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Dr Augustine
Joseph Bsc, DBA, Mdiv, Phd, DD(Hon)
Founder & President - The Channel of Peace Ministries
Founder &
Chairman - S E R O C
(NGO)
Website; thechannelofpeace.yolasite.com
Blogs :
tcopseroc.blogspot.com
Orphanagetcopseroc.blogspot.com
Face book :
Augustine Joseph
Counsellor : Addicts, Depressed, Divorced & Broken
families
Speaker :
Motivational Speaker, give talks to youths seminars
Couple Seminars,
leadership training, stress management
Inner Healing Sessions.
Author drajbook.blogspot.com and drajbook2.blogspot.com
Contact email id; winsouls10cr@gmail.com
Meaning of Discipline
To train by instruction and exercise; drill.
To bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control.
To punish or penalize in order to train and control; correct;chastise.
Discipline is just doing the same thing the right way whether anyone’s watching or not.
Discipline - Body
Discipline - Eating
Discipline – in Prayers
Holy Spirit in Believers
If a man is filled with anger, than anger controls his life.
If a man is filled with greed, then greed dominates his life.
If a man is filled with lust, then lust governs his life.
If a man is filled with love, then love influences all he does.
And if a man is filled with the Holy Spirit, he is controlled by the Spirit - it is, if you will, "control by consent."
If a man is filled with greed, then greed dominates his life.
If a man is filled with lust, then lust governs his life.
If a man is filled with love, then love influences all he does.
And if a man is filled with the Holy Spirit, he is controlled by the Spirit - it is, if you will, "control by consent."
A recent survey of Discipleship Journal readers ranked areas of greatest spiritual challenge to them:
1. Materialism
1. Materialism
2. Pride
3. Self-centeredness
4. Laziness
5. Anger/Bitterness
5. Sexual lust
6. Envy
7. Gluttony
8. Lying
Survey respondents noted temptations were more potent when…
they had neglected their time with God 85%
and when they were physically tired 80%
Resisting temptation was accomplished by prayer 25%
avoiding compromising situations 25%
Bible study – 35%
and being accountable to someone 30%
James 4 Boasting About Tomorrow
13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
1. God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, but will ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.
2. God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
3. God won’t ask about the fancy clothes you had in your closet, but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.
4. God won’t ask about your social status, but will ask what kind of class you displayed.
5. God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but will ask if they dictated your life.
6. God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but will ask if you compromised your character to obtain that salary.
7. God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.
2. God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
3. God won’t ask about the fancy clothes you had in your closet, but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.
4. God won’t ask about your social status, but will ask what kind of class you displayed.
5. God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but will ask if they dictated your life.
6. God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but will ask if you compromised your character to obtain that salary.
7. God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.
8. God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but will ask how you promoted others.
9. God won’t ask what your job title was, but will ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
10. God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.
11. God won’t ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.
12. God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
9. God won’t ask what your job title was, but will ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
10. God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.
11. God won’t ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.
12. God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
13. God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but will ask how you treated your neighbours.
14. God won’t ask about the colour of your skin, but will ask about the content of your character.
15. God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didn’t.
14. God won’t ask about the colour of your skin, but will ask about the content of your character.
15. God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didn’t.
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE
Be Like a Solider
2 Tim. 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man who warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
Recruitment officers are sent out to encourage people to volunteer to serve in the military.
2. God does not force anyone to serve in the service of His Kingdom, but He does plead with us to volunteer and come to salvation through Christ our Lord. He also sends out recruitment officers to urge people to serve in His Army.
Jeremiah 44:4 I have sent my servants the prophets to you again and again to tell you not to do these detestable things that I hate.
2 Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
B. Christ is pleading today for the sinner to come and serve Him willingly.
2. God does not force anyone to serve in the service of His Kingdom, but He does plead with us to volunteer and come to salvation through Christ our Lord. He also sends out recruitment officers to urge people to serve in His Army.
