30
May '20
R.I.P.
30
May '20
Colossians 3:1-24
Introduction: Have you ever seen a beautiful butterfly? Has it always been able to fly and radiate different colors? No… Rather, it’s been transformed from a crawling caterpillar to a bouncing butterfly – death to life. Likewise, we as redeemed believers in Jesus have been changed from an OLD life to a NEW life in Christ. That process continues until we are glorified in heaven…. I like to call it R.I.P. Why? Paul uses (2) pieces of the puzzle that snap together in R.I.P.
1. Some things need to be (BURIED) R.I.P.! Rest In Peace (Col 3:1-5)
” If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on the things above, not on the things on the earth….For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Note: {“If” means “since”- aorist tense – past event- the believers of Colossae had already been “raised” up – (positionally and practically when fleshed out experientially)
•”Dead” R.I.P – Rest In Peace. (“For ye are dead”- Col 3:4)
•”Mortify” aorist – put to death..”your members…fornication, uncleanness….evil concupiscence, and covetousness.” (Col 3:5)
[Past sins – R.I.P; Perfect people – R.I.P.]
” If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on the things above, not on the things on the earth….For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Note: {“If” means “since”- aorist tense – past event- the believers of Colossae had already been “raised” up – (positionally and practically when fleshed out experientially)
•”Dead” R.I.P – Rest In Peace. (“For ye are dead”- Col 3:4)
•”Mortify” aorist – put to death..”your members…fornication, uncleanness….evil concupiscence, and covetousness.” (Col 3:5)
[Past sins – R.I.P; Perfect people – R.I.P.]
2. Some things need to be RESURRECTED in POWER (R.I.P.)! (Col 3:15-24)
Our hearts need (R.I.P.)
•[A Passion for His WORD] – Col 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”
•[A Passion for His WILL] – Col 3:15 “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts”
•[A Passion for His WORK] – Col 3:23,24 “Whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Our hearts need (R.I.P.)
•[A Passion for His WORD] – Col 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”
•[A Passion for His WILL] – Col 3:15 “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts”
•[A Passion for His WORK] – Col 3:23,24 “Whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Conclusion: Daily Reminder:
- Some things in our life {have been} need to be buried. “Put to death” (R.I.P) – Rest In Peace!
- While some things need to be “Brought to life” (R.I.P.) – Resurrected In Power!
Hallelujah….if you could only see what I USED to be…and NOW transformed into….well…a work in progress!
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
29
May '20
Gone But Not Forgotten
29
May '20
Acts 20:1-36
Introduction: How do you want to be remembered? When your time comes, will you be GONE and FORGOTTEN? How can we leave a lasting legacy? God gives us (5) ways to be “GONE but not FORGOTTEN” through Paul’s life and influence:
1. By INFLUENCING others to follow the WILL of God! (Acts 20:1-4)
“Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them…and had given them much exhortation.”
• Paul’s circle of influence
• Your circle of influence
2. By BELIEVING the WORD of God! (Acts 20:7-12)
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.”
• Your mission field
• Blossom where you are planted
3. By being LEAD by the SPIRIT of God! (Acts 20:17-22)
“Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations…I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there…save the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city.”
• Red lights of the Holy Spirit – WHOA
• Green lights from the Holy Spirit – GO
4. By FINISHING faithful with the PLAN of God! (Acts 20:24)
“Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
• It’s not how you start
• It’s how you finish
Conclusion: God’s prescription to MAXIMIZE your influence is by following the Will of God, believing the Word of God, being lead by the Spirit of God, and finishing faithful with the Plan of God…..that will assure you and me of LEAVING a LASTING LEGACY!
Thanks for being faithful!
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
28
May '20
Greater Love in Action
28
May '20
John 15:13
Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Introduction: Are you ready to go? Ready to serve? Will you answer God’s CALL? “He that loses his life for my sake shall find it” (Matt 10:39). “When He was on the cross, you (I) were on His mind.” Just as men and women down through the ages have answered the CALL to serve our country, AMERICA – even to the point of death – may we STEP up and say, “Yes to Jesus”!
