Rush hour 2 : Flesh versus Spirit
Introduction:
Spiritually, there is a war going on inside of you.
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Ask: Why do you like this movie? (It’s funny, lots of action, exciting)
It may be funny, but spiritually, there is a cost to watching.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
If you feed the flesh, it gets stronger – if you feed the Spirit, it gets stronger.
The flesh is like a grizzly bear. The spirit is like a mastiff (very strong guard dog, which can even chase off grizzlies). If you feed the mastiff, he will protect you from the grizzly. If you feed the grizzly, it will waste the mastiff, and you as well.
Why do you think Americans are overweight? Advertisements certainly don’t help.
We overspend, overindulge, oversexed – because we feed the flesh,by exposing ourselves to commercials, magazines, etc., which encourage these things.
The flesh is not something to play around with. Don’t underestimate the power of the flesh. You are not strong enough to tame your flesh. If you think so, you are a fool.
Pro 7:25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths.
Pro 7:26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
Pro 7:27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
Samson found out the hard way that you can’t fool around with the flesh. Remember what happened to him? (Judges 16)
How does this movie feed the flesh?
Worldly lies contained in the movie: (1) Las Vegas is a big, fun party, & people often win big (In fact, people always play until they lose). (2) A man who is ready and able to fight is someone to be admired. (3) Men only like women with gorgeous figures who wear low-cut dresses which show half their front. (4) The only purpose for relationship between man and woman is to go all the way. They can’t just have a friendship without having sex. (5) Marriage is not necessary for sex. Sex before marriage is fun & glamorous. (6) Stereotyping & judging people by their appearance (black) or habits (gay).
There are some scenes in this movie you should not watch (esp. boys). Your conscience will tell you. You should look away, because what is on screen is damaging to your spirit. You need to cleanse your spirit, with prayer, the Word, and the blood of Jesus.
Don’t say, “This stuff doesn’t effect me, I can take it”. If you watch it, it will affect you. You need to pray to restore your spirit.
1Co 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Give out the following handout:
“Sunday Morning at the Movies”
Rush Hour II
Handout
Directions:
1. Circle all of the “deeds of the flesh” in the following list which you see in the movie:
Gal 5:19-21 People’s sinful desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God’s kingdom. (Good News Bible)
2. Now circle all of the “fruits of the Spirit” from the following list which you see.
Gal 5:22 But the Spirit gives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. (Good News Bible)
Before showing the movie, pray: Father, you know I’m showing this movie not to feed the flesh, but to make us aware of the struggle going on inside of us between flesh and spirit. Use the fleshly parts of this movie to inoculate us against the flesh, so that we can be stronger to resist temptations.
Closing Prayer: Father, I want to feed the Spirit, and not the flesh. Please give me strength and wisdom to keep away from things that feed the flesh. But when I slip up, Father, please cleanse my heart and mind by the blood of your Son Jesus, and wash me with the water of Your word.
