Quiet Times Search

• Paradigm - describes the way that scientists work within a model for making sense of the world through observed data
• Shift/meta – changing one’s thoughts of the world
• Since paradigm shifts represents drastic changes to the rules of game – it is rarely done by scientists

• Man/earth was the center of the universe.
• As we found for planets, it was more complex to think the earth was the center
• Copernicus (1530) put the sun in the center – leading astronomers rejected the new paradigm

Means to show someone his sin and to summon him to repentance; bring light, expose set forth
More than just showing faults (easy)
Sets out to prove the offense to the blinded offender
Laodicean – I know your deeds, church became blinded
Exposing the church resented a gate to enter repentance

• To give repentance – Acts 5:30-31
• God granted repentance – Acts 11:11-18
• God will grant the repentance – 2 Timothy 2:24-26

1. What is the value of the gift of elegcho (pronounced “elencho”)?
2. What methods has the Holy Spirit used to convict you? Which has been most effective at producing repentance? Which methods have you most tried to avoid?
3. How have you tried to avoid reproof from fellow Christians?
4. According to Revelation 3:19, why does Jesus reprove us? What response does He desire from us?
5. How can a person dead in sin repent and believe?
6. How does God grant repentance?
7. Look back over the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus (see chapters 4 and 5); list examples of how they reproved their hearers in order to bring them to repentance.
8. Why is repentance impossible without God?

1. How does the church represent the “destination of repentance”?
2. How did the early church help sinners to repent? How did it safeguard true repentance from compromise?
3. How did the walls of the early church stand steadfast against the assaults of the world?
4. What does it mean to be of “one mind” with your brothers and sisters?
5. How were early Christians both non-conformists and conformists?
6. Why has church discipline gotten a “bad rap”? Is it warranted?
7. Why do so few churches practice the Biblical mandates to discipline its members?
8. How can a church best practice church discipline?
9. Have you ever been disciplined by your church? Did God’s plan lead you to repentance – why or why not?
10. Over 85% of the Biblical references to repentance address groups rather than individuals. Thus, how can you help your fellowship - at various levels – repent?
11. How can you spark repentance – even revival – in your church and in your community? Are you willing to walk its path of selfless commitment?

• Not the kind of group you would expect to win the world for the Christ.
• Represented an average cross section of the society of their day
• Some already had joined the revival movement of John the Baptist
• Jesus can use anyone who wants to be used.
• Kept the group small enough to be able to work effectively with them.
  • More special than the twelve was the three – Peter, James, John
    • Jairus’ daughter (mark 5:37, Luke 8:51)
    • Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2, Matthew 17:1)
    • Waited Near the Lord when He prayed. (Mark 14:33, Matthew 26:37)
  • Choose twelve – Luke 6:13-17, Mark 3:13-19
  • Others – the 70 (Luke 10:1), Mark and Luke (gospel writers), James, His own brother (1 Cor 15:7)
• Rapidly diminishing priority given to those outside the twelve.
• Staked His whole ministry on them. Everything depended upon their faithfulness.
• Some believe that focusing on a few is favoritism
• Jesus however did not neglect the crowds.
  • Taught them
  • Healed the sick
  • Blessed the children
  • Wept for them
  • He died for them.

• Crowd aroused
  • Wanted to make him King by force - John 6:15
  • All men were clamoring for His attention - John 3:26
  • Pharisees admitted that the world has gone after Him - John 12:19
  • Frequently asked those that recipients of His healing to say nothing to prevent mass demonstrations
  • Own brothers and sisters did not understand him - John 7:2-9

• Supreme obedience was interpreted as an expression of love.
• “If you love me, you will keep my commands.”
• It was the way Jesus lived.
  • Food is to do the will who sent me – John 4:34
  • Not as I will but as you will – John 5:30
  • Gave His life for a ransom of many – Mark 10:45
  • To seek and save what was lost – Mark 15:31

• Prayer
  • Jesus often let His disciples see Him conversing with the Father (They ask, not forced)
  • Unless they grasped the meaning of prayer and practiced consistently – not much would come from their lives.
    
