Overcoming The World (Pastor Jose Jr)

Overcoming: The World

1 John 2:15 Don’t love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him.

2:16: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.

2:17: The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

16:25 "For whoever * wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever * loses his life for My sake will find it.

16:26 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul ? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul ?

I. What the World Offers

a. Fast, Easy Fixes: Everything promised and provided to us in the blink of an eye

b. Endless Fun: An emphasis on doing what you want no matter what the costs

c. No Need for Commitments or Decisions: You are encouraged to never really make up your mind about anything – stay completely open

d. Only Take the Good From Religion: We are encouraged to only use religion personally and never to offend anyone with it. Hide your convictions if they aren’t polite.

e. Work Hard, Play Hard: Make tons of money then blow it on yourself – it’s the American way.

f. Explore Your Sexual Options: Any feelings you have are complete natural, you should explore than to the fullest.

g. Endless Distractions: Television, radio, email, regular mail, cars, yard work, changing diapers, arguing with your spouse, stressing over your refinance, losing weight, gaining muscle, going back to school, working to not lose your business, changing your oil regularly… and so much more!!

II. The Vanity of the World

a. The Lust of the Flesh: What do you crave?

i. What you crave can control you

ii. What you crave can divide you

iii. What you crave can distract you

b. The Lust of the Eyes: What are you jealous for?

i. What you covet can control you

ii. What you covet can divide you

iii. What you covet can distract you

c. The Pride of Life: Who do you think you are?

i. Pride can control you.

ii. Pride can divide you

iii. Pride can distract you

III. What Am I Being Distracted From?

a. Your need for conversations and time with God

b. Your need for understanding of God’s plan for your life

c. Your need for the exploration of God’s power and miracles

d. Your need for God’s voice into your situations

e. Your need to build His Kingdom and tell others about Him

f. Your need to grow in the Spirit

g. Your need to let go of the World so that it no longer has influence over you