The Lifestyle of a Born Again Believer

Sermon Date:  April 26, 2015

Sermon Topic: The Lifestyle of a Born Again Believer

Foundational Scripture: 

Scriptures: Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Ephesians 5:2

Acts 1:8, 1 John 3:17-18, Philippians 4:11, Psalm 119:27

Sermon Notes:

When we look at the attributes of a believer, every born again believer has the Holy Spirit and also the gifts of the spirit. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Since Christ abides in us. Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

Every born-again believer has gifts for the building up of the church. Ephesians 4:8 – and Ephesians 4:11-12 – So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Everyone doesn’t have the same gift. Our gifts aren’t for our glory it’s for the building up and edification of the church.

The fruit of the spirit produces completely, no matter how faint the evidence may be. We can all demonstrate the fruit of love.

The fruit could be in you and you may not be a loveable person, God prunes us to make us loveable and loving people.

Agape love is an unconditional love. No matter who, where or what you’ve done – you’re loved.

Winning souls to Christ – We are to go and share the good news with everyone you come in contact with.

We are the church. The building is where we pray. The church is where I am. I’m the church with a testimony and a witness. I have to study in order to gain an increase.

Action fruit – loving people – comes from attitude fruit. What is your attitude?

Nine Characteristics of Godly fruit is produced in us by the Holy Spirit. The love of Christ dwells in us and is produced by the Holy Spirit.

Love and self-control – once you get those 2 straight you can deal with anything.

If you don’t have love, you have no patience. If you don’t have you have no self-control. When love isn’t evident in your life you lose control.

1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Love, hope, charity, neighbor goes beyond the person next door and it also goes beyond that person behaving properly. This is a command not an option.

Ephesians 5:2 – and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Walk in love.

Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We have the power to love one another.

We can’t say that we can’t love someone and then in the next breath say, “I can do all things through Christ”.

Our behavior and attitude should reflect Christ because we are led by the spirit.

Agape love seeks out only the good in others.

Your ability to deal with adversity could change the hearts and minds of others.

God’s love is manifested in deeds. I don’t just say I love you, I show it.

1 John 3:17-18 –  If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? ¹⁸ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Let us not love in word and tongue, but in deeds.

The source of the spiritual fruit is the acceptance of the gospel. All things have become new and all things are of God.

We need the same mindset that’s in God. We must abide in him.

We need to study the word.

He will keep us in perfect peace because our minds are stayed on him.

Not only do we grow in love – we grow in understanding. Psalm 119:27 – Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.  Lord make me understand. That’s why the Holy Spirit teaches us. We need to grow in contentment.

Philippians 4:11 – I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I’m led by the spirit so I don’t go ahead of God.

What is it that comes into my life to make me lose control?

What causes you to lose control of your tongue?

Put a watch over my mouth. Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.

Keys to Effective Prayer

Sermon Date:  April 19, 2015

Sermon Topic: Keys to Effective Prayer

Foundational Scripture: 

Scriptures: Hebrews 10:19-22, Ephesians 3:12, Psalm 42:1-2, Psalm 63:1, 1 John 5:14, Romans 8:26-27, Philippians 4:9, Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 66:18, Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 5:9, Proverbs 21:13, Luke 6:38, Matthew 15:7-9, 1 John 1:22, James 1:16

Sermon Notes:

With a title like, “Keys to Effective Prayer” there must be ineffective prayer. Through his grace, God gives us things that we don’t deserve. God shields us from the things we deserve. When justice would have its way, God shields us.

Hebrews 10:19-22 - ¹⁹ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; ²¹ And having an high priest over the house of God; ²² Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross we have all that we need. Let us draw near with a true heart of full assurance of faith. 

Ephesians 3:12 – In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. We have confidence. Come boldly to the throne. Prayers should reflect a longing for God.

Psalm 42:1-2 – 42 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. ² My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

My soul thirsts for God. We should have a longing to have a conversation with God before facing the world. Psalm 63:1 – O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Early do I seek thee.

The true motive for prayer is to honor God’s name. To his name goes all the glory. He is faithful. We must come to God with the right motives.

God answers prayers according to his will. 1 John 5:14 – And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: If I ask according to his will he hears us. There is a law of God’s will. His word is his will. If you follow in his will you don’t have to worry. Romans 8:26-27 – ²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The Holy Spirit makes intersessions for us. Sometimes we pray and don’t know what we are praying for, but the spirit intercedes for the saints.

