walk the walk, talk the talk: the life of a piligrim

Talk the Talk,Walk the Walk:

The Journey of a Pilgrim

We have no photographs

of Jesus ?

Who is Jesus to you? ?

God doesn’t have

Grandchildren!

You are Designed by God to Become

Like Christ…

…not like the rest of the world!

Romans 8:29, For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to

the image of his Son, that he might be the

firstborn among many brothers and

sisters.

2 Cor 3:18 And we all... are being transformed

into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Becoming more like Jesus is called sanctification.It is done through the power of the Holy Spirit in cooperation with you - ask for his help.Php 2:13 - …it is God who works in you…

In the Bible spiritual growth is likened to a seed growing up - which requires activity and development.Spiritual growth requires our effort - salvation doesn’t.

Are you working with the Holy Spirit?Do you respond to his leading?Have you…Let go of the old ways?Changed your thinking?‘Put on’ the character of Christ by developing godly habits?

“…God is far more interested in building your character than anything else...what God cares about most is that whatever you do, you do looking like Christ”Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life

How can we become like

Christ?

Lots of ways…✦ People✦ Trials, temptations and difficulties✦ Partnership with the Holy Spirit✦ The Word of God✦ Developing a persevering, steadfast

spirit

Growing Through Trials, Temptations

and Difficulties

James 1:12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Temptation is an opportunity to do right not wrong.By choosing what is right and you grow in character.Do you give in to temptation too easily?

How Temptation WorksSatan has been using the same idea and tricks since the world began:2 Cor 2:11 MSG After all, we don't want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief—we're not oblivious to his sly ways!

Step 1 - a desire is created in you, sinful (revenge, possessions, control etc.) or good (need for love etc.)The temptation is to fulfill either of these in a sinful way

Mark 7:21-23 - For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "

Step 2 - doubt, about what God has said about the sin.“Did God really say...surely God wants me to be happy…”

Step 3 - deception, satan does not tell the truth but replaces what God has said with lies or half truths - no one will know, it is only a little sin...

Step 4 - disobedience, you act on what you have been thinking about, you give in

James 1:14-16 each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Overcoming Temptation

1. Don’t be IntimidatedDon’t be frightened, demoralised or feel ashamed for having tempting thoughts.Temptation, it is part of a fallen world, we never grow out of it!

2. Recognise your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it1 Peter 5:8

2. Recognise your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it1 Peter 5:8

Where are you most in danger from temptation?

What time of day, place, people…?

Is it when you’re tired, lonely, stressed, self pitying, angry,

hurt, successful…?

3. Ask for God’s helpPsalm 50:15…and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.Remember that God understands - he always listens - God wants to be gracious and merciful to you!

1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

The Bible tells you to resist the devil, not temptation!James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

The Bible does not tell you to resist

temptation

The Bible tells you to resist the devil, not temptation!James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

The battle against sin is won or lost in your mind.Temptation usually begins with a thought.

Ignoring a temptation, focussing upon something else is more effective than fighting it - your mind is on something else so it loses power.Leave the room, go home, turn off the computer, change the topic of conversation, read a book…

To Grow Practise Repentance

Why do you feel so bad when you

sin?

"Temptation always

promises much and

delivers little”

– Sin brings guilt (Psalm 51:3 – 4)– Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1–2).

– Sin enslaves us (Romans 6:17)

– Sin brings judgement and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46).

Gods Answer: Repent!

Repentance was taught by; John and Jesus Matt 3:1ff, 4:17The first church Acts 2:38 Paul Acts 17:38It is ESSENTIAL EVERY DAY

True repentance is more than just being sorry for sin, or feeling bad about it. Repentance means:Being willing to stop sinning.Changing direction.

In Repentance…(i) We change our thinking- See sin in a new way.- See the need to live in a different, God pleasing, way

(ii) We change our actions Turn to God from our disobedience, selfishness and rebellion.Turn away from sin.Submit our lives to Jesus as Lord.

(iii) It is our responsibility to repent. Jesus might be you Saviour and Lord - yet you can still live a self centred life.… we have to repent of our sins and then live with Jesus as our Lord.

2 Cor 3:18 And we all... are being transformed

into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

The End