Think about (3) reasons to answer God’s CALL:
1. Answering Jesus CALL is our HIGHEST DUTY! (John 15:13)
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
• Ready to SERVE our Lord…..Isaiah answered, “Here am I, send me” (Isa 6:8)
• Life service…over Lip service
2. Jesus answered His Father’s CALL! (Phil 2:5-11)
“Let this mind be in you, which as also in ChristJesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:….took upon Him the form of a servant…and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…wherefore God….highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name.”
• Substitutionary LOVE
• Servanthood LOVE
3. CHRISTians need to answer the CALL because we are in a war! (John 15:13)
“Greater love hath no man that this, that a man lay down his life for a friend.”
• War on your house
• War on the Church house
• War on the schoolhouse
• War on the courthouse
• War on the White House
Conclusion: You probably would not be reading this, if you didn’t answer God’s CALL. The stakes are high! The cost is great! The battle is relentless! But the purpose is justifying…. In a culture that thrives on SELF – preserving, may we be FAITHFUL to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we answer His CALL!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
27
May '20
Faith Worth Fighting For
27
May '20
Psalm 11:1-7
“In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord‘s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.”
Introduction: While others saw a shepherd boy, God saw a King! A warrior! A Leader! A Servant! David fought and killed a bear, a lion, and a giant… every Christian is in a FIGHT! Can you feel it? How can we win over the enemy? Consider (3) strategies for FIGHTING the Good FIGHT of FAITH:
1. Who’s FIGHTING Who? Prepare for Battle! (Psa 11:1-2)
“In the Lord put I my trust:….For lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.”
- Facing an Internal enemy – fighting your testimony
- Facing an External enemy – fighting your family
- Facing an Infernal enemy – fighting your legacy
2. How much will it COST? Count the COST! (Psa 11:3)
“If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
- The COST of compromise
- The PRICE that’s RIGHT for the fight
3. Where is our help? Do the math! (Psa 11:4-7)
“The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men….For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.”
- God’s in control
- We shall behold Him
Conclusion: Is there a cost to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? What’s the cost to follow Jesus? Death to SELF! There’s a PRICE to follow CHRIST!! But there’s a higher COST for lower living…. Ultimately it COSTS more not to follow Jesus, regardless of the fierce fight of faith.
Keep fighting soldier.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
25
May '20
Teach Us to Pray
25
May '20
Luke 11:1
“One of his disciples said Lord, teach us to pray.”
Introduction: How is your prayer life? Occasionally, it does me good to take inventory on my prayer life? Do you need to? Let’s face it, the purpose of prayer is to have a relationship with the God of the Bible….by talking and listening. This starts as we turn from our sin and trust in Jesus’ precious, cleansing blood and receive Him as our Lord and Saviour. Instead of “SWEET HOUR of PRAYER” our culture has changed it to “SWEET MINUTE of PRAYER”! (guess that’s better than nothing). Is that the way to really build a meaningful LOVE RELATIONSHIP? So Why and How should we pray?
1. Why should we PRAY?
(“Lord, Teach us to pray”)
• Why? Because we have not because we ask not (James 4:2)
• Why pray? To keep us from falling into temptation (Matt 26:41 – “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak”)
• Why? Because we have an enemy (“Deliver us from evil…” Matt 6:13)
(“Lord, Teach us to pray”)
• Why? Because we have not because we ask not (James 4:2)
• Why pray? To keep us from falling into temptation (Matt 26:41 – “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak”)
• Why? Because we have an enemy (“Deliver us from evil…” Matt 6:13)
2. How should we PRAY?
(“Lord, teach us to pray”)
• Pray in Jesus’ name (John 14:13, 14)
• Pray according to the will of God (1 John 5:14, 15)
• Pray in Faith ( Matt 11:22-24)
• Pray for God’s glory (John 17:1f)
(“Lord, teach us to pray”)
• Pray in Jesus’ name (John 14:13, 14)
• Pray according to the will of God (1 John 5:14, 15)
• Pray in Faith ( Matt 11:22-24)
• Pray for God’s glory (John 17:1f)
Conclusion: Quantity and Quality go hand in hand when it comes to praying. Do you want just 30 seconds a day/week with those you love? Or more like 30 minutes to an hour or more? How does our Heavenly Father feel….. when we just go to him when we’ve got a “flat tire” – or when we want Him to heal us or get us out of trouble, which is ok as long as we have a RELATIONSHIP with Him? But as a parent or a friend, we want to spend time with those we love. We’ve all enrolled in this SCHOOL of PRAYER…. graduation is when we get to heaven!
