I. Simeon was promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah. – Luke 2:25-27a; II. Simeon prophesied Jesus would bring light to unbelievers. – Luke 2:27b-32;III. Simeon prophesied that Jesus’ life and death would change the world. – Luke 2:33-35. Jesus reveals God’s glory and love.
1. Don't take matters into your own hands: Genesis 16:1-52. Do what God expects of you: Genesis 17:1-33. God seeks a covenant relationshipwith us: Genesis17:4-9Trust God to redeem your failures.
I. Not everyone listens to wise counsel. – 1 Samuel 2:22-26; II. Help others discern when God is speaking to them. – 1 Samuel 3:7-10; III. God’s Word, however painful it may be to hear, must be shared. – 1 Samuel 3:15-18. Help others discern the voice of God.
I. Seek God’s direction in who will carry on after you. – Numbers 27:12-17; II. Disciple and empower the one you mentor. – Numbers 27:18-20; III. Publicly affirm God’s work in the life of the one you mentor. – Numbers 27:21-23. Mentor and disciple those who will be here after you.
I. Acknowledge where you see the hand of God at work. – Exodus 18:9-11; II. Offer constructive criticism. – Exodus 18:14-18. III. Encourage with sound counsel. – Exodus 18:19-21. Be ready to give and receive godly wisdom
AVOIDING A CRITICAL SPIRIT – I. Comparing yourself to others can lead to a critical spirit. -- Numbers 12:1-3; II. Criticism of others can be a form of questioning God’s work. – Numbers 12:4-9; III. Confess a critical spirit and return to God. – Numbers 12:10-15.
THE STRENGTH TO STAND AGAINST TEMPTATION. I. Standing against temptation is a spiritual battle. – Ephesians 6:10-13; II. Standing against temptation necessitates God-given equipment. – Ephesians 6:14-16; III. Standing against temptation requires God’s Word and prayer. – Ephesians 6:17-18. God equips us to stand our ground against temptation
DEALING WITH TEMPTATION – RECOVERING FROM A FALL INTO TEMPTATION. I. Joy and blessing flow from God’s forgiveness. – Psalm 32:1-2; II. There is no forgiveness without confession of sin. – Psalm 32: 3-4; III. Living in a restored relationship with God helps us avoid future sin and temptation: - Psalm 32:6-7. There is greater joy in uncovering our sin and finding forgiveness than in trying to cover it up
DEALING WITH TEMPTATION – THE TEMPTATION TO PLACE SOMETHING ELSE BEFORE GOD. I. We can be tempted to worship things other than God. – Matthew 4:8-11; II. Never forget that it is God who is at work in your life. – Deuteronomy 6:10-12; III. When we worship God and follow Him, we will do that which pleases Him and blesses us. – Deuteronomy 6:13-15. The greatest joy comes from exalting God.
I. We can be tempted to test God for our own purposes. – Matthew 4:5-7; II. We have no reason to test God when we trust and obey His Word. – Deuteronomy 6:16-19; III. We experience God’s goodness and faithfulness as we obey His Word. – Deuteronomy 6:20-25. We can trust God without putting Him to the test
DEALING WITH TEMPTATION – THE TEMPTATION TO RELY ON MYSELF INSTEAD OF GOD. I. We are often tempted to satisfy God-given desires in the wrong way. – Matt. 4:1-4; II. We can be tempted not to trust God’s provision. – Deut. 8:2-5; III. God provides when we trust and obey Him. – Deut. 8:6-10. God’s provision is always better than what we try to get for ourselves
1. God does not tempt anyone to sin- James 1:132. Temptation begins with our own sin nature.- James 1:14-153. Everything good comes from God, including the word of truth.- James 1:16-18We have no one to blame but ourselves when we fall into sin.
I. I had broken God’s law and deserved punishment. – John 8: 2-6a; II. All of us are guilty of sinning against God. – John 8:6b-9; III. Jesus showed me grace and forgave me. – John 8:10-11. Jesus took my guilt and set me free
I. I was desperate for help that no one could provide. – John 5:2-7; II. Jesus met my need in a far greater way than I ever expected. – John 5:8-11; III. Jesus was pleased to give me life. – John 5:19-21. Jesus restored what was broken in my life
I. Jesus revealed a greater thirst in me. – John 4:7-14; II. Jesus revealed my sin. – John 4:15-18; III. Jesus revealed that He is the Messiah, the one to trust. – John 4:25-26. Only Jesus can truly satisfy my thirst.
I. God’s voice draws our thoughts to the things of God. – Col. 3:1-4; II. God’s voice draws us to put to death the earthly nature. – Col. 3:5-9; III. God’s voice draws us to cultivate godly character. – Col. 3:10-14. God’s desire is to conform us to the image of Christ
I. We honor God when we share about the eternal life Christ offers. – John 17:1-3; II. We honor God when we continue the work He has given us. – John 17:4-5; III. We honor God when we pray and disciple others. – John 17:6-9. God’s voice always leads us to glorify Him and accomplish His purposes.
I. God is holy and established a convenantal relationship with His children. – Exodus 34:1-5; II. God’s character is perfect and unchanging. – Exodus 34:6-7; III. Our response to God’s holy character is to repent and worship Him. – Exodus 34:8-9. God never calls us to do something that is outside His character
I. Faith leads us to believe and rely on God. – Hebrews 11:1-3; II. Faith responds with obedience that pleases God. – Hebrews 11:4-6; III. Faith stays focused on God’s Word and promises. – Hebrews 11:13-16