• Using Scripture
  • He never ceased to use the Scripture in His conversation with them.
  • 66 references to the Old Testament
  • 90+ Old Testament references speaking to others
  • Jesus could freely recall scriptures by heart
• Everything that he did and said had some relevance to evangelism
  • Revealing the truth
  • How to deal with men
  • Disciples may (at the time) have not known that they were being taught
• Jesus was the Master of His own teachings
  • Presentation was not flashy; the truth was the main attraction.
• Disciples observed how to:
  • Jesus drew people to Himself
  • Won their confidence and inspired their faith
  • He called them to the way of salvation and He called them to make a decision

• Jesus considered their ability and taught them with patience
• At first, Jesus did not say anything about evangelizing the world
  • Showed them how to have a relationship with God
  • Showed them how He worked
  • Their need to follow
• He did not discourage spontaneous acts of faith
• Duties performed by His disciples
  • Baptized some - John 4:2
  • Food arrangements
• Jesus kept the vision in front of them
• Little evangelism was done on their own at the beginning
  • We should be patient with new disciples
• First evangelist mission with the 12
  • Began with Jesus’ third tour through Galilee
  • Sent them forth - Mark 6:7

• His teaching rotated between instruction and assignment
• Questions, illustrations, warnings, and admonitions were calculated to fill His work to evangelize the world.
• When the disciples were sent out they gathered themselves to see what things had been done
  • They were expected to share their experiences
  • Previous mission there was no mention of any spectacular success
  • They gain additional experience
  • Jesus cautioned the disciples against pride in their accomplishments
• Demon-possessed boy – lesson on how they needed more prayer and fasting
• Loaves and fish – lesson on faith they God will provide
• Lessons of patience
  • Danger of discouraging any sincere work - “Those who are not against you are for you” - Mark 9:50
  • Do little the little one stumble - Mark 9:42
  • Encounter resistance - Call down fire from heaven - Luke 9:51-54
  • Jesus came to save not destroy - Luke 9:55

• Keep them going
  • All of this is going to require supervision
  • When questions arise, they must be answered while the problem is still in their mind.
  • Setup a schedule of training and keep a record of their growth
  • Exercise patience: Growth is sometimes slow and with many setbacks (while honestly seeking truth)
  • Seldom put them out of our mind
  • They need to be in our prayers and dreams
  • Accept the burden of their immaturity until they can do it for themselves
• We are not living primarily for the present.
• Our satisfaction is in knowing that in generations to come from bearing fruit
• World is desperately seeking someone to follow
  • Someone who is certain
  • Will be a man who knows the way of Christ
  • Or are one who is leading someone into greater darkness?
• Destiny of many hangs on our decision.

• Described himself as someone who could do nothing without God
  
• This poor man called and the Lord saved him from his troubles - Psalms 34:6
• God is his help and deliver - Psalms 40:17
• I am poor and needy - Psalms 109:22
• Modern thinkers might say he needed some self-esteem 
• God said he was after his own heart

• Woe to me, I am ruined for I am unclean - Isaiah 6:5
• Today we can go to church wanting to be told how good we are
• God forgave his sins and sent him on a life mission full of purpose

• Children blame parents
• Spouses blame each other
• Employees blame employers
• Society blame political administration
• Present political administration blame previous one

• Feminist movement - made some good points - fueled by resentment
• Environmental movement - humans are responsible for our "dominion" - Genesis 1:26; but it is there are more important causes
• Gay rights movement - all humans should not desciminated against - primary a defensive , negative movement ; finding self-justification instead of justification that comes from Jesus
• Political movements - good to voice opinions; but when political allegiances eclipes our Christian allegiance, we are in sin
• Anti-abortion movement - fight to save babies is a great fight - but killing others to do so? does not that make you a murder too?

• Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
• Tree of Life

Spring reminds us that life can return to the dead
The return of spring brings such a relief and joy and anticipation
Might spring and summer may be nature way of expressing Jesus was trying to tell us?
Nature God's word to us also - Romans 1:20

Our ideas of heaven are sometimes not very desirable
Many Christians have some idea that heaven is an never-ending church service
And then our hearts sink
Forever and ever? That is it?

