Sacred Truth Friday: Selfless Service; Temptation

Morning Sermon 
Selfless Service 

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. - Galatians 2:20 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians2:20&version=NKJV
Live for Christ, not self. It's not about me. It's all about Him. Deny myself, take up my cross, follow Him (Luke 9:23). Even Jesus came to do His Father's will (John 6:38). So I'm not here to do my own will or cater to my selfish desires, but to do His will. 

according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:20-21 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians1:20-21&version=NKJV
Let Christ be magnified in my life and in my death. Live for Him. No confidence in the flesh. Give up everything for Him. Those things are dung anyway (Philippians 3:4-8). He sacrificed Himself for me. How can I do any less? Offer my life to Him (Romans 12:1).  Have Christ's mind: He gave all in service to God (Philippians 2:5-8).



Afternoon Sermon 
Temptation 

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. - James 1:13-15 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James1:13-15&version=NKJV
God cannot tempt me. I'm tempted by my own evil desires. When I give in, I sin. Practice sin, and I die spiritually. Jesus was tempted, yet He did not sin (Hebrews 4:15).  What's my excuse? And don't say "I'm just human" either. Pathetic excuse! God demands holiness (1 Peter 1:16).  No option here! 

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Corinthians10:13&version=NKJV
Look for and take that way of escape. 
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. - James 1:16 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James1:16&version=NKJV
Don't be deceived concerning temptation. Satan tempts me, not God, but I can and must resist him. Continue to walk in the light and confess and repent of sin (1 John 1:7,9).

Two wonderful sermons from Stephen Wiggins. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Yummy Recipe Monday: Strawberry Slab Pie

Image
Strawberry Slab Pie Serves 16-20; 30 minutes active; 2+ hours inactive INGREDIENTS 1 (11 oz.) package refrigerated pie crust Filling: 32 oz. fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced 2 1/2 cups lemon lime soda (we used sprite) 6 oz. strawberry jello 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/3 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon lemon juice frozen whipped topping or whipped cream, garnish Report Advertisement PREPARATION Preheat oven to 450º F. Turn both pie crusts out on a lightly floured surface and stack one on top of the other. Roll them out to roughly a 12x17-inch rectangle, then transfer crust to a large baking sheet (10x15-inches). Tuck any excess crust under itself, then crimp edges as desired, pricking the bottom and sides all over with a fork. Place baking sheet in oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until golden brown, then remove from oven and let cool. In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together jello packet, sugar and cornstarch, then pour in sprite and lemon juice. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring
Read more

Gospel Wednesday: Romans Chapter 10: Confess Him

Image
Romans Chapter 10 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
Read more

Happy Easter

Image
Matthew 28:1-15 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. The Women Worship the Risen Lord And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus
Read more