What’s the character of a person of prayer? Peace with God, peace with myself and peace with others. Philippians 4:9 – Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. You must learn, receive and study the word.

I’ve got peace with God and I have the peace of God. If I have the peace of God, I don’t have to worry. Because I’m asking according to his will, I’m not asking God to hurt my enemy.

The peace of God comes when you keep your mind on God. Isaiah 26:3 – When you keep your mind on God, your relationships must be right in order to have your prayers answered. Psalm 66:18 - If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. If I don’t have peace with you, God won’t hear or answer me.

No matter how hard I pray, the Lord doesn’t hear me. The Lords hand is not short, your iniquity has separated you from him. When you are in a state of sin it separates you from God.

Matthew 5:23-24 - ²³ Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; ²⁴ Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. It’s your responsibility to make it right. God won’t accept your gift until you’re reconciled with others

Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. The peacemaker – those who make it right when there is a problem with a brother. Even if they wronged you. You make sure that the relationship is renewed and everything is in  order. We need peace with others.

If you see someone in need and you are able to help, but don’t God won’t hear your prayers.

Proverbs 21:13 – Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.  If I don’t hear the cry of the poor, God won’t hear me. Freely ye have received, freely give.

Luke 6:38 – Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.  If you release what’s in your hand, God releases what’s in his hand and his hand is bigger than ours.

Reverence, humility, honesty without hypocrisy. Matthew 15:7-9 - ⁷ Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, ⁸ This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. ⁹ But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

 God knows when your heart isn’t in worship. He is a searcher of hearts.

God answers the prayers of obedient people. Keep his commandments, do what’s pleasing in his sight. Everything I do must please God or he won’t answer your prayers.

We must utilize these keys if we want our prayers answered.

James 1:16 – Do not err, my beloved brethren. Confess your faults. That’s the character of a holy man or woman. Praise God for the things he has done, the things he will do and the things you have done.

When you pray, believe.

There will be times when we don’t receive what we ask for, but he puts us in the classroom of struggle to teach us lesson.

When you approach situations the Holy Spirit speaks to us.

God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason. Be quick to hear and slow to speak. Pray, but don’t talk so much.

Don’t go to God with a list of things; just thank him for what he has done.

Bible Study (Prayer – How to Pray)

Bible Study: Prayer – How to Pray

Foundational Scripture: Mark 11:23

Scriptures: Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 55:11, Isaiah 41:10, Ephesians 1:3, Hebrews 11:6, Psalms 33:9, Hebrews 11:3, 1 John 4:17, Philippians 4:13

Bible Study Notes:

Mark 11:23 - For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Make sure that what you say is in alignment with what God says. Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. God will supply all of your needs – not only material, but emotional. I have the God kind of peace.

Faith without works is dead so no matter what happens I have faith. Worry contaminates faith. You can’t believe God and be afraid.

All scripture is inspired by God so I must know the scripture. Throw up your hands in praise not in frustration.

The enemy brings the spirit of frustration and doubt in an effort to change your testimony from I know God can to I don’t think God will.

There are principles that must operate the same. God will not go back on his word. Pray but don’t doubt. Doubt says that you don’t believe in what God said.

We must be rooted and grounded in the word. Pressure will come to change your testimony.

When you we experiencing pressure you need to be able to handle it. You handle pressure by rehearsing the word of God.

Wait on the Lord and be of good courage. Don’t lose your joy in the midst of circumstance.

It can’t last. This too shall pass. My condition can’t outlast what God says – heaven and earth will pass, but my word. Isaiah 55:11 – So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Stand on what I said because it won’t come back to me without the results that were intended.

Discipline your speech, cast down negativity. Anything that comes against what I know, I cast down.

We are in spiritual warfare. You are a part of it. It’s up to us to will or lose. God has already given us what we need to win.

When you are in a bad situation and it looks bleak think of what he has already done.

He never change. If he heated once he’ll heal me again. Look at his record and verbalize it. I don’t allow the pain to contaminate my faith or change my testimony.

Words are key to our victory. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Watch your mouth. God won’t do anything contrary to his word.

We must have confidence in God. Confidence in God’s presence. Isaiah 41:10 – Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. We need confidence in his presence that he won’t leave nor forsake you. Never allow the thoughts to come to your mind that God forgot you. We must be mindful when were around others.

