Sermon Central
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What It Takes To Be A Soul Survivor Part 2 Series
Contributed by Terry Jones on May 10, 2008 (message contributor)
Summary: Surviving today requires that believers develop a godly mentality, a strategic plan and an understanding of the spiritual tools given to us by the Holy Spirit. Survival requires dedication to press in to God and in following His lead. In part 2 of this
What it takes to be a Soul Survivor
Soul Survivor Pt. 2
Text: 2 Corinthians 4:7-11
We looked last week at, in my opinion, one of the greatest biblical examples of survival recorded in history, - Job.
We’ll be coming back to Job throughout our journey to becoming a Soul Survivor but today, I want to you to consider with me some essentials for survival.
In any situation of survival, those who lived to tell the story didn’t just saunter through the events sort of “rolling with the punches”. Perhaps at first, it may seem that way as they are getting acclimated to their surroundings, taking inventory of what might be at their disposal, but at some point, there comes that “in your face moment” that you realize, this is winning or losing, life or death. It’s in that moment that they go into survival mode.
Folks, if there is anything that you hear this preacher say today, there this…
• If you and I are going to be soul survivors,
• If you are going to fulfill your divinely orchestrated purpose in life,
• If you are going to accomplish the dreams and desires God has placed in your heart to achieve,
Then you must get serious with God.
You must realize that God wants to – requires to – be an active participant in your everyday life.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars."
God told the prophet to tell king Asa that because he had relied on everyone BUT God, God’s hand was not weakened, but rather withdrawn from the king’s aid.
The Power of God wants to invade your situation, but you have to open the door for Him to come in.
You have to know who you are and what you’re playing for.
Who are you?
a. You’re not the person you used to be
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
b. You are the head, not the tail – Lender not the borrower
And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.
i. I didn’t ask you how you feel – I asked who you are!
ii. It doesn’t matter what others see in you – what does God see?
c. You’re beloved of God - The apple of His eye
d. Chosen before the foundations of the earth
e. Sought out and adopted into the beloved
f. Sons and daughters of the Most High God
g. Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places
h. More than a conqueror through Christ
i. Blessed with all spiritual blessing
What are you playing for?
a. A prize that moth and rust cannot destroy and where thieves cannot come in and steal.
b. A prize that is not made by human hands nor measured by human reasoning.
c. Blessings here and a crown over there
d. Righteousness, peace and joy – in the Holy Ghost!
What’s it going to take for you to be a Soul Survivor?
Write these down and we will consider a few of them more closely later…
1. Survival requires alliance
How true that is of the Church…
If you are just “going to church” but are not becoming part of the “life of the church”, you are missing out on what Christ intended AND others are missing the benefit of your influence in their life’s as well.
Get into the church, Get connected and get involved!
If your visiting today and are “looking” for a church home. STOP LOOKING!
Align yourself with God and with His people, don’t forsake the gathering together with fellow believers so you will be able to grow in the strength and power of Christian community.
2. Survival requires Knowledge
a. We have to know our opponent
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, F19 against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
b. We have to know our strengths and weaknesses
i. You have to know is and what is not your gift
