one that appeared to be improper. Joseph found out that the woman he intended to marry was pregnant. He tried to divorce her to avoid embarrassment but God told him to stay with her and he did.  For the child was from the Spirit and Mary had not sinned. Both of them has to adjust their lives around the fact that they were raising the Son of God.

 

 

2. The Apostles

Jesus interrupted the ordinary lives of 12 men and called them to follow Him (Mark 3:13–19). They had to make adjustments: leaving their father to manage the fishing business, leaving mothers and wives and children. They became homeless with the Son of God to learn and teach the world.

 

 

3. The First Christians

Peter preached to thousands in the city of Jerusalem on Pentecost. He, through the Spirit, called them to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). About 3000 of them made the adjustment (Acts 2:41).

 

 

 

The Trophy Without the Task (Psalm 125:5-6)

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  • Don't expect a crop when you didn't plant.
  • Don't expect a paycheck when you didn't work.
  • Don't expect a degree when you don't go to class.
  • Don't expect a trophy when you didn't compete.
"An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Timothy 2:5)

 

Don't expect Biblical knowledge if you do not study.

Do not expect salvation unless you become a child of God.

 

Making Proper Adjustments

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  • Those who hear Jesus's word and make adjustments are wise. Those who hear what Jesus says and disregards it is foolish (Matt 7:24–27). 
  • Remember the Rich Young Ruler: he knew what to do and didn't do it. Jesus even told him  what to do. He rejected Jesus's call to change. 
  • There is always work for us to do, we have responsibilities. 
  • Humanity's goal is to adjust their life to God.