Be strong in 2012

 This morning we are going to explore 4 messages from God that will tell us how to be strong in 2012. To be ready to achieve what God has planned for us, to receive out ‘more than gold’ medals from Father God.

1. THE TASK: PASS IT ON!

2Timothy 2:1

be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus….

² You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

 

We have a message of grace from God to pass on.

So our Olympic training programme includes preparing to tell the Good News.  I want you to divide into groups and , in 3 minutes,  to decide between you what the Good News is.

 

2. THE KINGDOM TEAM: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Be strong and courageous

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

The Lord God is with you wherever you go

 

3. THE OBJECTIVE: GOD IS COMING TO SAVE YOU

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
⁴ Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.”

Isaiah 35:4

Be strong do not fear

Strength, encouragement, fearlessness come from knowing our destiny is secure

March on, my soul, be strong

Judges 5:21

 

4. THE STRATEGY: TO STAND

¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10

 

Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power

And put in the armour of God

So our Olympic training  exercise I want you, in 2 minutes,  to check out the armour in Ephesians 6 to remind yourself what spiritual equipment you need for this year.

 

5. THE OLYMPIC YEAR CHALLENGE:

BE STRONG IN THE GRACE THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS.

Not in skill or athletic prowess or physical  strength, or eye to hand co-ordination or endurance but in grace.. Be strong in grace. Major on grace.

We need to know what grace is. Grace is a special word to describe a gift that is undeserved. It’s a gift when you have been bad and don’t deserve it. It is not negotiable because you simply have to receive it. So everyone this morning gets a gold medal!!! But what God gives is worth more than gold.

 Be a grace person which means imitating God who loved you so much that while you were his enemy he set out to save you.

Be strong in the grace means practicing being gracious. Forgiving one another, those around you and you enemies.

Be strong in grace means being secure about the grace you have received in Christ Jesus.

Be strong in grace means being ready to share the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus

Be strong in grace means working out for the crown of life that is in Christ Jesus, worth more than gold.

 

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