To Be On Higher Ground Series

INTRODUCTION

How to be on a Higher Ground?

We have entered another New Year. Every year comes with its own blessings and promises. Last night we heard that God is willing to take us to a higher ground this year. How do we achieve our promises and be on the higher ground?

Today we are going to see how can we be on the higher ground that God wants us to be in?

We are at the first Sunday of 2012. How well will you do this year? When this year is over, will we be looking back with joy, or with regret? Will we be looking at the future with anticipation, or with dread?

A lot of what God can do in our life depends on our response to God. God has given us a free will to choose to do good or bad, you can either choose to obey God or disobey God. In a matter of 12 months days this year too will be over and what we choose to do will determine how we end this year.

Ephesians 5:15-17 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Apostle Paul in this passage presents some important truths that we need to consider to be on the Higher Ground.

1. Live Wisely to be on Higher Ground

Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.

Somebody say, “Live carefully.”

How did you live in 2011? If we really look back many of us lived unwisely, did many foolish things and displeased God.

How to live wise according to the Bible?

James 3:13-17 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Good Life. 1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Colossians 4:5-6 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

If you do not life wisely the devil will tempt you and take you down from the Higher Ground.

1 Peter 5:8-9 8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

This year let us not compromise on our – Holiness and Christian values and learn to live wisely.

2. Use your Opportunities Wisely to be on Higher Ground

Ephesians 5:15-16 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Make use of all opportunity. Now you may be thinking what opportunity should I look for?

ILLUSTRATION

In Luke 16:1-15 Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager. There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So, he called him and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management because you cannot be manager any longer.’ The manager was wasting his master’s possessions and so was going to be dismissed. The manager was put into a difficult position, and he knew he is going to lose his Job. He wasted a majority of his time but now left with only a short time. He wanted to use that opportunity to retain his job.

The manager comes up with an excellent idea. He calls in the people who owe his master and uses his authority to renegotiate their debt. Soon he was able to gather back possessions. The master commended the dishonest manager because he was clever and used the opportunity given to him. We have wasted a lot of opportunities for God, but this year let us use the opportunities for God.