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Today we will continue to think about things that cause us to stumble. Last week we thought about the very thing that is often the cause of our wandering and stumbling in our relationship with the Lord, we thought about the sin and persistent threat of idolatry. We will think about it more today…
Please open your Bibles to 1 Peter 2:1-11(pg. 1014 in the pew Bible) and Leviticus 6:8-13(pg. 84) Hebrews 12:1- Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (The cloud of witnesses is given as an example; their obedience to God’s leading is there for us to follow) Idolatry- paying of divine honors to any created thing (That includes putting self above God. Not giving honor where honor is due) Romans 11:36- From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever… Therefore - Romans 12:1- present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (This is our only acceptable response) 1 Peter 2- you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood · We are all priests (We forget who we are in Christ; we all have a responsibility as priests of God) · We have an altar and an offering to care for (Think about the life we are bringing to the altar) Leviticus 6:8-13 The fire shall never go out (This is repeated 3 times) · Fire = God’s/The Holy Spirit’s presence · Ashes = whatever puts out the fire (If we let the ashes build up (sin, self-interest), the accumulated debris will put the fire out. We must be diligent to care for the fire that God initiated in us. Considering endurance & perseverance we should continuously be offering our life to God) Is there a fire on your altar? The altar is a place of meeting with God. We are born to the priesthood, just as the Levites were; and with God’s grace we are responsible for maintaining the fire on the altar of our heats. God meets us there. To Listen to this week's sermon click here.
Jim
11/6/2013 07:55:16 am
I have been chewing on the idea of laying aside weights that Ron had us thinking about a week ago from Hebrews 12:1 - …therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders … I can identify with the pictures scripture paints to help us understand. As an athlete ( lot of years ago) I can identify with the regimen of training and the narrow focus needed to win a race or contest. Even more so as a veteran I recall what it takes to succeed and survive. There is no room for non-mission related distractions. My life, the life of my shipmates and our mission depended on it. This week Ron had us look at our status as Priests. Priests of the Creator and sustainer of the universe. This image, this truth, that I (and you) are Priests of God tops all the other images for me. As I think about the privilege, the responsibility, the duties of a Priest serving under the High Priest Jesus Christ, the laying aside of every weight and sin becomes much clearer to me. Anything that would deter me from my duties as a Priest must go and they are much easier to discern. Duty and responsibility number one is tending the fire on the altar (my daily conversation and walk with God). Whatever tends to cause me to neglect this responsibility - need - blessing or whatever else you may call it must be laid aside. My prayer and desire is for God to help me do this daily and to help others do the same. Comments are closed.
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AuthorsBlog posts may be authored by a variety of individuals including but not limited to Pastor Ron, Church Elders, Sunday School Teachers, Small Group Leaders and Ministry Leaders. Archives
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