4660 lines
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<div class=Section1>
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<p class=MsoBodyTextIndent style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:326.05pt'>Warren
|
||
D. Carter – Elder</p>
|
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<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:326.05pt'>Wien,<span
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style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Österreich</p>
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<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:326.05pt'>13.Aug.2k</p>
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mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<h1>Discipleship:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maturing<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
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</span>Christ</h1>
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style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
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</span>do<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>all<span style="mso-spacerun:
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yes"> </span>the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>following<span
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style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
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|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>SMS<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>messaging<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l14 level1 lfo2;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>microwave<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>popcorn<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l14 level1 lfo2;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>32
|
||
megs of RAM on a 3D video chip<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they are all<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>fast</i><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>instant</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>innovations<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>that meet people’s
|
||
needs quickly and easily<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>and most of us are getting rather used to at least
|
||
one of these in our lives … perhaps all of them ??<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what we forget is this simple<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>spiritual<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>truth:</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>It is impossible to have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>“instant Christian maturity”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>or</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Becoming a Christian is a <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>process</b> – a life-long adventure of <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo4;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>getting
|
||
to know God’s nature and will more intimately,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo4;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>loving
|
||
Him more completely,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo4;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>obeying
|
||
Him with more joy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Rom 12:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And so,
|
||
dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Let them be
|
||
a living and holy sacrifice – the kind He will accept.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When you
|
||
think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-36.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God
|
||
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-36.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know
|
||
how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>let’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>pray<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:21.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-21.6pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;
|
||
tab-stops:list 36.0pt 58.5pt'><![if !supportLists]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>i.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span></b><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:uppercase'>moving<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>toward<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>maturity<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>each of our walks with
|
||
Christ started in very different places and times,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>but for most of us, the common elements of our first steps toward
|
||
spiritual maturity can be found in Rom 10:8-13<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>read this passage from the
|
||
New Living Translation?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Romans 10:8-13</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>NLT<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>only</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Salvation that comes from <b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>trusting Christ</b> – which is the message
|
||
we preach – is already within easy reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>In fact, the Scriptures say, “The message is close at hand; it is on
|
||
your lips and in your heart.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[9] For if you <b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>confess with your mouth</b> that Jesus is
|
||
Lord <u>and</u> <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>believe in your heart</b>
|
||
that God raised Him from the dead, <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>you <u>will</u>
|
||
be saved</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[10] For it is by
|
||
believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing
|
||
with your mouth that you are saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[11] As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who believes in Him will not be
|
||
disappointed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[12] Jew and Gentile are
|
||
the same in this respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They all have
|
||
the same Lord, who generously gives His riches to all who ask for them.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[13] For<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>“<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Anyone</b> who calls on the name
|
||
of the Lord <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u>will</u> be saved</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>IF</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you have never made this confession, then
|
||
perhaps today is your day …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Let’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>pray<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>~ <span style='text-transform:uppercase'>responsively</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>– and if you’re doing this for the 1<sup>st</sup> time today, and
|
||
can say a hearty<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>amen</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>at the end<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>… then be sure to tell
|
||
someone about it after the service, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>and come talk to one of the
|
||
Church leaders for some additional information<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>¿Q:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>so … is salvation
|
||
merely<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“confessing with your
|
||
mouth”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>“believing in your heart” ?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>yes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>no<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>salvation is both an<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>event</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>and a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>process</i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>for anyone praying that prayer for 1<sup>st</sup> time,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>today is a very significant event in your life …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>but it’s just the start of a
|
||
process<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>as we can see in Phil 2,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>where Paul is writing to the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Christians </b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in Philippi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>i.e.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>not</span></b> to <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>unbelievers</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Philip 2:12-16</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>…<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[a mix of NIV + NASB + NLT]<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed – not only in
|
||
my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>work out
|
||
your own salvation</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with fear and
|
||
trembling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[13] For it is God who is at
|
||
work in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to act according
|
||
to His good purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[14] In everything you do,
|
||
stay away from complaining and arguing, [15] so that no one can speak a word of
|
||
blame against you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You are to live
|
||
above reproach<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>clean, innocent lives<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as
|
||
children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Let your lives shine brightly before them.
|
||
[16] Hold tightly to the Word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be
|
||
proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>so we are<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>“saved”</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and we have <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>assurance</i></b> of that<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>then</span></b>
|
||
we <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>work
|
||
out</i></b> our own<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>“salvation”</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>… and Paul has given us some tips on how to begin that
|
||
process,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>which we’ll develop a little
|
||
later<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>we<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>receive</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the gift of eternal life, and <span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>then</span> we<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>show it</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>by our commitment <u>and</u> actions<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>“faith without works is dead”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>read from James 2:14-26<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>which we won’t review now<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>but note it here for your reference and further study<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>and I want to highlight just the main thought:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>James 2:14-26<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dear brothers and sisters,
|
||
what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions?<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That kind of faith can’t save anyone…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[17] So you see, it isn’t enough <u>just</u> to have
|
||
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Faith that doesn’t <u>show
|
||
itself</u> by good deeds is <span style='text-transform:uppercase'>no</span>
|
||
faith at all – it is dead and useless.</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[18] Now someone may argue,
|
||
“Some people have faith;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>others have
|
||
good deeds.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I say, “I can’t see your
|
||
faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my
|
||
good deeds.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[19] Do you still think it’s
|
||
enough just to believe that there is one God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>[20] Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does <u>not</u>
|
||
result in good deeds <span style='text-transform:uppercase'>is useless</span>?</b>
|
||
…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[24] So you see, we are made
|
||
right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[25] Rahab the prostitute is
|
||
another example of this. She was made right with God by her actions – when she
|
||
hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>[26] Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead
|
||
without good deeds.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>the bottom line is you need
|
||
both:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:2.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>faith<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>works<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:2.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>belief<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>action<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:2.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>conviction<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>commitment<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>it is not enough to make
|
||
Jesus our Saviour – we<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>must</span></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>make Him our Lord<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>so how do we go about doing
|
||
that?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>how do we work out our own salvation?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>how do we mature in Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>that’s what I’d like to talk
|
||
about today<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>what’s the<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>spiritual<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>principle</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I mentioned
|
||
earlier?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>#1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>our walk with God is an
|
||