We sigh and feel guilty that is we are not more "spritual"
We then turn to the present to find what life we can
We can only hope for what we desire

Scripture tells us that God has set eternity in our hearts - Ecclesiastes 3:11
Where is out hearts? In our desires.

• The daughter/son of Einstein to be smart
• The daughter/son of Lance Armstrong to be fast
• The daughter/son of Micheal Jordan to be good at basketball

• Advertisers work on you to get you to buy their product
• Your boss knows how to keep you moving
• Devil is the master at manipulating the heart

• leb = heart
• shabar = broken

• Describes a bush whose twigs are broken off - Isaiah 27:11
• Describes idols of Babylon shattered on the ground - Isaiah 21:9
• Describing a broken bone - Isaiah 38:13

Jesus focused on a search for the Lost and so they could be Found

The Lost Coin - vital to the woman's survival
The Lost Sheep - represented a significant part of his livelihood
The Lost Son - wayward son who mattered greatly to his father

Each one - Something of great value was missing, something that really mattered

It also make Jesus so upset the religious leaders were discussing who matters to God who does not

When we realize how much God cares about people, we helps us to care for them too

It is worth the effort - what is missing was important enough to warrant an all-out search

Retrievals results in rejoicing

The woman found the coin and threw a party
The shepherd retrieved the sheep and threw a party
The son came home and the father threw the biggest party of all

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents - Luke 15:10

• Tienanmen square
• East Germans slamming their picks axes into the Berlin Wall

• Continued to claim to be God's Son
• Take care of his mother's needs
• Extend grace to the repentant thief

The soldier's heart was eventually moved and said - "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

Nothing short of Jesus' laying down his life would have brought this cynical soldier to his knees

1. Jesus' Example - 2 Corinthians 8:9, Luke 9:57-58
   1. Jesus chose to live sacrificially. He gave up heaven itself.
   2. He became poor so the world could be saved.
2. The Need for Sacrificial Living
   1. To meet the physical needs of others. (2 Corinthians 8:13-15; Acts 4:34-37)
      1. Paul wanted those who had plenty to sacrifice for those who were in need.
      2. The first century Christians sacrificed so there would be no needy people among them.
   2. To support full-time workers so the world would be evangelized. (Philippians 4:10-19)
      1. Paul commended the Philippians for the aid they had sent him.
      2. He considered their gifts to him as a sacrifice to God.
   3. There was always a purpose in the Bible for living sacrificially. It was never to sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice alone.

1. In what ways can I choose to live more sacrificially in order to have money to give to meet needs?
   Examples:
   • Cut food budget
   • Limit or eliminate eating out for a time to save for a special contribution
   • Use creativity during dates in order to save money
   • Stop impulse spending (vending machines, fast food, etc.)
2. Am I willing to "become poor" so that others can have the opportunity to become Christians?

1. Types of Debt
   1. Legitimate
      1. To meet real needs, to provide for necessities (e.g. home mortgage)
      2. To enable you to earn a living (e.g. auto loan, educational loan, business loan)
   2. Sinful, Foolish
      1. To make purchases which are not essential (e.g. entertainment items, vacations, etc.)
      2. Borrowing what you cannot repay or do not know when you can repay.
      3. Borrowing at excessive rates of interest (credit cards).
2. Borrowing
   1. As Christians, borrowing should be an exception, not the rule.
   2. God calls those wicked who borrow and do not repay. (Psalms 37:21)
   3. Let your "yes" be "yes." When you borrow, repay on time. (Matthew 5:37)
   4. When you borrow someone"s property you are responsible for it. For example, if you borrow someone's car and get into an accident, you are responsible to pay the cost of repairs.
3. Lending
   1. Do not charge interest when lending to a brother in need. Have compassion and do not add to people's burdens. (Exodus 22:25-27)
   2. Be generous in lending to those in real need. (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)
   3. Do not lend expecting repayment; therefore, do not lend what you need to get back. For example, do not lend out money you need to pay your rent, expecting the borrower to repay you on time. (Luke 6:34-36)
   4. Do not lend or give money to someone, especially a brother who is idle or unwilling to work Do not lend to people if it promotes their irresponsibility, laziness, or self-indulgence.

