Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 17 October 2010.
Christians agree that Jesus has delivered us from sin and slavery to negativity. But we still can find ourselves victims to, and slaves even, to very real issues and battles everyday. How does that happen?
Finances is one common example - either finances rule our lives or we rule the finance. We don't see breakthrough and yet really don't feel free in such areas.
The simple reality is we have to do some things to see a difference. In the Parable of the Talents, we see that the master did not provide a strategy but waited to see what the servants would do. He wanted them to take faith and apply wisdom and 'go for it'.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read of having a calm and balanced mind. We can be courageous people even in the face of attack. The spirit produces fruit in our life that does not make us weak. See also Romans 8:13 where we learn that we are to lead a disciplined life.
Having a disciplined life should have the goal of glorifying God. We are to be overcomers because of Christ within us, to glorify Him and love others. Because when we are complete, we are in a better position to love Him and help others.
Discipline is far more than an alarm clock. We need to set up our lives for success in Him. Set your life up so God can bring miracles. Order your life rather than living in the moment. That way, we move forward, even in the face of adversity.
Let's be honest about 'discipline'. It's often used as a negative term and yet it is actually just exercising the order in our lives. In that way, it's a positive for Christians. You cannot be disciplined without being organised and you cannot be organised without having a priority.
Discipline basically means ordered exercise.
Getting priorities sorted
In simple terms, our priority should be God. You will then organise your life accordingly. You will take the opportunity to spend time with God. You will spend time with others in the Kingdom. If you're going to be a Christian, be a Christian.
Church is a priority. Sure, there are lots of things to distract us and draw us away from connecting with the brethren. Take time out to connect with God's church. And when church is over on Sunday, keep connecting during the week.
Ministry is a priority. Take what God has given you and serve in that for your community. Be mobilised and empowered to serve with passion.
Family is a priority. It's very important to God. Make your marriage and parenting a priority. If you're single, put time into your friendships and relationships.
Work is a priority. Don't complain about what God has given you. Have a priority to work. Be honourable and punctual.
Health is a priority. Have a healthy lifestyle. Go to the doctors when you should. Exercise. Relax. Eat well. Have a break. Go on holidays. 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 tells us not to be mastered by anything.
We will all face problems but appreciate the growth we experience during them.
Do not allow discipline to become your god. And be willing to accept the changes that come your way, which God wants you to adapt to.
Holy living is for the glory of God. Disciplined living can lead to the glory of self, so be careful. Being more disciplined doesn't necessarily make you more holy. Discipline cannot create a clean heart. See John 8:32.
Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org
Christians agree that Jesus has delivered us from sin and slavery to negativity. But we still can find ourselves victims to, and slaves even, to very real issues and battles everyday. How does that happen?
Finances is one common example - either finances rule our lives or we rule the finance. We don't see breakthrough and yet really don't feel free in such areas.
The simple reality is we have to do some things to see a difference. In the Parable of the Talents, we see that the master did not provide a strategy but waited to see what the servants would do. He wanted them to take faith and apply wisdom and 'go for it'.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read of having a calm and balanced mind. We can be courageous people even in the face of attack. The spirit produces fruit in our life that does not make us weak. See also Romans 8:13 where we learn that we are to lead a disciplined life.
Having a disciplined life should have the goal of glorifying God. We are to be overcomers because of Christ within us, to glorify Him and love others. Because when we are complete, we are in a better position to love Him and help others.
Discipline is far more than an alarm clock. We need to set up our lives for success in Him. Set your life up so God can bring miracles. Order your life rather than living in the moment. That way, we move forward, even in the face of adversity.
Let's be honest about 'discipline'. It's often used as a negative term and yet it is actually just exercising the order in our lives. In that way, it's a positive for Christians. You cannot be disciplined without being organised and you cannot be organised without having a priority.
Discipline basically means ordered exercise.
Getting priorities sorted
In simple terms, our priority should be God. You will then organise your life accordingly. You will take the opportunity to spend time with God. You will spend time with others in the Kingdom. If you're going to be a Christian, be a Christian.
Church is a priority. Sure, there are lots of things to distract us and draw us away from connecting with the brethren. Take time out to connect with God's church. And when church is over on Sunday, keep connecting during the week.
Ministry is a priority. Take what God has given you and serve in that for your community. Be mobilised and empowered to serve with passion.
Family is a priority. It's very important to God. Make your marriage and parenting a priority. If you're single, put time into your friendships and relationships.
Work is a priority. Don't complain about what God has given you. Have a priority to work. Be honourable and punctual.
Health is a priority. Have a healthy lifestyle. Go to the doctors when you should. Exercise. Relax. Eat well. Have a break. Go on holidays. 1 Corinthians 6:12-13 tells us not to be mastered by anything.
We will all face problems but appreciate the growth we experience during them.
Do not allow discipline to become your god. And be willing to accept the changes that come your way, which God wants you to adapt to.
Holy living is for the glory of God. Disciplined living can lead to the glory of self, so be careful. Being more disciplined doesn't necessarily make you more holy. Discipline cannot create a clean heart. See John 8:32.
Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org
No comments:
Post a Comment