Disciplines for the Daily Disciple (pts. 2 & 3)

Disciplines for the Daily Disciple (pts. 2 & 3)

We are living in I, Me, Mine age. Good is what is good for me. Right is what is right for me. In fact, if anything, causes any sacrifice, of any kind, in anyway, it is considered someone else s problem to pay it for me. I am just here to enjoy myself. I m just here for the ride.

Many people (some Christians) do not value their time with other Christians as evidenced by their: a. Sporadic attendance of regular church services b. Failure to visit and support gospel meetings elsewhere c. Lack of interest in Home Bible studies d. Unwillingness to extend or accept offers of hospitality.

The Main Problem IS Self-Centeredness. It IS the present American Way. But it ISN T the BIBLE Way.

Many of us were raised in both the so-called "Me Decade" of the 1970's, and the equally sad Greed Decade of the 1980 s. BOTH decades distinguished by self-centered attitudes and self-indulgent behavior. We have been bombarded through the years with messages to Have it our Way, because We re Worth It.

1. We are commanded to assemble regularly to exhort one another - Heb 10:24-25 2. We do this best through Cooperate Worship Services and Bible Classes 3. Each time we Assemble, we have opportunity to Fellowship with one another 4. An important Goal in such assemblies is Mutual edification - 1Cor 14:26

Early Christians often met in their homes for Bible study - Acts5:42; 20:20 Such settings allow for personal attention and application of Scripture. THEY SHOULDN T TOTALLY REPLACE THE PRIMARY ASSEMBLIES OF THE ENTIRE BODY SUNDAYS & WEDNESDAYS -- But, involvement in Home Bible studies in addition to Cooperate Worship provides a wonderful opportunity for closer fellowship.

BY BEING REGULAR IN OUR ASSEMBLY WITH THE BODY, WE ARE BETTER ABLE TO FULFILL OUR DUTIES TO ONE ANOTHER... 1. To have a care for one another 1 Cor 12:26 2. To teach and admonish one another - Col 3:16 3. To serve one another in love - Gal 5:13

BY BEING REGULAR IN OUR ASSEMBLY WITH THE BODY, WE ARE BETTER ABLE TO FULFILL OUR DUTIES TO ONE ANOTHER... 4. To pray for one another - James 5:16 5. To restore one another - James 5:19-20 6. To be hospitable to one another - 1Pet 4:9

We ALL need encouragement to remain faithful - Heb 3:12-14 We need comfort in times of tribulation 2 Cor. 1:3-5; 1Thes 5:11 When we fellowship frequently, we are blessed by one another's faith and comfort

SACRIFICE Rom.12:1 - I urge you therefore, Brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, {which is} your spiritual service of worship.

18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many members, but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." And v. 27 - Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it.

Sacrificial Giving is certainly demonstrated in the New Testament... By the example of the churches of Macedonia 2 Cor. 8:1-5 But FIRST and FOREMOST by the example of Christ Himself John 10:18; Phil. 2:5-8; 2 Cor. 8:9

32 the [1 st century congregation] of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one {of them} claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales

It is more blessed to give than to receive - Acts 20:35 The Lord blesses those who give - Ps 41:1-3; Prov. 19:17 The grace of God is at work in those who give 2 Cor.8:1-2,6-7; 9:8,14 Wouldn t you like to bless and be blessed? GIVE sacrificially.

Discover the joy of giving 2 Cor. 8:2 The blessedness of giving - Acts 20:35 This the kind of giving that God loves, cheerfilled giving - 2 Cor. 9:7 -- The best giving, God says comes from those who give cheerfully and willingly (1 Cor. 8:3-12)

Giving must never be done begrudgingly or under compulsion because you feel you 'have to' 2 Cor. 9:7. (Otherwise, you might as well not give at all). -- The best giving comes from those who give freely, lovingly.

SACRIFICE Giving is not limited to money. In fact, real giving starts with giving OURSELVES 2 Cor. 8:5

THE REASON PAUL GAVE FOR THE OUTSTANDING EFFORTS OF THE FOLKS IN MACEDONIA GIVING THEIRMEANS IS THAT THEY FIRST GAVE THEMSELVES. That means they sought to please GOD first, and not themselves.

The purpose of any spiritual discipline is to honor God and to: Help us grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ Becoming more like Christ as we grow in His image.

For God so loved that He gave His Only Begotten Son. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for you."