• Make a list of your debts. Contact your creditors, ask for forgiveness and let them know your intention to pay in full.

• Matthew recently became a Christian
• In those days, being a tax collector was a license to extort
• He had not learned yet how to teach the gospel to people
• Jesus was always moving a round, spontaneous
  
• Solution throw a big party and invite Jesus and everyone else
• Pharisees found out about it and were not happy with it
• Did Matthew have second thoughts when he saw the interactions between the Pharisees and Jesus?
• Jesus defended Matthew's party idea with explaining the sick need a doctor
• Mixed groups are not only acceptable but essentials to God's redemptive plan

• Be innovative and creative
• Come up with a plan to be with more people
• Pray hard and be willing to go out on a limb
• Learn from mistakes and adjust accordingly

• Should be titled "Jesus, the seeker of Zacchaeus"
• Introduction starts with Jesus calling out Zachhaeus
• How did he know him? Jesus was present when God gave him life - John 1:3
• The crowd was less than delighted
  • They enjoyed the fruit of Jesus' miracles
  • Failed to grasp his love

• Enjoying the fellowship
• Benefiting from counseling
• Learning how to change bad habits

• to be created
• to be born or produced
• to come into existence

• Must be committed to obeying all his words - John 8:31
• Must have his heart - Galatians 2:20
• We love that he loves
  • God - Matthew 22:37
  • Our brothers - John 13:34-35
  • The lost - Matthew 9:13
  • The kingdom - Matthew 6:33

• Jesus is God in the flesh. He is the unique Son of God: fully God and fully man!
• God came to earth as a man in order that we could come to know him.
  
• If you were an all powerful and invisible God, how would you have tried to communicate your love to your creation?
  
• Illustration: Imagine trying to talk to an ant - How do you communicate with them without terrifying them? Become an ant yourself
  

• All the fullness of God lives in Jesus Christ.
  
• Every aspect of God’s character can be found in Jesus.
  
• Reading through any of the Gospels describing Jesus life and words will give you insight into God’s character and will for your life.
  

• Mark 1:21-22 - Jesus was an amazing teacher whose words were spoken with authority.
• Mark 1:23-28 - Jesus cast out demons, showing that the power of God was present in him.
• Mark 1:29-31 - Jesus met people’s felt needs and healed the sick.
• Mark 1:32-34 - Jesus focused his attention on others and selflessly gave of himself.
• Mark 1:35 - Jesus was dependent upon God in prayer for his strength and direction.
• Mark 1:36-39 - Jesus was consumed with his mission to preach the good news.
• Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus was filled with compassion for all people.
• Mark 10:32-34, 45 - Jesus came to serve, and gave his perfect life as a ransom for sinners. As predicted, he was rejected by his people and crucified - but he rose from the dead three days later.

• All Scripture is inspired by God, God-breathed
  
• Should be applied to our lives so that we can be ready for every spiritual challenge
  • Word used to learn what God says by teaching
  • Word used to correct things we are not doing
  • Word used to warn us by rebuking us
  • Word used to put things into practice through training
• Why should we go through this type of learning? Be thoroughly equipped for all good works

• The word of God is relevant and can expose and convict us of sin in our lives - not collecting dust somewhere
• It exposes us for what or who we are - Not everything in the Bible feels good at the time
  
• Sharper than any double edged sword - It can cut us, but its purpose is to cut out the bad, so that we can be healed - just like a surgeon’s scalpel.

• We need to watch how we live and what we teach - both essential to salvation
  
• Illustration: Which wing of an airplane is most important? So it is with what you teach and how you live out those beliefs.
  
• What is the result of careful attention to our life and doctrine?

Acts 2:36-38 - At baptism, we are not only forgiven by Jesus’ death to begin a new life, we are also filled
with the Holy Spirit.

John 3:1-8 - Jesus taught that we must be born again via water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.