ever-deepening<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style='text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>process </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>of:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:27.0pt;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo8;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>discovering who He is, <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:27.0pt;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo8;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>falling in love with
|
||
Him,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:27.0pt;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo8;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>aligning our will to His<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>there are many<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>spiritual<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>principles</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>that we’ll
|
||
talk about today,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>but this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>#1,<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and the following<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>#2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>are worth remembering
|
||
and meditating on the most<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:3.0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-3.0cm;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>#2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>longs</span><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for us to walk in closer/ more-intimate
|
||
relationship with Him<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>•<span style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span>do
|
||
you have a hunger for God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hope
|
||
so!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:18.0pt;mso-list:l13 level1 lfo10;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>If
|
||
you do, you might ask, “where do I start this journey?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:3.0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-3.0cm;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>there are many<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>“jumping<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>off”<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>points in the Bible, but let’s start with
|
||
Eph 4, and looking at what God desires for you<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Eph 4:11-24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is the one who gave these
|
||
gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the
|
||
pastors and teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[12] Their
|
||
responsibility is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church,
|
||
the Body of Christ, [13] until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge
|
||
of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to
|
||
the full stature of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[14] Then we will no longer
|
||
be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because
|
||
someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to
|
||
us and made the lie sound like the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[15] Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more
|
||
in every way like Christ, who is the head of His Body, the church.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[16] Under His direction, the whole Body is
|
||
fitted together perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As each part
|
||
does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole
|
||
Body is healthy and growing and full of love.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[17] With the Lord's
|
||
authority let me say this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Live no
|
||
longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[18] Their closed minds are full of
|
||
darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their
|
||
minds and hardened their hearts against Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[19] They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given
|
||
themselves over to immoral ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Their
|
||
lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[20] But that isn't what you
|
||
were taught when you learned about Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[21] Since you have heard all about Him and have learned the truth that
|
||
is in Jesus, [22] throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life,
|
||
which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[23] Instead, there must be a spiritual
|
||
renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[24] You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created
|
||
in God's likeness – righteous, holy, and true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>so what does God desire for
|
||
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[vv. 13 + 15] … unity, maturity,
|
||
to be more like Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>how do immature Christians
|
||
act?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[v. 14] … child-like in their
|
||
faith – always changing their minds<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>how does a mature Christian
|
||
act?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[v. 15]
|
||
like Christ, holding to the truth <u>in love</u>;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[v. 16] doing
|
||
their own special work, helping others to grow and become more loving;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[v. 17]
|
||
not living as ungodly people do;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[v. 18]
|
||
with minds and hearts softened toward God;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[v. 19]
|
||
caring about right and wrong, acting morally with pureness and generosity;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[v. 22]
|
||
throwing off their evil nature<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>striving for purity, integrity, and honesty<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[v. 23]
|
||
spiritually renewing their thoughts and attitudes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>in your own time during the
|
||
week, look at this passage and identify the contrasts between:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:72.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>man’s
|
||
old nature</span></u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style='mso-tab-count:3'> </span><u>the
|
||
Christian’s new nature<o:p></o:p></u></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:45.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>_______________________<span
|
||
style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span>_______________________________<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:45.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>_______________________<span
|
||
style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span>_______________________________<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>¿Q:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>how can we understand what
|
||
this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“new nature”<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is all about?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>take a look – back a couple
|
||
of books – to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>II Cor 3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>II Cor 3:16-18</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… [NLT]<b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But whenever anyone turns to
|
||
the Lord, then the veil is taken away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[17] Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord
|
||
is, He gives freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[18] And all of
|
||
us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect
|
||
the glory of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And as the
|
||
Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and
|
||
reflect His glory even more.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>into whose image are you
|
||
being transformed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[v. 18]<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Christ’s image<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>and who is bringing about
|
||
this change?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[v. 18]<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:3.0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-3.0cm;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>does this transformation
|
||
happen all at once?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[v. 18]<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>no</span>
|
||
– as the Spirit works, we become more and more like Him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>but what has <b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>already happened</b>,<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>if</span></b> you are a sincere believer
|
||
today?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>for the answer, let’s turn
|
||
back a couple of more books to Romans 5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Romans 5:8-9</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… [NIV, NASB, or NLT]<b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But God showed His great
|
||
love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[9] And since we have been made right in God's
|
||
sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God's
|
||
judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo12;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>God
|
||
showed His love and desire for relationship with us by having His Son die for
|
||
us<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo12;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>we
|
||
have been<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“justified”<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>“made right”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the eyes of God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo12;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>we
|
||
have been spared God’s wrath<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>if this is true, then
|
||
what<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>should</i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>doing </b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>now </b>?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Paul tells us in<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>chapter 6<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Romans 6:19</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… [NIV, NASB, or NLT]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I speak this way, using the
|
||
illustration of slaves and masters, because it is easy to understand.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Before, you let yourselves be slaves of
|
||
impurity and lawlessness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now you must
|
||
choose to be slaves of righteousness so that you will become holy.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>choose to be a<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>slave</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to right living/<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>holiness/ sanctified life<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>… seek after<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>obedience</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to the Lord<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>with <span style='text-transform:uppercase'>all</span></i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your heart and strength and mind<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>and<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>if</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>I do that, then what?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>flip ahead a page or 2<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to chapter 8<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Romans 8:16-18 </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… [NIV, NASB, or NLT]<b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For His Holy Spirit speaks
|
||
to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[17] And since we are His children, we will
|
||
share His treasures – for everything God gives to His Son, Christ, is ours,
|
||
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But if we are to share His glory,
|
||
we must also share His suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[18] Yet what we suffer now
|
||
is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>then we can have<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>hope </b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… but hope in what?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what we can<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>hope</b>
|
||
for/ <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>expect</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>future</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is to be a
|
||
joint-heir with Christ – glorified with Him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:8.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>these are 3 major concepts
|
||
concerning our maturing process:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:5.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:205.55pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-177.2pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 134.7pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:
|
||
12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>justification</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style='mso-tab-count:
|
||
1'> </span>position<span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>saved
|
||
from the penalty of sin … done !<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:205.55pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-177.2pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 134.7pt'><span style='font-size:5.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:205.55pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-177.2pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 134.7pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:
|
||
12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>sanctification</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style='mso-tab-count:
|
||
1'> </span>condition<span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>being
|
||
saved from the power of sin … becoming more Christ-like<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:205.55pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-177.2pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 134.7pt'><span style='font-size:5.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:205.55pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-177.2pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 134.7pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:
|
||
12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>glorification</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style='mso-tab-count:
|
||
1'> </span>expectation<span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>to
|
||
be saved from the presence of sin … to be like Christ 1 day<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>these may sound like grand
|
||
theological terms – <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>yet</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they have much meaning for us,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>if</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>you take the time to try to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>understand their differences</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and implications<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>but this is not very easy
|
||
for many of us, so let’s turn to Colossians 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>for a quick overview<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Col 3:1-4 </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… [NIV, NASB, or NLT]<b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since you have been raised to new life
|
||
with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at
|
||
God's right hand in the place of honour and power.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[2] Let heaven fill your thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Do not think only about things down here on earth.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[3] For you died when Christ died, and your
|
||
real life is hidden with Christ in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[4] And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole
|
||
world, you will share in all His glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>process</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>of maturing as a Christian starts with discovering God’s plan for
|
||
us – His children<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>the basics of that plan of salvation involve:<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>justification,<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>sanctification,<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span></b>and<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>glorification</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo14;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>you<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>have
|
||
new life</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in Christ when you confess
|
||
and believe in Him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:99.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-63.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo14;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>since
|
||
this is true, <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>fix your eyes on Christ</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and a future with Him<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:99.0pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>so that your thoughts and actions here on earth are inspired by
|
||
heaven<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:99.0pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>…<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>and become more Christ-like, as a result<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:99.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-63.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo14;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>develop</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>a real<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>hope</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>in a glorious future reality with Christ<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>– <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and be convinced of
|
||
it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>not of some impossible or imaginary dreamland<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>or</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>some<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:99.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>… escapist’s idyllic kingdom
|
||
or drug for softening the reality of daily living … but reality<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:21.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-21.6pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;
|
||
tab-stops:list 36.0pt 58.5pt'><![if !supportLists]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>ii.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span></b><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:uppercase'>your<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>starting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>point <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>¿Q:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>it appears that this
|
||
understanding of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“where you stand with
|
||
God”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is essential<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:76.5pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo16;
|
||
tab-stops:list 76.5pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>would
|
||
you explain more about this?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:76.5pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo16;
|
||
tab-stops:list 76.5pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>give
|
||
us more details about God’s plans in this area?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>turn back one book, to Ephesians 1<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for added insight to this<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Eph 1:3-14 </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… [NIV, NASB, or NLT]<b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How we praise God, the Father of our Lord
|
||
Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
|
||
realms because we belong to Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[4]
|
||
Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to
|
||
be holy and without fault in His eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[5] His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family
|
||
by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>And this gave Him great pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[6] So we praise God for the wonderful
|
||
kindness He has poured out on us because we belong to His dearly loved
|
||
Son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[7] He is so rich in kindness that
|
||
He purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son, and our sins are
|
||
forgiven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[8] He has showered His
|
||
kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[9] God's secret plan has now been
|
||
revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ, designed long ago according to
|
||
His good pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[10] And this is His
|
||
plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority
|
||
of Christ – everything in heaven and on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[11] Furthermore, because of Christ, we have received an inheritance
|
||
from God, for He chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as He
|
||
decided long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[12] God's purpose
|
||
was that we who were the first to trust in Christ should praise our glorious
|
||
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[13] And now you also have heard
|
||
the truth, the Good News that God saves you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>And when you believed in Christ, He identified you as His own by giving
|
||
you the Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[14] The Spirit is God's guarantee that He will give us
|
||
everything He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is just one more reason for us to
|
||
praise our glorious God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>we could spend several weeks preaching on this
|
||
Scripture alone, but we don’t have time now <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>… for another<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>“home work”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>assignment, try
|
||
identifying and listing from this passage as many of the<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>aspects
|
||
and benefits</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>that you have<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>because</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>you are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>“in Christ”</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>perhaps spend some time<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>praying</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>about these<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>or</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>thanking God</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>for His provision and plan<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>but … if we are all
|
||
confessing Christians today, where do we go from here?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>how do we begin looking at step #2:<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>fixing your eyes on
|
||
Christ</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>sanctification </i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>process?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>let’s start by turning ahead
|
||
to Colossians again, chapter 2<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Col 2:6-7 </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… [NIV, NASB, or NLT]<b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And now, just as you
|
||
accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to
|
||
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[7] Let your roots grow down into
|
||
Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and
|
||
vigorous in the truth you were taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>how do we fix our eyes on
|
||
Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo18;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>live
|
||
in obedience to Him, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo18;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>grow
|
||
deep into Him/ reach out to Him/ immerse yourself in the His Word,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo18;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>pray,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo18;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>be
|
||
nurtured by Him,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo18;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>be
|
||
committed/ focus on growing strong in your faith,<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo18;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>be
|
||
thankful for everything He has done in your life<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>during the week, when Leanne
|
||
looked over my notes, she mentioned a study she did once on the <b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>benefits</b> of<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>“fixing your eyes on Christ”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>out of Psalms<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Ps 25:1-15</b> – it’s
|
||
a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>great study</i></b>, and I recommend it for
|
||
a homework assignment – it will really open your eyes to God’s provision, <b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>once</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>you decide to look to Him as your source of life<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>¿Q: </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>that
|
||
sounds too<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“religious” … and might even
|
||
work well when everything is going great …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:75.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo20;
|
||
tab-stops:list 75.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what
|
||
happens when the rubber meets the road?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:75.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo20;
|
||
tab-stops:list 75.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>how
|
||
do we handle the tough situations in life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:75.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo20;
|
||
tab-stops:list 75.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what
|
||
are the practical benefits to attempting this lifestyle change?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>let’s turn back again to Romans 5<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for some insight to this question<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Rom 5:1-5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>… [NLT]<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Therefore, since we have
|
||
been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what
|
||
Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[2]
|
||
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest
|
||
privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to
|
||
sharing God's glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[3] We can rejoice, too,
|
||
when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us –
|
||
they help us learn to endure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[4] And
|
||
endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our
|
||
confident expectation of salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[5]
|
||
And this expectation will not disappoint us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy
|
||
Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>when we’re<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>tempted</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to take our eyes off of Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>we are encouraged once again by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>God’s assurance</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>of the 3 elements of salvation:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[v. 1] we have<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>peace</b>
|
||
– real peace, not the cessation of hostilities that the world offers,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>but real inward peace and contentment that comes from knowing
|
||
where we stand with God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[vv. 1-2] since we have