Jeremiah 44:4 I have sent my servants the prophets to you again and again to tell you not to do these detestable things that I hate.
2 Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
B. Christ is pleading today for the sinner to come and serve Him willingly.
1. The benefits are tremendously great!! They are “Out of this world”.
Complete Faith.
When you serve this (point to Christian) flag, you must also have faith in the one who has called you into His service that He will supply your every need. You will not have to worry about your physical needs when you serve Christ.
Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
1. Christ will even provide godly company for you to keep!!
1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
When it comes to faith, the Lord wants us to be true veterans; “experienced through long service (and) practice.”
Complete Commitment.
Matthew 6:31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
1. Christ will even provide godly company for you to keep!!
1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
When it comes to faith, the Lord wants us to be true veterans; “experienced through long service (and) practice.”
Complete Commitment.
When you serve this (Christian) flag, you are also expected to be completely committed to Christ and His Kingdom. You are expected to serve Him faithfully, not allowing anything to keep you from doing His will.
Luke 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Luke 5:27-28 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. [28] And he left all, rose up, and followed him.
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Philip. 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Commitment requires discipline.
Complete Obedience.
When you serve Him , Christ expects and requires no less.
Matthew 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Isaiah 1:19-20 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: [20] But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Matthew 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Isaiah 1:19-20 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: [20] But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
It simply wouldn’t matter to them. Why? Because the real joy lies in being obedient to God.
For a Christ follower, the important thing isn’t what God has us doing; the important thing is that we’re doing what God wants us to do."
For a Christ follower, the important thing isn’t what God has us doing; the important thing is that we’re doing what God wants us to do."
Complete Devotion.
Devotion (Webster) - 1. earnest attachment to a cause, person, etc. 2.profound dedication, esp. to religion; consecration.
When you serve HIM, Christ expects you to be completely devoted (consecrated) to Him and His Kingdom.
1 Chron. 29:5 Now then, who will follow my example? Who will give himself and all that he has to the Lord?"
When you serve HIM, Christ expects you to be completely devoted (consecrated) to Him and His Kingdom.
1 Chron. 29:5 Now then, who will follow my example? Who will give himself and all that he has to the Lord?"
To be a true Child of God , one must be completely devoted to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Be an Athelete
2 Timoty 2: 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
2 Corinthians 4
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
That idea of PROPER FOCUS is what the writer to the Hebrews is talking about
Hebrews 12 : 1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
YOU SAY:
- But I’m discouraged! Looking unto Jesus!
- But I’m fighting temptation! Looking unto Jesus!
- But I’m swamped in schoolwork! Looking unto Jesus!
- But I don’t feel good spiritually! Looking unto Jesus!
- But I feel like my ministry is not going to be effective! Focus on the things which are unseen!
- But I can never find quiet time with God! Focus on the things which are eternal!
Be a Marathon Runner
1. race in which people run long distance. a race in which people run on roads over a distance of 42 kilometres or about 26 miles
2. activity that takes a long time. an activity that takes a long time to complete and needs a lot of energy and determination (our life span of time which God has kept in this world)
Keep your eye on the goal and you’ll win the race
1. The Christian life has been compared to a race. In that race we must:
a. Lay aside all that holds us back
b. Run with determination
c. Run looking ahead
2. Read Heb. 12:1-3
Proposition: As Christians, we are not sprinters, but long distance runners.
You are a long distance runner
You can feel the pain in your side
Yet you must run on
You can feel the pain in your side
Yet you must run on
Lay Aside All That Holds Us Back
I. Lay Aside Every Weight
1. The writer of Hebrews begins this chapter by connecting it with the previous one - often referred to as the "faith chapter."
2. He says "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses..."
a. The picture is that of a race. The scene is a great coliseum filled to capacity with spectators ("great cloud"). The race is about to begin.
b. The crowd, the heroes of Hebrews 11, have participated in the race.
c. They have run and finished the race themselves—enduring to the end and winning.
d. Therefore, they are witnesses and examples for us.
