Introduction:
There is computer software around that promises total
control over where files go, activity & traffic monitoring, and user space
limitations on certain areas of a computer. Our computer-like minds need the
same kind of protection. There is good news! That protection is readily
available! It comes from word of God. Information can be downloaded for free. We
must allow God’s word to go to work in our life. This means we must first
delete our personal agenda to allow God to have his complete way in us.
I. We must begin with pure motives.
A.
Mt.
21:12-13. Why did Jesus drive the people out of the temple?
B.
Both
buyers & sellers were driven out.
1.
Seller’s
motives simple. Way to make money & mask themselves as religious people.
2.
Buyers:
their presence at the temple simply fulfilled a religious purpose.
3.
Why do I come to church? What is my true motive for being
here?
C.
John
4:23-24 – must worship in spirit & truth. God wants genuine worship!
D.
Sacrifice
is the giving of self – not the fulfillment of an obligation.
1.
The
confession of sin & genuine worship produces pure hearts!
2.
Jesus
wants us to confront our sin to make us clean – not comfortable.
E.
God
wants something greater in our lives!
1.
We
want our prayers answered. God wants
our character changed.
2.
We
want to feel good. God wants to make us well.
3.
We
want God to speak to us about our future. God wants to give us power in the present.
F.
Mt.
21:14-15 – what happened as soon as the temple cleansed?
1.
21:14
– it became the place where people found healing by faith in Jesus.
II. To Bulletproof Your Life –
You Have to Identify Where the Shots are coming from.
A.
Failure
can be a powerful teacher.
B.
What
temptations are you struggling with presently?
C.
You
can ignore temptation until it topples you or you can face temptation &
win!
1.
Js.
4:7-10
III. 1 Cor. 10:13 –
temptations come & go, tease & entice…but God is faithful!
A.
God is greater & wiser than Satan!
God has given us spiritual safety equipment.
B.
What
is that equipment?
1.
Guarded
Heart – stay alert by choosing beforehand what you will do. Pro. 4:23
2.
Understand
– what the will of God is. Eph. 5:17
3.
Accountability
Partners & Friends. Pro. 27:6, 9, 10, 17
4.
Read
the word. Fill your heart/mind with absolute truth – Phil. 4:8
5.
Depend
on God – 1 Peter 5:7.
C.
Ask
yourself: What is one thing you need to change?
D.
1 Cor. 10:13 – God will provide
escape routes. What are a few?
1.
Say
no!
2.
Plan
your time.
3.
Ask for help from good friends.
Conclusion:
A.
We
serve a loving God who wants you in heaven … not hell. Will you obey the gospel today?