HOW TO SEE GOD
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How To See God (Matthew 5:8)
Matthew 5:1-8 (KJV) 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
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We are Called to Persevere
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ON BEING A STRONGER CHRISTIAN - SERIES
WE ARE CALLED TO PERSEVERE – 2 TIMOTHY 1:8-2:7
Sometimes following Jesus is more than we bargained for. We wonder why God allows bad things to happen to us while others seem to have an easy life. Sometimes we feel like simply quitting.
PERSONAL REFLECTION:
1. Have you ever felt like giving up Christianity and taking up an easier way of life?
2. What aspects of Christianity feel like weighty demands or burdens to you?
As a young and timid leader, Timothy faced the dual dilemma of personal inadequacy and a problem-stricken church. If that weren’t enough, Paul, his father in the faith, was in prison facing the prospect of death. His arrest evidently resulted in widespread defections from the faith. This is the last letter Paul wrote before he was executed. From his cell he challenges Timothy to endure. Read 2 Timothy 1:8–2:7.
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ACHIEVING GREATNESS THROUGH HUMILITY
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ON BEING A STRONGER CHRISTIAN SERIES:
ACHIEVING GREATNESS THROUGH HUMILITY – MARK 10: 32-45
Pride comes in all shapes and sizes. Some of us put ourselves on a pedestal from which we judge the faults of everyone else. Others struggle with low self-esteem that they cannot take their eyes off themselves and their own inadequacies. Still others swing like a pendulum from one extreme to the other.
Personal Reflection: What is the difference between humility and a poor self-image? Reflect on Jesus’ humility. Spend time in prayer asking God to use this study to build a little more of Jesus’ character in you.
Paul exhorts us neither to exalt nor to belittle ourselves, but rather to think of ourselves with sober judgment (Romans 12:3). In Mark 10 we see that the disciples too were constantly learning to live humbly like the Lord Jesus. Read Mark 10:32–45.
On Using Your Spiritual Gifts
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On Using Your Spiritual Gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:1-26
Tongues, prophecy, teaching, evangelism, mercy. In recent years a wide spectrum of views has developed among Christians about spiritual gifts. In Fire in the Fireplace Charles Hummel describes a common misconception: “Christians are often urged to inquire: ‘What is my gift? How can I discover and use it?’ Our culture pressures us to ask: ‘Who am I? How can I be fulfilled and realize my potential?’ ” But is this the emphasis of the New Testament’s teaching on spiritual gifts?
Personal Reflection: How does your view of yourself affect the way you interact with other Christians? Pray that God will help you to understand your spiritual gifts.
Developing A Godly Self Image
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SERIES: ON BEING A STRONGER CHRISTIAN
Developing a Godly Self-Image
Exodus 3:1–15; 4:1–17
Few people today are immune to the effects of our fragmented, impersonal and fiercely competitive society. Many of us, both inside and outside the church, have been bruised by broken families and relationships. These wounds have not only damaged our self-images but have also hindered us from responding fully to God’s love and purposes for our lives.
PERSONAL REFLECTION:
1. Why do you think so many people struggle with a poor self-image?
2. Bring your own self-image struggles and questions to God in prayer.
SERVING OTHERS - PHIL 2
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SERVING OTHERS - PHILLIPIANS 2
November 28, 2023
