though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Philippians 3:4-7 NLT
YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP TO GO UP!
'Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. Philippians 3:8-9 NLT
for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV
Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:15-16 NLT
MANIPULATION IS WHY MOST PEOPLE CHOOSE NOT TO WALK IN THEIR GOD-GIVEN IDENTITY.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:15-16 NIV
POISON #1: THE LUST OF THE FLESH
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:6-7 ESV.
For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” Matthew 4:2-3 NLT
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NLT
THE ANTIDOTE TO POISON #1 IS INTEGRITY
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
POISON #2: THE LUST OF THE EYES
Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ”Matthew 4:8-10 NLT
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. Matthew 6:24 NLT
THE ANTIDOTE TO POISON #2 IS GENEROSITY
Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalms 103:1-5 NLT
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT
POISON #3: THE PRIDE OF LIFE
Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’ Matthew 4:5-7 NLT
Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43 NLT
THE ANTIDOTE TO POISON #3 IS HUMILITY
And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:5-7 NLT
Reset – Week 4
T
Reset: To set, adjust or fix in a new or different way
The Depths of Jesus’ Servanthood
“…make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had…
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” Philippians 2:2-8 NLT
No task was beneath Jesus, and no person was unworthy
Jesus’ Six Steps of Servanthood
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.” Philippians 2:6 NLT
“Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave” Philippians 2:7 NLT
“…and was born as a human being.” Philippians 2:7 NLT
“Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:7 NIV
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death…” Philippians 2:8 NIV
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:13-14 NLT
“Therefore, (for that reason) God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
“Look at how much encouragement you’ve found in your relationship with the Anointed One (Jesus)! You are filled to overflowing with his comforting love. You have experienced a deepening friendship with the Holy Spirit and have felt his tender affection and mercy. So I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity – with one heart, one passion, and united in one love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy. Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation.” Philippians 2:1-5 TPT
Our Responsibility
“Being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 NKJV
Unity
“So I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity”
Humility is the pathway to Unity
“And I ask not only for these disciples but also for all those who will one day believe in me through their message. I pray for them all to be joined together as one even as you and I, Father, are joined together as one. I pray for them to become one with us so that the world will recognize that you sent me. For the very glory you have given to me I have given them so that they will be joined together as one and experience the same unity that we enjoy. You live fully in me and now I live fully in them so that they will experience perfect unity, and the world will be convinced that you have sent me, for they will see that you love each one of them with the same passionate love that you have for me.” John 17:20-23 TPT
Our Opinions
“Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity” Philippians 2:3 TPT
Do I think my views or judgements are always right?
Do I listen to others?
Do I desire to hear other’s opinions?
Our Attitudes Towards Others
“…In authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.” Philippians 2:3-4 TPT
Do I put the needs of others above my needs?
Do I view others as less important than me?
Do I want to help others progress in life?
Our Level of Honesty Determines our Level Growth
Next Step Party
Serve your Community
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me… Philippians 1:12 NLT
I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger? If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 NLT
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. Matthew 7:24-27 NLT
OUR PERCEPTION OF REALITY IS AFFECTED BY HOW SPIRITUALLY GROUNDED WE ARE
YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE
WHY DO STORMS HAPPEN?
1. SOMETIMES GOD IS TRYING TO GET YOUR ATTENTION
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 NLT
2. SOMETIMES PEOPLE SIN AGAINST US
'Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come... Luke 17:1 NKJV
'And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ' Romans 8:28 NLT
YOUR ATTITUDE IS THE KEY THAT ACTIVATES GOD MOVING IN YOUR LIFE.
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
EVERY STORM OF LIFE LEAVES YOU WITH A CHOICE. RUN FROM IT OR GROW FROM IT.
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. Philippians 1:12 NLT
THE MESSAGE OF JESUS IS BEING SPREAD AMONG THE ROMAN SOLDIERS
For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. Philippians 1:13 NLT
PAUL IS INSPIRING OTHER BELIEVERS
And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:14 NLT
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. Philippians 1:21-22 NLT
DEATH WOULD BE TO PAUL’S ADVANTAGE
I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. Philippians 1:23 NLT
TO LIVE IS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE
But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. 'Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. Philippians 1:24-25 NLT
THE IRONY IS THAT OUR WEAKNESS IS POWER WHEN PLACED IN THE HANDS OF GOD!
1. BELIEVE THAT GOD IS HOLY & GOOD
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NLT
“Holy, holy, holy is the lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” Isaiah 6:3 NLT
Taste and see that the lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalms 34:8
For the lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalms 100:5
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:25-27
2. Let Go of Control
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 NLT
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. Luke 22:42-43 NLT
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-8 NLT
1. A CONTINUOUSLY GROWING LOVE
I pray that your love will overflow more and more… Philippians 1:9 NLT
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29 NLT
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” Luke 10:36-37 NLT
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT
2. THAT YOU KEEP ON GROWING
…and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. Philippians 1:9 NLT
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
Verse 11 is Mentor
Verse 12 is Ministry
Verse 13 is Maturity
3. DISCOVER WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT
For I want you to understand what really matters… Philippians 1:10 NLT
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:25-26 NLT
'Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NLT