Romans 14

Here are basic that can be applied by all Christians of all of .

1^st Am I convinced? Romans 14:1-5

We are not to act from mere , but from settled inward that are the result of prayer,

study, and of the Word. Opinions are what we , while are what us.

2^nd Am I doing this the Lord? Romans 14:6-9  He is the Lord and we must live to .

3^rd Will it the at the judgement seat?  Romans 14:10-12

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.  2 Corinthians 5:10

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet only so as through fire.  1 Corinthians 3:10-15

4^th Am I causing to ? Romans 14:13-21

We are to live according to the rule of . Mark 9:33-50

Each of us should ask – are we to the Jesus paid on the cross?

All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up.  No one is to seek his own advantage, but rather that of his neighbor.  1 Corinthians 10:23-24

For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love. Do not destroy with your choice of food that person for whom Christ died. Romans 14:15

Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the person who eats and causes offense.  Romans 14:20

5^th Am I doing this by ? Romans 14:22-23

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.  Romans 10:17

Remember: Whatever is is not of .

6^th Am I pleasing or ? Romans 15:1-7

The ought to bear the weaknesses of the less Christians – and while doing so – seek to them up in the .

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us, for the glory of God.  Romans 15:7

This is what brings to .

 

Luke 2:41-52

“I do not know – only God knows.” 2 Corinthians 12:2c

One of our most common is that we of Jesus.

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for before he was taken up, he was attested to have been pleasing to God.  Hebrews 11:5

We need to ourselves a – is that what we ?

Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.  Psalm 147:5

I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My plan will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;  Isaiah 46:9b-10

Truths we can glean from this passage:

1^st As long as I believe Jesus me , I have not truly His glory; I am still thinking of what He might for .

2^nd As long as I feel to something Him, I have not seen His ; I am thinking of .

3^rd As long as I think I have a on Jesus so that He answer my and do things for , I am still not His glory; I am still for .

4^th But when I truly see His , I will Him to do what He todo – whether or I am the receiver of His .

5^th I will honor what He or do, even if it doesn’t me.

We begin to see the glory of God when we put out of the .

Not to us, Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, because of Your truth. But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.  Psalms 115:1 & 3

The question of the year as we grow should be:

“What’s for ?”

The Bible is a book – it is only proper

that we a God life.

“The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”  Jeremiah 17:9

I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another,  Isaiah 42:8a

 

Matthew 1:18 – 2:8

Opportunity = a set of that makes it to do something.

Opportunities are sensitive.

To seize the opportunity may change your , and the things you.

To refuse the opportunity may mean living with “ – – ”.

The question is – do you see an opportunity as a adventure or as a to a comfortable life?

Accepting means ! Declining may deepen !

Some of the main characteristics of the Christmas stories were presented with

opportunities to with God.

1. and (Luke 1:13)

Obstacle = v. 18

Obstacle = and

Obstacle = ,

Obstacle = ,

Obstacle = ,

1. and Israel’s

Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent men and killed all the boys who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.  Matthew 2:16

Obstacle =

How to look at opportunities

Life is a collection of and .

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Ephesians 5:16 NLT

Opportunities are often disguised as .

God does not give each of us equal , but He gives everyone opportunities to Him on the journey of life.

Understanding opportunities

Opportunities:

1. Are – invitations to join Him.
2. Often are disguised as moments.
3. Don’t
4. May not like what you .
5. Require
6. Are the of our

How do we recognize them?

1. Spiritual is the .

But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.  1 Corinthians 2:14

1. Walk in and .

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.  Colossians 4:5

1. Be led by .

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God.  Romans 8:14

1. Pay to recurring or inner .

Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.”  Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”  And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.  Acts 8:29-31

1. Push beyond and . (Mark 5:25-34)

Opportunities increase when you on the you have.

Philippians 4:4-8

is something that seems to be in our world!

What is ? Biblical JOY is defined to be a deep, sense of inner and that results from in God and His promises instead of being on external circumstances or factors.

Three that JOY:

1. Forces
2. Influences, Attitudes, & Behaviors
3. Resources

Notice the Factor: is left !

Principle: When and where there is , there is !

Truth: is in our lives, not because is , but because we are to the things of the to bring when they are of doing so.

Good News: We are not to live lives!

to be made:

• If we focus on the JOY , !
• If we lean into the JOY , !

Some Lasting Truths about from God’s Word:

1. JOY is found in .
2. Our is found in the of the .
3. JOY in His .
4. is the of JOY.
5. JOY is to .
6. JOY is a from the .
7. We are to live with JOY.

What is the to JOY?

• to the – The is !

Important Reminders:

• God did not their . (He may not yours either)
• God did not them from their . (He may not you either)
• God did them a special though – He offered them ! (He you that same JOY)

Caution: We think if God does not change our circumstance or remove us from our circumstance that is not . Is that true?

not! You have JOY and your circumstance.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:4-5, NLT

 

Luke 1:1-25

Luke one of the Lord’s disciples. Luke 1:1-4

Luke’s goal was accuracy, and .