|
||
received<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>assurance</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>of our standing
|
||
with God,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>He then reminds us of what we’ll experience for an eternity<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as
|
||
a result,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[vv. 3-4] we can take<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>joy</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in hard times, because God uses them to
|
||
develop our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>character</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>even further …
|
||
and the sanctification process moves ahead a little bit<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[v. 5] for dessert, if we’re
|
||
a bit low thinking about the scrapes/ trauma that might be in store for us<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:75.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo20;
|
||
tab-stops:list 75.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>God
|
||
tells us again that He will <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>never</i></b> disappoint us,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:75.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo20;
|
||
tab-stops:list 75.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>that
|
||
He <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>loves</b> us deeply, and <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:75.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo20;
|
||
tab-stops:list 75.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>that
|
||
He has <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>given us</i></b> the <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>power</b>
|
||
to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>live an over-coming life</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>these particular verses
|
||
became more real to me since the onset of Cynthia’s cancer in 1990, when God
|
||
really strengthened us through these (and many others) for the physical and
|
||
spiritual battles that lay ahead<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:21.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-21.6pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;
|
||
tab-stops:list 36.0pt 58.5pt'><![if !supportLists]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>iii.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span></b><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:uppercase'>the<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>process<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>growth<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>it is important to look for
|
||
principles in the Word in order to begin<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>discerning God’s will</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for
|
||
our lives<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>so too, our overall<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>growth
|
||
</b>and<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> development</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>spiritual realm</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is
|
||
impacted by a series of spiritual truths and principles that God has ordained …
|
||
and spelled out in His Word<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>and this brings us to the<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>1<sup>st</sup> key
|
||
difference</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>between mature believers
|
||
and all others:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>#1<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>mature<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>believers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>develop<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>clear<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>insight<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>into<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>spiritual<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>truths<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>the development of this
|
||
ability also takes time and much practice<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>because it is so difficult
|
||
for us to discern and think and function in this<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>spiritual realm</i></b>,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>God has given us some<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>keys</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>to aid our understanding – one of those key precepts is that:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>there are many parallels
|
||
between the physical laws and the spiritual principles that govern our lives<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>in this way, we can understand
|
||
a spiritual truth in light of its parallel physical law<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>¿Q:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what examples of<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>key
|
||
spiritual understandings</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>can you
|
||
see in these Scriptures?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>I Thess 2:11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And you know that we treated
|
||
each of you as a father treats his own children.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>God loves us, as a<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>father</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>loves his children<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>… God often provides us with earthly<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>“fathering”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>when we need
|
||
it<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>I Tim 4:8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Physical exercise has some value, but
|
||
spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both
|
||
this life and the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:3.0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-3.0cm'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>spiritual
|
||
exercise</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is important because its
|
||
rewards are experienced here on earth <u>and</u> in heaven<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… spiritual
|
||
exercise is just as essential and difficult to appropriate into your life as
|
||
physical exercise<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… spiritual
|
||
discipline is easily scaled back, replaced by more “interesting” pursuits, or
|
||
just forgotten<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>I Pet 2:2-3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You must crave pure spiritual milk so that
|
||
you can grow into the fullness of your salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, [3] now that
|
||
you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-54.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>if you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>really</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>want to grow
|
||
spiritually, <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>cry out</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to God for nourishment – “taste and see that
|
||
the Lord is good”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-54.0pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>… a baby doesn’t need any training to recognize its need for milk
|
||
– why do people need to be convinced of the need for reading God’s Word?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-54.0pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>… <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>if</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your spiritual
|
||
nourishment is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>contaminated</i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>by the world/ its pleasures/ its
|
||
temptations, it will stunt your spiritual growth<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>this is the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>2<sup>nd</sup><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>key difference</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>between mature believers and all others:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>#2<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>mature<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>believers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>have<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>craving /<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>all-consuming<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>appetite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God’s<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Word<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Heb 5:13-14<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And a person who is living on milk isn't
|
||
very far along in the Christian life and doesn't know much about doing what is
|
||
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[14] Solid food is for those who
|
||
are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between
|
||
right and wrong and then do what is right.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>spiritual maturity isn’t measured in years, but in a<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>progressively
|
||
growing hunger</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… the<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Word</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is not a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>“fast food”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>consumed amongst
|
||
other activities, but fine dining at its best<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… the Word
|
||
should be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>enjoyed</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for all its subtle
|
||
pleasures over a long period of time<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… one
|
||
characteristic of a mature Christian is their ability to<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>discern</b>
|
||
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>right from wrong<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… <b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>training</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>in discernment requires meditation and study of God’s Word<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>other parallels<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span></b>can you see in Scripture?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… perhaps
|
||
you could take that on for another homework assignment<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>let’s look at one more example from Romans 5:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Romans 5:17 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The sin of this one man, Adam, caused
|
||
death to rule over us, but all who receive God's wonderful, gracious gift of
|
||
righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man,
|
||
Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>spiritual<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>death rules</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>over all people who don’t accept God’s free gift<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… Jesus is
|
||
like a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>2<sup>nd</sup> Adam</b>, whose actions affected all of humanity<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… spiritual
|
||
triumph over sin and death is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>available to all</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>people,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>through Christ</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… if you
|
||
want to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>live victoriously</b>, you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>must
|
||
rely</i></b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>is that the desire of<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>your </b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>heart?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>if</span></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>it is, what is the<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>impact</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>turn to chapter 6 … and meditate on:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Romans 6:11-14<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So you should consider yourselves dead to
|
||
sin & able to live for the glory of God thru Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[12] Do not let sin control the way you
|
||
live; do not give in to its lustful desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[13] Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be
|
||
used for sinning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, give
|
||
yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And use your whole body as a tool to do what
|
||
is right for the glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[14] Sin
|
||
is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves
|
||
you to sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, you are free by
|
||
God's grace.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>read it several times … take notes … underline or
|
||
highlight … consider<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what are 2 or 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>spiritual truths</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>concerning you?<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[vv. 11 + 14]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo22;
|
||
tab-stops:list 54.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>I’m
|
||
dead to sin<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo22;
|
||
tab-stops:list 54.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>I’m
|
||
able to glorify God with my life<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo22;
|
||
tab-stops:list 54.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>sin
|
||
is no longer my master<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo22;
|
||
tab-stops:list 54.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>I
|
||
am free from the slavery of sin because of the grace of God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what is your<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>present</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>relationship to sin?<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[v. 12]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo22;
|
||
tab-stops:list 54.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>it