John 7:37-39 - After Jesus’ glorification (crucifixion, resurrection and ascension), God sent his Spirit to
flow from within us like streams of running water. Previously (Old Testament), the Spirit came upon
people. Now, he dwells within us.

John 16:5-15 - One of the primary roles of the Spirit is to convict us (and the world) with regard to sin,
righteousness, and judgment. He does this in harmony with (though not exclusively through) his Word,
which he gave to the Apostles as they were guided into all truth.

Ephesians 2:19-21

• Like the Gentiles discussed here, we can now be part of God’s household.
• The church is the family of God. What does “family” mean to you?
• The church is also a spiritual temple built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, whose teachings we find in the Bible, with Jesus as the cornerstone.
• To be part of his temple, we must build our lives and our church on that foundation.

Ephesians 4:1-16

• Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the church requires humility, patience, gentleness, and selflessness (vv.1-3).
• We maintain unity on the essentials of doctrine (vv.4-6).
• God provides specific leadership roles within the church (vv.7-11)
• in order to prepare us for works of service which build up the body in Christ-likeness and love (vv.12-16).

1. We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and Sovereign, and our Father.
2. Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
3. Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God.
4. Prayer unleashes the power of God. - James 5:16
5. Prayer is not natural, it must be learned - Luke 11:1-4

1. Mark 1:35 - Jesus, although very busy, found time to pray in a place and time free from distraction.
2. Luke 6:12 - Jesus spends all night praying to God.
3. Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus prays with loud cries and tears.

1. Acts 2:45, 1 John 3:17 - Material needs
2. Colossians 1:28-29 - Toil to present one another perfect (mature, complete) in Christ.
3. Ephesians 4:29 - Say only what is edifying.
4. Hebrews 3:12-13 - Encourage daily!

1. Respect those who work hard
2. Live in peace with each other
3. Warn the idle
4. Encourage the timid
5. Help the weak
6. Be patient with everyone
   

• About our sins and struggles
• About our marriage/relationship.

• Society might cut corners just enough so it won't hurt business
• The person who fears the Lord strives to be honest all the time
• God-fearing more concerned about pleasing God than what is good for business

• Judas had already decided in his heart and actions to betray Jesus. Then he watched for an opportunity to carry out sin.
• Share: A person's heart can be so hard that they no longer fear God - Psalms 36:1-3
• In spite of knowing that Judas was lying and plotting to have him killed, Jesus still loved him.
• The disciples had no clue who it was.
• Jesus' heart and actions never expressed any anger/resentment toward Judas

• Peter accepted the words of Jesus until it came time to apply them to his life.
• Share: Peter's prideful refusal to accept Jesus will for his life lead other down the wrong path

• John 14:31 - do exactly what my Father has commanded me
• ~Matthew 26:36-46 - Did what was needed not what he at first wanted

• Philippians 2:6-7 - Took the very nature of a servant
• John 5:30 - Seeked to please the one who sent him

• 2 Corinthians 8:9 - He became poor so we could become rich
• Matthew 8:20 - He had no home

• Three desires were expressed by Jesus in this of prayer.

1. He wanted to have disciples join in his struggles.
2. He wanted to forgo the bitter cup.
3. He wanted to obey the will of God.

• His strongest desire is to obey God, overcame the other desires of his life.

• John 4:34 - His food was to do the will of him who sent him
• John 5:19 - whatever the Father does the Son also does

• John 5:30 - By myself I can do nothing
• John 6:38 - Come not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me
• John 8:28 - Spoke just what the Father has taught me
• John 10:18 - Lay his life down on his own accord
• John 12:49-50 - Whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say
• John 14:10 - Words I say to you are not just my own
• John 14:31 - I do exactly what my Father has commanded me
• John 15:10 - If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love

• John 14:31 - I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me
• John 15:9-10 - I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love

• John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
• Matthew 3:17 - This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
• Matthew 17:5 - With him I am well pleased. Listen to him!
• Mark 1:11 - You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased

• Luke 3:21-23 - When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too
• ~Luke 4:1-13 - We was tempted with the same sin we are tempted with