Already – there were stories going around about the of Jesus and His ministry.

Luke’s goal – was to set the straight.

Notice the words, “In the days of Herod”. These were days – days.

To make matters worse, the people of Israel had not heard from God for years.

But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic like calves from the stall.
Malachi 4:2

“Behold, I am sending My messenger, and he will clear a way before Me. And the Lord, whom you are seeking, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of armies.
Malachi 3:1

When John the Baptist on the scene, he was the between the Old and the New Testaments.

Israel longed for someone to them.

Zacharias = “ ”.

Elizabeth = “My God is an .

What Are The Lessons?

1) Zacharias was a man.

Humble = power under !

But He gives a greater grace. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6

A humble person sees themselves as they really are – in need of a .

Zacharias was a priest.

We, too, are today.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
1 Peter 2:9

We God!

2) Zacharias was a man!

He was just doing his .

Here is the key: be in the things.

You can never be too – but you can be too .

 The one who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and the one who is unrighteous in a very little thing is also unrighteous in much.
Luke 16:10

3) Zacharias and Elizabeth were people.

They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. Luke 1:6

By the way – to be “” doesn’t mean sinless. This means they followed God.

Even with the difficulty of no – they were still faithful.

Do you think in this special , at this special , Zacharias thought of the others that were barren?

Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.
Revelation 8:3

God up the prayers of His people.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.
Luke 1:13

4) Zacharias was human and , just like us!

Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division,
Luke 1:8

God wasn’t just giving them a – He was working out .

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.
Luke 1:15

 

Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4

Have you ever just run out of ? Feeling ? out?

What us to get to that point? A few of those are…

• or provisions

Truth is – Our are .

Do you notice a common theme?

• – .
• Lack of – .
• and worry – most .

These are all struggles or responses. What is the issue at hand?

• struggle – Lack of or faith.

in the is one of .

• are anything that takes our and focus from where it should be.

Distractions:

1. our growth
2. Lead us
3. our vision
4.   us from what is most .

Distractions our eyes from the to our .

Distractions us into the and the .

Reminder – Our discipleship theme this year is : Discovering and Embracing God’s .

• The assesses GREATNESS based on the .
• assesses GREATNESS based on the .

To truly understand and embrace GREATNESS from God’s perspective, it is imperative that we the God.

4 Things God

1. Our
2. Our
   Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.  1 Peter 5:7, NLT
3. Our For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.  Psalm 103:14, NASB
4. Our

   God also knows our .
   Remember: “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”  Jeremiah 17:9, NASB

Think about listening to David about Jonathan!

As iron sharpens iron, So one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a treacherous person in time of trouble.  Proverbs 25:19

David’s encounter with Jonathan is mentioned in 1 Samuel 23, as David finds himself no more than a .

By this time David was so terrified by Saul that he had turned to methods.

He Ahimelech the priest = (1 Samuel 21:1-9).

He was reduced to playing the part of a madman before the king of Gath, the city of Goliath. (1 Samuel 21:10-15) (Psalm 34, 53, 56)

Then everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him.  1 Samuel 22:2

From the Gadites valiant mighty men went over to David at the stronghold in the wilderness, men trained for war who could handle a large shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains.  1 Chronicles 12:8

We should be that God is in the business of lives.

David was dealt a crushing at the Hebrew town of Keilah. (1 Samuel 23)

David sought the of God:

Then David said, “Will the citizens of Keilah hand me and my men over to Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will hand you over.” Then David and his men, about six hundred, rose up and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When it was reported to Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the pursuit. David stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul searched for him every day, but God did not hand him over to him.  1 Samuel 23:12-14

David, at this point, must have had a sense of – even .

When my spirit felt weak within me,
You knew my path.
In the way where I walk
They have hidden a trap for me.

Look to the right and see;
For there is no one who regards me favorably;

There is no escape for me;
No one cares for my soul.
Psalm 142:3-4

A Friend In Need!

And Jonathan, Saul’s son, set out and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God.  1 Samuel 23:16

As iron sharpens iron, So one person sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

A friend comes to and to strengthen in .

In other words – Jonathan David’s perspective on life by focusing him on .

• Three principles emerge:

1^st I need to be a friend.

2^nd My friendship with God must be the of my friendship with others.

3^rd I must help my friend be directly on the Lord.

Also, David was in great distress because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David felt strengthened in the Lord his God.  1 Samuel 30:6

Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
He will pay back the evil to my enemies;
Destroy them in Your faithfulness.

Willingly I will sacrifice to You;
I will praise Your name, Lord, for it is good.

For He has saved me from all trouble,
And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.
Psalm 54:4-7

Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

1 Samuel 19 & 20

A true of friendship = “”.

A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.  Proverbs 17:17

Four Clear Characteristics

1^st The of friendship! (1 Samuel 19:1-7)

“So deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if I am guilty of wrongdoing, kill me yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?”  1 Samuel 20:8

David was on Jonathan for more than a surface friendship – he wanted “”.

