People's Church

God’s Plan for Your Growth

2 Peter 1:3-4 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. (NLT)

2 Peter 1:5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith… (NLT)

2 Peter 1:5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence… (NLT)

1. Moral Excellence

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (NLT)

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (NIV)

2. Knowledge

2 Peter 1:5 Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge. (NLT)

2 Peter 3:18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (NLT)

3. Self-control

2 Peter 1:5-6 Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control. (NLT)

Proverbs 25:28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. (NLT)

Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (NIV)

4. Patient endurance

2 Peter 1:5-6 Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance. (NLT)

Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (NIV)

5. Godliness

2 Peter 1:5-7 Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness. (NLT)

2 Peter 2:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. (NIV)

6. Brotherly affection

2 Peter 1:5-7 Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection. (NLT)

1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? (NLT)

Hebrews 13:1 Keep on loving each other as brothers. (NIV)

7. Love for everyone.

2 Peter 1:5-7 Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. (NLT)

1 Corinthians 13:13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. (NLT)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. (NIV)

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. (NIV)

2 Peter 1:8 For IF you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)

2 Peter 1:8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (NLT)

Change Your Relationship With Pain

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may GROW UP in your salvation, (NIV)

1. PAIN NEVER STOPS

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, WHENEVER you face trials of MANY KINDS, (NIV)

2. PAIN AND THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

James 1:2 “CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (NIV)

3. PAIN IS A TEST

James 1:3 “because you know that the TESTING of your faith produces perseverance. (NIV)

4. PAIN ALWAYS PRODUCES SOMETHING IN YOU

James 1:3 “because you know that the testing of your faith PRODUCES perseverance. (NIV)

5. PAIN IS THE VEHICLE THAT TAKES YOU TO YOUR NEXT LEVEL

James 1:4 LET perseverance finish its work so that you may be MATURE and COMPLETE, NOT LACKING ANYTHING.” (NIV)

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we wlill reap a harvest if we DO NOT GIVE UP. (NIV)

Job 42:12 The Lord BLESSED THE LATTER part of Job’s life MORE than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. (NIV)

Change Your Relationship With Pain

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may GROW UP in your salvation, (NIV)

1. PAIN NEVER STOPS

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, WHENEVER you face trials of MANY KINDS, (NIV)

2. PAIN AND THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

James 1:2 “CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (NIV)

3. PAIN IS A TEST

James 1:3 “because you know that the TESTING of your faith produces perseverance. (NIV)

4. PAIN ALWAYS PRODUCES SOMETHING IN YOU

James 1:3 “because you know that the testing of your faith PRODUCES perseverance. (NIV)

5. PAIN IS THE VEHICLE THAT TAKES YOU TO YOUR NEXT LEVEL

James 1:4 LET perseverance finish its work so that you may be MATURE and COMPLETE, NOT LACKING ANYTHING.” (NIV)

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we wlill reap a harvest if we DO NOT GIVE UP. (NIV)

Job 42:12 The Lord BLESSED THE LATTER part of Job’s life MORE than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. (NIV)

Overcoming Excuses

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may GROW UP in your salvation, (NIV)

Matthew 25:24–29 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I HID it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those WHO USE WELL WHAT THEY ARE GIVEN, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who DO NOTHING, even what little they have will be taken away. (NLT)

4 EXCUSES YOU NEED TO BURY

1. BURY THE BLAME GAME

2. BURY THE VICTIM MENTALITY

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)

3. BURY THE COMPARISON TRAP

4. BURY THE FEAR OF FAILURE

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)

5 DIGGING PRINCIPLES TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL

1. DIG UP TAKING OWNERSHIP OF YOUR LIFE

Galatians 6:5 For each will have to bear his own load. (ESV)

2. DIG UP IDENTIFYING THE EXCUSES THAT ARE HOLDING YOU BACK

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (NLT)

3. DIG UP CLARIFYING YOUR WHY

Habakkuk 2:2 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. (NKJV)

4. DIG UP THE RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS

Hebrews 10:24–25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

5. DIG UP TAKING STEPS TOWARD YOUR VISION

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. DO what it says. (NIV)

James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by ACTION, IS DEAD. (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 11:4 Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. (NLT)

Psalm 37:23 The STEPS of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; (ESV)

Proverbs 16:3 COMMIT to the Lord whatever you DO, and he will establish your plans. (NIV)

