Un-fazed SeriesLiving with Confidence in a Troubled WorldUn-fazed by CultureMarch 11, 2018 I’m excited about the new series we are starting this morning. The series I’m calling, “Un-fazed.” Maybe that term isn’t familiar to you. To be fazed (spell it out) is to be confused, shocked, surprised, deterred, thrown or flustered. This morning part one is “Un-fazed By Culture.” Now we are very naive if we think we are unaffected by our culture. Culture is a very powerful force that can be good, or it can be bad. (In our connect groups we have been having discussions about this.) Culture has its good and redeeming qualities as well as the bad and very ugly elements. The Bible, God’s Word seeks to help us establish the way to live that gives us stability and confidence in a troubled world! This is what the writer of the Psalms 73 is talking about. Sometime today read the entire Psalm and soak in its meaning and message. But for the sake of time this morning we are going to read a select portion of it. Following along… Ps 73:1-5, 13-17, 28Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.     13 Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.14 All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. 15 If I had said, "I will speak thus, “I would have betrayed your children. 16 When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. 28 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. NIV God’s Word tells us we can live with confidence in a troubled world! That… We can be unfazed by our cultureI.               By Avoiding Envy (Psa. 73:3) 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Envy is a cruel taskmaster! Numerous people are ruled by its harsh demands. I’m talking about Envy or the feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. The quotes of several people remind how those who have been phased by it are affected. ·       "I defy you to show me an envious man who is a happy man" (Billy Graham)·       "Of all the 7 deadly sins, envy's the only one that's 'no fun at all'" (Joseph Epstein). ·       "Envy remains thoroughly unenviable" (Graham Tomlin). Not only will envy NOT make us happy it is clear….a.    Envy is a slippery slope (v. 2) This verse states it 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.                                              i.     Envy will cause you to lose your footing and slip spiritually                                            ii.     It means it leads to deeper depths of sin & destruction[ Remember the Story of Achan]b.    Envy is blinding (v.4 & 5) ·      There is a reason that the phrase. “Blinded by envy” was coined!·  &