• John 9:4 - While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
• John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself but him who sent me

• Mark 1:40-42 - Filled with compassion, Jesus cured the man with Leprosy
  
• John 19:25-27 - Make connections for people to be taken care of

• John 10:30,38 - I and the Father are one
• John 14:10-11, 20 - It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
• John 17:11, 21, 23 - Father, just as you are in me and I am in you

• John 7:16 - My teaching is not my own
  
• John 12:49 - For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me

• John 5:19, 30 - He can do only what he sees his Father doing
• John 8:28 - I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence

• John 5:30 - By myself I can do nothing
• John 6:38 - I have come down from heaven not to do my will
• John 4:34 - My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work
• John 17:4 - I have brought you glory on earth by completing your work
• John 14:31 - World must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what He commands
• John 15:10 - I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love

• John 8:16 - I stand with the Father, who sent me
• Romans 8:5 - Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires

• John 14:24 - These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me
• John 12:49 - Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it

• John 5:19 - Whatever the Father does the Son also does
• John 13:15 - I have set you an example that you should do as I have done

• Luke 2:49 - "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?
• John 6:38 - For I have come down from heaven

• John 3:17  - God sent his son to save the world through him.
• Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
• Matthew 9:13 - I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners
• 1 Timothy 1:15 - Jesus came into the world to save sinners
• 1 John 3:5 - He appeared so that he might take away our sins

• John 6:51 - This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
• Galatians 1:4 - He gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age
• Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live
• Ephesians 5:2 - Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
• Titus 2:14 - He gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness
• 1 John 3:16 - Jesus Christ laid down his life for us
• John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
• Philippians 2:7- He made himself nothing
• Hebrews 7:27 - He sacrificed for their sins once for all

• Mark 10:21 - Go, sell everything you have and come follow me
• Luke 13:34 - How often I have longed to gather your children together
• Luke 19:41 - As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.

• John 9:4 - As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me
• John 4:34 - For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God,
• Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
• Mark 1:38-39 - I can preach there also. That is why I have come

• 2 Corinthians 5:20 - We are therefore Christ's ambassadors,
• Timothy 2:6-7 - Pointed out those who have wandered away
• John 17:18 - As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

• Romans 1:14-16 - Was eager to preach the gospel
  
• 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - Preached the ministry of reconciliation

• Matthew 28:19 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations
• John 20:21 - As the Father has sent me, I am sending you

• Mark 16:15-16 - Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation
• If this is not our purpose, then there is not reason for us to exist after baptism. If as disciples of Christ, we have no purpose, then God ought to take us to Heaven directly from the baptistery.

• 2 Timothy 2:4 -Soldier don't get involved in civilian affairs
• Colossians 1:10 - Live a life worthy of the Lord
  
• 1 Thessalonians 4:1 - Live in order to please God
  
• Matthew 16:23 - Peter, at this time, was not focus on the greater things of God
  
• John 4:34, 5:30, 36, 6:38, 9:4, 17:4 - My foo is to do the will of him who sent me

• Philippians 2:19-22, 25-30 - Timothy had a genuine interest in the welfare of others
  
• Galatians 5:13-15 - Serve one another in love.
  
• Mark 6:34 - He had compassion on the

• Acts 10:38 - How he went around doing good and healing all
• Mark 1:29-41, 6:30-56 - Taking care of the needs around him
• 2 Corinthians 8:9 - Became poor so we could become rich
• Philippians 2:6-8 - Taking on the nature of a servant

• Isaiah 53 - He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows
  
• Matthew 20:28 - Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve
• Galatians 1:4, 2:20 - Gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age
  
• Ephesians 5:2, 25 - Gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering
  

• Centrifugal - force tends to pull away from a center
• Centripetal - force pulls toward the center

• Unapproachable light - 1 Timothy 1:17
• Abba, father - Romans 8:15

1. Stubborn: Pharaoh was stubborn towards the Lord’s will - Exodus 13:15
2. Pride: It’s hard to see your own pride but others can easily - Psalms 73:6
3. Arrogance: God hates arrogance - Proverbs 8:13

