SERIES: RECOVERING STOLEN IDENTITY & RECLAIMING MISPLACED DESTINY: PART 2: DO NOT SELL YOUR BIRTHRIGHT OR HOW NOT TO LOSE YOUR IDENTITY
1. Genesis 25: 20 Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah as wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan Aram, the sister of Laban the Syrian. 21 Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 But the children struggled together within her womb; and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said to her: “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; One people shall be stronger than the other, And the older shall serve the younger.” 24 So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb. 25 And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. 27 So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents. 28 And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.” 32 And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?” 33 Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
2. Hebrews 12: 14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.
INTRO: RECOVERING STOLEN IDENTITY & RECLAIMING MISPLACED DESTINY: HOW TO LOSE YOUR IDENTITY [SONG: “MORE OF YOU” (D)]
Series: About Stolen Identity & Misplaced Destiny & How We Can Find Them Again. 1) The Introduction: Difference B/W Identity & Destiny. 2) Significance of Destiny Helpers. 3) Today, How To Lose Your Identity (Don’t Sell Your Birthright).
IDENTITY THEFT IN THE REAL WORLD.
Identity Theft: Deceitful & unauthorized use of a person's private info usually for financial gains. It happens to millions of Americans every year & is increasing. How Does It Work?
1. Acquisition Of Personal Data. When they have access to your information.
2. Use Of The Stolen Identity: Open new accounts; Make purchases; etc.
3. Discovery & Correction Of Identity Theft. When you attempt to get back your identity.
ABOUT STOLEN IDENTITY AND MISPLACED DESTINY AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE.
1. Identity: Answers the question: ‘Who has God called you to be?’ He has called you to be a Christian, Pastor, Musician, Engineer, Giver, Mother, Encourager, etc. Rom. 6:6 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 of sin. 1 Cor. 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own…
2. Destiny: Answers the question: ‘What has God called you to do?’ As a Christian, king, pastor, mother, father, what has He called you to do? Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil; to give you a future and an expected end. Acts 13:36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption.
WHAT DESTROYS IDENTITY & DESTINY IN OUR LIVES – THE MIDIANITES (JUDGES 6).
Destiny Killers? People assigned by the devil to kill God’s plan for your life.
1. Through Lies: “Has God Said?” You Are Not Good Enough.
2. Through Your Past: Disappointments / Statements Made. You Won’t Amount To Anything.
3. Multiple Problems: They Come In Ripples.
4. Your Background: What You Lack Or Family History.
5. Forgetting Your Position In Christ: Lost Identity.
6. Through Under-Rating Yourself: That Person Is Better Than You.
7. Through Fears: You Are Afraid Of What Is To Come.
EXAMPLES OF SOME DESTINY KILLERS
1. People Preventing Paralytic Man From Reaching Jesus: Mark 2.
2. Herod Killing Others To Secure Himself (Matthew 2:1-18).
3. Sanballat & Tobiah Hindering Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:10).
Note: Your destiny killers must change or God will trouble them. He will take away their peace & give them an assignment they cannot complete (Acts 23:12 – people took oath to kill Paul).
RESULTS OF LOST IDENTITY AND MISPLACED DESTINY.
1. You Become A Pessimist.
2. Hiding From Public View.
3. Forgetfulness Of Who God Is.
4. Unmet Goals And Aspirations.
5. Losing The Will To Take Risks.
6. Being Suspicious Of Everyone.
7. Barely Getting By To Survive. 8. Living A Life Of No Faith.
9. You Tear Down Achievements Of Others.
10. Envy And Jealousy prevail in your life.
11. You Live In Pity.
12. You Hold Grudges, Hatred, Revenge.
13. You Forget Who You Are.
14. You Speak Rashly & Make Stupid Vows
SIGNIFICANCE OF DESTINY HELPERS
Destiny Helpers? People that are assigned to help you fulfil what God has commissioned you to do.
Destiny Helpers Connect You To The Top; add value, are strategically positioned to help you arrive at your expected end, go out of their way to help you, help you navigate through obstacles, help you succeed, fight on your behalf as if the battle is theirs, use their time and tools for you, use their network to open up opportunities for you, are positioned by God to make your way smooth, are ordained by God to assist, share experiences, scars, counsel and wisdom to save you pain & frustration that went through, come to meet you when they know you need help, bear your burdens, lift you up when you are down. Some are sent to come & go. Others are sent to come & stay!
