Surrendered to God
Giving God what He wants the most
Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Jesus taught about surrendering to God in John 12:20-26:
Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip *came and *told Andrew; Andrew and Philip *came and *told Jesus. 23 And Jesus *answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
Jesus is using hyperbole when he says “hates his life”.
What does he mean by losing life to gain life?
What does Jesus mean by serving and following Him?
Jesus not only taught about surrendering to God, He showed us how to do it by doing it Himself.
Philippians 2:5-11 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
What did it mean to Jesus to empty Himself? To humble Himself?
Hebrews 12:1-2 Talks about the joy that awaited Jesus on the other side of the cross. Listen carefully:
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What was the joy referred to here?
What joy can we experience by surrendering to God?
What are the biggest barriers that keep us from surrendering completely to God?
Do you want to surrender completely? Do you want to hold on to part of your life and not give it to God?
Spend a few moments in prayer and quiet consideration on this matter.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Romans 12 Week 1
Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
What is true spirituality?
That is the topic we are going to talk about this morning. Jane Fonda (self professed Christian) …I needed to move back into the reverence of metaphor, the language of the soul. That is where I know my faith wants to reside. From time to time, there have been the awakened ones, conduits of perception, who, by fully embodying Spirit, have shown us the way—Jesus, Muhammed, Buddha, Allah, and others. Their messages have invariably been bare-bone-simple, remarkably similar and often embedded in metaphor, stories, and poems—all forms of art. Why? Because the non-linear, non-cerebral forms that are Art speak on a different frequency, they by-pass thinking, penetrate our defenses and jolt us open to consciousness. Over time, and, I feel, because I stepped outside of established religion, I was able to rekindle the spiritual experience that I’d been seeking. Some will say that because of all this I am not a true Christian. So be it. I feel like a Christian, I believe in the teachings of Jesus and try to practice them in my life. I have found Christians all over this country who feel as I do. They may not have been ‘saved’ yet they hum with divine spirit.
What are some popular ideas and definitions of spirituality? What are some ways that we try to identify spiritual people (Christians)? Answer and Discussion… Jesus had a discussion with some Pharisees who were struggling to understand spirituality as well. They viewed man’s relationship with God through the lens of the Law, so when they heard Jesus teaching like an expert, they asked him about what is the greatest commandment of the Law.
Matthew 22:36-39 - 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’
What were the two things Jesus focused on? Relationship to God and to Man.
God us a Spiritual Being and Spirituality begins with a relationship to God. That Relationship begins with Salvation. I remember when this happened in my life (Testimony) Other Testimonies?
Romans 5:8 tells us that God loved us so that "when we were in our sin Christ Jesus came to die for us." Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
That is the topic we are going to talk about this morning. Jane Fonda (self professed Christian) …I needed to move back into the reverence of metaphor, the language of the soul. That is where I know my faith wants to reside. From time to time, there have been the awakened ones, conduits of perception, who, by fully embodying Spirit, have shown us the way—Jesus, Muhammed, Buddha, Allah, and others. Their messages have invariably been bare-bone-simple, remarkably similar and often embedded in metaphor, stories, and poems—all forms of art. Why? Because the non-linear, non-cerebral forms that are Art speak on a different frequency, they by-pass thinking, penetrate our defenses and jolt us open to consciousness. Over time, and, I feel, because I stepped outside of established religion, I was able to rekindle the spiritual experience that I’d been seeking. Some will say that because of all this I am not a true Christian. So be it. I feel like a Christian, I believe in the teachings of Jesus and try to practice them in my life. I have found Christians all over this country who feel as I do. They may not have been ‘saved’ yet they hum with divine spirit.
What are some popular ideas and definitions of spirituality? What are some ways that we try to identify spiritual people (Christians)? Answer and Discussion… Jesus had a discussion with some Pharisees who were struggling to understand spirituality as well. They viewed man’s relationship with God through the lens of the Law, so when they heard Jesus teaching like an expert, they asked him about what is the greatest commandment of the Law.
Matthew 22:36-39 - 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “ ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’
What were the two things Jesus focused on? Relationship to God and to Man.