3. The point is this: a great cloud of witnesses surrounds and envelops us—witnesses who believed God and stood fast for God—stood fast against all kinds of trials, temptations, and opposition.
a. Their great faith and endurance should stir and inspire us to believe and to endure in our belief.
b. They never buckled or crumbled in their faith.
4. However, if we are going to do what they did, we must throw off anything that will slow us down. We must "lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us..."
a. The words "lay aside" mean to take off, strip off and to remove as in taking off clothes.
b. This means any excess weight and bulk of body.
c. All serious athletes train and strain to remove all excess weight.
d. This refers to things that may be legitimate and innocent in and of themselves, but they hinder the Christian runner.
e. They hamper and slow him down instead of helping him run faster.
5. Anything that does not build us up and make us stronger is excess weight that slows us down.
a. The Christian runner must do exactly what the Olympic runner does: strain to remove all excess weight.
b. Do nothing—absolutely nothing—that hinders or hampers him from running at full speed.
c. But it is especially important to strip off the sin that so easily hinders our progress.
d. Sins such as greed, pride, arrogance, lust, gossip, dishonesty, and stealing can cause believers to drift off spiritual course
Like that runner we can let things distract us from the race of faith.
a. Pride
b. Stubbornness
c. Anger
d. Jealousy
a. Pride
b. Stubbornness
c. Anger
d. Jealousy
3. Eph. 4:22-24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
4. We must put off those things which hold us back.
a. They will weigh us down and make it difficult to run.
b. They will slow us down and make us lag behind.
c. If we are not careful, they will take us down, and we will not finish the race.
5. We must look at the things in our lives and ask ourselves is this going to help me win or make me lose the race of faith?
Transition: We must also...
II. Run With Determination
A. Let Us Run With Endurance
1. The writer of Hebrews tells us to "run with endurance the race that is set before us..."
a. The word means endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, constancy, perseverance.
b. " let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (NIV).
c. The word endurance is not passive; it is active.
d. It is not the spirit that just sits back and puts up with the trials of life, taking whatever may come.
e. Rather it is the spirit that stands up and faces the trials of life, that actively goes about conquering and overcoming them.
2. When trials confront a man who is truly justified, he is stirred to arise and face the trials head on.
a. He immediately sets out to conquer and overcome them.
b. He knows that God is allowing the trials in order to teach him more and more patience (endurance).
3. The Christian runner must be determined; he must have true grit. He must be filled with steadfast endurance, letting nothing stop or hinder him.
a. Our flesh can be against us.
b. Our mind can be against us.
c. Our family and friends can be against us.
d. Satan can be against us.
4. Rev. 3:5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
5. We must prepare our:
a. Minds for a marathon
b. Hearts for a marathon
c. Spirits for a marathon
B. Be Determined
6. We must be determined when our flesh fights against our spirit.
7. We must be determined when friends and family tempt us to stray from the path.
8. We must be determined when the enemy comes and tells us to give up.
9. We must be determined when we get weary and we want to stop.
10. Phil. 2:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
7. We must be determined when friends and family tempt us to stray from the path.
8. We must be determined when the enemy comes and tells us to give up.
9. We must be determined when we get weary and we want to stop.
10. Phil. 2:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
III. Run Looking Ahead
A. Looking Unto Jesus
1. Believers who have trusted God and endured in their faith are great examples for us.
2. We have seen this in the Great Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. And we see it in the example of believers all around us—believers who really live for Christ.
3. But as great as these examples are, there is one supreme example of faith, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ. We may and should look at the example of other believers, but we should always be looking to Jesus.
4. The author tells us, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
n The word "looking" means to fix your eyes upon Jesus.
n It also means to fix your mind upon Him
n The Christian runner is to focus his eyes and mind upon Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus Christ Himself ran the race of faith when He was upon earth, and He shows us exactly how to run it.
n Jesus Christ participated in the race Himself; He actually ran the race of faith. In fact, He is the very Author and Finisher of faith.
n The Finisher means that He perfected, completed, and consummated the race. He ran the race to the finish
5. The idea is that Jesus Christ ran the course of life perfectly. He was sinless, perfectly righteous, always obeying God in everything. He ran the race of faith—of utter obedience and trust in God—all through His life upon earth.
