OUTLINE:
Getting Out of God’s Way
We’re control freaks!! Amen?!! Let’s repent and ask the Lord to rule our hearts and our lives. He has provided His Spirit and His Word for us to do so. Eze 36:26-27, Jn 4:24, Jas 1:21
Jas 1:21
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Be Humble Before the Word
Meekness is the only way to receive the Word implanted, which will then deliver our souls from the sinful slaveries of this life.
The Power of the Word
One reason the Word is so valuable to us is because, over time, it plants in us the right motivation of love, ala Jas 1:21. Love is a cumulative effect of being in the Word daily. It grows us and empowers us to do God’s will for our lives from the right motivation.
The Patience of Fine Speech
We are loving and patient towards those who are still ignorant of our Lord, because the Lord was loving and patient with us before we knew the Lord!
The Patience of Fine Speech
Fine, gracious speech is one major way we contribute to bringing others along into the kingdom of God.
Gracious Words Show Love!
Gracious words are powerful for the soul because they’re an expression of love! And God’s love shakes people!
Gracious Words Show Love!
Love is the means by which words can come out of our mouths with grace.
“Have Salt In Yourselves”
God has graciously granted all of us the qualities and the power of a spiritual preservative!! And not only can we help preserve one soul at a time, but we can also persist in His grace and truth to help preserve our land and our people! Gen 18:20-32, 2Chr 7:14 What a privilege!!!
Having Salt Means Living Righteously
God can, and will, empower the humble to live righteously. Only He can set us free from our sinful slaveries, so that we live righteously to His glory.
“Have Salt In Yourselves”
God allows difficult situations and even discipline to help us out of our wicked ways, that we might slow down and think about things and repent towards Him from the heart, even on behalf of our own people!
“Have Salt In Yourselves”
Notice in 1Chr 7:14, deliverance for the entire land is dependent upon the humble repentance of God’s people!
Eze 33:31
And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain.
“Have Salt In Yourselves”
We are to recognize and turn from our wicked ways, and be salty again, preserving the land. What a great privilege and responsibility… to ultimately bring God’s patience and deliverance to our nation so that more may come to Christ over time! Dan 9