Overcoming Excuses

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may GROW UP in your salvation, (NIV)

Matthew 25:24–29 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I HID it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ 26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ 28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those WHO USE WELL WHAT THEY ARE GIVEN, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who DO NOTHING, even what little they have will be taken away. (NLT)

4 EXCUSES YOU NEED TO BURY

1. BURY THE BLAME GAME

2. BURY THE VICTIM MENTALITY

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)

3. BURY THE COMPARISON TRAP

4. BURY THE FEAR OF FAILURE

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)

5 DIGGING PRINCIPLES TO FULFILL YOUR POTENTIAL

1. DIG UP TAKING OWNERSHIP OF YOUR LIFE

Galatians 6:5 For each will have to bear his own load. (ESV)

2. DIG UP IDENTIFYING THE EXCUSES THAT ARE HOLDING YOU BACK

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (NLT)

3. DIG UP CLARIFYING YOUR WHY

Habakkuk 2:2 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. (NKJV)

4. DIG UP THE RIGHT RELATIONSHIPS

Hebrews 10:24–25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

5. DIG UP TAKING STEPS TOWARD YOUR VISION

James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. DO what it says. (NIV)

James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by ACTION, IS DEAD. (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 11:4 Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. (NLT)

Psalm 37:23 The STEPS of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; (ESV)

Proverbs 16:3 COMMIT to the Lord whatever you DO, and he will establish your plans. (NIV)

GROWTH IS GOD’S WILL

SAMUEL GREW

1 Samuel 2:21 And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel GREW up in the presence of the Lord. (NIV)

1 Samuel 2:26 And the boy Samuel CONTINUED TO GROW in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people. (NIV)

KING DAVID GREW

2 Samuel 3:1 The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David GREW STRONGER AND STRONGER, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. (NIV)

SAMSON GREW

Judges 13:24 The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He GREW and the Lord blessed him, (NIV)

JOHN THE BAPTIST GREW

Luke 1:80 And the child GREW and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. (NIV)

JESUS GREW

Luke 2:52 And Jesus GREW in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (NIV)

2 Peter 1:8 The more you GROW like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT)

Colossians 1:9–10 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, GROWING in the knowledge of God, (NIV)

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion UNTIL the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may GROW UP in your salvation, (NIV)

1. THE HANGUP OF DESIRE

2. THE HANGUP OF GRACE

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (NIV)

2 Peter 3:18 But GROW in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (NIV)

3. THE HANGUP OF AN OVER DEPENDENCE ON PEOPLE

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION with fear and trembling, (ESV)

Colossians 2:6–7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, YOU must CONTINUE to follow him. 7 Let your roots GROW down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will GROW strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (NLT)

SPIRITUAL GROWTH PLAN

3A. Yearly pray and fast

3B. Monthly tithe

3C. Weekly attend and serve at church

3D. Weekly attend a small group

3E. Daily spend time with God (First 15)

4. THE HANGUP OF AN UNDER DEPENDENCE ON PEOPLE

1 Corinthians 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. (NIV)

5. THE HANGUP OF SELF-CENTERED LIVING

Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. (NIV)

6. THE HANGUP OF DISTRACTED LIVING

Luke 8:11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The SEED is the word of God. (NIV)

6A. DISTRACTED BY THE DEVIL

Luke 8:12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. (NIV)

6B. DISTRACTED BY TRIALS

Luke 8:13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. (NIV)

6C. DISTRACTED BY WORRIES

Luke 8:14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not MATURE. (NIV)

6D. DETERMINED TO GROW

Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by PERSEVERING produce a crop. (NIV)

GROWTH IS GOD’S WILL

SAMUEL GREW

1 Samuel 2:21 And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel GREW up in the presence of the Lord. (NIV)

1 Samuel 2:26 And the boy Samuel CONTINUED TO GROW in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people. (NIV)

KING DAVID GREW

2 Samuel 3:1 The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David GREW STRONGER AND STRONGER, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. (NIV)

SAMSON GREW

Judges 13:24 The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He GREW and the Lord blessed him, (NIV)

JOHN THE BAPTIST GREW

Luke 1:80 And the child GREW and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel. (NIV)

JESUS GREW

Luke 2:52 And Jesus GREW in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (NIV)

2 Peter 1:8 The more you GROW like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT)

Colossians 1:9–10 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, GROWING in the knowledge of God, (NIV)

