Sunday Words of Encouragement July 16, 2017

Last week’s Sunday school lesson was from Acts 24:24-26 and titled Paul’s Big Three. Paul was telling Felix and his wife about his faith. “As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened.” v25. This is a message that was not a ‘tickle the ear’ message. The message frightened Felix, who had enough belief to be uncomfortable. Felix lured his wife from another so he was in an adulterous relationship. In those days, the Roman culture was full of sin, adultery, homosexuality, even bestiality. Felix was familiar with the Way.

The lost need to hear that the day of Judgment is coming. Righteousness (true freedom) is a basic need of all men. There is a consequence at the time of Judgment. The Bible, especially the words of Jesus and the letters of Paul promote self-control which is needed to be victorious.
We need to choose to deny the flesh; the lusts, anger, gluttony, and greed of the body and mind. Galatians 5:19-21. The lusts of eye, lusts of flesh, and pride of life; passions, pleasure and pride.

Our human nature is selfish. We are drawn away by our desires. Mind over matter is temporary. Control is different for each individual. We have to train ourselves to temperance. John 2:16. We have to take control of mind, mouth and body.

We do not have the ability or power to rule or regulate ourselves in our own strength. We need to seek control through the sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:4-8.

I wasn't sure which song I wanted. I found many choices.

It took more than an hour of wonderful listening. Then I chose this.
Our God is Able!

Verses for Today:
2 Peter 1:4-8 NLT
4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Help me Lord to grow more in your strength of character and love for others.