|
||
often controls me … gives me wrong desires<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>should</i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>it be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[v. 12]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo22;
|
||
tab-stops:list 54.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>sin
|
||
should not be controlling me<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what should you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>avoid</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>at all costs?<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[v. 13a]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo22;
|
||
tab-stops:list 54.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>don’t
|
||
allow any part of your body be used for sinful purposes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what should you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>endeavor</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[v. 13b-c]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo22;
|
||
tab-stops:list 54.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>commit
|
||
yourself wholly to the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo22;
|
||
tab-stops:list 54.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>be
|
||
determined to use all parts of your body to do what is right/ bring glory to
|
||
God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>how would you explain the spiritual truth given
|
||
earlier in chapter 6 ?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Romans 6:5-6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since we have been united with Him in His
|
||
death, we will also be raised as He was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[6] Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might
|
||
lose its power in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are no
|
||
longer slaves to sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>if we are truly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>“in
|
||
Christ”,</i></b> our sinful nature was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>nailed on the cross</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>along with Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>– who
|
||
covered/ was ransomed for/ and <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>conquered</b>
|
||
our sins<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>– <span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>so that</span><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>we could have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>access to power</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in this life to overcome our sinful desires<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>– <span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>so that</span><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>we could be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>victorious</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>over and not victims to our sin nature<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>if God intends you to live in<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>triumph</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>over sin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[Rom 5:17]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to be<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>free</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>from the power of sin over your life<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[Rom 6:5-6 + 11-14]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>– what<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>applications</i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>can you think of for your life ??<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>in summary, we are saved by faith – for a purpose – <b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>what purpose?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>read ahead a few books to Ephesians, chapter 2<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Eph 2:8-10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God saved you by His special favor when
|
||
you believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And you can't take credit
|
||
for this; it is a gift from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[9]
|
||
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can
|
||
boast about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[10] For we are God's
|
||
masterpiece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He has created us anew in
|
||
Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>what is our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>identity?</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[v. 10a-b]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>we are God’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>masterpiece</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>we are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>new creations</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>“in Christ”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>what’s our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>purpose?</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[v. 10c]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>we are created for good<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>works of God’s</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>planning<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>on review, is God doing anything in or through<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>your</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>let’s look at the next book for an answer …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Phil 1:6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I am sure that God, who began the good
|
||
work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day
|
||
when Christ Jesus comes back again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>God is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>actively</i><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>completing</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>His work in our lives<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>as you <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>reflect</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on your life …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:4.5pt;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo24;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>are
|
||
you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>thankful</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for all that God
|
||
is doing in you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:4.5pt;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo24;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>do
|
||
you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>rejoice</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in conflicts
|
||
because of the evidence that God is still perfecting you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:4.5pt;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo24;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>are
|
||
you<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>grateful</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for what God<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>has</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>done,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>is</i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>doing, and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>will</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>do in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:21.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-21.6pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;
|
||
tab-stops:list 36.0pt 58.5pt'><![if !supportLists]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>iv.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span></b><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:uppercase'>how<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>live<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>now that we’ve gotten a
|
||
glimpse of our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>identity</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“in Christ”,<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>some of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>purposes</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>that God created us for,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>begun to practice looking at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>spiritual truths<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></b>contained in God’s Word, …<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>let’s focus on the more -<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>practical:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>what specific<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>guidelines – for living a
|
||
sanctified life</b> – can we see in the Word?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>the entire books of<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Psalms</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Proverbs</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>very</i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>useful for <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>daily living</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>… they contain<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>100’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>+ 100’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>of<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>practical
|
||
insights<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></b>and<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>principles</b> to help you
|
||
through your days<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>from years of personal
|
||
experience,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>I can encourage you to spend much time meditating on those
|
||
Scriptures<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>in the midst of every-day life decisions and challenges<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>but for now, let’s turn back
|
||
to the book of Romans, chapter 8, for a quick look at practical guidelines<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Rom 8:4-6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He did this so that the requirement of the
|
||
law would be fully accomplished for us who no longer follow our sinful nature
|
||
but instead follow the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[5] Those who are dominated by the sinful
|
||
nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy
|
||
Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[6] If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is
|
||
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But if the Holy Spirit controls
|
||
your mind, there is life and peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>think</b> about things
|
||
that please God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>another can be found in II Cor<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>II Cor 5:7-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That is why we live by believing and not
|
||
by seeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[8] Yes, we are fully
|
||
confident, and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be
|
||
at home with the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[9] So our aim
|
||
is to please Him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this
|
||
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>we can try to please God all the time – not only by our thoughts
|
||
– but also with our <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>faith</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:3.0cm'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>by<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>living
|
||
confidently</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>what
|
||
we believe</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>and several more can be seen in Ephesians, chapter 5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Eph 5:1-4<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Follow God's example in everything you do,
|
||
because you are His dear children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[2]
|
||
Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who
|
||
loved you and gave Himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And God was pleased, because that sacrifice
|
||
was like sweet perfume to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[3] Let there be no sexual immorality,
|
||
impurity, or greed among you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Such sins
|
||
have no place among God's people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[4]
|
||
Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes – these are not for you.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, let there be thankfulness to
|
||
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>live a life of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>loving</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>others … first!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>decide to live sexually<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>pure</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>lives<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>don’t be greedy in your thoughts or deeds<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:70.9pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-70.9pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>watch your<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>tongue!</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>it can be a source of great evil … or
|
||
of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>thankfulness</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to God – choose thx<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Eph 5:15-20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So be careful how you live, not as fools
|
||
but as those who are wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[16] Make
|
||
the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[17] Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to
|
||
understand what the Lord wants you to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[18] Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and
|
||
control you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[19] Then you will sing
|
||
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord
|
||
in your hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[20] And you will
|
||
always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord
|
||
Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>carefully – and with wisdom from the Lord – look for chances to
|
||
perform<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>good deeds</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>don’t get drunk on anything!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>allow the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Holy Spirit to fill</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>your life and thoughts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>sing</b>/ play edifying
|
||
music – even if you aren’t a great musician … “make a joyful noise …”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>decide to be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>grateful</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>to the Lord for everything … all the time<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>there are a few more in Colossians chapter 3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Col 3:12-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Since God chose you to be the holy people
|
||
whom He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness,
|
||
humility, gentleness, and patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[13] You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the
|
||
person who offends you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Remember, the
|
||
Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[14] And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is
|
||
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Love is what binds us all
|
||
together in perfect harmony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[15] And
|
||
let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For as members of one Body you are all called
|
||
to live in peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And always be
|
||
thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[16] Let the words of Christ, in all their
|
||
richness, live in your hearts and make you wise.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Use His words to teach and counsel each other.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to
|
||
God with thankful hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[17] And
|
||
whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all
|
||
the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>practice godly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>character:</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiving<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>be ready to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>forgive</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>others<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>decide to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>love</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>other people – to the extent that unbelievers notice it!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>be committed to living at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>peace</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with others … and deep within your own heart<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:72.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-72.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>immerse
|
||
yourself in God’s Word</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so that when you speak or teach or encourage
|
||
or counsel others<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>they will hear the Words of God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:72.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-72.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>here’s that singing thing <b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>again</b> … do we get the message that God
|
||
likes to hear a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>joyful noise</b>??<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>and again, be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>thankful<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span></b>in all you do<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>turn to 1<sup>st</sup> John for a couple more
|
||
examples<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>I John 1:6-10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So we are lying if we say we have
|
||
fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are not living in the truth.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[7] But if we are living in the light of
|
||
God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and
|
||
the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from every sin.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[8] If we say we have no sin, we are only
|
||
fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[9] But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to
|
||
forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[10] If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and
|
||
showing that His Word has no place in our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>live in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>fellowship</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>with the Truth – Jesus Christ Himself<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>quick to </i>recognize</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>confess sin</b> … and allow God to cleanse
|
||
you from every sin<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>this is the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>3<sup>rd</sup><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>key difference</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>between mature believers and all others:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoBlockText>#3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>mature<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>believers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>able<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>quickly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>recognize<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>sin<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>lives<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>be<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>reconciled</p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>they often see the error of their ways in the midst
|
||
of the sin, experience profound sorrow over their actions, and confess their
|
||
sin to the Father, seeking His forgiveness and the path to reconciliation<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>turn to the 2<sup>nd</sup><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>chapter of the same book, to find a couple more practical
|
||
guidelines<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>I John 2:5-10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But those who obey God's Word really do
|
||
love Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That is the way to know
|
||
whether or not we live in Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[6]
|
||
Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[7] Dear friends, I am not writing a new
|
||
commandment, for it is an old one you have always had, right from the
|
||
beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This commandment – to love
|
||
one another – is the same message you heard before.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[8] Yet it is also new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>This commandment is true in Christ and is true among you, because the
|
||
darkness is disappearing and the true light is already shining.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[9] If anyone says, "I am living in
|
||
the light," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still
|
||
living in darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[10] Anyone who
|
||
loves other Christians is living in the light and does not cause anyone to
|
||
stumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>obey</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God’s Word and live like Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>love</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>others so evidently, that others will notice
|
||
it<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>avoid behaviours that may be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>legal</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>or acceptable – <b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>but</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>that cause others to fall into sin<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>and a few verses later, in<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>I John 2:15-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Stop loving
|
||
this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you
|
||
show that you do not have the love of the Father in you.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[16] For the world offers only the lust for
|
||
physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our
|
||
possessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These are not from the
|
||
Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are from this evil world.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[17] And this world is fading away, along
|
||
with everything it craves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But if you
|
||
do the will of God, you will live forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>decide to stop loving</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>and</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>seeking after what the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>world</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>has to offer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:36.0pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>– materialism … conspicuous consumption<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>illustration:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Russian teen-ager buying tray
|
||
full of M<sup>c</sup>D’s food<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and throwing it all away<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:21.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-21.6pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;
|
||
tab-stops:list 36.0pt 58.5pt'><![if !supportLists]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>v.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span></b><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:uppercase'>the<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>mature<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>believer’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>heart<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>but don’t get me wrong, it’s
|
||
<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>not</span></b>
|
||
simply a matter of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>acting properly</b> … or sanctimoniously<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:70.9pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-70.9pt;tab-stops:
|
||
list 58.5pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>if it
|
||
were, we could<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>legislate<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“correct”<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>behaviour</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>that would make everyone acceptable to God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>many of these<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“practical guidelines”<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>could be used as new<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>laws
|
||
for controlling</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>behaviour<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt;text-transform:uppercase'>resist</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>this
|
||
temptation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>while a majority of these verses say<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>“act this way”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:75.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-39.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo20;
|
||
tab-stops:list 58.5pt 75.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>most
|
||
of these principles refer to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>heart attitude</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>or transforming your will and desires<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:75.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-39.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo20;
|
||
tab-stops:list 58.5pt 75.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>your
|
||
maturity as a Christian is more a matter of heart than deeds … <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:75.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-39.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo20;
|
||
tab-stops:list 58.5pt 75.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>–<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>but<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>both</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>are important … sound familiar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[faith<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><sup>vs.</sup><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>works]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>the critical importance of
|
||
your heart’s attitude is even recognized in the Old Testament<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>e.g., in Proverbs chapter
|
||
4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>we read<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Prov 4:23<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Above all else, guard your
|
||
heart, for it affects everything you do. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>OK then, what are some of these<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>attitudes</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>that we need to develop as mature
|
||
Christians?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>let’s turn to the book of
|
||
Philippians for some clues<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Phil 3:13-16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still
|
||
not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing:<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Forgetting the past and looking forward to
|
||
what lies ahead, [14] I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the
|
||
prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[15] I hope all of you who are mature
|
||
Christians will agree on these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[16] But we must be sure to obey the truth
|
||