So…”Lord teach us to pray.”
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
23
May '20
How to Live the Kind of Life that Pleases Our Lord
23
May '20
Ephesians 5:15-20
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Introduction: Pleasing our Lord should be #1 on our list. Right? Is it possible? How? Everyday? Failures, faults, and fears can block us. But inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul lays out to the Church of Ephesus and to us today, (5) ways to LIVE a LIFE that PLEASES the Lord:
1. Watch your step CAREFULLY! (Eph 5:15)
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.”
• “Circumspect” – (Latin- means ” looking around”)
( Greek- means “accuracy & precision”)
• Cautious- yellow light
2. Use your time WISELY! (Eph 5:16)
” Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
• “Redeem”- buy back (wouldn’t you like to do that?)
• “Days are evil” – pulled by the world, flesh, devil
3. Fill your tank DAILY! (Eph 5:18)
” And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”
• “Be filled” ( Greek word – plerusthe )
• Present tense- continuous action- go on being filled (we leak!)
• Plural in form- for everybody (not just Charles Stanley) me & you
• Passive in mood- can’t fill ourselves – need God
4. Sing from heart to the Lord JOYFULLY! (Eph 5:19)
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
• When praises go up….
• Blessings come down
5. Thank God CONTINUALLY! (Eph 5:20)
” Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Thanksgiving is thanksgiving
• Notice – “for all things”
Conclusion: I know what your thinking…. 3 out of 5 isn’t bad! Next: we can’t do that!Unachievable. No we can’t (in ourselves)…but if we
1. Admit we can’t
2. Believe & trust Him to enable us
3. Cooperate with the Holy Spirit
It is possible; otherwise, the Lord would not have had Paul to write it down for us.
Not perfection, but PLEASING!
1. Admit we can’t
2. Believe & trust Him to enable us
3. Cooperate with the Holy Spirit
It is possible; otherwise, the Lord would not have had Paul to write it down for us.
Not perfection, but PLEASING!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
22
May '20
Strength for the Journey
22
May '20
Joshua 1:1-9
“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Introduction: Remember Popeye the Sailor Man? What about the Big, Bad Bully… Brutus? Weak and skinny Popeye turned into an Incredible Hulk when he ate his spinach. This illustrates what believers in Jesus turn into when the POWER of GOD fills us! Joshua experienced this POWER, which gave him STRENGTH for the Journey! How can we be STRONG and COURAGEOUS in the Lord? There are (5) ways:
1. The Lord has promised to be with us when we need COURAGE to cross over IMMOVABLE Obstacles! (Josh 1:1, 2)
” Now after the death of Moses….the Lord spake to Joshua…Moses’ minister, saying, Moses is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan…and all this people unto a land which I do give to them.”
• Passing the baton
• God makes a way
” Now after the death of Moses….the Lord spake to Joshua…Moses’ minister, saying, Moses is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan…and all this people unto a land which I do give to them.”
• Passing the baton
• God makes a way
2. The Lord has promised to be with us when we need COURAGE to take the territory from the enemy! (Josh 1:3)
” Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that I have given you.”
• Take back the territory
• Enlarge your coast
” Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that I have given you.”
• Take back the territory
• Enlarge your coast
3. The Lord has promised to be with us when we need COURAGE to fight our enemy! (Josh 1:5, 6)
“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so shall be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage.”
• Stand against the enemies’ attack
• Go get your possession
“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so shall be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage.”
• Stand against the enemies’ attack
• Go get your possession
4. The Lord has promised to be with us when we need COURAGE to OBEY! (Josh 1:8)
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but meditate…day and night…observe to do…all that is written for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and have good success.”
• “Meditate” – pictures a cow lying down chewing cuds
• Obedience brings blessings
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but meditate…day and night…observe to do…all that is written for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and have good success.”