When you’re alone we must discipline our minds to wander to places of defeat! It’s already done. Your answer, what you’re about to receive is already in the spirit realm. All you need is already done. Ephesians 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. When it’s time to pray there are some things that you must do. We need to get into an attitude of prayer and then remove yourself from distraction.

Find a place where you can meet God. It doesn’t need to be a private room, but we must pray in secret. God who sees you pray in secret rewards you openly. Then you must have faith.

Believe in the power and glory of God. Don’t wait for the result to praise him. Give him the glory.

God is worthy to be praised. Remain in the anointing. Be able to pray at a moment’s notice.

Even when dealing with something – your character shows that you know Jesus. We honor the Lord by reflecting his character and nature.

Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. When you pray you must believe.

It’s almost like child-like prayer. When you tell a child something they believe it without wondering.

If you ask without doubting you’ll have whatever you seek.

Don’t let anxiety and fear separate you from God’s promise.

You can look around you and see others that God answered their prayers. I know that he’s able to do it for me.

Negative faith and positive faith come by the same means, by hearing. What we listen to and what we believe are our sources of faith.

I’ve got to have the God-kind of faith to believe God’s word. 

Negative faith comes from hearing. We are created to operate under the same faith as God does. Say what God says. Psalms 33:9 – For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. God created by believing in the reality.

When we fail to say what God says – we are rehearsing failure because it won’t work.

Hebrews 11:3 –  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. When God created, he said let there be light.

1 John 4:17 – Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. God created everything but words. We are the same as Christ in this world.

Philippians 4:13 –  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. We can do all things through Christ – we must take literally because what I do will align with God’s word.

Christ won’t strengthen me to do things that don’t line up with Christ.

Begin to say it over and over. As saints you must be willing to look ridiculous in this world for Christ. The world will call you crazy but they don’t understand.

When you ask for something on, speak about it as if it’s already done.

Thank God for it – praise him for supplying our needs.

When you lose something promised to you, you can get it back by using your faith.

Move as if it’s already done.

Speak the word of faith.

Watch what you receive – faith comes by hearing.

When you watch television or listen to the radio it’s faith – you’re hearing it, it’s sowing into your spirit.

Everything that comes into your spirit comes through the ear gate and the eye gate.

What you say is a reflection of what’s in, your heart. We create our world the same way God did – with our words.

When we pray the prayer of faith we ask and see it because it’s in the spirit world. Don’t doubt when you self-doubt. You preach yourself out of it.

We need to have right relationships with each other. In order for our prayers to manifest there must be a spirit of forgiveness and brotherly kindness. 

The Secret to Abundant Life

Sermon Date:  April 12, 2015

Sermon Topic: The Secret to Abundant Life

Play Sermon

Scriptures: John 8:32, John 8:32, Joshua 1:8, 2 Chronicles 7:15, 1 Peter 2:9, John 15:4-5, Ephesians 6:17, Psalm 19:7-14, Psalm 199:33, Psalm 91:11, Job 36:11, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 4:4, Matthew 6:33, 2 Corinthians 4:15, Romans 8:28, Proverbs 10:32

Sermon Notes:

God knows what we’re thinking before the thought enters our mind. How much do you love God? How much do you trust God? How much will you obey his word? As much as you trust and obey his word is how much you love him.

John 8:32 – And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. The truth will make you free. You’ll know the truth if you continue in his word.

The word of truth, produces faith. While prayer is the best way to talk to God, meditation is the best way to hear from God.

Joshua 1:8 – This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Meditate on the word, day and night. When you meditate on the word you will be prosperous. We must meditate on the word. It’s food for saints.

Meditating on the word helps you see your position and power in Christ. You must humble yourself in prayer. 2 Chronicles 7:15 – Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Pray.

God looks at our heart. We as the saints of God can be judgmental.

You can’t judge someone else and have abundant life. Your purpose in life is greater than your existence.

You were created in the image and likeness of God. God isn’t trying to make you into something. He wants to expose who you are.

He’s trying to expose you, 1 Peter 2:9 – But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; To receive information, I must meditate on God’s word.

John 15:4-5 – 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Without Jesus we can’t do anything. Sometimes the enemy will trick us into opening our mouths. We are made in the image of what we desire.