God us a Spiritual Being and Spirituality begins with a relationship to God. That Relationship begins with Salvation. I remember when this happened in my life (Testimony) Other Testimonies?
Romans 5:8 tells us that God loved us so that "when we were in our sin Christ Jesus came to die for us." Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 10:9-10 "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Genesis 31
Genesis 31:1-13 Family Pow Wow
31:1-13 God commands Jacob to return.
Why do you think that Laban’s attitude had changed?
Jacob wanted to return, but what did he expect to find there? Esau, Rebekah?
31:3- God promises Jacob his presence.
V9 Jacob attributes his increase to God.
Family Pow Pow: Jacob tells his wives how their father has treated him.
Was this news to them?
Why do you think God reminded Jacob of his vow? What was the vow? 28:20-22
If you will be with me, and keep me on this journey, give me food and clothing, and I return in safety, then you will be my God and I’ll tithe.
Did God’s promise depend on Jacob’s safe return?
31:14-18 Rachel and Leah support Jacob.
What reasons do the girls give for siding with Jacob over Laban?
No inheritance
Status as foreigners by father
Laban sold us and spent the money
God has taken Laban’s wealth and given it to Jacob
God has spoken to you.
31:19-37
God speaks to Laban
Jacob deceives Laban
Rachel steals the household idols
Laban catches up with the convoy
What do Rachel’s actions say about her relationship with Jacob?
Are you surprised that God would speak to Laban?
Did Laban trust Rachel and Leah?
Was Jacob truthful when he told Laban why he left without warning?
31:38-53 The Agreement
Jacob tells his side of the story
What did Jacob agree to? Not to mistreat the girls or to return to do harm.
What did Laban agree to? Not to pursue Jacob for harm.
V53 – who did they swear by?
Jacob was being obedient to God in leaving Paddan-aram, but he faced difficulty in getting out of his current situation. Obedience is not always easy, nor is it easy to deal with life’s sticky situations. BUT God is faithful to keep his promises. He was with Jacob, and he is with us during our challenges in life, particularly when they come up as a result of our obedience to Him.
31:1-13 God commands Jacob to return.
Why do you think that Laban’s attitude had changed?
Jacob wanted to return, but what did he expect to find there? Esau, Rebekah?
31:3- God promises Jacob his presence.
V9 Jacob attributes his increase to God.
Family Pow Pow: Jacob tells his wives how their father has treated him.
Was this news to them?
Why do you think God reminded Jacob of his vow? What was the vow? 28:20-22
If you will be with me, and keep me on this journey, give me food and clothing, and I return in safety, then you will be my God and I’ll tithe.
Did God’s promise depend on Jacob’s safe return?
31:14-18 Rachel and Leah support Jacob.
What reasons do the girls give for siding with Jacob over Laban?
No inheritance
Status as foreigners by father
Laban sold us and spent the money
God has taken Laban’s wealth and given it to Jacob
God has spoken to you.
31:19-37
God speaks to Laban
Jacob deceives Laban
Rachel steals the household idols
Laban catches up with the convoy
What do Rachel’s actions say about her relationship with Jacob?
Are you surprised that God would speak to Laban?
Did Laban trust Rachel and Leah?
Was Jacob truthful when he told Laban why he left without warning?
31:38-53 The Agreement
Jacob tells his side of the story
What did Jacob agree to? Not to mistreat the girls or to return to do harm.
What did Laban agree to? Not to pursue Jacob for harm.
V53 – who did they swear by?
Jacob was being obedient to God in leaving Paddan-aram, but he faced difficulty in getting out of his current situation. Obedience is not always easy, nor is it easy to deal with life’s sticky situations. BUT God is faithful to keep his promises. He was with Jacob, and he is with us during our challenges in life, particularly when they come up as a result of our obedience to Him.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Youth Lesson on 1 Cor 10:31
1 Cor 10:31 Do All to the Glory of God.
School is Starting!
My Todo List: Meetings, Class, in-Box, Iphone
How do you keep up with what there is to do? Homework, games, tests, etc?
