Great message in church this morning from Mark Wilkins…talking about our second nature.
Our desire is to live authentic lives…having an impact on those around us.
Ephesians 4:13-16 – until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will
As Christians we’re not meant to live our lives in straight jackets, bound by rigid rules. Yet some Christians believe this is the way to live.
The main way is to live our lives authentically in the second nature that has been given to us…as a new creation. Over time we are transformed, we grow into maturity.
How do we live? What does our second nature look like? Our goal is to glorify God and become more like Jesus.
Philippians 2:5 – Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
Our aim is to have the same attitude as Christ…to become Christ like. Yet we know to live up to that standard is so difficult…Jesus is God!
His purpose was to bring God’s Kingdom to earth…and to become more like him is to have that same purpose in our own lives.
Let’s look at a group of people who the Apostle Paul recognised as have grasped this truth with regards to living this authentic second nature.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 – We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 5:8 – But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet
These characteristics of Faith, Hope and Love that they had right, we should have too.
1 Corinthians 13:11-13 – When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love
Faith – seeing life through God’s eyes. Knowing that everyday God is with me. He is stronger, bigger than any of my circumstances.
Hope – not the kind of hope that says ‘I hope I might win the lottery’, but a hope that says Jesus is with me right now. We’re not just hoping for a better future. We can take steps today. When Paul was in prison he was praising God because he had Hope…that God was with him.
Love – love is the greatest! If we have love for God and for people it sustains us…it encapsulates everything else. This love is not just for my partner/family but it is for everyone.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
Be true to yourself…but which self? The second nature person. Let us be authentic to that second nature and not the first nature.
We need to exercise our second nature muscles!
Put on the right person…genuine, not false…not pretending. Consciously where the right clothes. Put this into practice so that it becomes natural over time. We might get things wrong from time to time…but we will get it right too.
Practical steps to live by that second nature and to become more like our creator…
Read God’s word – again not out religious duty but out of relationship. Not beating ourselves up but having that desire to know God more and to make the choice of reading and getting his word inside of us.
Look to people who are great examples – who live their lives that reflect that behaviour, second nature.
Philippians 3:17 – Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you
This also happens in community. We’re called to be together…the church. Worshipping together, praying together…developing those faith muscles.
Choose to serve together…this is very powerful.
Baptism – great step, public declaration…choosing to follow Jesus.
Giving – all part of developing our lives, growing in our second nature. Over time will become easier…to be generous, to honour God. Let us work our generosity muscles!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ephesians 4
Paul Benger continues a great series on the book of Ephesians with a message called GOD BUILDS.
Ephesians 4:1-16
God builds his church. He is a builder. He will occasionally do a quick fix but his normative process is building. The building of the Church is the Primary Work of Jesus Christ. Jesus said "I will build my church" Matthew 16
We are also called to build. We are into building the lives of people, so they can live expansive, growing and flourishing lives.
Some people have a love view of church like it is just a club or religious organisation. The Biblical view is that we are the body of Christ on the earth…this is how God speaks to the world…through the church.
So the top of God’s ‘to do’ list is to build his church. How does he go about this?
1) God Builds Through Unity
Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace
Ephesians 4:13 - until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ
Division, arguments and factions build NOTHING. God builds unity and unity builds the church. Some of the things that contribute to unity, (vs 1-2) – As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love
We are not perfect BUT we can be united! Stay as one and love and care for one another.
Unity thrives in an atmosphere of peace. We are to be at peace with God, at peace with ourselves and at peace with others. God loves unity. He loves unity of heart and unity of vision.
God loves unity that is WILLING. Unity cannot be cajoled or forced
2) God Builds People who build His church
Ephesians 4:7 - But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it
Ephesians 4:11-13 – It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The church builds itself. It is not the job of paid clergy to build the Church. The Church builds itself. Jesus gives Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to the Church to build people who build the church. So get inviting, loving, caring, praying.
Ephesians 4:16 - From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work
3) God Builds Maturity
Ephesians 4:13-16 – until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
So that we are no longer tossed about! Maturity is revealed in stability, reliability, bouncebackability, consistency. A mature church gets fit together, each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:1-16
God builds his church. He is a builder. He will occasionally do a quick fix but his normative process is building. The building of the Church is the Primary Work of Jesus Christ. Jesus said "I will build my church" Matthew 16
We are also called to build. We are into building the lives of people, so they can live expansive, growing and flourishing lives.
Some people have a love view of church like it is just a club or religious organisation. The Biblical view is that we are the body of Christ on the earth…this is how God speaks to the world…through the church.
So the top of God’s ‘to do’ list is to build his church. How does he go about this?