• “Meditate” – pictures a cow lying down chewing cuds
• Obedience brings blessings
5. The Lord has promised to be with us when we’re AFRAID and need STRENGTH! (Josh 1:9)
” Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and if good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
• “Strong” means be firm, resolute, prevail
• “Dismayed” means break in pieces, shattered
” Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and if good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
• “Strong” means be firm, resolute, prevail
• “Dismayed” means break in pieces, shattered
Conclusion: Do you need STRENGTH and COURAGE these days? Seniors, teenagers, young adults, dads, moms,
grand parents… every family, every Christian, needs STRENGTH and COURAGE! If we are going to “cross over,” “possess our spiritual possessions,” “drive out the enemy,” and be “blessed and prosper” by the Captain of our Salvation (Jesus Christ), then let’s hear, trust, and obey Him…. get ready for success….. spinach can’t help us like God’s Holy Spirit Power can!
grand parents… every family, every Christian, needs STRENGTH and COURAGE! If we are going to “cross over,” “possess our spiritual possessions,” “drive out the enemy,” and be “blessed and prosper” by the Captain of our Salvation (Jesus Christ), then let’s hear, trust, and obey Him…. get ready for success….. spinach can’t help us like God’s Holy Spirit Power can!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
21
May '20
The Key to Contentment
21
May '20
Text: Philippians 4:1-11
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil 4:11).(“content” – Greek word – autarkes- means independent of external circumstances)
Introduction: Why are so many people unhappy? Discontented? Are you CONTENT? Satisfied? How can we get to a place of contentment? While in prison chained to a Roman guard, Paul is given by God (3) KEYS to CONTENTMENT that the Philippian believers needed, and we do as well.
1. Have we discovered we can’t CHANGE PEOPLE, only God can? (Phil 4:1-3)
” Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved….stand fast in the Lord…I beseech Euodias, and Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”
• Philippian’s division
• God’s provision
” Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved….stand fast in the Lord…I beseech Euodias, and Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”
• Philippian’s division
• God’s provision
2. Have you discovered that you can’t fix all of your PROBLEMS, but you can Win the War of Worry? (Phil 4:4-7)
“Rejoice in the Lord always….Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known unto God. And the peace of God, that passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
(“Careful” – full of care, “Keep”- garrison – guard)
• Remember reasons to rejoice
• Practice prayer as a priority – the cure for care = prayer
“Rejoice in the Lord always….Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known unto God. And the peace of God, that passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
(“Careful” – full of care, “Keep”- garrison – guard)
• Remember reasons to rejoice
• Practice prayer as a priority – the cure for care = prayer
3. Have you discovered that you can’t help when your emotions run away, but you can bring your THOUGHTS under CONTROL? (Phil 4:8)
” Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, ….honest, …just, …pure, …lovely, …good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
• Fear, Negative thoughts, Bad attitude
• Faith, Positive, Good attitude
” Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, ….honest, …just, …pure, …lovely, …good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
• Fear, Negative thoughts, Bad attitude
• Faith, Positive, Good attitude
Conclusion: What a prescription for our modern day ills! This worry-free pill needs to be taken daily…. sometimes by the minute. Winning the war over worry, trying to change people, and thinking negative thoughts, all weigh us down. But praise the Lord, He gives us keys to unlock the door to CONTENTMENT!
“Hand me the keys.”
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
20
May '20
Saved to Serve
20
May '20
Text: Acts 18:2, 26; Romans 16:3-5
-Acts 18:2 “And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.”
-Acts 18:26 “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”
-Romans 16:3-5 ” Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.”
Introduction: Did you know that God’s got a CALL on your life? What is it? Maybe not a full time ministry call but nevertheless, the Lord has CALLED us to FOLLOW Him! How are we doing? Have you ever heard of Aquila & Priscilla in the Bible? Both Luke in the book of Acts and Paul in the book of Romans reveal (4) key ways to check up & see if we are really fulfilling our CALLING:
1. If we are going to fulfill our CALLING, we’ve got to MAKE time with our Lord DAILY! (Acts 18:2)
“Paul departed…and came to Corinth: And found a certain Jew named Aquila…from Italy, with his wife Priscilla…they were tentmakers.”