What are some things on your list?
Class – shopping – studying – work –
How about stuff not on the list, but that you are planning to do?
Read 1 Cor 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Context: V23 and 24: All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
Paul is talking to the church at Corinth, encouraging them to act is a way that takes others into account. The key point to the passage is that we should live so that others see Christ in our actions.
The Old Testament word for “glory” comes from the Hebrew word for weight, or heaviness. The idea behind it suggests substance and importance. For example, when Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt, he instructed them, “So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.” In other words, he wanted his greatness, his privileged position and exalted status and power, to be reported to Jacob.
In the New Testament, the word “glory” conveys the same idea. A man’s glory is his good reputation. It is that about him which is praiseworthy. Jesus uses the word this way in Matthew 6:2, “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
So when the Bible speaks of the glory of God it is referring to His worth and honor and greatness. Or, when this word is used of God, we could say that His majesty or supremacy is in view.
But we cannot make God more glorious than He already is and always has been. So when the Bible calls us to give glory to God it is not suggesting that we can in any way add glory to Him. He is already infinitely glorious within Himself and nothing we can do can increase His inherent worth and supremacy. He is God—the God of creation … and the God of providence…and the God of redemption…(who gave us Jesus Christ!). He is inherently all-glorious! No creature can ever do anything to add to His glory.
We can however, honor God in what we do, doing each act to point out how praiseworthy God is, rather than thinking of our actions as simply another item on the todo list.
My example – meetings – listen, be polite, value other’s opinions, in other words take others into account. Class- realize that I have student’s from different backgrounds, prepare for class, realize that as the teacher, I’m not the main person in the room, but the student’s and their learning is what is important.
How about your todo list? How can you do those things on this list so that you are seeking the good of your neighbor and glorifying God in the process?
School is Starting!
My Todo List: Meetings, Class, in-Box, Iphone
How do you keep up with what there is to do? Homework, games, tests, etc?
What are some things on your list?
Class – shopping – studying – work –
How about stuff not on the list, but that you are planning to do?
Read 1 Cor 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Context: V23 and 24: All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
Paul is talking to the church at Corinth, encouraging them to act is a way that takes others into account. The key point to the passage is that we should live so that others see Christ in our actions.
The Old Testament word for “glory” comes from the Hebrew word for weight, or heaviness. The idea behind it suggests substance and importance. For example, when Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers in Egypt, he instructed them, “So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.” In other words, he wanted his greatness, his privileged position and exalted status and power, to be reported to Jacob.
In the New Testament, the word “glory” conveys the same idea. A man’s glory is his good reputation. It is that about him which is praiseworthy. Jesus uses the word this way in Matthew 6:2, “Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
So when the Bible speaks of the glory of God it is referring to His worth and honor and greatness. Or, when this word is used of God, we could say that His majesty or supremacy is in view.
But we cannot make God more glorious than He already is and always has been. So when the Bible calls us to give glory to God it is not suggesting that we can in any way add glory to Him. He is already infinitely glorious within Himself and nothing we can do can increase His inherent worth and supremacy. He is God—the God of creation … and the God of providence…and the God of redemption…(who gave us Jesus Christ!). He is inherently all-glorious! No creature can ever do anything to add to His glory.
We can however, honor God in what we do, doing each act to point out how praiseworthy God is, rather than thinking of our actions as simply another item on the todo list.
My example – meetings – listen, be polite, value other’s opinions, in other words take others into account. Class- realize that I have student’s from different backgrounds, prepare for class, realize that as the teacher, I’m not the main person in the room, but the student’s and their learning is what is important.
How about your todo list? How can you do those things on this list so that you are seeking the good of your neighbor and glorifying God in the process?
Genesis 30-31
Jacob leaves Laban with Leah and Rachel
How many of you have a dog? Is it a mixed breed or a pure breed? What characteristics of each breed does it have?
What we skipped: Jacob meets uncle Laban and Rachel, agrees to work for 7 years so that he could marry Rachel. Jacob gets Leah, agrees to 7 more years of labor, gets Rachel. Several children are born to Leah, Rachel, and their 2 maids.
