Things that Control Us
Dan Rodgers
Romans 6:16
INTRODUCTION: This evening, I want to talk to you about the things that control us. And let me be quick to say, there are some positive things that should control us: Bible reading, prayer, doing good, having proper work habits, being on time, and so on.... On the other hand, we can be controlled by the wrong things, such as sin, bad habits, uncontrolled speech, the wrong thoughts, having the wrong motives, etc.
Let me have you consider with me two things:
I. Controlling Power
II. Liberating Freedom
I. CONTROLLING POWER
A. Unwillingness to Recognize our Predicament
1. It's important to know that when we are unwilling to recognize the negative things that control us, and we refuse to see the predicament we have made for ourselves, we have then become a slave to our problems. That's not a good place to find ourselves. And here's what can happen:
a. We can lose the power of God: Ephes. 6:10, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
b. We can lose the power of prayer: Psalm 66:18, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
c. We can lose the blessings of God: Psalm 84:11b, "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
ILLUS: I was listening to a tape some time ago, by Dr. Chong Singsit, a Christian scientist who spoke in our church. He was discussing "photosynthesis" and how light is absorbed into the leaves of a plant, producing sugar and carbohydrates. However, when light is removed, the leaves begin to fade. The plant no longer produces anything, and eventually dies.
In a similar way, we can gradually lose all the things I've mentioned (and more), if we no longer have the light of God's blessing upon our lives. Paul wrote in Ephes. 4:30, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
B. Unwillingness to Acknowledge God's Awareness
1. ...
Dan Rodgers
Romans 6:16
INTRODUCTION: This evening, I want to talk to you about the things that control us. And let me be quick to say, there are some positive things that should control us: Bible reading, prayer, doing good, having proper work habits, being on time, and so on.... On the other hand, we can be controlled by the wrong things, such as sin, bad habits, uncontrolled speech, the wrong thoughts, having the wrong motives, etc.
Let me have you consider with me two things:
I. Controlling Power
II. Liberating Freedom
I. CONTROLLING POWER
A. Unwillingness to Recognize our Predicament
1. It's important to know that when we are unwilling to recognize the negative things that control us, and we refuse to see the predicament we have made for ourselves, we have then become a slave to our problems. That's not a good place to find ourselves. And here's what can happen:
a. We can lose the power of God: Ephes. 6:10, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
b. We can lose the power of prayer: Psalm 66:18, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
c. We can lose the blessings of God: Psalm 84:11b, "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
ILLUS: I was listening to a tape some time ago, by Dr. Chong Singsit, a Christian scientist who spoke in our church. He was discussing "photosynthesis" and how light is absorbed into the leaves of a plant, producing sugar and carbohydrates. However, when light is removed, the leaves begin to fade. The plant no longer produces anything, and eventually dies.
In a similar way, we can gradually lose all the things I've mentioned (and more), if we no longer have the light of God's blessing upon our lives. Paul wrote in Ephes. 4:30, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
B. Unwillingness to Acknowledge God's Awareness
1. ...
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