6. He also “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.”
a. He followed the rules of the race even to the point of dying in order to create the race.
b. He obeyed God perfectly. He ignored and despised the shame of the cross in order to finish the race of perfect obedience to God.
c. And because He was perfectly obedient, He has blazed the path of perfect righteousness, of the very faith that makes us acceptable to God.
7. As a result “has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
a. He kept his eyes focused on the goal of his appointed course, the accomplishment of his priestly work, and his seat beside God’s throne in heaven.
6. He also “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.”
a. He followed the rules of the race even to the point of dying in order to create the race.
b. He obeyed God perfectly. He ignored and despised the shame of the cross in order to finish the race of perfect obedience to God.
c. And because He was perfectly obedient, He has blazed the path of perfect righteousness, of the very faith that makes us acceptable to God.
7. As a result “has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
a. He kept his eyes focused on the goal of his appointed course, the accomplishment of his priestly work, and his seat beside God’s throne in heaven.
b. Knowing that a great reward was coming for God’s people gave Jesus great joy.
c. He did not look at his earthly discomforts, but he kept his eyes on the spiritual, invisible realities.
d. Like Christ, we should persevere in times of suffering, looking to Christ as our model and concentrating on our heavenly destination.
c. He did not look at his earthly discomforts, but he kept his eyes on the spiritual, invisible realities.
d. Like Christ, we should persevere in times of suffering, looking to Christ as our model and concentrating on our heavenly destination.
You are a long distance runner
When others are falling away
Your race begins
You are a long distance runner
The Spirit that strengthens your soul
Will ensure that you win
We are long distance runner, and like Jesus we need to look straight ahead toward the prize
We cannot look to right or the left.
We cannot look behind us.
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, and do what He did; keep the faith and finish the course
Let us keep our on Jesus and we will win the race of faith.
When others are falling away
Your race begins
You are a long distance runner
The Spirit that strengthens your soul
Will ensure that you win
We are long distance runner, and like Jesus we need to look straight ahead toward the prize
We cannot look to right or the left.
We cannot look behind us.
We must keep our eyes on Jesus, and do what He did; keep the faith and finish the course
Let us keep our on Jesus and we will win the race of faith.
NO TIME AT ALL FOR GOD
self-check
self-check
Malachi 3:10
10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Here God is particular about TIME. In a day we have 24 hours. 1/10 of 24 hours is 2 hours 40 minutes. We are suppose to give that minimum of 2 Hours and 40 minutes to GOD without fail. But the question is DO WE GIVE THIS 2 HOURS 40 MINUTIES TO GOD ??
Ephesians 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
I think we would all agree that time is very important subject. We use the word time in a variety of way in life. For instance we say,
…at all times - Definition: always
…at the appointed time - Definition: at an agreed upon time …behind the times - Definition: not fashionable, not up on current fashions
…to bide one's time - Definition: to wait
…from time to time - Definition: occasionally
…have the time of one's life - Definition: have a fantastic experience
…keep time - Definition: keep the beat in music
…live on borrowed time - Definition: live dangerously
…make time for something or someone - Definition: create a period of time especially for a thing or person
…out of time - Definition: not have any more time available …pressed for time - Definition: not have a lot of time to do something
…Time is money - Definition: Expression meaning that someone's time is important
…when the time is ripe - Definition: when it is the proper time
…ahead of time - Definition: before the agreed upon time
…all in good time - Definition: within a reasonable amount of time and
…at a set time
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
I think we would all agree that time is very important subject. We use the word time in a variety of way in life. For instance we say,
…at all times - Definition: always
…at the appointed time - Definition: at an agreed upon time …behind the times - Definition: not fashionable, not up on current fashions
…to bide one's time - Definition: to wait
…from time to time - Definition: occasionally
…have the time of one's life - Definition: have a fantastic experience
…keep time - Definition: keep the beat in music
…live on borrowed time - Definition: live dangerously
…make time for something or someone - Definition: create a period of time especially for a thing or person
…out of time - Definition: not have any more time available …pressed for time - Definition: not have a lot of time to do something
…Time is money - Definition: Expression meaning that someone's time is important
…when the time is ripe - Definition: when it is the proper time
…ahead of time - Definition: before the agreed upon time
…all in good time - Definition: within a reasonable amount of time and
…at a set time
Our Waste of Time
Wasting time is senseless
Verse 17 tells us to “…be not unwise.”
