Rock Family Church of Morgantown WV
T is for Trusting God
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- Flow - inspiration (truth) - illustration (Bible example) - application (you)IntroTo be Spirit led is to:NOT do the wrong thing, especially when we WANT toBut alsoDO the RIGHT thing, especially when we do not want toThe WORKS of the flesh vs the FRUIT of the Spiritdemonstrating the fruit of the Spirit instead of committing the works of the fleshThe CHOICE is yours, but the POWER is the SpiritGalatians 5:19–24 (NLT)
Galatians 5:19–24 NLT 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.DefinitionDisciplineTemper - how long is your fuse?Self-control resists the temptation to go back to the ways of the worldRomans 7 - Paul was betwixt two places -Like many, Paul didn’t do the good he wanted to do but did the bad did not want to do.Answer - in Romans 8! Grace through the Spirit!Self-Control - to NOT do the BadControl your appetite for powerIn the church, there seems to be a Longer line to preach the pulpit than to clean the toilet.Lack of Self-control in heaven - LuciferLucifer was perfect until he refused self-control to pride and power - (Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28)Result - was cast out of heaven onto earthWhy did he become satan? He had no tempter. His fall was self-induced.Since the enemy failed to make himself a god, his devised a plan to destroy those created in God’s image - mankind. He would introduce sin in God’s perfect word by weakening the human will through deception.Lack of Self-control in earth - Adam and EveBlessing was God’s first interaction with manCommanding was God’s second - subdue the earth, including the animals - (serpent)Warning was God’s third interaction with man - do not eat the forbidden fruitThe fall of man is attributed to a lack of self-control.The lack of self-control can easily begin a domino effect of disaster.Since Adam did not exercise discipline, or “self-control” of Eve, she became vulnerable to attack.Exercise Self-control of the EARSSince Eve did not exercise self-control of her ears - she listened to the voice of the enemy.Even then Adam could have stepped in but did not.Today, many spent their day with earbuds, listening to songs, podcasts, news, commentaries, and instructions of various types, as they work, workout and walk or hide in the house.Today, many are still listening to lies and deception, causing division in the church and dividing man from God.What and who do you listen to?Who is on your playlist?How much of the Gospel do you listen to on a weekly basis?Exercise Self-control of the EYESNext, Since Eve did not exercise self -control of her eyes, she stared at the forbidden fruit.Even then Adam could have stepped in but did not.Today, we live in a video saturated world. People’s eyes are glued to screens, both big and small. Statistics show that many hours per day are sent on video content, both video shorts to full length movies.Do you know of anyone who is not on tik-tok?Americans are so addicted to tik-tok that they would rather risk national security by giving up a treasure trove of personal information to a communist regime than to miss out on the latest tik-tok challenge or cat video.As the serpent did not have to bite or choke mankind in order to defeat him, the devil simply bites the masses with a trendy app that appeals to the visual stimulus and then chokes their imaginations, creativity, time and attention span.Porn is rampant in America - 1 in 3 Christian men struggle with itThe power of suggestion subtly destroys when not immediately dealt with.What do you watch? What is your favorite TV channel or shows?What are the parental control limits for yourself?Does violence and nudity abhor you?Do you turn a movie off that turns bad, even if it is at the end?Do you turn your head when something vile approaches you - whether expected (like a magazine rack at the grocery checkout counter, or unexpected like a TV commercial?Let God Control your THOUGHTSExercise Self-control of the THOUGHTSSince Eve did not exercise self -control of her thoughts, she fantasized and entertained evil thoughts and began to lust for power.Eve wanted to be like God, she so ate the forbidden fruit and gave it to Adam.Even then, Adam could have stepped in but did not.Because Adam did not exercise self-control to obey God, the serpent took control of Adam.Life Lesson: What you do not control, will control you.CHOOSE to think of godly things - Phil 4Because Adam did not exercise self-control to obey God, he and his wife were cast out of the Garden of Eden like Lucifer was cast out of heaven.Life Lesson: lack of self-control suffers consequences.Let God Control your EMOTIONSAfter the fall of Adam and Eve, the lack of self-control continued its domino effect of destruction throughout humanity.Because Adam did not exercise self-control to obey God, his son Cain killed his other son Abel over a religious offence.Fear not - 365 times in BibleMoses - fear not their faces of God’s people, but lead them to the Promised Land.Joshua - fear not the giants but POSESS the Promised LandTimothy, fear not the church, but preach the Word in all seasons - in and out, preach in good times and bad, whether people listen or notControl your MOUTH - both in and outMouth - word outJesus silent before Pilate -The same Jesus, who held his tongue while on a sham trial before Pilate, was the same Jesus who spoke openly and boldly in the public market streets, in broad daylight!Life and death in power of the tongue - Sweet and bitter waterZip the lip and Bite the tongue - you don’t have to always say what’s on your mindsocial media firestorms are started as a lack of restraintInstead, we are to pray for your enemies and Bless those who curse youMouth - food in -Daniel refused the king’s food - remained healthy and was promotedJesus fasted for 40 daysgluttony in WVDiscipline your body - 1 Cor 9:251 Corinthians 9:25 NLT 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.Sexual - Joseph and Potiphar’s wife -Turn the cheekGo the extra mileToday - many living in sin - boldly out of the closetSelf-Control - to DO the GoodSelf-control does not just to hold back the bad, but lets out the good!The more self-control we have, the more godly like we become, like ChristThe less self-control we have, the more ungodlywe become, like the devilEnemy was created perfect but became selfish and pridefulEnd time warning - lack of self-control reaches society - 2 Timothy 3:32 Timothy 3:3 NLT 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.Preaching about self-control is not welcomed by the majorityPauls’ trial before FelixIllustration: Paul’s trial before the Roman emperor Felix - Acts 24:25Acts 24:25 NLT 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”End time intolerance for self-control2 Timothy 3:3 (NLT)2 Timothy 3:3 NLT 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.Those with loose living claim teaching the Bible puts them in bondage!Galatians 5:25–26 NLT 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.Galatians 6:1 NLT 1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.The problem may not be the devil, but a boomerang of judgementNot an attack, but a judgmental comment brought back because of lack of the fruit of the Spirt of self-control.Reap what sowSelf-Control is Required for Ministers - Titus 1:7-8Titus 1:7–8 NLT 7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. 8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.Call to Action: - Pursue Self-Control 2 Peter 1:5-72 Peter 1:5–7 NLT 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.If we will humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, HE will lift us up, and the world will come to Him. - Preamble:Series came during prayer – “Trust God”, we have all heard it many times. Trust is very important to God and it needs to be with us. In fact,Our entire relationship with God is based on trustI heard the Lord speak to me that life with Him is simply “A Matter of Trust”.But trust in what?The more I meditated on that question, the more I focused on the wonderful and marvelous attributes of our Loving, Heavenly Father. It didn’t take long to fill up Post It notes with lists of wonderful and amazing reasons to trust God. There are so many reasons to trust God that we will dedicate the first week of every month of this year discovering how to trust God even more. This will help us greatly in our preparation for the Return of the Lord. Our hearts will not be as many found recorded in the Bible of “men’s hearts failing them for fear” because of the things coming upon the earth. Instead, we will be part of the true remnant church who is preparing herself, as a bride, to be the strongest witness of the love of God this world has ever known!Intro:We can trust God because He loves us.Your trust in God is in direct proportion to your revelation of His love for YOU.The more you KNOW Him, the more you TRUST Him.What is Trust?Englishassured reliance on the character, ability, strength of someoneGreek4100 πιστεύω [pisteuo /pist·yoo·o/]Place confidence inbe committed to one’s trustto trust in Jesus or God as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing somethingStrong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.Key Scripture
John 14:1 NLT 1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.Stages of TrustEveryone trusts somethingCaptain trusted the ownerPaul trusted GodFollowers – Prisoners trusted life boatsLeaders – sailors trusted … jumped ship – Leadership abandon ship – life preserver – SELF preservation - you KNOW its bad when…Threw cargo – nothing left but you and I – what are you going to do now?Trust God to outlast your storm!Shipwreck – marriage, job, faithDrifters – Driftwood, floaters, no longer attend church, lone rangers – see them in stores, restaurants…Trust in God at all Times – Good and BadIt’s easy to trust when times are good.Faith involves trusting in the Lord.The people of God in the Bible trusted in the Lord despite what they saw.God is Trust WORTHYA Christian, by definition, trusts God with the most important thing in their life, which is the eternal salvation of their soul.The same God who is trustworthy to take care of your death by conquering all the forces of hell on your behalf is also trustworthy to take care of your life!God Delivers Paul Through a Storm – Acts 27Trust God BEFORE, DURING, AFTER the StormWe can trust in the Lord in the midst of disaster and turmoilWhen things go wrong – how do you respond?If everything