WHOM DOES GOD SEND TO BECOME DESTINY HELPERS?
1. God Himself Comes: Psalm 54:4.
2. Holy Spirit: John 14:15.
3. Angels: 1 Kings 19:4-8.
4. Jesus: 1 John 2:1.
5. God Sent Them As Donkeys:
6. People.
SOME HUMAN EXAMPLES OF DESTINY HELPERS:
1. Jethro & Moses.
2. Joseph, The Butler & The Baker.
3. Naaman & The Maid.
4. Elijah & The Widow Of Zarephath. 5. Hannah & Eli.
6. Shunammite Woman & Elisha.
7. Aaron & Moses.
8. Moses & Joshua.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DESTINY HELPERS
1. Come In All Colors (Different Race, etc.)
2. Come In All Ages (Naaman & Maid)
3. Come In All Positions (Influential Or Not)
4. Come In All Statuses (Rich Or Poor)
5. Christians Or Nonchristians (Pharaoh)
6. God brings them your way.
7. They may appear with burden and problems.
8. You may or may not know them. 9. They may be insignificant to you.
10. They may be of lower education.
11. They may even depend on you for survival.
12. They may be your superiors.
13. They may be your colleagues.
14. They lubricate your friction.
15. They are divine intermediaries between you and your purpose in life.
GENERAL CATEGORIES OF DESTINY HELPERS
1. The Jethros: It is important to have mentors in life. E.g. Eli had experience; Samuel had calling.
2. The Aarons: Your peers. Pro. 27:17 Iron sharpens iron so a friend sharpens…
3. The Joshuas: The impact of a great destiny is leaving a legacy. You leave it with the Joshuas.
EIGHT UNCOMMON DESTINY HELPERS
1. Divine Connectors: Missing link between who you are and who you were designed to be. E.g. 2 Kings 5:1-3: Naaman & Servant Girl.
2. Movers & Influencers: Have influence, ability, connections to bring you to next level. E.g. Joseph talented but in prison. Met Baker then Pharaoh, became PM in 24 hours.
3. The Gifted: Skillful in chosen professions, talented, gifted. E.g. 1 Sam. 16 David & Saul.
4. Burden Carriers: God releases them into your life to help you carry your burdens when the road to your destiny becomes rough. E.g. John 6:66-69 Jesus needed the 12 Disciples.
5. Ladder Holders: They help you focus on your assignment when everyone is saying you have arrived. E.g. 1 Chron. 11: David’s Mighty Men.
6. The Man Of God: Carriers of mantle that make them gifts to the Church. E.g. 2 Chro. 20:20 Believe in God and you shall be established, believe in His prophets and you shall prosper. Saul (donkey chaser) met Samuel - became King. Disciples met Jesus - became apostles; Shunammite woman met Elisha - became a mother.
7. Uncommon Mentor: They have been at where you are going, know the terrain, have the scars. E.g. Jesus mentored the disciples. Elijah mentored Elisha.
8. The Uncommon Enemy: You will need an uncommon enemy to succeed & accomplish the purpose for which you were commissioned. E.g. 1 Sam. 17: Goliath made David a star. E.g. 1 Sam. 1-2: Elkanah: Hannah’s entice Peninnah brought prayer & children out of Hannah.
HOW CAN YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR DESTINY CONNECTORS:
1. Be Nice To People.
2. Avoid Pride.
3. Help People Solve Their Problems.
4. Pray for Right Destiny Connectors. 5. Run From Sins: Run from sinful friends.
6. Demonstrate Godly Character Always (Joseph)
7. Exhibit Aggressive Prayer: Power in prayer.
8. Give to Cause of Christ (Tithe, Treasure, Talent).
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IDENTITY
Without Identity, There Can Be No Destiny. 1 Peter 2:9 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; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. Without identity, you will only live an accidental lifestyle waiting for things to happen. Whatever has the most influence on you is what you follow. If your appetite wins, you follow your appetite but not your reason to be.
