Practice: Study 3.5 - November 29, 2009

The Practices #3 – Study
3.5 – What is the result of study?

In Study, we learn the rules.  But righteousness is not found in the rules alone.
Chapter 1 & 2 – Paul puts everyone in the same boat concerning sin and separation from God.
 
Romans 3:1-2 (New International Version)
What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
 
Why did God give us the law?
Romans 3:19-20 (New International Version)
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
 
Romans 3:21-26 (New International Version)
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
 
We are not righteous just because of what we do.
 
Proverbs 16:2 (New International Version)
All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
 
What does Study produce in us?
 
1.    A Change of Attitude.
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
 
2.    A Change of Perspective.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (New International Version)
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
 
3.    A Change of Approach.
Colossians 4:6 (New International Version)
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
 
Our hope for Study…
2 Timothy 4:2 (New International Version)
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Practice: Prayer 2.4 - October 25, 2009

Practices #2
2.4 – What do I do when God is Silent?

Job 3:23-26
Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water. What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”
Why does God talk to us?

Exodus 3:13-15
Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.

Some Questions to ask when God seems silent:

1. Do I have a sin issue?
2 Chronicles 7:14-15
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

2. Do I have an agenda problem?
Luke 22:41-43
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

3. Do I have a perspective problem?
Psalm 73:1-3, 13-14, 27-28
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning… Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

4. Have I already done everything I know the Lord told me to do?
Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

5. Is God trying to show me something new about Himself?
John 11:32-34
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

So how do I respond when God is Silent?
Go back and make sure that you are doing everything God has already told you to do. Be faithful in that, and wait and pray.