Sunday, December 7th Sermon Prep
Dear friends,
This week we are going to examine the gift of salvation provided by the Father from whom truly all blessings flow. Isaiah 51:1-6 teaches that salvation is forever and will extend to the ends of the earth. All this comes from the Father who gives all spiritual blessings through His Son. Read carefully over Colossians 1:11-20 for a full orbed description of what come with the salvation Christ provides as He fulfilled His Father’s will. No wonder Jesus rejoiced in the wisdom of His Father and saw the good pleasure of God as the highest joy.
Our life,as Christians, is not to bring the maximum pleasure, accomplishment and recognition to ourselves. Rather it is to please God, serve Him and bring honor to His Name. Whatever glorifies God is good and whatever does not do this is bad. There is always a war going on inside us as the sin nature fights against the Holy Spirit so we cannot do the things we desire. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:17) Read carefully through James 1:12-18 and note the conflict between the desire of God and our own sinful desire. This is the basis of our inner turmoil that disturbs our soul and drains the joy out of life.
Putting these three passages together will give us understanding in the troubles that constantly battle our good intentions in life. Romans 7 perfectly describes this internal conflict and the way to make it better. Think of ways in which we can follow the Father’s lead and example. As you read over these passages what do they show us about God the Father? What characteristics do you see in how a father should lead his family and be an example to his children? How can we be more like Him or as Paul writes: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1)
See you Sunday,
Lee