E.g. The Prodigal Son: His Identity was the Father’s Son but his appetite took him out of his Destiny. Judas: Walking with a Destiny Maker yet lost – Greed for money & Power. Demas: 2 Tim. 4:10 – Demas has forsaken me because he loves this present world. We are strangers, pilgrims, sojourners, aliens. Some of us want to naturalize when we lose our identity. Gehazi: Left the prophet Elisha to follow after gold. Esau: Sold his birthright (Identity). When We Accepted Christ As Lord & Savior, we became kings in God’s Kingdom. And by right of our new birth in Christ, we gain power & privileges. Yet few of us actually enjoy or utilize those privileges. Some have squandered that identity. Don’t sell your birthright. What Does It Mean?
ESAU & JACOB: IDENTICAL OR LET’S SAY, UN-IDENTICAL TWINS, WERE DIFFERENT IN:
1. Appearance
2. Character 3. Mannerisms
4. Personal Interests 5. Desires
6. Personal Appeals
TWO VERY DIFFERENT PEOPLE (27-28).
1. Esau The Wild Man. Genesis 25:27: "Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field..." Skillful hunter, outdoor boy, the athletic type, all-American boy. Went in for everything physical, but had no desire for spiritual things. Esau was rough, wild, free, boisterous, exciting. In addition, he was impetuous (quick decider) and often made rash decisions. He lived for the moment and had no thought for the future. If alive today, his motto would probably be: "If it feels good, do it!" He represents the person who lives for momentary thrills. Has no time for God or the future.
2. Jacob The Gentle Man. Genesis 25:27 "Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents." Hebrew word means "sincere, quiet, peaceful, pious". He took seriously life’s ordinary duties." Was sensible, peace loving, perceptive, spiritual, thoughtful about future, considered the consequences of his actions, thinks about heavenly things before earthly things, considers how decisions will affect their future. Though not perfect, he realized God had a plan for their life.
WE LIVE IN A CAUSE & EFFECT UNIVERSE. THE CAUSE, NOW THE EFFECT.
1. Esau Despised The Things Of God (30, 32, 34) - His Birthright. One day Esau was out hunting. Jacob was home making stew. Esau came to Jacob and said "Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint..." Notice the impetuous nature of Esau: "Feed me" not “give me”. Phrase means gulping down food - Rabbis used word to describe cramming food down throat of animals. In return, Jacob asked for his birthright. The oldest son could sell his birthright or give it away if he chose, but in so doing, he would lose a lot. What does he say in response to Jacob’s request? "Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?" No regard for the future. No regard for God. Gen. 25:34 Esau despised his birthright." Despised”: "To treat as worthless or to hold in contempt" We show contempt for God when we consider spiritual things as optional. Col. 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. We show contempt for God by what we say. Pro. 18:21 Death & life are in the power of the tongue...
2. Jacob Cherished The Things Of God (Genesis 25:31, 33). “Swear to Me” Esau knew of Jacob’s commitment to God. In Jacob we see motive, mindset, desire. While his brother thought of how he could fill his belly, Jacob thought of the future. He placed value on spiritual things. He knew the word God had spoken to his mother - the younger would serve the older. He was willing to do whatever it took to see the blessings of God come his way. While this may seem sneaky on Jacob’s part, there was no deception. He laid all cards on the table and his brother agreed. He was willing to risk the displeasure of his father who loved Esau and the wrath of Esau to get it. Ps. 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. We need to be a little more like Jacob. Cherish the things of God so much that you are willing to sacrifice for it. Ps. 63:1 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.
MEANING OF ESAU’S BIRTHRIGHT BEING SOLD – THREE THINGS.
Heb. 12:14-17 Make every effort to live in peace with all men & to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. 3 Things Came With Birthright. When Esau Sold The Birthright…
1. ESAU GAVE UP THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING A PRIEST. The first-born son was especially consecrated (or given-over) to God. In families that didn’t know the Lord, they carried this to the extreme and often sacrificed their first-born sons to their pagan gods. But in Esau’s family, a good Jewish family, the first-born would be given to God to serve Him. He would have the privilege of representing his family before God as the priest of the family. Later on, that privilege would be transferred to the tribe of Levi in Israel (Numbers 3). But in Esau’s day, the priesthood still belonged to the first-born. So when Esau sold his birthright, he gave up the priesthood.
Challenge: Don’t Sell Your Priesthood.