Desire the sincere milk of the word. Jeremiah 15:16 – Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. The word of God challenges us. Ephesians 6:17 – You need the sword of the spirit. I can love you even when you curse me, because of the word.

The word of God changes us. Psalm 19:7-14 – ⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

¹¹ Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

¹² Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

¹³ Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

I have to love and long for the word.

We are new creatures in Christ, dwelling in this old body. The old man is still there. That’s why Christians get frustrated and curse.

Order my steps in your word. Let not iniquity have dominion in me.

Psalm 91:11 – For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. He will give Angels charge over you to keep you in your ways. God never advances you beyond your last act of disobedience.

When you were in your deepest sin, God knew you and ordained you with an assignment.

If we obey and serve him we will spend our days in prosperity. If you obey and serve him, you don’t have to wait on publishers clearing house or the lottery. Job 36:11 - If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

You have abundant life now. Abundant life isn’t tied up in things. You can get things on your own, without consulting God, but there is a consequence. This is how people end up in massive debt.

Failure cannot happen in your life without your permission. You are designed to succeed.

1 John 4:9 - In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

1 John 4:4 – Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Greater is he that is in you. If greater is he that is in you why are you worried about he that is in the world?

Set yourself – discipline your thought life. Thoughts become words, words become actions, and actions become your habits. The thing you think about the most is what you end up doing.

We decide our habits and our habits decide our future.

You will never possess what you are unwilling to pursue.

Matthew 6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. You must seek the kingdom first.

You must know how to handle pressure to operate in this abundant life. Pressure will come but to overcome it you must be able to handle pressure.

2 Corinthians 4:15- For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. All things work together for good.

There are times when it may not look good, but because I love God and I am called to his purpose it’s working for my good.

All things!

We must get to the place in Christ where we stop running to God about our problems. There are some times when you need to tell your problems about your God.

Proverbs 10:32 – The righteous aren’t going around saying craziness. We are winners right now!

Perseverance

Bible Study: Perseverance 

Foundational Scripture: Philippians 4:11

Scriptures: Galatians 2:6-7, 1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 12:13, James 1:2, 1 Corinthians 13:7, Psalms 119:9-11, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Psalm 141:3, Ephesians 4:22, Romans 13:13, Romans 5:2, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 6:10

Bible Study Notes:

Perseverance is enduring a course of action or belief. The definition of perseverance is a continuing commitment to the Gospel of Christ. At times we are weary, tired, sad, wondering if we are doing the right thing. We must persevere during these times.

The enemy comes and tells you that God doesn’t care about you. Especially during the times when others are receiving blessings all around you. This is the time when you need to persevere. 

Christians persevere in faith. Hang on to the word. Whatever God says. Galatians 2:6-7 - But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

⁷ But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter

When we receive Christ our actions should be in Christ. We must be built up in Christ. We must be steadfast and unmovable. 1 Corinthians 15:57 – But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Don’t allow the things that happen in your life to diminish your faith in God. God is the same yesterday, today and forever more. Never move away from what you know.

When we pray Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.  We persevere in prayer. When we have trials in our lives we must be patient. We must stay with God. Don’t look at what’s seen, remember the promise. 

James 1:2 – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Count it all joy – When these things happen don’t let it steal your joy. Trying of your faith worketh patience. 

Perseverance arises from suffering. There is a lesson in everything. We learn more about God when we have to deal with things. Sickness, trials and troubles than I do by reading scripture. The trials allows the word to become alive in your life.

We get to a place where we know that what God’s promised has come to pass. I read it in the scripture but experiencing it makes it a greater reality.

Perseverance demonstrates Christian character. It builds Christian character. We become witnesses after our suffering. Others can see God in you. Since we are witnesses, we shouldn’t hide it.

God gets the glory. When our character is demonstrated. 1 Corinthians 13:7 – Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. I can endure all things because I belong to him.

He promised to keep us, so I can bear all things. He didn’t promise no disappointment, pain or sadness. Weeping endures for a night. With that knowledge we can rejoice. 

We are encouraged to persevere. To hold fast to our faith. To stand – we don’t give up.

The temptation may come but we don’t give in to the temptation. We are encouraged as Christians to persevere. We know that at the appointed time, God will do what he said he would do.

Not our time – God’s time. God knows the best time. He delivers us, he heals us and he supplies our needs. So we trust in God. The Bible tells us don’t put trust in man, trust in God. He made us, not us, ourselves.

