Holy Spirit’s Moods
by Pastor Marie
Forsaking Pride
by Pastor Roy
- God saves us in order to transform us!
- Transformation requires change = UNCOMFORTABLE.
- Growing in God = becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable
- Faith, Trust, and HUMILITY needed to move forward.
- James 4:8 – As we acknowledge our sin, ask for forgiveness and turn from self-focus, we will “draw near to God.”
- Only God has the power for transformation and holds our destiny in His hands.
- Jeremiah 29:11
- Humility is the key to enhanced SEEING.
- God is not looking for talented or intellectual people – but for people who are YIELDED.
- Matthew 11:25 “Learn of Me…”
- We learn by LISTENING. Stop TALKING, yield, “wake up!”
- 1 Peter 5:5 “God gives grace to the HUMBLE…”
- It is actually the proud who RESIST God’s grace because they do not ask for it.
- SIN is not overcome by Church rules of behavior nor through purging the sinner.
- 1 Peter 4:8 – “Love COVERS a multitude of sin.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love’s” method – “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in TRUTH – it always trusts, always hopes.”
- Love considers UNTRUTH – Evil.
- Remember: Jesus did not condemn sinners – he condemned HYPOCRITES.
- Hypocrite – one who excuses his own sin while condemning the sins of others
- Many times, a hypocrite does not discern his hypocrisy – he is not AWAKE enough to do so, and the corruption in his own heart is never confronted.
- Not seeking mercy or grace, he receives NONE and therefore has none to offer others.
- Since he is always under God’s judgment – judging is all he can offer others.
- Confronting personal sin takes HUMILITY.
- James 4:6 – God’s grace is drawn to the humble
- Humility is the sub-structure of transformation. It is the essence of ALL virtues.
- All people at some point in life will be confronted with the impurities of their hearts.
- Our response will determine our direction forward.
- It is at these crossroads of life that both holy men and hypocrites are bred.
- Mattew 24:14 – “Many are called…”
- Sanctification starts not with rules but with forsaking PRIDE.
- Purity begins with a determined refusal to hide from the condition of our hearts.