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion UNTIL the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may GROW UP in your salvation, (NIV)

1. THE HANGUP OF DESIRE

2. THE HANGUP OF GRACE

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (NIV)

2 Peter 3:18 But GROW in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (NIV)

3. THE HANGUP OF AN OVER DEPENDENCE ON PEOPLE

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION with fear and trembling, (ESV)

Colossians 2:6–7 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, YOU must CONTINUE to follow him. 7 Let your roots GROW down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will GROW strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (NLT)

SPIRITUAL GROWTH PLAN

3A. Yearly pray and fast

3B. Monthly tithe

3C. Weekly attend and serve at church

3D. Weekly attend a small group

3E. Daily spend time with God (First 15)

4. THE HANGUP OF AN UNDER DEPENDENCE ON PEOPLE

1 Corinthians 8:1 Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. (NIV)

5. THE HANGUP OF SELF-CENTERED LIVING

Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. (NIV)

6. THE HANGUP OF DISTRACTED LIVING

Luke 8:11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The SEED is the word of God. (NIV)

6A. DISTRACTED BY THE DEVIL

Luke 8:12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. (NIV)

6B. DISTRACTED BY TRIALS

Luke 8:13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. (NIV)

6C. DISTRACTED BY WORRIES

Luke 8:14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not MATURE. (NIV)

6D. DETERMINED TO GROW

Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by PERSEVERING produce a crop. (NIV)

Luke 11:1 Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (NLT)

Matthew 6:9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’. (NIV)

1. Prayer begins with worship

Matthew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (NIV)

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (NIV)

2. Prayer helps us keep our priorities straight

Matthew 6:9-10 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (NIV)

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

3. Prayer reminds us that God is our source

Matthew 6:9-11 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. (NIV)

1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)

Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

4. Prayer allows God to do a deep work in our hearts

Matthew 6:9-12 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (NIV)

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (NLT)

5. Prayer provides protection

Matthew 6:9-13 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ (NIV)

Ephesians 6:12 For we[d] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (NLT)

Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)

Luke 11:1 Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (NLT)

Matthew 6:9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’. (NIV)

1. Prayer begins with worship

Matthew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (NIV)

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. (NIV)

2. Prayer helps us keep our priorities straight

Matthew 6:9-10 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (NIV)

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

3. Prayer reminds us that God is our source

Matthew 6:9-11 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. (NIV)

1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT)

Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

4. Prayer allows God to do a deep work in our hearts

Matthew 6:9-12 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (NIV)

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (NLT)

5. Prayer provides protection

Matthew 6:9-13 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ (NIV)

Ephesians 6:12 For we[d] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (NLT)

Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)

GOD USES SMALL PEOPLE FOR BIG PURPOSES PT. 2

1. GOD USES THE HUMBLE OVER THE HIGH AND MIGHTY

Luke 1:48, Mary sings, “For He has been mindful of the HUMBLE state of His servant.” (NIV)

2. GOD USES CHARACTER OVER CREDENTIALS

Luke 1:26–27 “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be

married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. (NIV)

3. GOD USES A SERVANT OVER A SUPERSTAR

Luke 1:38   “I am the Lord’s SERVANT,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Then the angel left her. (NIV)

Luke 1:48, Mary sings, “For He has been mindful of the humble state of His SERVANT.” (NIV)

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, SERVANTS of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ

Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (NIV)

1 Corinthians 4:1 So look at Apollos and me as mere SERVANTS of Christ who have been put in

charge of explaining God’s mysteries. (NLT)

Romans 1:1 Paul, a BONDSERVANT of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the

gospel of God (NKJV)

2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a SERVANT and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the

righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: (NIV)

Matthew 23:11 “The greatest among you will be your SERVANT.” (NIV)

3A. SERVANTS OF JESUS SERVE PEOPLE

2 Corinthians 4:5 “We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are YOUR SERVANTS

for Jesus’ sake.” (NLT)

2 Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom

to indulge the flesh; rather, SERVE ONE ANOTHER humbly in love.” (NIV)

4. GOD USES HIS PRESENCE OVER YOUR PRESENCE

Luke 1:28, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! THE LORD IS WITH YOU” (NIV)

Luke 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” (NIV)

Luke 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will COME ON YOU, and the power of the MOST HIGH WILL OVERSHADOW YOU. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. (NIV)

Luke 1:37 For with God NOTHING will be impossible. (NKJV)