Verse 17 tells us to “…be not unwise.”
• Per minute: 108 die,
• Per day: 156 thousand die
• Per year: 56.7 million die
These statistics alone should be enough to motivate us to not waste time.
• Per day: 156 thousand die
• Per year: 56.7 million die
These statistics alone should be enough to motivate us to not waste time.
Wasting time is simple
To waste time you don’t have to really do anything! Just do nothing! The fact that we sit in front of a television on an average of 2.5 hours per day speaks volumes. We waste time by procrastinating.
To waste time you don’t have to really do anything! Just do nothing! The fact that we sit in front of a television on an average of 2.5 hours per day speaks volumes. We waste time by procrastinating.
Wasting time is sinful
How can wasting time be sinful you say? Let me give the most important example of the sinfulness of wasted time.
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
II. Our Walk in Time
Walk circumspectly - Our word circumspect, from the Latin signifies to look round about on all hands; to be every way watchful, wary, and cautious, in order to avoid danger, discern enemies before they come too nigh, and secure a man’s interest by every possible and lawful means. But the original word from Greek signifies correctly, accurately, consistently, or perfectly.
How can wasting time be sinful you say? Let me give the most important example of the sinfulness of wasted time.
Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
II. Our Walk in Time
Walk circumspectly - Our word circumspect, from the Latin signifies to look round about on all hands; to be every way watchful, wary, and cautious, in order to avoid danger, discern enemies before they come too nigh, and secure a man’s interest by every possible and lawful means. But the original word from Greek signifies correctly, accurately, consistently, or perfectly.
The principled walk
Leviticus 18:3 After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.
4 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God.
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
Leviticus 18:3 After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.
4 Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the LORD your God.
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
The Disorderly walk
2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
2 Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Jude 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
2 Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Jude 1:18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
Use the time wisely
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Create the opportunities for good
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Take advantage of opportunities for growth
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Take advantage of opportunities for growth
It is all in our attitude, and how we approach God and how we take advantage of our opportunities. Are you redeeming the time
Discipline in Eating
This is just a launch menu for every afternoon.
1. What is gluttony? One Bible dictionary defines a glutton as one habitually given to greedy and voracious eating. To be voracious means to be exceedingly eager. To be called a glutton is not a nice thing. A glutton a person was given to loose and excessive living.
2. Gluttony has to do with much more than food. A glutton is one who craves food but a glutton is also any person who is craving for something to satisfy his soul.
3. For the hunger we feel is a much deeper hunger than to fill our stomach. For there is a great cavity within each one of us that earns to be filled. We often fill that hunger with things - clothes, jewellery, cars, sex, food. We eat out of boredom, we eat to rewards ourselves, we eat out of frustration (so easy to eat when we are upset), we eat when we are depressed, we eat when we are stressed or angry. We eat because we hope it will satisfy our longing. But it doesn’t.
4. Our real inner longing isn’t for food. It is for something deeper and more meaningful. Our longing is for purpose, for love, for community, for God. That is why God put that hunger in us.
5. But that hunger is painful and rather than allow us to see how empty we are without God we fill it before we get to that point that we ask God to fulfil our deepest desires
What do you crave in life?
What do you desire more than anything else?
What satisfies your soul's appetite?
Is it food, is it drink? Is it work?
