1Corinthians Philippians 4:8-9/ Ephesians 4:17-24/Hebrews 12:1-3

Transcription

1 A General Guide to Making Your Mark series 1Corinthians Philippians 4:8-9/ Ephesians 4:17-24/Hebrews 12:1-3

2 RECAP: Self-Discipline provides us with: Self-Control controlling one s own emotions, desires or will to act Focus not easily distracted by human obstacles or hindrances Resistance - the capacity to withstand personal temptations Mortification the act of mortifying/killing the cravings of the flesh

3 RECAP: Self-Discipline provides us with: Faithfulness committed to a cause, a relationship or action no matter what. Remains True Determination the ability to continue trying or going although it is very difficult Excellence a person of quality and distinction; surpassing ordinary standards

4 RECAP: Defining Self-Control In its broader definition self-control is a label for all forms of selfchange, self-management, self-modification, and self-regulation. Selfcontrol may include the use of controlling responses to weaken, to strengthen, or to maintain a target behavior

5 RECAP: Biblical Meaning There are several Greek words for Self-Control. One literal translation is "one who holds himself in." IN a nutshell: Self-Control is making a personal decision to control or resist the temptation to yield our power of control to the sentiments, cravings, passions & HABITS of the flesh and the disruptive & deceitful thoughts of our minds.

6 RECAP: Self-Control is a Manifestation/Fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22-26(NLT) Self-Control is an ability given to us by God through the Spirit 2Tim 1:7(NET) For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2Tim 1:7(NET)

7 Power: the AUTHORITY needed to overcome any personal obstruction/obstacle whether physical, mental or spiritual. In Timothy s case it was fear. Love: the AGENT that drives/cast out all negative/deficient dispositions (attitudes) which affect our outward demeanor Self-Control: the ABILITY to reject/resist any mental or emotional defect that may influence our behavior

8 How do we Apply Self-Control 1Pet 1:13-16(NLT) We Must Decide to practice it We Must Decide to obey God/the Spirits leading We Must Decide Not to Turn back to old ways We Must Decide to live Exceptionally (Holy)

9 A person s focus can either make or break their ordained direction

10 Every Believer MUST BE CAREFUL in what they choose to focus on The Source of Focus can determine a persons Course of Action (choices) The Source of Focus can dictate a person s Destiny The Source of Focus can shape a person s Thinking

11 The Source of our Focus carry traits, or subtleties of: Vice traits that lead to bad behavior (or) Virtue traits that lead to good behavior And can influence our behavior, thinking and attitude. Eventually lending themselves to the development of our choices, demeanor and conduct

12 Sources of Focus Would Include: A Person/People (behavior) Mentor Teacher Relatives Social Group

13 Some type of Medium (thinking) TV Books Religion News

14 Personal Circumstances (attitude) Finances Relationships Job/Career A Personal Tragedy (Health)

15 Kingdom Virtues Phil. 4:8-9 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 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.

16 Kingdom Virtues True Focus on truths that will influence how to represent yourself, actions and speech as genuine!

17 Kingdom Virtues Honorable Meaning, whatever we wear, do, or say should command respect Focus on how to conduct ourselves Honorably!

18 Kingdom Virtues Just Meaning, focus on doing what is right. The Scriptures become the place to find out what is right and acceptable to God

19 Kingdom Virtues Pure - Focus on how not to become defiled or allow defiled things into your sphere! Lovely Focus on things that should endear us (cause us to love) to God and others.

20 Kingdom Virtues Of Good Report (Commendable) Meaning we should focus on things which are well-spoken of (positive) not negatively spoken of.

21 Kingdom Vices Do Not Focus On Worldly Vices - Eph 4:17-24 (GNB) Vices are deceptive in their Lure (bait) Gives you inner peace or relief Relieves boredom or fatigue Provides Pleasure or Gratification Helps you escape from present reality

22 17 In the Lord s name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless 18and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. 19They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint. 20 That was not what you learnt about Christ! 21You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. 22So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24and you must put on the new self, which is created in God s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. Eph 4:17-24

23 Heb 12:1-3 (GW) Since we are surrounded by so many examples [of faith], we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God. Think about Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, so that you don't become tired and give up.