30:25-36 The Bargain (Jacob gets the spotted sheep)
After 14 years, Jacob is ready to go back “home”.
He strikes a bargain with Laban, but it has no exact time.
If you were Jacob, would you trust Laban?
30:37-43 Jacob uses a combination of selective breeding and popular superstition to increase his flock.
Jacob became exceedingly prosperous.
"By crossing the heterozygotes among themselves, Jacob would produce, according to the laws of heredity, twenty-five percent spotted sheep. Thus he multiplies his flock. (Heterozygote advantage)
Jacob's behavior was devious because he sought to prosper at the expense of his employer.
The text records that Jacob became very wealthy (v. 43), but it does not say that his wealth was a blessing from God. Jacob made his own fortune, as opposed to God making him rich like Abraham. God allowed Jacob to become wealthy through his own toil and deception. God probably would have done more for Jacob than he could have done for himself if Jacob had placed himself under God's authority.
In this section of Genesis we have walked through some of Jacob’s trials and experiences. As Jacob prepares to go back to his homeland, in obedience to God, how would you describe his maturity, his faith, and his personality?
How many of you have a dog? Is it a mixed breed or a pure breed? What characteristics of each breed does it have?
What we skipped: Jacob meets uncle Laban and Rachel, agrees to work for 7 years so that he could marry Rachel. Jacob gets Leah, agrees to 7 more years of labor, gets Rachel. Several children are born to Leah, Rachel, and their 2 maids.
30:25-36 The Bargain (Jacob gets the spotted sheep)
After 14 years, Jacob is ready to go back “home”.
He strikes a bargain with Laban, but it has no exact time.
If you were Jacob, would you trust Laban?
30:37-43 Jacob uses a combination of selective breeding and popular superstition to increase his flock.
Jacob became exceedingly prosperous.
"By crossing the heterozygotes among themselves, Jacob would produce, according to the laws of heredity, twenty-five percent spotted sheep. Thus he multiplies his flock. (Heterozygote advantage)
Jacob's behavior was devious because he sought to prosper at the expense of his employer.
The text records that Jacob became very wealthy (v. 43), but it does not say that his wealth was a blessing from God. Jacob made his own fortune, as opposed to God making him rich like Abraham. God allowed Jacob to become wealthy through his own toil and deception. God probably would have done more for Jacob than he could have done for himself if Jacob had placed himself under God's authority.
In this section of Genesis we have walked through some of Jacob’s trials and experiences. As Jacob prepares to go back to his homeland, in obedience to God, how would you describe his maturity, his faith, and his personality?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Genesis 28
Jacob leaves home
27:41-28:10
A Picture of family strife
After Jacob received his father’s blessing – Esau wanted to kill him.
Jacob feared Esau
Both parents had their favorite son
Rebekah was “tired of living”
Isaac – Old, deceived, not able to perceive what was going on around him.
Esau had already married Judith and Beeri – who caused a lot of trouble for Rebekah.
This is the line that God chose to bless in a supreme way. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Can we learn anything about God’s choices by looking at this family?
Does God mainly want to work through the “put together” and “perfect” people?
Why do even families who are faithful to God experience rebellious children sometimes?
28:11-28:22
Jacob’s vision and God’s promise
Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth
Spread out to the east and west, north, and south.
In you and your descendants, all the families in the earth will be blessed.
The Promise of the presence
First Person – Isaac 26:3 and 26:24
2nd person –Jacob 28:15 – I am with you.
3rd person – Moses Exodus 3:12
4th Person – Joshua Joshua 1:5
5th Person Gideon Judges 6:16
All -Christians Matthew 28:20
Jacob’s response,
A bargain and worship.
A stone to memorialize the place.
27:41-28:10
A Picture of family strife
After Jacob received his father’s blessing – Esau wanted to kill him.
Jacob feared Esau
Both parents had their favorite son
Rebekah was “tired of living”
Isaac – Old, deceived, not able to perceive what was going on around him.