1. Proverbs 15:33 - fear of God brings about wisdom and humility
2. Proverbs 16:3 - put God first and you will be successful
3. Philippians 2:3 - putting others before yourself
4. Colossians 3:12 - we are to put on humility daily
5. 1 Peter 5:5 - respect others and clothe yourself with humility

• The challenge of life is not that we have too little time, but in how we are going to spend the time we do have.
• We need to make the most of every day (make a to do list to get yourself started)

• Anyone can have a job but do we do the little things that make us a great employee
• Anyone can have a child but do we do the things that make us a great parent

1. Punctuality
2. Paying bills on time
3. Sending birthday (Father’s Day, Mother’s Day cards)
4. Picking up after yourself
5. Keeping your room/car clean
6. Returning phone calls
7. Looking presentable

• Discipline is being able to decide what can be done and doing it the right way
• It’s better to do three (3) things well than ten (10) things half heartedly

• You don’t have to say “yes” to everyone and everything (our people pleasing nature will end up making us overwhelmed, stressed)
  

• Worry is an unproductive emotion (it won’t change anything)
• Worry is like a rocking chair (gives you something to do but gets you no where)

1. Buy things that are useful instead of buying for status
2. Do not buy anything that is producing an addiction in you
3. Develop a characteristic of giving things away
4. Develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creation
5. Stay away from things that take your focus off of God
6. If anything comes before you having QT’S in the morning then fast from that thing (activity) until you control it instead of it controlling you.

Summary

The serpent deceived the woman; she and Adam ate from the tree. Man blamed woman, woman blamed the serpent. The earth became cursed, and God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden.

Observations

Genesis 3:1 - Did God really say
The first way Satan tries to get Eve to disobey God is to create doubt to what God said. Many times Satan does not even try to tell us to do a 180 turn (you might notice what is going on then) - just a slight detour to the right or to the left [Deuteronomy 5:32]. It does not take much to get us off course from the narrow road [Matthew 7:14].

Genesis 3:4 - You will not surely die
Another temptation Satan throws our way is doubt in his punishment or promises. He would love for us to believe we will be judged at the end of our lives [John 12:48].  "Live your life the way you want to" - Satan. He does not want you to remember the promises God has spoken to encourage us in our walk with him.

Genesis 3:6 - desirable for gaining wisdom
When struggling with sin, we often come up with "good" reasons why we need to sin. In this case, Eve comes up with a "spiritual" reason. She wanted to gain "wisdom" - we need to have wisdom in our daily lives, right? God does not always reveal everything to us and for good reason. We should start with fear of the Lord since it is the beginning of wisdom [Psalms 111:10].

Genesis 3:9 - Where are you?
Good question to ask ourselves all the time. Where am I in relation to God? We often "disappear" when we sin either physically or more likely mentally. When we look in a mirror [James 1:23-24], we are blinded and do not see our true selves. We don't want to deal with the underlying problems in our character - it will be paining and requires effort but in the end it is worth it.

Genesis 3:19 - dust you are and to dust you will return
If you need a reminder on humility, this scripture will help. We come from the dirt of the ground and we will return there someday. We need to seize the days we have - stop worrying about tomorrow [Matthew 6:34].

Personal Application

I need to be aware of Satan's tricks continuously. He does not want to be noticed. I need to pray and reflect on how I am living my life and find where Satan is getting me to deviate even a fraction of a degree. I need also examine my thought and find out they are out of line with God's Word. I will ask others what they see where I have taken a devour on God's narrow road.

Summary

Eve's sons made offerings to God. Only Abel's was acceptable, so Cain killed him. Abel's blood cried out and God sent Cain away.

Observations

Genesis 4:7 - if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door
The sins of omission are very related to the sins of commission. If you are sitting on the sidelines, you have time (maybe considered laziness) and you will give Satan time to put all sorts of temptations in your head. A lazy person bring is a good friend to the evil one and is considered a brother [Proverbs 18:9].

Genesis 4:9 - Am I my brother's keeper?
The Christian walk is more than God and us. It is also the people around us. We learn about relationships from others. We learn about ourselves and get feedback on how we are doing - and give it as well.  Without others we would have been pointed the way to God and we could not reach  others with the gospel.

