OUTLINE:
Ro 12:3 [Amplified]
For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].
Gal 6:3 [Amplified]
For if anyone thinks he is something [special] when [in fact] he is nothing [special except in his own eyes], he deceives himself.
Good Listeners
On the grand scale of things, it’s much better to be a good listener than a good speaker. (e.g., Pr 10:17-21; 17:28; 18:2; Jas 1:19-20)
Jas 1:19-20 [Amplified]
Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; for the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us].
Good Listeners
On the grand scale of things, it’s much better to be a good listener than a good speaker. (e.g., Pr 10:17-21; 17:28; 18:2; Jas 1:19-20)
Abiding in the Sphere of Love
To love is to trust… minimally, you have to believe that love exists… and Truth is the anchor of love(trust).
Synthesize With Jn 1:14
Jn 8:32“and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Gal 5:1It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Lk 19:10“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Abiding in the Sphere of Love
The Lord wants us to love and trust Him implicitly, and the only path to that kind of loving relationship is the Truth of the Word of God. And the Lord, our precious Savior and jealous God, wants ALL of us. Mk 12:28-34
Jn 6:68
Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.
JESUS, or….
On one hand, we have 24×7 access to the greatest Friend we’ll ever know… but instead, we turn our backs on Him and seek out wretched creatures to sooth our bruised egos.
Freedom Comes From Trusting The Truth
When we approach the Truth (e.g., read our Bible), we must do so in faith/trust. Without trust leading the way, it’s too easy to reject what we find. If we reject what we find, we are stunting our own growth, and freedom!
Trust (aka Faith)
It’s a counterfeit quest for truth if you reserve the right to reject it once you find it.
The Sphere Of Love (Jn 15:9-17)
“Abide in My love”…“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love”…“but I have called you friends”…“This I command you, that you love one another.”
The Sphere of Love
When we believe and trust that His commands are given to us out of love, we will receive His peace.
Pastor Collins
“Relish His commands. Commands aren’t hammers, they’re lights.”
Be Encouraged…
… God has been AFTER US!!