Our Proper Response To Christmas – 4
The Vision To Go
Summary
RESPONSE 1: We break strongholds – we don’t have to think like the world.
RESPONSE 2: We surrender to the promises of God – living sacrifices (ZOSAN)
RESPONSE 3: We stand in faith not pride.
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Romans 12:4-8
In the human body there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function. 5 And so it is in the body of Christ. For though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others.
6 God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts and ministries that are uniquely ours. So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, you must activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. 7 If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. 8 If you have the grace-gift of encouragement,[b] then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the gift of showing compassion,[c] then flourish in your cheerful[d] display of compassion.
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You are gifted…Uniquely gifted.
JAMES 1:2-4
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various [a]trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [b]endurance. 4 And let [c]endurance have its perfect [d]result, so that you may be [e]perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
ROMANS 12:2
2 Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you,[a] but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.
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God’s Vision for my Life is perfect and complete, lacking nothing…
It’s a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.
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Why do I feel like the vision for me life is more various trials?
Where there is no vision, the people perish… Proverbs 29:18 KJV
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- I have lost track of His vision for my life…
- I do not believe I have something unique to offer
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EVERYONE ENDS UP SOMEWHERE.
FEW PEOPLE END UP SOMEWHERE ON PURPOSE.
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vision: chazown: (khaw-zone’) a dream, revelation, or vision.
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FOUR PHASES OF CHAZOWN
And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me (living sacrifice) , if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:22-24
Paul’s vision: Testifying to the gospel of God’s grace
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SPIRIT’S PROMPTING.
And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem…Acts 20:22a
compelled: deo—compelled, bound, wrapped up with cords.
Spirit: pneuma—Spirit, current of air, breeze of the Spirit.
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KNOWN UNKNOWN.
I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. Acts 20:22b (faith)
I will do today what I can to enable me to do tomorrow what I can’t do today.
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PREDICTABLE RESISTANCE.
I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. Acts 20:23
Your flesh will tell you it’s too difficult and it will be too difficult.
Your mind will recall the put downs and let downs and your life will go down.
But when the Holy Spirit tells you that you will face difficulties, He empowers you with unique gifts to conquer and not be conquered.
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UNCOMMON CLARITY.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus Christ has given me– the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Acts 20:24
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UNIQUE REALIZATION
Gifts are given – “We all have it in us…”
But your uniques history, brings a flavor to the abilities that make those God given gifts very unique…
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2 Corinthians 12:9-11
But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you,[a] and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.[b] 10 So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.
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Response 4: I have a unique contribution to make in telling of the gift of Jesus Christ
“Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.”
Sir Francis Drake
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