Genesis 4:12 - You will be a restless wanderer on the earth
Without God in our lives, we are a restless wander. Our thoughts, emotions, and desires become our direction and we walk aimlessly - not knowing where we are, where we came from, or where we are going.

Genesis 4:26 - At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD
Since the beginning of time men began call for for God. It is built into the nature of our being. Time after time he has answered no matter how far away we go. But when he calls for us, will be answer? Will we let it go to voicemail? Are we screening our calls from Him and only answer the calls that are easy to take?

Personal Application

I wonder sometimes if I have my "ringer" loud enough for me to hear when God calls. A lot of times I look back on important events in my life and realize that I missed another lesson God was trying to teach me but I was not listening. I feel embarrassed  that I was so selfish during that times. I want to listen voice from God more intensely.

Summary

The flood abated. Noah sent out a raven and two doves. When the earth was dry God called them all out of the ark. Noah built an altar.

Observations

Genesis 8:1 - But God remembered Noah
God does not forget us. No matter how much He has going on, we are in the forefront of his mind. Noah may have been felt like he was all alone in an endless sea of water but this was not the case. We may also feel this way sometimes but God is always right there with us [Joshua 1:5].

Genesis 8:20 - Then Noah built an altar to the LORD
What is the first thing Noah does when Noah gets off an ark he has been on for about a year? Build an alter for the Lord. Would we do the same thing? DO we do the same thing. When we have face a prolonged trial and it finally ends, we go out and celebrate and forget the Lord? Or do take time to truly thank him for helping us through? Like God remembered Noah, Noah also remembered the Lord.

Genesis 8:21 - never again will I destroy all living creatures
God's promised that He will never destroy all living creatures again. Many worry about this through scientific studies or other ideas come up with ways the earth will be destroyed because of what man does. Whether that is true or not is not the point but we do know that God will not be the one doing it. When God promises something it happens.

Personal Application

I seem to forget the lessons of difficult times as soon as the pain has lifted. We go through tough times so our character can mature and grow but will I have to go through the same lessons again to learn the same lessons. I want to be grateful for God's discipline (does not come naturally) and change my character accordingly. God discipline the ones he loves, I need to remember why He is doing it [Hebrews 12:6].

Summary

Sarai told Abram to have children with Hagar. Hagar conceived, then ran away, but an angel sent her back. Hagar's son was Ishmael.

Observations

Genesis 16:5 - You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering
At age 86 [Genesis 16:15] and 14 years too early, Abram had forgotten God's promise and was starting to make God's promise work for himself instead of waiting for God to fulfill his promise of making him a father of a great nation. Agreeing to Sarai's idea, he married Hagar and she became pregnant. This really complicated things between the three of them. The same thing happens with us. When we go about trying to do what we think God wants, things really get messed up.

Genesis 16:8 - where have you come from, and where are you going?
The angel that appeared asked about what direction Hagar was going.  Both question are necessary in evaluating our spiritual growth. Like understanding your physical location, you must first understand the past and state of mind you came from. Not knowing the starting point, you can not give directions. If you just knew where you have been and have no direction to go, you can not grow either.

Personal Application

I know I have experience times where I think I am doing what God wants but it really comes from my impatience or my selfish desires to see things happens the way I want them and when I want them. I need to just be patient and ask "is this the Lord will?".

• Paul learned thankfulness no matter what your circumstances
• Without doubt the most valuable secret in life.
• How can we learn to be thankful?

• Remember that you were an object of wrath and on the path to hell.
• Think how fortunate you are to be in God's grace and on the road to heaven.
• Were would you be today without God's grace?
  

• Learn to enjoy serving God and His people.
• Don't look for recognition.
• Old life hide sin, new life hide good

• What do you see?
  • Do not be anxious about anything - the Lord is near.
  • Constantly think about GOOD, NOBLE, HONOURABLE and PURE things. (Don't allow the devil to pollute your mind).
  • Rejoice in the Lord always.