God’s all knowing, all-faithful and all-powerful, put your trust in God.

We must also discipline ourselves. To be disciplined is to be of a mindset and attitude that no matter what happens, we wait. A lot of times it’s not easy; because when you wait for God there are thoughts and things that come in our lives. 

Maybe, I should do this or that. No! You need to wait. You don’t sit and wait, you serve while you wait.

We have to use self-discipline, even when we study the word. When we study the word, we learn what to do with every situation that arises in our lives. 

Psalms 119:9-11 – ⁹ Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

¹⁰ With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

When you study the word, you will find that when you need a scripture, it comes to remembrance. The holy spirit reveals it to us.

If I’m going to persevere I must have a disciplined mind. I cant let my mind wander. 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

Trouble will come, so will contrary thoughts .You must replace those crazy thoughts with the word of God. Sometimes you must replace the words of others with the word of God.

In perseverance we get very tired but if God is saying wait, I must wait until I get an answer from God. I can’t move until then. When you aren’t sure, have a conversation with Jesus. Especially while you’re persevering. 

We must also discipline our speech. Cast down those thoughts before you say it. Thoughts become words, words become actions and actions paint our destiny.

Psalm 141:3 – Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Don’t let me say things I shouldn’t say. Put a watch over my mouth. Don’t let me question that which you set before me.

Discipline our speech and discipline our behavior. We must discipline our bodies. Ephesians 4:22 – That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts put off the old man. 

Perseverance is required during trials but I can’t go back and say the things I used to say concerning the trial.

We must discipline our bodies. 

Self-discipline – If I discipline myself, it prevents God’s discipline. 1 Corinthians 11:32-33 - ³² But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

³³ Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

 If I discipline myself – God doesn’t have to discipline me. 

Refrain from saying things that are contrary to the life I should be living. There’s a blessing for us when we discipline ourselves. God rewards us.

Failure can’t happen in your life without permission. We can’t complain about the things we permit in our lives. When you allow it to happen, don’t complain.

When dealing with situations you must adjust any contrary argument. Anything telling us not to obey God – we don’t need. We must obey God – even when it appears to not be working, we must obey God. 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. I can’t give the flesh the opportunity to sin. Walking in the spirit conquers the flesh.

Keys to Perseverance

·         Self-control over the spirit

·         Self- Denial

·         Self-Control

·         Make no provisions for the flesh

We must keep ourselves pure. Failure for us is not an option. Whenever we are faced with something expect God to do what he said. Remember that God always gives his people the best. 

It doesn’t mean we won’t have trials but God wants the very best for us. Romans 5:1

2 Things – We are justified through Christ and we have peace

Romans 5:2 – By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. We must glory in tribulation, because tribulation worketh patience and patience worketh experience and experience, hope. Glory in tribulation because without it our patience wouldn’t exist.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. We look for the greater good. Knowing this we can still rejoice in our need and tribulation. I can still give God glory. Even when things aren’t going right – glory in tribulation.

There are some things that you deal with that you can praise your way out of. Never get to the place where you lose your praise.

We are more than a conqueror. Before tribulation comes we have the information before hand – so the tribulation is defeated.

Christ said it is finished. Since Christ is the victor and we are in him we are victorious. When we are weak, we’re strong because of Christ. Not physical strength but spiritual strength.

Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Be strong in the Lord. Because he loves us, I’m more than a conqueror. We are winners before the battle starts. Before the next incident come up we are more than a conqueror. When you look at a conqueror, remember that you are more than that. 

1 Peter 4:16 – Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  Don’t be ashamed, glorify God in your suffering. 

Perseverance – The trial won’t last.

My grace is sufficient. We are strongest when we are weak. Give God the glory in your trial and the power of God will rest on you.

The power belongs to God. If it doesn’t change tomorrow all power belongs to God. There is never a time when God isn’t faithful. 

I’m persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed.

When you’re going through, remember that this isn’t the end. I’m going on from here. It’s not over. 

Look at life like it’s a boxing match. 

You can remind God – talk to him.

God has called us all for something special – we can’t just sit around. Get up.

God has already got the victory – so we need not fear anything. Walk in faith. This is what he promised me. This will happen. 

When you are feeling fearful – Stand in Faith!