Living a Life Worthy of the Calling We've Received

Let's hit the mark that God designed for our lives!

In the sermon yesterday, Ron reminded us that one key part of knowing and doing the will of God is turning back to God when we sin, or miss the mark of God's design for our lives.  This is especially true for  us as we lead others in to God's presence. Satan would love nothing more than to make us ineffective in our lives and ministry calling through some secret or un-dealt with sin.  Ron laid out a fantastic plan for identifying and repenting (turning) of sin in our lives. I encourage you to take some time this week and walk through this process with the Lord.

THE PROMISE

Psalm 32:8—The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” - NLT

THE PROBLEM

Psalm 32:9—”Do NOT be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” - NLT

THE ANSWER

Acts 3:19-20—Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord.—NLT

THE PROCESS OF REPENTANCE

1. I MUST DISCERN AND ADMIT I AM OUT OF GOD’S WILL.

1 John 1:8-9—If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.—NIV

ð Discern = Look for telltale signs

a. Violation of Biblical command or principle

b. Troubled Conscience

c. Lack of fulfillment / peace

d. Judgmental spirit

ð Admit = Communicate it

a. To myself

b. To God

c. To the proper person: 

d. Find an accountability partner: This is a person that you can be honest with, who can walk with you through the process of repentance, and can help you stick to the commitments that God is calling you into.

Note: If God is leading you toward talking with someone else about any area of sin in your life, here are a few options of people who might be good to talk with: Life Group coach, close friend, pastor, or spouse.  Depending on the nature of the issue that you're working through, someone of the same sex might be the best person to talk with.

2. I MUST ACCEPT AND WALK IN FORGIVENESS.

Colossians 1:22-23—God has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it.—NLT

ð God won’t make me walk in freedom and others can’t.

ð God will forgive every sin, but He may not remove their  consequences.

ð God will redeem even the worst of consequences.

3. I MUST ASK GOD FOR REVISED DIRECTIONS.

James 1:5—If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.—NLT

ð Repentance is the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.

4. I MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY ON THE DIRECTIONS GOD GIVES.

John 13:17—Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.—NLT

ð Obedience brings blessing and further revelation.

ð Delayed obedience is really disobedience.