1) God Builds Through Unity
Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace
Ephesians 4:13 - until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ
Division, arguments and factions build NOTHING. God builds unity and unity builds the church. Some of the things that contribute to unity, (vs 1-2) – As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love
We are not perfect BUT we can be united! Stay as one and love and care for one another.
Unity thrives in an atmosphere of peace. We are to be at peace with God, at peace with ourselves and at peace with others. God loves unity. He loves unity of heart and unity of vision.
God loves unity that is WILLING. Unity cannot be cajoled or forced
2) God Builds People who build His church
Ephesians 4:7 - But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it
Ephesians 4:11-13 – It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
The church builds itself. It is not the job of paid clergy to build the Church. The Church builds itself. Jesus gives Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to the Church to build people who build the church. So get inviting, loving, caring, praying.
Ephesians 4:16 - From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work
3) God Builds Maturity
Ephesians 4:13-16 – until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
So that we are no longer tossed about! Maturity is revealed in stability, reliability, bouncebackability, consistency. A mature church gets fit together, each part does its work.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
What difference does Easter make?
Great Easter celebration at CLC today. Paul Benger shared the good news that Easter brings us.
The world is full of unimportant news. It’s important that we get the news that we can use. We have good news today!
We believe that Jesus rose from the dead! When he rose from the dead it wasn’t done in secret. There are 15 references to Jesus meeting people after he rose from the dead. What does his resurrection tell us today?
Jesus was who he claimed to be
Jesus had the power he said he had – death could not hold him!
Jesus does what he promises to do
Jesus was who he claimed to be
John 11:25 – "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies”
Jesus made outrageous claims. He was who he said he was or he was a mad man!
John 14:6 – Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”
An outrageous claim? He is THE way, THE truth and THE life.
Jesus had the power he claimed he had
Matthew 28:18 – Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”
John 10:18 – “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father”
Jesus still has that power today. He breaks into our lives and sets us free.
Jesus does what he promises
Matthew 10:34 – Three days later he will rise
He wasn’t surprised by the cross…it was all part of his plan.
Matthew 28:5-6 – The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay
He isn’t here! The resurrection shows us that Jesus keeps his promises.
3 reasons why this is news we can use…
1) The news is…my past can be forgiven
Some people wish they could start all over again…live with regret or guilt.
The resurrection tells us that our past can be forgiven.
Colossians 2:14 – having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross
He cancelled every record of debt that we owed. The tactic of the enemy is to throw back at us that we still owe…that there is still a debt to be paid. Jesus has dealt with it!
2) The news is…our present can be controlled/managed
Be in charge…rule in life. Maturity in life is when we realise we can’t do it all on our own…in our own strength. BUT in Christ I can do all things…because of the strength he gives me.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do everything through him who gives me strength (I am ready for anything! – amplified)
3) The news is…my future can be secured
What happens when we die? The resurrection of Jesus says we can LIVE. Not just now but for eternity! Live NOW - ‘We are training for reigning’
John 14:2 – In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you
There is more than enough room!
The world is full of unimportant news. It’s important that we get the news that we can use. We have good news today!
We believe that Jesus rose from the dead! When he rose from the dead it wasn’t done in secret. There are 15 references to Jesus meeting people after he rose from the dead. What does his resurrection tell us today?
Jesus was who he claimed to be
Jesus had the power he said he had – death could not hold him!
Jesus does what he promises to do
Jesus was who he claimed to be
John 11:25 – "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies”
Jesus made outrageous claims. He was who he said he was or he was a mad man!
John 14:6 – Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”
An outrageous claim? He is THE way, THE truth and THE life.
Jesus had the power he claimed he had
Matthew 28:18 – Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”
John 10:18 – “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father”
Jesus still has that power today. He breaks into our lives and sets us free.
Jesus does what he promises
Matthew 10:34 – Three days later he will rise
He wasn’t surprised by the cross…it was all part of his plan.
Matthew 28:5-6 – The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay
He isn’t here! The resurrection shows us that Jesus keeps his promises.
3 reasons why this is news we can use…
1) The news is…my past can be forgiven
Some people wish they could start all over again…live with regret or guilt.
The resurrection tells us that our past can be forgiven.
Colossians 2:14 – having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross
He cancelled every record of debt that we owed. The tactic of the enemy is to throw back at us that we still owe…that there is still a debt to be paid. Jesus has dealt with it!
2) The news is…our present can be controlled/managed
Be in charge…rule in life. Maturity in life is when we realise we can’t do it all on our own…in our own strength. BUT in Christ I can do all things…because of the strength he gives me.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do everything through him who gives me strength (I am ready for anything! – amplified)
3) The news is…my future can be secured
What happens when we die? The resurrection of Jesus says we can LIVE. Not just now but for eternity! Live NOW - ‘We are training for reigning’
John 14:2 – In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you
There is more than enough room!
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