Nothing I have is mine!

Session 4

 

All we do in & through PBC is to fulfil our mission statement:

GROWING INTO GOD: GOING OUT FOR GOD

 

Intro.  If we are seriously intent on following Jesus we must be free of the things which hamper our journey.

 

We have so much ‘stuff’ – whether money, things, interests, hobbies etc.  How should we treat all this as Christians?  Let’s ask 4 questions:-

 

1)         Whose is it? It’s now in God’s hands – you belong to Him, so does your stuff – so:

Ø     don’t look back                         (Gen.19:17,26)

Ø     don’t look for more                  (Luke 12:16-21)

Ø     don’t look so worried!             (Luke 12:22-34)

 

2)         How did it get there (in God’s hands)?  When we gave our lives to Jesus we gave the lot (or do you think someone didn’t point out to you what was in the small print?).

 

Examples of those who gave all – (Mark 12:41-44; Matthew 13:44-46)

 

Are you dying to live?  (Matt.16:24-26)

 

3)         How did I get it (in the first place)?        God’s goodness, gifts & help got you where you are and what you have (Deuteronomy 8:17,18). 

Beware pride, self-congratulation and a strong belief in your own abilities.

 

We should be living lives that rely on God’s provision (Matt. 6:11).

 

4)         What now?              

Ø     get your eyes tested!  (Gen.3:6)

Ø     goodbye to my desires!          (Luke 14:26,27,33)

Ø     hello Heaven!                            (Colossians 3:1-4)

 

M.O.T. Check Points:

 

12.       What material things are holding you back from being full-on for God?

13.      What cares, concerns or worries take too much of your time & energy?

14.       Are you in the place of needing to ask the Father for your “daily bread”, or are you trusting in your own abilities?

 

Further exercises:

 

Ø     reflect on the phrase, “..it’s the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”  What does it mean?  What does it mean for you?

Ø     list the ‘stuff’ you have at your disposal.  How lightly do you hold it?  How could you put it at God’s disposal?

Ø     read and reflect on all the Scriptures above during this week.

 

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