we have learned already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>adopt</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>a<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>future perspective – <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>live in</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>with</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>hope!</b>
|
||
… don’t dwell on the past<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>focus</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on long-term<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>character</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>development and<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>treasure valued in heaven</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>commit</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>yourself to
|
||
the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>discipline</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>perseverance</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>necessary to<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>finish</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the race<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>devote</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>yourself to<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>rapid</i> obedience</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>look too, back in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>I Cor<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>I Cor 15:58<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, my dear brothers and sisters, be
|
||
strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that
|
||
nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>strive to be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>reliable</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>enthusiastic</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>these all seems like a lot of data – what<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>motivates</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>us to attempt these changes ?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>knowing</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>nothing</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>we do for the
|
||
Lord is useless<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:21.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-21.6pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6;
|
||
tab-stops:list 36.0pt 58.5pt'><![if !supportLists]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>vi.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span></b><![endif]><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:uppercase'>your<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>commitment<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>maturity<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>your growth in Christ has many<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>analogies
|
||
to your physical development </b>– <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo26;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>it<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>takes
|
||
time</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and someone determined to<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“win the race”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo26;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>you
|
||
start with crying out for the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>“milk”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>of God’s Word<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>before</span>
|
||
you crave hearty nourishment<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo26;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>you
|
||
learn to crawl – then walk – then run – then<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>race</span>!!</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo26;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>you<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>need
|
||
others</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to help you, teach &
|
||
guide you, and play/ celebrate with you<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-45.0pt;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo26;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>learning
|
||
to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>pray</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is like learning to speak – you start
|
||
slowly, with small words … and then work at it for a long time before you feel
|
||
fluent and capable … and then you realize that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>real</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>communication<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>requires</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>more listening</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>than talking<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:54.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-45.0pt;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo26;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>the
|
||
other<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>spiritual disciplines</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>require the same practice and dedication and commitment that a
|
||
professional athlete has to make to physical conditioning and training<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>a high level of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>commitment</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is necessary<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>if</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>you desire to
|
||
run the race to the finish<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>are there any<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>special
|
||
dangers</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“finishing well” ?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:108.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-108.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>some of the behavioural, character,
|
||
relational, and heart attitude issues have already been discussed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>but there are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>other</i></b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>dangers or obstacles to your development of
|
||
Christian maturity<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>if we turn to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>I Peter, chapter 5, we can read Peter’s closing words of hope and encouragement
|
||
to the Christians who were scattered throughout northern Asia Minor (modern-day
|
||
Turkey) during a time of intense persecution of Christians by the Roman and
|
||
Jewish authorities<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>I Peter 5:4-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And when the head Shepherd comes, your
|
||
reward will be a never-ending share in His glory and honour.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[5] You younger men, accept the authority
|
||
of the elders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And all of you, serve
|
||
each other in humility, for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>"God
|
||
sets himself against the proud, but He shows favor to the humble."<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[6] So humble
|
||
yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in His good time He will honour
|
||
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[7] Give all your worries and
|
||
cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[8] Be careful!<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He prowls around like a roaring lion,
|
||
looking for some victim to devour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[9]
|
||
Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Remember that your Christian brothers and
|
||
sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you
|
||
are. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[10] In His kindness God called you to His eternal glory by means
|
||
of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After you have
|
||
suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He
|
||
will place you on a firm foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[11] All power is His forever and ever. <span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>while<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>holding fast</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>to the hope of eternal glory with Christ … and reminding them of
|
||
God’s plan of salvation for them … Peter is exhorting the believers to<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>grow
|
||
in their faith</b> – the sanctification step<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:36.0pt;mso-list:l12 level1 lfo28;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>with
|
||
practical suggestions for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>behaviour</b>, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:36.0pt;mso-list:l12 level1 lfo28;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>in
|
||
their development of Christian<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>character</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>relationships</b>, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:36.0pt;mso-list:l12 level1 lfo28;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>in
|
||
their<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>attitudes</b> – especially toward other believers and leaders,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:36.0pt;mso-list:l12 level1 lfo28;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>also
|
||
by way of warnings in light of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>inevitable spiritual attacks</b>,<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:36.0pt;mso-list:l12 level1 lfo28;
|
||
tab-stops:list 18.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>suggested<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>strategies</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for defending against those spiritual
|
||
attacks<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:5.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:67.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo30;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>be
|
||
alert<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:67.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo30;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>know
|
||
that you have a strong spiritual enemy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:67.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo30;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>he
|
||
is out to destroy you<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:27.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:67.5pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo30;
|
||
tab-stops:list 27.0pt'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
|
||
</span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>resist
|
||
him with your faith in Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>in Peter’s 2<sup>nd</sup> book, we can read about
|
||
another one of our enemy’s strategies<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>II Pet 3:17-18<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am warning you ahead of time, dear
|
||
friends, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the errors of
|
||
these wicked people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don't want you
|
||
to lose your own secure footing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[18]
|
||
But grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
|
||
Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To Him be all glory and honour, both now
|
||
and forevermore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>to finish well, we must always be<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>discerning</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>truthfulness of<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>message<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></i>and<i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>messenger</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>our spiritual foundations are strengthened by growing in
|
||
our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>knowledge of God</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“accuser
|
||
of the brethren”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is not especially
|
||
creative or innovative<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>– but that
|
||
doesn’t mean he’s ineffective<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>turning ahead to 1<sup>st</sup> John, we can read
|
||
his warnings about another subtle strategy of the evil one:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>planting seeds of fear, doubt, unbelief, mistrust,
|
||
and disunity in our minds<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>I Jn 4:16-21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We know how much God loves us, and we have
|
||
put our trust in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God is love, and all who live in love live
|
||
in God, and God lives in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[17] And
|
||
as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face
|
||
Him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[18] Such love has no fear because perfect
|
||
love expels all fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If we are afraid,
|
||
it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that His love has not been perfected
|
||
in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[19] We love each other as a
|
||
result of His loving us first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[20] If someone says, "I love
|
||
God,"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>but hates a Christian
|
||
brother or sister, that person is a liar;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we
|
||
have not seen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[21] And God Himself has
|
||
commanded that we must love not only Him but our Christian brothers and
|
||
sisters, too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>this subject of spiritual warfare will be taken up
|
||
later in the year, so I won’t go further into it now<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>… just be assured that<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>God loves us</b>,<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and that we can<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>trust </b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>we must<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>love one another</b> … esp. our brothers
|
||
and sisters in Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>this whole issue of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>trusting God</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>can cripple us in our walk<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>if</span></b><span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>we question God or His Word<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Paul also instructs Timothy in these same matters,