True friendship is a .

• The of loyalty!

A perverse person spreads strife, And a slanderer separates close friends.  Proverbs 16:28

One who conceals an offense seeks love, But one who repeats a matter separates close friends.  Proverbs 17:9

• the test!
• Jonathan David and David.

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.  Proverbs 12:25

• Jonathan even went a step farther – he .

Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “May the king not sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you.”  1 Samuel 19:4

Then Jonathan called David, and Jonathan told him all these words. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as before.  1 Samuel 19:7

2^nd –Bearing (1 Samuel 20:1-11)

A true friend not only , he becomes with my .

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

• Jonathan was .

Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul vowed, “As the Lord lives, David shall not be put to death.”  1 Samuel 19:6

Notice – Jonathan: , , .

Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.”  1 Samuel 20:4

There is often when you get .

Then Saul hurled his spear at him to strike and kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father had decided to put David to death.  1 Samuel 20:33

3^rd Edification!

A friend determines to into a friend’s so they can become all that desires them to be. (1 Samuel 20: 12-17)

Jonathan was a man of  which shows in his .

1. He called upon the as . (v.12)
2. Jonathan knew the . (v. 14)
3. Jonathan knew David would reign, and he would have to depend upon David’s .
4. Jonathan depended on and desired God’s .
5. Jonathan saw David as a and wanted God’s for his .

4^th !

“As for the agreement of which you and I have spoken, behold, the Lord is between you and me forever.”  1 Samuel 20:23

Take notice:

David Jonathan!

Why? David realized the .

 

Jesus gave one of the essential principles of life in:

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. John 12:24

Jonathan is an of this verse.

There are danger areas in friendship.

1. We choose the friends.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”  1 Corinthians 15:33

Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2

1. We the wrong friendships.

The destruction of friendship

If you want to ruin a friendship – there are rules we can learn from Saul.

1. Make sure your friendship is based on what the other person do you. (Be .)

Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul greatly loved him, and he became his armor bearer. So Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David now be my attendant for he has found favor in my sight.” So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would feel relieved and become well, and the evil spirit would leave him.
1 Samuel 16:21-23

This is what is called: a born out of .

This relationship is .

1. Be . Do all you can to isolate.

And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house.
1 Samuel 18:2

1. Cultivate . Hold on .

Now it happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with other musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” Then Saul became very angry, for this lyric displeased him; and he said, “They have given David credit for ten thousands, but to me they have given credit for only thousands! Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David with suspicion from that day on.
1 Samuel 18:6-9

Saul had developed the fine art of .

1. Don’t discuss your and irritation – .

Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul’s hand. Then Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David escaped from his presence, twice.
1 Samuel 18:10-11

To things up – acts like a cooker.

1. the person.

Now Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him but had left Saul. So Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
1 Samuel 18:12-13

1. envy.

Our society has little use for the word .

Jealousy is the attitude that makes me what I have.

Envy is the that makes me for what others have.

David was successful in all his ways, for the Lord was with him. When Saul saw that he was very successful, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he would go out to battle and return before them.
I Samuel 18:14-16

Envy – has two handmaids – and .

1. Harbor in your heart. Believe your of contempt are justified.

Now Saul told his son Jonathan and all his servants to put David to death.  1 Samuel 19:1a

When Saul saw and realized that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him, then Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David’s enemy continually.  1 Samuel 18:28-29

Is there a remedy?

Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.
Matthew 5:23-24

 

Mark 6

Interruptions in life are .

Interruptions demand our .

Interruptions by nature .

Interruptions are like pebbles or rocks in our shoes that bring and .

1. – What are they?

are defined to be caused by in upon course, current, progress, or motion; stop; hindrance.

Interruptions come in all and – flat tires, roads closed, slow drivers, construction delays, oversleeping, sickness, unexpected phone calls, last minute requests, etc.

of Interruptions:

• Catch us off
• Throw us off
• our plans

Interruptions are , , , and .

• Are interruptions just that get in the way of life?
• If so, is this because interruptions are or because we like to be in and interruptions with our ?

1. – Why do they occur?
2. Sometimes interrupts our life.
3. Sometimes around us cause interruptions.
4. Sometimes our actions and decisions bring interruptions.
5. Sometimes bring interruptions in our lives.
6. Sometimes or brings interruption.
7. Sometimes the brings interruptions.
8. – How can we handle them appropriately?

• Don’t focus on .
• Consider the picture.
• disagreement or opposition.
• Remember – is always at work.
• Be to what God is doing and be to join Him.

1. – How can they be beneficial?
2. God can use them to get our .
3. God can use them to our will with His.
4. God can use them to us.
5. God can use them to develop in us.
6. God can use them to our in Him.
7. God can use them to our with Him.

: Life’s interruptions can be viewed as to our , or they can be seen as to God’s plan.