Week 1 – Jeff Maness – January 12, 2020
God doesn’t want us to just have life, God wants us to flourish in our spiritual lives. While spiritual, eternal life is given to us by God through grace alone, flourishing spiritually requires effort, work and discipline. So, how can I flourish in my spiritual life?
20/20: Flourish Spiritually
Theme Scripture: Psalm 92:12-15 12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. 13 For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. 14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. 15 They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”
John 10:10 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Psalm 92:12 12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
Big Idea: God doesn’t want us to just have life, God wants us to flourish in our spiritual life.
Big Question: How can I flourish in my spiritual life?
Main Scripture: Psalm 119:1-16
Psalm 119:1-6 6 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. 2 Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. 3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. 4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. 5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.
1. Decide where I’ll find joy
On the summit of the mountain, unsheltered from the blast, the cedar waves its mighty branches, and so the truly godly person under all adversities retains the joy of his soul, and continues to make progress in the divine life. — Treasury of David
The palm tree does not rejoice much in winter’s generous rain, nor does it droop under the drought and the burning sun of summer. Neither heavy weights which people place upon its head, nor the constant urgency of the wind, can sway it aside from perfect uprightness. There it stands, looking calmly down upon the world below, and patiently yielding its large clusters of golden fruit from generation to generation. — Dr. Thompson (Land and the Book)
Psalm 119:143 143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.
Psalm 119:7-10 7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! 8 I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! 9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.
2. Determine to learn God’s ways
The palm tree grows slowly, but steadily, from century to century, uninfluenced by the changing of the seasons which affect other trees. — Dr. Thompson (Land and the Book)
Psalm 119:11-16 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. 13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. 14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. 15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
3. Dedicate to memorize the Word
Galatians 1:10 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Obedience is our success: Our success will not be determined by outcome but by our obedience to God.
John 5:39 39 You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!
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