Before and After
Philippians 3:12
Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (Phi 3:12 NKJ)
Transition: Just before we end the year.
I. Reflection
Hag. 1:7, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!’ (Hag 1:7 NKJ)
• Who you are, ans what kind of person you are.
• What you’ve learned about yourself from the things you’ve experienced day by day
• Whether you’ve challenged yourself to grow by questioning you thoughts, beliefs, and notions anbout you own life.
1. Morally
2. Socially
3. Spiritually
Transition:
II. Release
1. Failures/Disappointments/Frustrations – There is nothing that we can do about these areas other than make a commitment to attempt to fix/remedy/strengthen these areas of weakness.
2. Future – We cant ultimately ‘control’ our tomorrow. We can plan and prepare but we have to understand that we can’t and won’t have a perfect tomorrow (financially, physically, emotionally, etc.) so just turn it over (release it) to God’s goodness, sovereignty and consequent grace to be what we need when we’ll need it.
Transition: Once we’ve considered and released, I think a good third step is to restructure.
III. Restructure
1. Priorities
2. Goals /Dreams
3. Stewardship – Matthew 6:21, ‘where you treasure is, there will you heart be also’.
Transition:
IV. Renew
2 Cor. 5:17, ‘If any man be in Christ…’
1. Wake Up
2. Step Up
3. Stay Up
4. Push Up (or at least maintain pressure)!
Conclusion: If we believe the ‘best is yet to come,’ then let’s begin with reflection, let the past speak for itself, restructure our plans, direction and purpose and lets be renewed in our spirit!
The Double-Minded
James 1:5-8 Introduction: I’d like to speak to you today aboutFaith, Expectations & Stability. Read text: James 5:1-8 Wisdom in the Proverbs: Proverbs 1:7 ‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NKJ) NKJ Proverbs 2:6 ‘For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and…
Faith Without Works
James 2 Practicing the Practical Introduction: James says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). Faith without works is a dead faith because the lack of works reveals an unchanged life or a spiritually dead heart. Many verses say that true saving faith will…
Pearls for Wise Living – Week 1
James 2 Practicing the Practical Introduction: James says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). Faith without works is a dead faith because the lack of works reveals an unchanged life or a spiritually dead heart. There are many verses that say that true…
The Pool of Blessing
John 5 Let’s look at ‘The Pool of Blessing.’ Introduction:Question: If there was one thing that you’d like to see God do for you in 2026, what would that be? The Pool of Bethesda was the focus of a local legend about healing. The Pool of Bethesda was “in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate”…
Finishing Strong
Introduction: Introduction — The Difference Between Starting and Finishing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Finishing strong is one of Scripture’s recurring themes — not just starting well, but ending with faith, endurance, and obedience. The Bible consistently frames the Christian life as a race, a fight, or a journey that requires perseverance. Question: What are some of…
It Shall Come to Pass
Introduction: Christmas is here! Wow! Isiah 9:6-7 Application: Depending…there are between 300 and 400 OT prophesies about a coming Messiah. Examples of Prophesied Events & Locations Origin: Born of a woman (Genesis 3:15), Virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), Descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3), From the line of Judah (Genesis 49:10). Life & Ministry: Born in Bethlehem…
It Shall Come to Pass
Introduction: Christmas is here! Wow! Isiah 9:6-7 Application: Depending…there are between 300 and 400 OT prophesies about a coming Messiah. Examples of Prophesied Events & Locations Origin: Born of a woman (Genesis 3:15), Virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), Descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3), From the line of Judah (Genesis 49:10). Life & Ministry: Born in Bethlehem…