Don’t Trade Your Opportunity For Direct Access To God For Momentary Pleasures. For just like the 1st-born in ancient society, we have been set apart wholly for God’s service and use; we have been especially consecrated and given over to him. That’s what the word “holiness” means in Hebrews 12:14 - to be set-apart from sin unto God. That’s our position in Christ. God looks on those of us who have trusted Christ as “holy ones,” as “those who have been set-apart for His special use” (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:9-11). Otherwise, according to Hebrews 12:14, we would never be able to see Him! The moment we put our trust in Christ, God made us holy in His eyes. That’s our position in Christ. But that’s not always our practice. So Hebrews 12:14 says, “Make every effort…to be holy.” You are set apart for God’s special use. Now, learn to behave like it.
We Have Direct Access But For Some Reasons We Do Not Use It Because.
? When We Don’t Ask.
? When We Ask With Wrong Motives.
? When We Ask With Unconfessed Sin.
? When We Ask Outside Of God’s Will.
? When We Ask In Doubt.
? When We Ask In Pride.
? When We Ask Without Relationship.
What Should We Do? Read The Play Book. Fellowship with other believers. Pray and listen to the Team Coach. Make every effort to be holy. Be spiritually disciplined. And we’re going to have to practice with “the team” (i.e., the church) on a regular basis. All this gets us ready to be used of God in significant ways. But we jump prayers, bible study, church, prayer & fasting, etc.
2. ESAU GAVE UP THE PROMISES (A DOUBLE PORTION OF HIS FATHER’S ESTATE). When the father’s estate was divided among the sons, the first-born usually got twice as much as the rest. If there were 2 sons, the estate would be divided in thirds. The youngest would get one-third, and the eldest would get two-thirds. Esau’s estate would have included all of the Promised Land promised to Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. But in Esau’s time, it was still only a promise. The only piece of land Isaac owned was a graveyard – Cave of Machpelah he bought from a Hittite. So all he had was a promise from God that he would get a whole lot more someday. And for a man like Esau, that promise didn’t mean a whole lot. So when Esau sold his birthright, he gave up the priesthood; he gave up the promises of God – he gave up the future.
Challenge: Don’t Sell The Promises Of God.
Don’t Trade Your Right To Discover And Enjoy all that God has promised you for the cheap thrills of this world. For just like the 1st-born in ancient society, we too have an inheritance or promises of God. They’re promises given to us purely out of grace. We don’t deserve them, but God simply loves us. That’s why Hebrews 12:15 says: “See to it that no one misses the grace of God.” In other words, don’t fail to claim God’s gracious promises for yourselves. Don’t fail to trust God to keep His word in your life. All of us come short of the glory of God – none of us are perfect. But God has provided and equal access through the cross – through the blood of Jesus.
Some Believers Treat The Promises of God by hanging them around their necks or on walls in beautiful plaques, but fail to claim those promises in reality. And so we walk around in spiritual poverty most of our lives, not knowing how rich we really are. There are thousands and thousands of God’s promises, and they cover every area of our lives; take care of every need; and are our birthright as God’s children.
Few Of God’s Promises.
? Numbers 23:19 Can God Lie? God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
? 2 Peter 3:9 Will God Keep His Promises To You? The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
? Isaiah 53:5 Can I Be Healed? But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
? Isaiah 49:25 What About Your Enemies? Surely, thus says the Lord, "Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away, And the prey of the tyrant will be rescued; For I will contend with the one who contend with you… And I will save your sons.
? Matthew 28:20: Feeling Lonely? To Paul (2 Tim. 4:16-17): At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.
? John 14:1-3: World Is A Mess. Jesus Said: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
? Isaiah 43:2: He Promises To Protect You: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle you.
? Matthew 10:28: Should You Fear People? Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot harm the soul.
? Matthew 11:28-29 Can God Give You Rest? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…
? Philippians 4:19 Can He Supply All Your Needs? 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
? 1 Peter 5:10: Are You The Victim Of Slander, Divorce, Disease? And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
3. ESAU GAVE UP HIS POWER. Esau gave up his authority as head of the whole family. You see, in his father’s absence, the first-born son had authority over his younger siblings. But with that authority came the responsibility to provide for his mother till her death, and for his unmarried sisters until they got married. That’s probably why he got a double portion of the estate – so he could provide for his mother and sisters.
Challenge: Don’t Sell Your Power As A Child Of God.