is going well in our lives, it is relatively easy to trust in the Lord. However, there are times when we face major challenges to our faith. Amongst his many challenges, trials and sufferings, Paul was shipwrecked three times (2 Corinthians 11:23b–25).In today’s passage, we read of one of these occasions.Trust God BEFORE the Storm – v 10-11The apostle Paul was arrested for heresy by the Jewish leaders. Lower Roman courts found him innocent, but the Jews refused to leave Paul unpunished, so he appealed to Emperor Nero in Rome. God told Paul that He going to on his way to the supreme court of the Roman EmpireActs 27:10–11 NLT 10 “Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” 11 But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul.Looked Good on Paper – v 13At first it looked as if Paul had been wrong in predicting disaster as the weather was perfect for the journey (Acts 27:13)south, gentle windActs 27:13 NLT 13 When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete.Human nature – don’t listen, and did not prepare – didn’t think it would happen to them – not my ship – not my kid – not my family – not my church – not my staff“God said” – sometimes we are “led” by own ambitions and confuse it or misinterpret the journey for God’s will. They usually say it when things are new and exciting. They romanticize what they think the journey will be like. But sometimes challenges are right in front of us. It is during those times when we discover what we truly believe.Trust God DURING the StormTypes of stormsForce of Nature – health scare – gov’t shutdown – accident – 3 am phone callYou can trust God even in the midst of bad news!Actions are ReflectionsYour trust in God is displayed during the trials and storms of life.Paul’s Storm was a Hurricane – v 14Good things Turned bad fast – change of “direction” - north eastern wind - typhoon14 But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a “northeaster”) burst across the island and blew us out to sea.Sudden – Paul’s storm “came out of nowhere”, it was “all of the sudden”, everyone was “blindsided”Strong = “Blew me away”Scared – It must have been a terrifying experience.Sad – Luke writes, ‘[they] finally gave up all hope of being saved’ (v.20).Sailor’s trust shakenTrust doesn’t give up - but lets go and lets God15 The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.Lifeboat hoisted – v 1616 We sailed along the sheltered side of a small island named Cauda, where with great difficulty we hoisted aboard the lifeboat being towed behind us.Tied ship – dropped anchors – v 1717 Then the sailors bound ropes around the hull of the ship to strengthen it. They were afraid of being driven across to the sandbars of Syrtis off the African coast, so they lowered the sea anchor to slow the ship and were driven before the wind.Crew’s trust shakenthrew cargo – v 1818 The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard.threw gear – v 1919 The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard.Trust the Son when you can’t see the SunHope and appetite thrown overboard – v 2020 The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.Paul Trusts GodYet, Paul kept on trusting in the Lord, telling those on board to ‘have faith in God’, that God was still in control and that he had promised to rescue them (vv.23–25).Disasters Test Your TrustIt took a disaster for the crew to listen to Paul.Beginning – Paul “blown off” - until the crew was almost blown away by the storm!God’s Grace and Favor– Paul the prisoner is now in charge. He tells them, ‘you really should have listened to me’ (v.21, MSG).Acts 27:21 NLT 21 No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, “Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss.Lose ship – save lives – v 2222 But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.Trust God’s Message - and God’s MessengerAngel stood – v 23Acts 27:23–25 NLT 23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, 24 and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ 25 So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.Trust I will make it – even though I lose the ship – v 2626 But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”Trust the end is in sight! V -2727 About midnight on the fourteenth night of the storm, as we were being driven across the Sea of Adria, the sailors sensed land was near.Trust is more than Survival ModeSailors Trusted natural again vs 28-30did they forget what Paul said?Short memory or their own interpretation (repeating pattern of error)sounder28 They dropped a weighted line and found that the water was 120 feet deep. But a little later they measured again and found it was only 90 feet deep.anchors29 At this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight.life boats30 Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship; they lowered the lifeboat as though they were going to put out anchors from the front of the ship.Survival Mode – Even though God SAID they would all be safe, Paul still had to stop the sailors from jumping ship – or else they would have lost their lives and jeopardized others. (v.30)Evangelism – Grace Under FireThe turmoil gave Paul an opportunity to speak about his faith. He takes the opportunity although he must have been suffering