Choice of Action

Whatever comes in life, we have a choice as to how we act. We can act according to the Spirit or according to the flesh. Romans 1:21 says, “although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Whatever was going on in this situation, ‘they’ chose to take a course of action according to the flesh. They did not glorify or magnify God in the situation. They did not thank God in the situation. They only imagined the worst outcome. And finally, a fatalism took over and darkened their heart. Paul is giving the downward spiral that so many take when confronted with a tough situation.

So how should we respond to every situation. We take the opposite approach of Romans 1:21.

You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on You,Because he trusts in You.

  1. Magnify God in the midst of it. Glorify God. Don’t magnify the ‘giants’ in your life. Magnify God and the giants shrink.
  2. Thank God. Paul says, ‘in everything give thanks!’
  3. Imagine how God could bring all things together for good! Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” The word mind is the hebrew word for imagination. See yourself victorious in this situation. This is the hope that leads to faith! Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
  4. Allow the light of God’s word to bring light to your heart!

Four Views of the Father

1. The Father Loves

God loves: 1 John 3:1 (NKJV) Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. The primary defining characteristic

    Behold        look at the way he loves!

2. The Father Provides

God provides: Matthew 6:31-32 (NKJV) Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

    If God clothes the birds and the flowers… he will take care of you!

    Every good and perfect gift comes from above!

3. The Father Protects

God protects: Psalm 61:3-4 (NKJV) For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. 4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

     He is a strong tower        to run to for safety

     His security system has no clitches       no lapse

4. The Father Leads

God leads: Psalm 48:14 (KJV) For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

    God has never left his people w/o direction

    Pillar of fire  cloud   vision  prophets  casting lots      voice

    He orders our steps     he sets the course    sovereign will

These are the 4 Views of God!

The Heart of Discipleship 102

The Flow of Christian Growth

God designed us to grow…just like the physical…so the spiritual

Summary of Spiritual Growth

  • Growth is normal and expected.
  • Each Christian is expected to grow.
  • Greater blessings come at each stage.
  • Our service increases as we spiritually grow.

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