Don’t Trade Your Spiritual Authority For Short-Lived pleasures. For just like the 1st-born in ancient society, God has given us authority and power over sin. He has given us the ability to keep the bitter root of sin from taking hold in our hearts. That’s why Heb. 12:15 says: “See to it…that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” We don’t have to let sin spring up in our lives like a bitter root. Instead, when we sin, we have an advocate with the Father (1 John 1:9). Admit it and turn away from it before it takes root in our lives, destroys not only us, but hurts those around us. The good news is Jesus has already released us from the power of sin in our lives through His death on the cross.
Hebrews 2: 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them,[k] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
As we depend on Him, we don’t need to let bitterness, or anger, or worry, or any other sin take root in our lives and do so much damage.
The Seven-Fold Power Of The Believers In Christ Jesus…
a) The Resurrection Power: God raised Jesus from the dead. This power is able to raise all deadness in us and around us – and quicken our mortal bodies & heal all sickness. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
b) The Enthronement Power: This power not only raised Jesus up, He seats oe enthrones Jesus at the right hand of the Most High. This power is available to promote and exalt us. Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.
c) The Far-Above-All Power: Ephesians 1:21 This power set Christ far above all principalities, powers, might, dominion & names not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. This is a distinction power, separating Christ above all the forces of darkness. This power separates anyone that believes in Christ from dominion by the power of darkness.
d) The Dominion Power: Ephesians 1:22 He put all things under His feet. Not only is Christ separated far above all forces of darkness - this Power also makes all things to be subjected unto Christ. Forces of darkness will bow and submit to you in the Name of Jesus.
e) The Power Of Supremacy: Romans 1:22b He made Christ to be the head of all things. Colossians 1:19 It pleases the Father that in Christ Jesus all the fullness should dwell. If you believe, you can access the fullness of anything good whatsoever from Christ.
f) The Unifying Power Of Christ With The Church: Rom. 1:22c He made Christ Head of all things to the church. He made Christ the Head and the Church His Body. This same power made us to be engrafted into Christ. E.g. Wealthy man marrying maid turns her into a Queen.
g) The Manifesting Power: Through the engraftment into Christ we now access all the abilities of Christ hence able to showcase His fullness and God’s Glory here on earth!
We Can Turn From Sin, because God has given us the power and the authority to. No believer in Christ needs to be a victim any longer; and yet, so many believers trade that power for a poisonous pleasure not worth the pain it brings in the end. Please don’t sell your birthright like Esau - Don’t sell your priesthood; Don’t sell the promises of God; Don’t sell your power over sin.
SAME TEMPTATION TO JESUS, ADAM, JOSEPH, JUDAS, DANIEL, ETC.
1. Temptation #1 Matthew 4:3 “If You Are The Son Of God.” Temptation Is To Challenge The Identity. Do you know who you are? That is what Satan was saying. If you are the son of God, turn stones to bread. Compromise for a momentary pleasure. Jesus says: “No!”
2. Temptation #2 Matthew 4:6 If you are the Son of God throw yourself down and have the angels catch you. Again tempting Jesus: Do you know your identity? There comes a time when you look Satan face to face and say: “In case you haven’t figured this out I know who I am.”
3. Temptation #3 Matthew 4:8 …All these things I’ll give you… We should know who we are and what our destiny is. Satan is now saying I want to see if you are willing to compromise your identity and destiny for momentary pleasure. I know you know who you are. Are you willing to take the easy road to achieve the same thing?
WHAT DECISIONS DO YOU MAKE WHEN CONFRONTING TEMPTATIONS:
1. Fault-finding or complimenting others for their good points
2. Disrespecting Authorities or respecting people for their deeds and positions
3. Intolerance of people who are different or tolerance for different backgrounds
4. Gossip and Slander or speaking the truth in love
5. Bitterness or forgiving and acceptance
6. Hostility or friendliness
7. Jealousy and Envy or Trusting God for His sovereign choices
8. Cynical or confident in what is around us
9. Selfishness or serving the Lord with gladness of heart
10. Dishonesty or Honest behavior with an upright attitude
11. Lust or purity to what you see
PRAYER POINTS
1. Do Not Sell Your Priesthood.
2. Do Not Sell God’s Promises.
3. Do Not Sell Your Power.
THE AARONIC BLESSINGS
Numbers 6:23–27: 24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. 27 “So shall the name of the Lord be upon you and bless you. Amen.