• Time management
• Spiritual disciplines
“Paul departed…and came to Corinth: And found a certain Jew named Aquila…from Italy, with his wife Priscilla…they were tentmakers.”
• Time management
• Spiritual disciplines
2. If we are going to fulfill our CALLING, we’ve got to be AVAILABLE for our Lord REGULARLY! (Acts 18:26)
“A certain Jew named Apollos…an eloquent man, mighty in Scriptures…fervent in the spirit…knowing only of the baptism of John…Aquila and Priscilla had heard, took him..and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.”
We all need to remain TEACHABLE!
• Discipleship
• Mentoring
• Discipleship
• Mentoring
3. If we are going to fulfill our CALLING, we’ve got to put to death the “OLD MAN” and put on the “NEW MAN” DELIBERATELY! (Rom 16:3-4)
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila….who have for my life laid down their own necks.”
• Death to SELF
• LIFE to Holy Spirit Power
• Death to SELF
• LIFE to Holy Spirit Power
4. If we are going to fulfill our CALLING, we’ve got to SERVE the Lord with a good ATTITUDE PURPOSEFULLY! (2 Tim 4:19) “Salute Prisca and Aquila.”
• Paul is in prison
• Priscilla & Aquila – TEAM PLAYERS in the work of God
• Paul is in prison
• Priscilla & Aquila – TEAM PLAYERS in the work of God
Conclusion: Are we answering the Lord’s call today? These (4) keys: spending devotional time daily, being available regularly, putting off the flesh but putting on the new man deliberately, and serving the Lord purposefully, will make a difference as we answer God’s CALL and FOLLOW JESUS!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
19
May '20
Becoming a Man or Woman of God
19
May '20
Text: Philemon
“Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
Introduction: Are you facing challenges? How about time management? Balancing demands of life? Keeping priorities in line? Don’t you want to be known as a man or woman of God? Here are (6) marks of measurement that Paul articulates to Philemon that act as a mirror to see if we are known as a man or woman of God:
1. A man or woman of God has FAITH & LOVE for the LORD JESUS & all the SAINTS! (Philemon 5a)
“Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward the saints.”
• Understanding the times – Faith in God
• Unconditional love for all of God’s people
• Understanding the times – Faith in God
• Unconditional love for all of God’s people
2. A man or woman of God is LIVING out his or her FAITH in JESUS by the power of the Holy Spirit! (Philemon 6)
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
• Living out!
• Pouring in!
• Living out!
• Pouring in!
3. A man or woman of God REFRESHES others! (Philemon 7)
” For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee brother.”
• Love gives
• Love receives
” For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee brother.”
• Love gives
• Love receives
4. A man or woman is willing to go beyond the CALL of DUTY! (Philemon 21)
“Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.”
• Just getting by?
• Going above & beyond!
• Just getting by?
• Going above & beyond!
5. A man or woman of God learns to EXERCISE FORGIVENESS! (Philemon 18)
“If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account.”
“Wronged” is in the aorist tense- meaning past event – with Onesimus.
“Oweth ” is in the present tense- meaning still owes.
• 2 Wrongs
• Don’t make a Right
“Wronged” is in the aorist tense- meaning past event – with Onesimus.
“Oweth ” is in the present tense- meaning still owes.
• 2 Wrongs
• Don’t make a Right
6. A man or woman of God believes & practices the POWER of PRAYER! (Philemon 22)
” …for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.”
• Praying for others
• Needing them to pray
• Praying for others
• Needing them to pray
Conclusion: Staying the course set by a PROVIDENTIAL God is challenging! Do you agree? Look back on your life….
Hills, bumps, curves and plenty of u-turns can be expected along the way. Although not always pleasant, to be a man or woman of God is the ultimate calling. One last note; our Lord Jesus’ measuring stick can be found in the little book of Philemon.
Hills, bumps, curves and plenty of u-turns can be expected along the way. Although not always pleasant, to be a man or woman of God is the ultimate calling. One last note; our Lord Jesus’ measuring stick can be found in the little book of Philemon.
Thanks for being “A MAN & WOMAN” of God!
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese