Wills Valley Community Church

September 1, 2019 Message by Denny Mashburn

by Denny Mashburn
August 25, 2019
cd19.08.25

SCRIPTURE READING
“(25) For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (26) And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; (27) For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.’ (28) Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. (29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (30) For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, (31) even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. (32) For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. (33) Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (34) ‘For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? (35) Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?’ (36) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Rom.11:25-36 (NKJV)

“One of these days some simple soul will pick up the Book of God, read it, and believe it. Then the rest of us will be embarrassed. We have adopted the convenient theory that the Bible is a Book to be explained, whereas first and foremost it is a Book to be believed (and after that obeyed.)
Leonard Ravenhill

WHAT AM I TO BELIEVE ABOUT THE GLORY OF GOD?

1. He is SOVEREIGN!

“(25) For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. (26) And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.’ Rom.11:25-26

A. (v.25) mustayrion: truth known only to God which is made known by Divine revelation in the New Testament in a manner and at a time appointed by God to those illumined by His Spirit (the unsaved can’t receive it)!
B. (v.25) Israel’s blindness: is partial, not permanent!
C. (v.26) All Israel will be saved: two thirds of the ungodly Jews will be destroyed (Zech.13:8-9), one third will be brought through the fire by the preaching of 144,000 (Rev.7:1-8), by the preaching of the two witnesses (Rev.11:3-13), by the preaching of the angel in the heavens, culminating in the second coming of Christ (Zech.12:10; 14:4)!
D. (v.26) The Sovereign Deliverer: will turn away ungodliness from Jacob!

2. He is FAITHFUL!

“(27) ‘For this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.’ (28) Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. (29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Rom.11:27-29

A. (v.27) covenant: legally binding promise/agreement/contract
B. (v.27) eternal, unilateral: all but one are accomplished solely on the basis of God’s character and not on the response or action of the one blessed!
C. (v.27) New Covenant promise (Eze.36:25b-27): “(25) I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from your idols (26) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you, I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh (27) I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes…”
D. (v.28) enemies of the gospel: just like Paul before salvation!
E. (v.28-29) Because of God’s choice and promise: these are irrevocable because God always keeps His word!

3. He is MERCIFUL!

“(30) For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, (31) even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. (32) For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.” Rom.11:30-32

A. mercy (elee’o): “to feel sympathy or compassion for someone in need which motivates the meeting of that need!
B. (v.30) Israel’s disobedience: has resulted in mercy to the Gentiles!
C. (v.31-32) Then how much more: will mercy be shown to Israel!

4. He is OMNIPOTENT!

“(33) Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (34) ‘For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? (35) Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?’ (36) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Rom.11:33-36

A. (v.33) Theology turns to doxology: God is incomprehensible!
B. (v.34) Rhetorical question: Answer, no one!
C. (v.34) Second rhetorical question: Answer, no one!
D. (v.35) Third rhetorical question: Answer, no one!
E. (v.36) Glory to God: He is the source, the means, the end of all things!

GIVE HIM GLORY!

1. By acknowledging His sovereignty in choosing me to cling to Him!

“ ‘For as the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says the LORD, ‘that they may become My people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear.” Jer.13:11

2. By trusting in Jesus Christ, by verbal affirmation and pursuit of a godly lifestyle!

• By trusting in His very nature: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jn.1:14
• By affirming who He is and what He has done: “(24) Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples…(28) Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, give to the LORD glory and strength. (29) Give to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!” 1Chron.16:24, 28-29

3. By praising Him for faithfulness to His promises, gifts and calling!

“(28) Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. (29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Rom.11:28-29

4. By thanking Him for His mercy!

(12) “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, (13) although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” 1Tim.1:12-13

5. By becoming a “Big-Godder”!

“(7) If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. (8) By this My Father is glorified that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” Jn.15:7-8

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• The theme of this message is God’s eventual salvation of Israel and how this and all things are for the glory of God!

1. Think carefully for a moment and answer this: What motivates or is the driving force in my life (i.e. guilt, anger, fear, materialism, need for approval, etc.)?
2. Read (Rom.11:25-36). God will one day save the nation of Israel. He will stir them to jealousy by saving the Gentiles, and once the time of the Gentiles is over, He will save the nation of Israel. But why (see v. 36)?
3. Why has God saved Israel, you and I (see Jer.13:11)? How can I glorify God with my life? Look up these verses and discuss some ways to give God glory and if I am being faithful in these areas:

• (Jn.1:14) God’s nature is glory
• (1Chron.16:24-29) I can give Him glory by how I live
• (1Cor.10:31) In everything give Him glory

4. Look again at (Rom.11:28-29). Have I found God to be faithful to His promises? Have I ever felt like God could never use me again after my failure? What does (Rom.11:29) promise me?
5. Read (Jn.15:7-8). Pastor Denny told the story of Donald Barnhouse who came back to preach at his seminary, and one of his professor’s sat and listened to him. Afterwards he said, “I am glad you are a big-godder. When my boys come back, I come to see if they are big-godders or little-godders, and then I know what their ministry will be. Donald, you have a great God and He will bless your ministry.” Am I a big-godder or a little-godder?

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Rom.11:25-36) Glory to God for His dealing with Israel and me
Tue (Jer.13:11) God has caused me to cling to Him for His glory
Wed (Jn.1:14) The very nature of God is glory
Thu (1Chron.16:24-29) I can ascribe Him glory by the way I live
Fri (1Cor.10:31) What should be the driving motive of every Christian
Sat (Jn.15;7-8) God is for me and wants me to bear much fruit

August 18,2019 Message by Denny Mashburn with testimony by Steve King

cd19.08.11
Aug. 11, 2019

SCRIPTURE READING
“(1) I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. (2) God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, (3) ‘LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life?’ (4) But what does the divine response says to him? ‘I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ (5) Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (6) And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. (7) What then? Israel has not obtained what is seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (8) Just as it is written: ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.’ (9) And David says: ‘Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a recompense to them. (10) Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, and bow down their back always.” Rom.11:1-10 (NKJV)

“I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not!” Rom.11:1a

• God made an unconditional covenant (promise) with Abraham!
• God always keeps His promises!

THAT ISRAEL HAS A FUTURE IS PROVEN AND EXPLAINED BY:

1. Paul’s personal TESTIMONY!

“I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.” Rom.11:1

• A question that begs a negative answer!
• No, in the strongest possible terms!
• I am an Israelite! (whom God has saved, with great patience)

“However, for this reason I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” 1Tim.1:16

“(3) As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. (4) Then he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ (5) And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Acts 9:3-5

• Of the seed of Abraham, a Jew by birth (not a proselyte)!
• Of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the most favored tribes!

2. the testimony of God’s REMNANT!

“(2) God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, (3) ‘LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life?’ (4) But what does the divine response say to him? ‘I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ (5) Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (6) And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.”
Rom.11:2-6
• Foreknew: (proginos’ko) means not just awareness of what will happen, but a determination is made that it will happen!

“(28) Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. (29) For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Rom.11:28-29
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. the testimony of GOD’S JUDICIAL HARDENING!

“(7) What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (8) Just as it is written: ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.’ (9) And David says: ‘Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a recompense to them. (10) Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, and bow down their back always.’” Rom.11:7-10

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SO WHAT?

1. God never totally casts His people away, although it may seem that way!

“I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! Rom.11:1

“(7) When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple…(9) But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. (10) So the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” Jonah 2:7, 9-10

“God is a good surgeon. He won’t stop until He accomplishes whatever He has determined to accomplish.”
C. S. Lewis

2. Paul’s conversion (as part of the remnant) is an encouragement and a pattern for all of us who have or will trust in Christ!

“However, for this reason I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” 1Tim.1:16

• A pattern of mercy (I sure did not deserve it)!
• A pattern of longsuffering (He sure put up with a lot, 1Tim.1:15)!
• A pattern to influence and give hope to others like myself!
• A pattern of usefulness, for those who have been forgiven much
love much!
• A pattern of dramatic salvation for Israel!

3. All Israel will be saved, like Paul, in dramatic fashion!

“(1) Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst. (2) For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity. But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (3) Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. (4) And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley…(5) Then you shall flee through My mountain valley..” Zech.14:1-5

4. Today if you hear God’s voice, don’t harden your heart!

“(7) Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, (8) do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness.” Heb.3:7-8

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• The theme of this message is God is not done with the nation of Israel and its implications for Christian living.

1. Paul said in Rom.11:1a: “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not!” Have I ever felt like God had cast me away? How did I respond? So what?
2. Read (Rom.11:1-10). God would never totally cast away Israel, even though they rejected their Messiah, because He made a covenant with Abraham (Gen.12:1-3) and God always keeps His promises? Have I found this to be true in my experience (that God is faithful to His promises)? So what?
3. Paul used his own testimony of God’s faithfulness, the testimony of God’s sovereignty in saving a remnant, and the testimony of God’s judicial hardening to explain God’s dealings with Israel. Paul said his conversion was a pattern for those who were going to believe (see Acts 9:1-19). In what ways is his conversion a pattern of my own experience? In what ways is his conversion not a pattern of my experience? In what ways is his conversion a pattern for how the nation of Israel will one day be saved (see Zech.12:10; 13:8-9; 14:1-5, 12-15)? So what?
4. Have I ever hardened my heart to the Lord’s will? What did God do to get a hard hearted prophet’s attention (see Jonah 2:1-10)? Have I ever had any whales in my life? So what?
5. Radio Pastor Steve Brown said: “The church is not a place for people who are together, obedient, and spiritual. If you really think it is, then you were conned. The church is actually a place for people who are needy, afraid, confused, and quite sinful. But even more important than that, the church is a place for people who have been loved…and have no idea why? Each congregation is, as it were, a local chapter of ‘sinners anonymous.’ Do I agree? So what?

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Rom.11:1—10) God has not cast off Israel completely
Tue (Rom.11:26-27) God will save the nation of Israel at second coming
Wed (Zech.12:10) Israel will mourn over the One they pierced
Thu (Zech.13:8-9) Before Israel is saved, two thirds will be killed
Fri (Zech.14:1-9) The remaining one third will be saved dramatically
Sat (Prov.4:23) The thing Israel failed to do

cd19.08.04 Denny Mashburn

SCRIPTURE READING
“(11) For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’ (12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. (13) For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’ (14) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’ (16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘LORD, who have believed our report?’ (17) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (18) But I say have they not heard? Yes indeed: ‘Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’ (19) But I say did Israel not know? First Moses says: ‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’ (20) But Isaiah is very bold and says: ‘I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.’ (21) But to Israel he says: ‘All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.’” Rom.10:11-21 (NKJV)

“But to Israel he says: ‘All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.’” Rom.10:21

THE GOSPEL:

1. has always been God’s call to WHOEVER BELIEVES!

“(11) For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’ (12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. (13) For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’” Rom.10:11-13

A. (v.11) The Jews, though special to God, were not the only ones to be saved: “…Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily (be put to shame).” Isa.28:16

B. (v.11) Israel was to me a holy and witnessing nation: “And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Ex.19:6a

C. (v.12) God makes no distinction between Jew and Gentile, but the Jews of Paul’s day did!

“(1) But it displeased Jonah exceedingly and he became angry. (2) So he prayed to the LORD and said, ‘Ah LORD, was not this what I said when I was still in my country?’” Jonah 4:1-2a

D. (v.13) The only barrier to salvation is failure to call on the name of the LORD: “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Joel 2:32a

2. is the only message that can stir SAVING FAITH!

“(14) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’ (16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘LORD, who has believed our report?’ (17) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom.10:14-17

A. Four rhetorical questions which highlight the necessity that someone has to share the gospel message for there to be saving faith!

1. (v.14) Those who call on the Lord will do so because they believe!
2. (v.14) They believe because they have heard the gospel!
3. (v.14) They hear the gospel because someone shared the message!
4. (v.15) That messenger is sent by God! (Isa.52:7)

B. (v.16) The gospel must be believed and obeyed (Isa.53:1)!

C. (v.17) Saving faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (the gospel)!

3. message, its impact on the Gentiles, and Israel’s refusal to accept its truth was PREDICTED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT!

“(18) But I say have they not heard? Yes indeed: ‘Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’ (19) But I say did Israel not know? First Moses says: ‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.’ (20) But Isaiah is very bold and says: ‘I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.’ (21) But to Israel he says: ‘All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.’” Rom.10:18-21

A. (v.18) Israel did not suffer from lack of truth (Ps.19:4)!

B. (v.19) Moses, the lawgiver, predicted 1500 years prior God’s salvation of the Gentiles and Israel’s provocation to jealousy (Deut.32:21)!

C. (v.20) Isaiah, the prophet, predicted 700 years prior God being sought by the Gentiles and rejected by disobedient Israel (Isa.65:1-2)!

“(9) ..I am God, and there is none like Me, (10) declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.” Isa.46:9b-10
SO WHAT?

1. Whoever believes the gospel can have their shame removed!

“For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’” Rom.10:11

2. Saving faith believes and obeys the gospel!

“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘LORD, who has believed our report?’” Rom.10:16

• SAVING FAITH IS A REPENTING FAITH: “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matt.4:17

3. If I am struggling to believe, focus on the Object of faith!

“looking unto Jesus, the author (originator) and finisher (completer) of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb.12:2

“(23) Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. (24) Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’” Mk.9:23-24

4. Is it right for me to be angry at those who don’t know God?

“(1)But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry…(4) Then the LORD said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?’” Jonah 4:1,4

5. The end is taking shape!

“and say, ‘Thus says the LORD GOD: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal.’” Eze.38:3

6. Do I realize that I have been sent?

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1Pet.2:9

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• The theme of this message is Israel’s rejection of the gospel and its implications for unbelievers and Christians

1. Read (Rom.10:11-21). Why do I think most people reject the gospel?
2. Israel detested the thought of God saving the Gentiles. The prophet Jonah is a good example of that attitude. Read (Jonah 4:1-4) which is Jonah’s response to the whole city of Nineveh being saved. Israel had all the advantages of truth, yet a pagan, Gentile city hears an 8 word sermon from a rebellious prophet and the whole city repents! Are there people (relationships, politics, race, etc.) that you resent and could care less about their salvation? What can I learn from Israel’s wrong attitude towards unbelieving Gentiles?
3. It was announced in the news this week that Russia will join Iran in joint military exercises in the near future. This is a fulfillment of (Eze.38:3). Isaiah tells us in (46:9-10) that there is none like God, Who tells us the end from the beginning. How does this truth affect me?
4. Where does faith come from (Heb.12:2)? Who is the Author and Finisher of my faith? How was the doubting father’s faith increased in (Mk.9:14-24)? What does this story have to do with (Rom.10:17)?
5. Do I know I have been sent by Christ to declare His praise (1Pet.2:9)? Do I know the gosepl message? Do I have a testimony? Am I willing to be filled (Acts 1:8)? Do I know a good ice-breaker question?

Daily Bible Reading

Mon (Rom.10:11-21) Israel’s rejection of its greatest need: the gospel
Tue (Rom.1:16-17) In the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed
Wed (Rom.10:11) Belief in the gospel can remove the shame of sin
Thu (Rom.10:16) The gospel must not only be believed, but obeyed
Fri (Rom.10:17) The word of the gospel stirs faith
Sat (Heb.12:2) The central figure of the gospel is the Author and
Finisher of faith

July 28, 2019 Message by Denny Mashburn

July 21,2019 Message by Denny Mashburn

July 14, 2019 Message by John Mathieu

July 7, 2019 Message by Denny Mashburn

cd19.60.30

June 30, 2019

• Jamie Harrell: “I am finally free”
• This morning in the shower, the Lord changed the message!
• Are you free?

FREEDOM REQUIRES:

1. Being crucified with Christ!

“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Rom.6:4

• Jesus said if we sin, we are slaves of sin!
• He knew He was the only one who could set slaves of sin free!


• Paul picks up that theme, salvation is co-crucifixion!

• Sin nature, old man is put to death “done away with”, we accept this by faith!

• Penalty of sin is forgiven, the power of sin is broken, but the presence of sin awaits our entrance to heaven! (Now, a battle rages)

2. Freedom requires understanding and embracing the battle!

“I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.” Rom.7:21

• We all are walking paradoxes!
• Desire to do good, but we still struggle with evil!
• (v.21) Paul calls it “evil is present with me” (flesh)
• Steve’s story: “Battle is not so good!”
• Saved, disciple, failure, “gaps are getting bigger”

3. Freedom requires putting the deeds of the flesh to death by the Spirit!

• The Spirit leads to put on Christ: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Rom.13:14
• (Taking off my shirt, forethought, delete the app)
• The Spirit leads to present and renew: “(1) I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom. 12:1-2

4. Close:

A. Are you free?
B. Have you been co-crucified with Christ?
C. Are you putting on Christ daily, getting rid of the triggers?
D. Are you presenting and renewing?

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