Esau had already married Judith and Beeri – who caused a lot of trouble for Rebekah.
This is the line that God chose to bless in a supreme way. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Can we learn anything about God’s choices by looking at this family?
Does God mainly want to work through the “put together” and “perfect” people?
Why do even families who are faithful to God experience rebellious children sometimes?
28:11-28:22
Jacob’s vision and God’s promise
Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth
Spread out to the east and west, north, and south.
In you and your descendants, all the families in the earth will be blessed.
The Promise of the presence
First Person – Isaac 26:3 and 26:24
2nd person –Jacob 28:15 – I am with you.
3rd person – Moses Exodus 3:12
4th Person – Joshua Joshua 1:5
5th Person Gideon Judges 6:16
All -Christians Matthew 28:20
Jacob’s response,
A bargain and worship.
A stone to memorialize the place.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Genesis 25-6
Jacob and Esau
Genesis 25:24-34 Twins born. Birthright sold.
Eating/drinking/sinning.
Isaac had a taste for game – V28 – and therefore he loved Esau-Rebekah loved Jacob.
Adam’s sin was eating the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3
Noah drunk and sinned (uncovered himself) Genesis 9
Lot drunk Genesis 19
1 Corinthians 8 We have liberty to eat meat, but not to eat it if it causes our brother to stumble.
Esau gave up something very precious for something that smelled good, but was very temporal.
Edith Schaeffer, "What Is My Mess of Pottage?" Christianity Today (March 14, 1975), p. 50.
"How often do we put the question to ourselves, 'What is my mess of pottage?' Are we in danger of being tempted to give up something very precious in order to indulge a sudden strong desire? The desire may involve greedy eating and drinking, lusting after money or material things, letting loose our anger in abandonment of reason, cursing God in despair or disappointment without even thinking of the trap Satan may be setting for us, or giving in to a sweeping sexual desire without waiting for the right framework. The mess of pottage that is dangerous to you and to me is any temptation to gratify the 'feelings' of the immediate moment in a way that shows we 'despise' the promises of the living God for our future."
Genesis 27:1-29 Jacob gets Isaac’s blessing.
An oral blessing was as legally binding as a written will in the ancient Near East.
Given that the Lord had told Rebekah that Jacob would receive the God’s blessing (25:23) do you think she was just trying to help God out? Is this the same thing that Sara did with Hagar?
Isaac intended to give the blessing to Esau. What does this say about his relationship to God?
How is God’s sovereignty shown in this passage?
Genesis 25:24-34 Twins born. Birthright sold.
Eating/drinking/sinning.
Isaac had a taste for game – V28 – and therefore he loved Esau-Rebekah loved Jacob.
Adam’s sin was eating the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3
Noah drunk and sinned (uncovered himself) Genesis 9
Lot drunk Genesis 19
1 Corinthians 8 We have liberty to eat meat, but not to eat it if it causes our brother to stumble.
Esau gave up something very precious for something that smelled good, but was very temporal.
Edith Schaeffer, "What Is My Mess of Pottage?" Christianity Today (March 14, 1975), p. 50.
"How often do we put the question to ourselves, 'What is my mess of pottage?' Are we in danger of being tempted to give up something very precious in order to indulge a sudden strong desire? The desire may involve greedy eating and drinking, lusting after money or material things, letting loose our anger in abandonment of reason, cursing God in despair or disappointment without even thinking of the trap Satan may be setting for us, or giving in to a sweeping sexual desire without waiting for the right framework. The mess of pottage that is dangerous to you and to me is any temptation to gratify the 'feelings' of the immediate moment in a way that shows we 'despise' the promises of the living God for our future."
Genesis 27:1-29 Jacob gets Isaac’s blessing.
An oral blessing was as legally binding as a written will in the ancient Near East.
Given that the Lord had told Rebekah that Jacob would receive the God’s blessing (25:23) do you think she was just trying to help God out? Is this the same thing that Sara did with Hagar?
Isaac intended to give the blessing to Esau. What does this say about his relationship to God?
How is God’s sovereignty shown in this passage?
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