The Church Awakens - Part Three

The Church Awakens Sermon Series

Luke 4:14-15 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

What are the things that lull us to sleep?

1) Comforts 2) Discouragement 3) Sin

Ephesians 5:13-21 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,“Awake, O sleeper,and arise from the dead,and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Re-Setting our eyes on the prize

Get a biblical picture in your mind of what the promised land looks like for your: 1) Walk with Jesus 2) Your family life 3) The results of your work life 5) Your ministry (service) to the Lord

Sow daily into that vision by changing your speech.

Replacing the old patterns with new

Galatians 6:7-10 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Maxims to persist in the power of the Spirit:

1) Slow down to stay sharp.

Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,he must use more strength,but wisdom helps one to succeed.

Slow down and take the time you need to stay sharp before God in worship, the Word of God and prayer.

Psalm 16:1-2 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

2) Godly fellowship is gas for your soul. Continue to fill 'er up.

Commitment to both church and/or a community group are non-negotiables for premium health, encouragement and consistent joy.

Psalm 16:3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,in whom is all my delight.

3) Cast your lot in the right place.

You are a limited resource. God is inexhaustible. You only have so much of it, so prioritize your time and energy (both emotional and physical) for things that will build God's kingdom, His church and have eternal reward.

Psalm 16:4-5 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

4) Many hands make light work; so everyone find your place of service. (The next Volunteer Fair is Feb. 7th.)

Ephesians 4:15-16 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

5) Have holy restraint.

Let your yes be yes and your no, no to the right things.

Learn to say no to the wrong things that you might say yes to the right things.

Psalm 16:6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

6) Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Fix our eyes on Jesus and get a renewed vision of who He is.

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Psalm 16:7-11 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me;because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life;in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Second City Church- The Church Awakens Sermon Series 2016