greatly from hunger and the effects of the storm.ServantPaul saw himself as belonging to God (‘the God whose I am’) and being his servant (‘whom I serve’). But God was not only his owner and master; Paul trusted God and had a deep assurance of his love. He knew that God wanted the very best for him, as he does for you today.SecurityPaul assured them, ‘Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head’ (v.34). And, ‘after he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat’ (v.35).Pressure Exposes True BeliefsKenneth Hagin was commissioned by God to “Teach My people faith”. Teaching faith prepares and conditions one how to stand during the storms and needs of life. Jesus compared believing God to a wise builder vs. a foolish one.Storm - Peter thought he believed God until his back was against the wall.Will you still believe God in spite of persecution, lack, sickness or job loss?Storms expose the weak links – you will be surprised who they are (sailor) – trust God’s strength to protect you in spite of their weakness (hireling)Pressure exposes cracks. People can crack under pressure – especially when it affects THEM.Angel showed up at the darkest hour – There stood beside me…Paul trusted what God said - – STAY in the SHIP31 But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.”Sailors finally trust Paul – v 3232 So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away.Life lesson: disobedience brings suffering - How many innocent people suffer harm (all) at the expense of a few disobedient? (Aachen, Jonah).Trust in Communion – vs 33-3733 Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said.34 “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.”35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it.36 Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat—37 all 276 of us who were on board.Crew threw food overboard – v 38cargo – wheat – line draws closer – food more vital than merchandise – trust they wouldn’t need it?38 After eating, the crew lightened the ship further by throwing the cargo of wheat overboard.Trust they saw the coastline39 When morning dawned, they didn’t recognize the coastline, but they saw a bay with a beach and wondered if they could get to shore by running the ship aground.Crew DROPPED (cut) the anchorstrusted they don’t need them anymore… RAISED the SAIL (hope) – there is another city…40 So they cut off the anchors and left them in the sea. Then they lowered the rudders, raised the foresail, and headed toward shore.Once again they thought they were going to have a non-eventful ending41 But they hit a shoal and ran the ship aground too soon. The bow of the ship stuck fast, while the stern was repeatedly smashed by the force of the waves and began to break apart.Soldiers didn’t trust Prisonerstried to end them42 The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to make sure they didn’t swim ashore and escape.Officer trusted Paul – who trusted God! Lives saved – twice! V – 4343 But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land.Everyone safe and sound – v 4444 The others held onto planks or debris from the broken ship. So everyone escaped safely to shore.Trust God AFTER the Storm - Plan B is Greater!In spite of disaster striking, God was in ultimate control: ‘The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan’ (vv.42–43a).God gave Paul favor in the eyes of people as well as in God’s own eyes. As a result, ‘everyone reached land in safety’ (v.44).Nothing could stop God from saving Paul and using him to work out his purposes and save lives.Personal ApplicationOver the years, I have written beside this passage a list of the challenges we have faced. It is amazing to look back over the years and see the way in which God has delivered us in so many areas.Today, whatever challenges you are facing, write them down, put your trust in God, believe that he will be with you and give you success in whatever he asks you to do.Closing – CommunionThe Apostle Paul shared the good news of salvation of life and safety to a crew of sailors, then they broke bread together.Today, we also have heard the Good News of eternal salvation, and we will share in the Lord’s Supper as we break bread.As Paul celebrated the Lord’s Supper during a storm, let us also celebrate the Lord’s Supper as a memorial that as God was with Paul, He is also with us. Celebrate by trusting the blood as you drink and trusting His broken body as you eat the bread.Survived – OvercameT- shirt – Paul’s 3rd shipwreck! – LEARNED to trust God from the 1st two storms!Paul STILL arrived in RomeSAFE and SOUND – on DRY LAND – TERRA FIRMA – YOU MADE IT – THE STORM IS OVER AND YOU ARE ALIVE AND WELL!EndThings may not end up like you thought it would (ship destroyed) but at least you made it!Island of MaltaDelayed but not deniedDon’t kick yourself when you realize your faith is not as strong as you thought it was – learn from it – get over it – get back up – keep going!Questions to ConsiderWhere can you trust God more?Where can you show God’s faithful in your life?In what areas are you struggling to trust God completely in? John 14:1NLT
Acts 27:10–11NLT
Acts 27:21NLT
Acts 27:23–25NLT
Rock Family Church of Morgantown WV
304-292-1128
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