Sermon Notes 7/21/2024

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Think. ACT. Be.
Pastor Tom Houser
Philippians 1:9–11

Philippians 1:9–11 (NLT) – I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

What would happen if our prayers sounded like this, and we saw those prayers come true?

How would Jesus LIVE if He walked in our shoes?

James 1:19–27 (ESV): 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Our . How would Jesus speak if He lived our life?

• He would be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
• His tongue would be bridled (controlled).

(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Our . How would Jesus use His resources if He lived our life?

• He would visit orphans and widows in their affliction.

(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Our . What kinds of things would Jesus pay attention to (or avoid) if He lived our life?

• He would put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness
• He would keep Himself unstained from the world

(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)

Our Homework

Surrender: your life…for the first time, or once again.

New narratives: Read the book of James as many times as you can.

Soul exercises:

1. a day without talking unless absolutely necessary
2. pray for eyes to see who needs help along with a commitment to help them no matter the cost to you
3. fast from anything that even has a hint of moral filth.

Community: Don’t try this alone.

Life Challenges: Let them draw you deeper into faith.

Special GPPathways Moment: Is it time to STEP UP to serve alongside your church family? To be generous with your time and expertise?