The Forerunner and the One who has come Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 7: 18-35 September 6, 2026

Our minds tend to temper over time. Submission to God brings humility and renewal. Let God's Word dwell richly in you!

Theme: Paul exhorts the believers to win the prize. I. Expectation A. An incorruptible prize 1. The athletes competed for a perishable crown 2. But, Christians are after a crown of glory B. "not as uncertainly" 1. We can be certain of the rules 2. We can be certain of the obtaining Overview A. If Olympic (or Isthmian) athletes took so much pain to be the best and win a prize of fading glory, why should we not strive for mastery in the race of life? B. How foolish indeed for us not to compete with all we have! C. This expectation cannot be achieved apart from perseverance and self-control Application A. Run the race with a view to the prize 1. It is an incorruptible crown 2. It is therefore an eternal crown 3. Do not get distracted from the finish line B. Run the race by looking to Jesus 1. He is the author and finisher of our faith 2. He gives us the power and ability to run the race of life 3. He does so because He ran the race to which He was called a. He did not shrink back from the necessary exertion b. He never lost sight of the goal and the victory (1) John 17 (2) Hebrews 12:2

May we infer, that creatures, thus formed for action, and thus laborious and unwearied in these inferior pursuits, are proportionably vigorous and in earnest in matters of infinitely greater importance? May we con· elude, that they proportion their labor and activity to the nature of things, and that they are most in earnest where they are most concerned? A stranger to our world, that could conclude nothing concerning the conduct of mankind but from the generous presumptions of his own charitable heart, might persuade himself that this is the case. But one that has been but a little while conversant with them, and taken the least notice of their temper and practice with regard to that most interesting thing, Religion, must know it is quite otherwise. For look round you, and what do you see?

The sermon explores the critical importance of self-control by examining Proverbs 25:28, which compares an unbridled spirit to a city with broken walls. It illustrates how unchecked emotions, desires, and impulses gradually erode personal integrity and expose individuals to spiritual danger and destructive consequences for themselves and others. The speaker emphasizes that true strength lies not in conquering external enemies but in mastering one's own inner nature through the discipline of temperance. Ultimately, the message asserts that believers cannot rely on their own willpower alone but must depend on the Holy Spirit to rebuild these protective boundaries and maintain spiritual vigilance against temptation.

This sermon addresses the practical challenge of maintaining Christian conduct during moments of intense frustration and irritation. It emphasizes that true Christianity requires relying on Christ's example of non-retaliation and recognizing God's ongoing work of sanctification within the believer. The speaker outlines three key strategies: remembering Jesus' patience under suffering, trusting in God's grace to transform reactions into actions, and protecting one's spiritual testimony from impulsive errors. This approach shifts the focus from emotional reactivity to deliberate, faith-based responses that reflect the character of Christ. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to depend on divine strength rather than their own fleshly impulses when facing adversity.

One quality which is of great importance in an intimate friend, is an amiable temper. Everyone knows how much of the unhappiness of life results from the haughty, irritable, and unkind feelings of those with whom we are even remotely associated. Of course, the evil becomes greater in proportion to the nearness of the relation which we sustain to them. A person of an unamiable temper was never formed either to enjoy or impart the highest pleasure connected with friendship. For though one of this character may be sincerely attached to you, and may be, on the whole, quite desirous of promoting your happiness — it would be very strange if your interaction with her should not frequently be embittered by hasty or unkind expressions.

DAY 13 — LOVE FIGHTS FAIR. MARK 3:25 KJV Every marriage will have disagreements. Two people can love each other deeply and still see things differently. The question is not whether disagreements will come. The question is how we will handle them when they do. Jesus warned that a house divided against itself cannot stand. When a husband and wife begin treating each other like enemies instead of partners, arguments can become destructive. Words are spoken that cannot easily be taken back. Old failures are brought up. Voices get louder, tempers get hotter, and instead of solving the problem, we begin hurting the person we love. Biblical love chooses another way. Love fights fair.And when both husband and wife remember that they are fighting for their marriage instead of against each other, a disagreement does not have to divide the house—it can become an opportunity to understand one another better and grow stronger together.