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Sermon Notes
Standing in Hope 1.13.8 A pattern we see in Scripture and the necessity of hope. Philippians 1:27-30 What Paul is telling them … as a church stand firm for the Gospel. Gospel – Good news. VERY BROAD – God’s Kingdom advancing. On the corporate level. --- have a goal and run at it together. It’s a great individual statement too. --- have a goal and run as one who determined. I like how it says --- contend---- like being an a race or a football game. Not allowing opposition change your course, or deter you. --- patriots games. We are going to look at the life of Mary and see how many things she experienced are kind of a pattern that we will also experience. Let’s just begin with her: Get the announcement of what’s going to happen. Some kind of excitement. Matthew 2:9-12 The magi visit Jesus, worship and give gifts to Him. What in the world did I get myself in to? Luke 2:49 It almost seems as if they were “abandoned” by Jesus. Then when the finally caught up with Him they get what on the surface could seem to be a “snooty” reply. John 2 Story of the wedding where Jesus turns water into wine. Mary had seen all these things about her Son, but now see is actually seeing Him do a miracle. Matthew 14:46-50 – feeling ignored Not too far from the miracle, suddenly it’s like Jesus didn’t even acknowledge you. John 19:25 a place of hopelessness What you have placed your hope in suddenly seems be gone. --- she treasured up all the things she heard and saw.. --- she’s probably thinking, this isn’t how it’s supposed to end. But then the resurrection…. Imagine it, it’s everyone else’s Savior, but it’s your Son. -- there’s a greater joy than can be expressed and greater appreciation for what you have. Let’s take what we have seen in the life of Mary and see how it relates to us. IN our Christian life we will find ourselves in different seasons. In our life with Jesus we will find ourselves in similar places
Whoever said following Jesus was a cakewalk was wrong. It’s the best thing you will ever do, but it’s not a cakewalk. Again one of the focuses of our fast is us breaking out and getting what’s on the inside out…… callings, dreams, personal changes…. ---- These seasons that are “not favorable” are a great opportunity for God to work in us because when you stare at hopelessness there is great battle between flesh and spirit. When there is no earthly reason to believe God you flesh is right there confirming that truth. And when there is every earthly reason to believe your flesh your spirit must prevail and be determined to believe God when there is no earthly reason to do so. Many Christians never get to the place where they see the long lasting changes and fulfillment of God’s plan for their life because when they can’t make it through the other times.
You might find a pattern like this in pressing forward for your dream. Feeling excited about it. Wonder---- Kind of feeling like you are the only one who cares Seeing the first glimpses of the dream Suddenly find ourselves feeling like Jesus is avoiding us. Begin to feel hopeless The seeing of the dream fulfilled. You can see this pattern in things you pray for. Many Christians don’t get to step into their dreams or see the impossible prayers answered because of the “unfavorable” seasons. --- God is using these things to break the flesh off. Again: Is there anything you can ask God that is impossible for Him? Is there any dream you have for God that is impossible for Him? --- don’t let where you are along the road deter you from believing. In the face of hopelessness and earthly facts we are called to hope and believe.
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