|
||
in his 2<sup>nd</sup> letter to him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>II Tim.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>3:13-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But evil people and impostors will
|
||
flourish. They will go on deceiving others, and they themselves will be
|
||
deceived. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[14] But you must remain faithful to the
|
||
things you have been taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You know
|
||
they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[15] You have been taught the holy
|
||
Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the
|
||
salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[16] All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us
|
||
what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It straightens us out and teaches us to do
|
||
what is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[17] It is God's way of
|
||
preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to
|
||
do.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>what is our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>purpose</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>in life?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>we are created for good<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>works of God’s</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>planning<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>has God left us<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>alone</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>to figure these out and organize a way of accomplishing these tasks?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>no</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>–<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God has<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>fully</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>prepared</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and equipped us for the work<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>what must we<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>do</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>to avail ourselves of this aid?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>“simply”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>remain faithful and trust</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>how can we be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>strengthened</b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>so that we remain faithful and trusting?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:108.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-108.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>prayer</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is a great starting point in building our
|
||
defenses against attack and in preparing the way for a deepening walk with the
|
||
Lord<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>this is the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>4<sup>th</sup><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>key difference</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>between mature believers and all others:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:108.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-108.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>#4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>mature<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>believers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>see<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>deep<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>abiding<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>prayer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>an<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>essential<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>means<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>nurturing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>relationship<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lord<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>we’ve already studied the<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>role of prayer in a
|
||
disciple’s life</b>,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>so we won’t repeat
|
||
those lessons here<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… but remember:<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>prayer
|
||
= communication</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>with God<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… and<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>communication</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>is a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>necessary</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>ingredient</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
|
||
style='text-transform:uppercase'>any</span></i></b><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>relationship<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>and our prayers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'>can</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>have a significant
|
||
impact on other believers’ lives<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is a classic example
|
||
of how we can pray for others in the Body<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Eph 1:16-23<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have never stopped thanking God for
|
||
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I pray for you constantly, [17]
|
||
asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual
|
||
wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[18] I pray that your hearts will be flooded
|
||
with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to
|
||
those He called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I want you to realize
|
||
what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to His people.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[19] I pray that you will begin to
|
||
understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe Him.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is the same mighty power<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[20]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honour
|
||
at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>[21] Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or
|
||
anything else in this world or in the world to come.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[22] And God has put all things under the authority of Christ,
|
||
and He gave Him this authority for the benefit of the church.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>[23] And the church is His Body; it is
|
||
filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:70.9pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-70.9pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>would you pray this for the person next to
|
||
you today? … for your family? … for your leaders?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>is there hope for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>us</b>?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Paul says that each one of us could pray the prayer that he
|
||
shared with Timothy in his 2<sup>nd</sup> letter<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>II Tim.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>4:7-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have fought a good fight, I have
|
||
finished the race, and I have remained faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>[8] And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness that
|
||
the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of His
|
||
return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And the prize is not just for
|
||
me but for all who eagerly look forward to His glorious return.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>¿Q:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>so, after all this study, what do you think a mature Christian
|
||
is?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>A:</span></b><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>a mature Christian is one who continues to follow Christ, with
|
||
the evidence of fruitfulness in the Lord’s work, experiencing God’s grace and
|
||
love, and looking forward to spending eternity with Him<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>what are some of the<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>key differences</span></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>between mature believers and all others:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>#1<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>mature<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>believers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>develop<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>clear<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>insight<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>into<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>spiritual<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>truths<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>#2<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>mature<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>believers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>have<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>craving /<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>all-consuming<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>appetite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>God’s<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Word<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:108.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-108.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>#3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>mature<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>believers<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>able<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></b><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>to</span><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>quickly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>recognize<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>sin<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>their<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>lives<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>be<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>reconciled<o:p></o:p></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:108.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-108.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>#4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>mature<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>believers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>see<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>deep<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>abiding<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>prayer<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>as<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>an<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>essential<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>means<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
|
||
</span>nurturing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>their<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>relationship<span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lord<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:
|
||
uppercase'>challenge:</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>does this<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>describe
|
||
you</b>?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:72.0pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>are you willing to make
|
||
this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'>commitment</b>?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;text-indent:72.0pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>would you<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>pray</b><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>for God’s strength and perseverance<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>to succeed</i></b>?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>God is waiting, in Rev chapter 3<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>we read:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Rev 3:20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>[the Lord is speaking, and says:]<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>"Look!<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here I stand at the door and knock.<span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you hear Me calling and open the door, I
|
||
will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>in closing, let’s return
|
||
again to our opening Scripture – Romans 12:1-2, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>which I’d like to pray for
|
||
each one of you:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt;tab-stops:list 58.5pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:
|
||
10.0pt'>Rom 12:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And so, dear
|
||
brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Let them be
|
||
a living and holy sacrifice – the kind He will accept.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:
|
||
normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When you
|
||
think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-36.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God
|
||
transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-36.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun:
|
||
yes"> </span>Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know
|
||
how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:111.15pt;margin-bottom:
|
||
0cm;margin-left:36.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-36.0pt'><b
|
||
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span
|
||
style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;text-transform:uppercase'><span
|
||
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Amen!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
|
||
mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Disc - Maturing in Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p>
|
||
|
||
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:111.15pt'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;
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mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>8.8.2k<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</div>
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</body>
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</html>
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