It is so easy for a man to work long hours to feel important or to escape the problems in his marriage.
Is it recognition? is it acceptance?
Is it a sport or hobby you can loose yourself in?
And when we do, we see why gluttony is such a terrible sin.
For the things we crave are of no lasting value. That's what Solomon discovered as he looked back over his life
Eccl 2:10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labour. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
For the things we crave are of no lasting value. That's what Solomon discovered as he looked back over his life
Eccl 2:10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labour. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.
It leads to poverty - even in this world
And gluttony make selfish - parable of rich man and Lazarus
Luke 16:19-21 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
Gluttonous person will not share since he cannot ever get enough for himself.
15. To be gluttonous leads us to sin to satisfy the cravings of our sinful nature rather than to be godly.
Rom 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Luke 16:19-21 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
Gluttonous person will not share since he cannot ever get enough for himself.
15. To be gluttonous leads us to sin to satisfy the cravings of our sinful nature rather than to be godly.
Rom 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Discipline in spending money unnecessarily
Main Idea: Money cannot buy happiness, but misusing it can buy gloom.
"He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich." (Prov. 21:17)
Of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:13 we read, "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living."
Luke 16:1, "Jesus told his disciples: ’There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.’"
Luke 16:1, "Jesus told his disciples: ’There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.’"
What we have belongs to God; we only manage it for a while, and God does not want us to squander the wealth He gives us…He wants us to enjoy it to His glory, to invest in His Kingdom, to leave an inheritance for our children, and to avoid debt.
I Timothy 6:17-19, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
(1) He just spent it unwisely by trying to impress new found friends, not saving, not working. Just spending his money recklessly, maybe even gambling it away.
(2) The truth of the matter is that we are addicted to spending.
1. Where we are getting into the most trouble is that we are spending more than we earn.
2. How can a person spend more than they earn? You guessed it – credit cards.
3. The total consumer debt is at 1.7 trillion dollars.
4. The personal credit card debt carried by the average person is almost $9 thousand dollars per household.
5. There were 1.3 million credit card holders declaring bankruptcy last year.
6. Bankruptcies have exceeded 1 million per year every year for at least 5 years now.
1. Where we are getting into the most trouble is that we are spending more than we earn.
2. How can a person spend more than they earn? You guessed it – credit cards.
3. The total consumer debt is at 1.7 trillion dollars.
4. The personal credit card debt carried by the average person is almost $9 thousand dollars per household.
5. There were 1.3 million credit card holders declaring bankruptcy last year.
6. Bankruptcies have exceeded 1 million per year every year for at least 5 years now.
(3) Once we understand that, then we can proceed with the next principle, and that is that God gives us the ability to earn a living and provide for ourselves.
(4) God expects us to employ our gifts and talents in order to provide for ourselves, and support the work of His Kingdom.
(5) And as we earn money and invest it in spiritual ways, we have to keep it in proper perspective.
(6) Money must not be allowed to take over and become our God.
CONTENTMENT
A. Let’s take another look at a few of the verses from today’s Scripture reading.
1. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Tim. 6:6-8)
2) We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing from it.
3) We can possess things, but they must not possess us.
4) We can buy things, yet we must not be discontent.
A key to our contentment is our relationship with God.
God is our greatest hope and our greatest possession.
God is our greatest hope and our greatest possession.
He has promised to be with us and to help us.
Have you ever heard people say, “I just don’t know where my money goes?”
1. Well, many people don’t know because they don’t look. And they don’t look because they don’t want to know.
2. Bringing containment to our spending requires that we assess how much we have coming in, track what we’ve spent it on, and estimate what we will have for the future.
3. Bringing containment to our money management requires that we live by a - here comes the – a budget.
1. Well, many people don’t know because they don’t look. And they don’t look because they don’t want to know.
2. Bringing containment to our spending requires that we assess how much we have coming in, track what we’ve spent it on, and estimate what we will have for the future.
3. Bringing containment to our money management requires that we live by a - here comes the – a budget.
