8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. 11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?
(9:8) Paul describes a major comfort as well as a benefit for those who choose to be cheerful givers. He says that God is able to make all “grace”, which is a word for the gospel, abound towards those who give cheerfully. Apparently God loves those who give cheerfully because He can use people with the right heart motive. The word for “good” means profitable or useful.
(9:9). Paul states that those who give cheerfully will receive God's blessing. To support this statement, Paul quotes Psalm 112:9. This verse basically refers to God providing for the poor and the enduring righteousness of God.
(9:10). Paul once again uses an illustration from the area of farming. Paul refers to God as the one who takes care of the believers’ material needs, namely food. God is the one who can multiply the spiritual seeds of the gospel. Paul makes an excellent correlation between the natural and the spiritual.
(9:11). In this verse Paul once again points them to the root cause of their many blessings, God. This should cause us to give thanksgiving to God. Obviously the Corinthians had much to be thankful for. The apostle Paul had already written them a letter, they had ample material blessings and apparently enough spiritual nourishment. Paul does not to say to thank him or anyone, but he directed the praise directly to God.
How can you be more of a cheerful give today? How important is your heart behind giving as the outward expression of giving?
The “I AM” statements of Jesus are some of the most pivotal moments of His earthly ministry. The book of John has one goal: that the world would believe Jesus is the Christ. Our identity determines how we live our lives. This series will paint a vibrant picture of the importance of finding our identity in Christ. This series is going to take an intentional look into the identity of Jesus. I AM will help students understand the heartbeat of Jesus and how they can be changed by His love.
Week 1 – “Hunger for Jesus” (Bread of Life)
The Word: John 6:1-15, 24-40.
Main Thought: We all have a spiritual hunger that only Jesus satisfies
Week 2 – “Flip the Switch” (Light of the world)
The Word: John 8:12-20
Main Thought: Jesus is the light of the world and is to be taken to the nations. The light of Jesus promises you will never have to walk in darkness
Week 3 – “The Good Shepherd”
The Word: John 10:11-18
Main Thought: Security comes through a relationship with Jesus
Week 4 – “Resurrection and Life”
The Word: John 11:17-27, 28-35, 41-44.
Main Thought: Jesus’ resurrection reveals hope eternally and in everyday pain.
Week 5 – “Way-Truth-Life”
The Word: John 14:1-14
Main Thought: Jesus is the only way to salvation.
Week 6 – “The Vine"
John 15
Main Thought: Growth happens when we remain in Christ.
Current Series: RecklessTitle: “Reckless Words”
The Word: Ephesians 4:29-31, Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 4:24, Main Thought: Our words can hurt or bring life to others.
Message Explanation: Words are powerful. We can treat our words as if once they are said immediately evaporate into thin air. Even though words are invisible, they leave a LASTING MARK. How many of you remember hurtful words 1, 5, 10 years ago?
We are in a new series about being reckless for Christ. Student years are not a vacation from responsibility. I think we lower expectations for every student in this generation. Instead of being reckless for selfish reasons, we should be reckless in our passion FOR God. Student years are the launching pad for God’s mission for your life!
Series verse: "Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12.
“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Proverbs 12:18. Each person speaks 18-25 thousand words per day. We post Facebook statuses, tweets, instagram, and text messages. You might have heard this statement before, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." We all know words are more powerful than sticks or stones.
Our words are either DIRECTED to giving life or giving pain to others.
Ephesians 4:29-31: Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
How do we give LIFE by our words?
1. Stop and think before you speak (v. 30-31)
Does what I'm about to say give life or hurt?
Proverbs 21:23 says “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
2. Start giving kindness and compassion with words. (v. 32a) "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted…"
What would happen if kindness and compassion were give to one another? Jesus set this example in His life. This is the new life in Christ we have through His power in our lives. Jesus always responded with kindness towards others.
Our words are a tattle tale on our heart. Words can give another person the AIR to become who God wants them to become.
3. Give life by forgiving others. (v. 32b)
Even though people don’t always seem to deserve forgiveness, we should forgive because Jesus has forgiven us. It is what we call bitterness. Bitterness is drinking poison, hoping someone else dies! If we give into the bitterness we are living reckless. Notice what Paul says in Ephesians 4:32:"...forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Proverbs 18:21: "Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life."
Matthew 12:36: “You must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.” We are held accountable for our words.
Some people are waiting for someone to share the love of Jesus with them. Our words are a great form of showing reckless love to others.
Element of Fun: We played a middle school game with bananas. You had to open up the banana with your feet and the quickest to eat it won!
Music: Rise and Sing, You are good, Search my heart, One thing remains
Favorite Moment: Listening to small group leaders celebrating one of their students beginning a relationship with Jesus!
What’s Next: We continue the second week of, “Reckless!” as we talk about how to live a reckless lifestyle for Jesus.
Harlem Shake: Yes, we did!
Here is our Source @ The Ocala Campus on February 27th!
Here is our Source @ The Villages Campus on February 26th!
8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. 11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?
The “I AM” statements of Jesus are some of the most pivotal moments of His earthly ministry. The book of John has one goal: that the world would believe Jesus is the Christ. Our identity determines how we live our lives. This series will paint a vibrant picture of the importance of finding our identity in Christ. This series is going to take an intentional look into the identity of Jesus. I AM will help students understand the heartbeat of Jesus and how they can be changed by His love.
Current Series: RecklessTitle: “Reckless Words”
The Word: Ephesians 4:29-31, Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 4:24,
Main Thought: Our words can hurt or bring life to others.