07 Jan Pastor Geyser | “9 Challenges This Coming Year”

ONE. OBEY THE GREAT COMMANDMENTS AND SURRENDER EVERYTHING TO GOD

Matthew 22:36-42

Many of us want to follow our own ways.  We are to love God and submit to his ways.  When we fall in love with someone we want to please them; know everything about them.  That is how we should be with God.  We are also to love others.  If we truly love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind we will not covet what our neighbor has. We can truly love others and forgive others. If we do not love God with our heart, soul and mind, then we are wasting our time.

Q. Can you describe a time when you were functioning in ministry but it was not because you loved God? What was your motivation for serving and when did you realize you were not doing it because you loved God but for some other reason?

TWO. FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION

Matthew 28: 16-20

He tells us to go and be witnesses of His grace and love.  If we go, he will be with us. We gather together in church but we should also go into the world and be a witness of his saving grace.  We need to act like believers where ever we go, not just when we gather on the weekend.  We have the gift of reconciliation.  It is a privilege.  We are the salt of the earth.  We are in a battle so we come together to be encouraged and challenged to go into the world to be the light.

Matthew 5:13-16

Q. What are some ways we can be part of the great commission?  What are some ways you have been salt and light in this world?

(Leader: this is a good time to discuss some outreach ideas you can do together or even as individuals).

THREE. RECEIVE GREAT POWER

Acts 1:8

From that day, the Church was born. We need the Holy Spirit.   The baptism of the Holy Spirit is to have the power to live a life for God in an un-godly world.  It is an anointing that comes upon our lives.  It is a necessity to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.  It does not mean you have to speak in tongues for a have a particular gift, but when you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, God will give you gifts to use for His purposes.

Q. How has the baptism of the Holy Spirit empowered you to live a godly life? Why do some Christians fear the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

(Leader: Here is an opportunity to pray with those who are not baptized in the Spirit).

FOUR. DEVELOP FIRM CONVICTIONS FROM SCRIPTURE

Daniel 1:8

Daniel was a man of conviction.  He refused food offered to idols.

Daniel 3:24-30

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego also stood on the firm convictions of the Lord and did not bow to King Nebuchadnezzar.  Jesus was with them in the fiery furnace.  We should not be afraid. We should not let anything rattle or shake us.

Q. When have you been tempted to stand by your own convictions versus the firm convictions of scripture and why? When have you stood on the firm convictions of scripture as opposed to worldly desires?

FIVE. SUBMIT YOUR WANTS AND DESIRES TO DOING THE WILL OF GOD

Luke 4:1-12

Satan tempts Jesus with food.  Jesus rebukes him and speaks the Word of God.  When we are weak the Devil comes. We need basic things such as food, sleep and water but we must seek God’s Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).  We should not let things keep us from the will of God.

Q. When have you been tempted because of lack of sleep or food?  What weaknesses do you possess that could potentially keep you from doing God’s will? 

When the Holy Spirit came upon Him, Jesus began to perform miracles.

Luke 4:18

SIX. REMEMBER PROMOTION AND FAVOR COMES FROM GOD

Psalm 75:6-7

Daniel did not scheme.  He moved in obedience to the will of God.  Jesus humbled himself, therefore the Father had exalted Him.  We should submit to the Lord.

Q. Have you ever been overlooked for a promotion and how did you handle it?  

SEVEN. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THE BEST

Philippians 2:3

There is always someone better than us.  The top salesman this year may be outsold or out of a job next year.  People can do ugly things to get ahead; to be the best.  We don’t need to compete with each other, we just need to be faithful to what God has called us to do.  We need to do our best to what God has called us to do, not someone else.  He is not looking for the cream of the crop, He is looking for faithful people. He uses the foolish things so we cannot boast.

Q. When have you tried to outdo someone by stepping out of God’s will to look better than them?  What kind of things may you have done to get ahead where you were not trusting God?

EIGHT. KINGDOM SUCCESS IS OT MEASURED LIKE WORLDLY SUCCESS

John 19:30 ; 2 Timothy 4:7; Acts 13:36 – Jesus was nailed to a cross but he was an absolute success. Now we are reconciled to God.  Paul became an absolute success.  David did terrible things, but God used him to fulfill His purposes.  Success is not about being a celebrity, it is about what God calls us to do.

NINE. IT IS THE LORD THAT WILL REWARD

Revelation 22:12

Sometimes we are not thanked by someone else.  We feel let down and defeated.  But God is the One who rewards us for fulfilling His purposes.

Q. When have you felt let down by someone else and why (perhaps they did not acknowledge something good you had done)?

Live a godly life and do your best.

PRAY FOR EACH OTHER, THE LOST, CAMPUSES, LEADERS AND NATION.

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