And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. (Rom 5:3-6)

Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel. (Psalm 69:6)



Sunday, November 25, 2012

I Have Repented, Now What Do I Do?

Grace and peace to you.

Here again for the purpose of your Monday morning Bible study, as a companion to Sunday's sermon, are my rough draft notes.  As often happens, there are deviations in the message from the actual notes.  It is my hope that like the Berean brethern of Acts, that your study intensify and clarify your understanding of the truths that are in the Bible.  Questions and coments may be sent to Perseveringpastor@gmail.com.


I Have Repented, Now What?
Purely Theoretical
"There are many people in the world, alas, who are interested in religion, who talk about it and are always ready to have a debate about it. Many of them read books about religion and listen to lectures on the radio about it: perhaps they even listen to sermons in church about religion and are tremendously interested. But it is purely a detached, intellectual interest, something that they like to play with in their minds and to talk about to others. So the point I am making is this: Surely, this is infinitely worse than the position of people who say there is no God. Indeed, is there anything more terrible than a purely theoretical and academic interest in God and in religion and in the godly life?"Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Dead Religion)

Last session, we came face to face with a reality; the church itself is in a horrible state, we ourselves are accountable for our lives before a Holy God, and as long as we have breath we ought to be doing something about it.

A key passage was Rev 3, the Church in Laodicea.  The church today is highly ineffective, due to being lukewarm.  Being lukewarm comes from a loss of vigor, and assimilating to the environment around you.  In short, the church has become like the world, there is little difference.

I concluded with the question, “Is nothing sacred anymore?”

Today we turn to many passages, and I hope you have your handout.  But for time we will focus on two, Isaiah 6 and Colossians 3:1-17.

Isaiah became aware of his sinfulness and of those around him.  He repented, and then he was able to be sent by God.  Unfortunately, he went to others who did not repent, yet he was to be a voice for God.  The work was hard yet highly glorifying God.

Colossians 3:1-17

What can you do to in response to repentance? 

            Directive                                             Support                      Beauty

1. Seek the things above.                                Romans 8                    Power

2. Set your mind on things above.                  Romans 12:1-2            Growth

3. Put off evil.                                                 Galatians 5:16-21        Release from bondage

4. Put on the new nature.                                2 Cor 5:17                   Practice life in Christ

                                                                        Galatians 5:22-23

5. Forgive as you have been forgiven.            Matt 18:21-35             Christ Likeness

6. Put on Love                                                 1 Cor 13                      Biblical Love

7. Peace                                                           John 17:3                     Knowing Christ

                                                                        John 8:32                     Freedom by Truth

8. Let the Word dwell in you.                         John 15:5-7                 Growth

                                                                        2 Tim 3:16                   Doctrine

                                                                        James 1                        Orderly Wisdom Perspective

9. Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs                 Phil 2:3-4                     Unity of Believers

10. Do all to the glory of God.                       Luke 9:23                    Discipleship

 

Practical application for every day: Bases on James 1

·         Know your sins
·         Be prepared
·         Have an action plan for resisting temptation and avoiding tempting scenarios.
·         Follow through.

 Again, Is nothing sacred anymore?  Are you?

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