You & Your Pastor

 YOU AND YOUR PASTOR

Jer. 3:15

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Pastors: 

• Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention in their churches. 

• Four thousand new churches begin each year, but over seven thousand churches close. 

• Fifty percent of pastors' marriages will end in divorce. 

• Eighty percent of pastors and eighty-four percent of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastors. 

• Fifty percent of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living. 

• Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years. Ninety percent of pastors said their seminary or Bible school training did only a fair to poor job preparing them for ministry. 

• Eighty-five percent of pastors said their greatest problem is they are sick and tired of dealing with problem people, such as disgruntled elders, deacons, worship leaders, worship teams, board members, and associate pastors. Ninety percent said the hardest thing about ministry is dealing with uncooperative people. 

• Seventy percent of pastors feel grossly underpaid. 

• Ninety percent said the ministry was completely different than what they thought it would be before they entered the ministry. 

• Seventy percent felt God called them to pastoral ministry before their ministry began, but after three years of ministry, only fifty percent still felt called. 

Pastors' Wives: 

• Eighty percent of pastors' spouses feel their spouse is overworked. 

• Eighty percent of pastor' wives feel left out and unappreciated by the church members. 

• Eighty percent of pastors' spouses wish their spouse would choose another profession. 

• Eighty percent of pastors' wives feel pressured to do things and be something in the church that they are really not. 

• The majority of pastor's wives surveyed said that the most destructive event that has occurred in their marriage and family was the day they entered the ministry. 

Pastors' Marriages: 

• Seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression. 

• Almost forty percent polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry. 

Pastors' Children: 

• Eighty percent of adult children of pastors surveyed have had to seek professional help for depression. 

Pastors' Relationship With the Lord: 

• Seventy percent of pastors do not have a close friend, confidant, or mentor. 

• Ninety-five percent of pastors do not regularly pray with their spouses. 

• Eighty percent of pastors surveyed spend less than fifteen minutes a day in prayer. 

• Seventy percent said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing their sermons. 

1. YOU NEED A PASTOR

Matthew 9:35-38 

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest

No shepherd you faint- thrown down, torn, distressed, crushed, deeply wounded

No shepherd you are scattered

1. Sheep have two basic needs

1. Leadership

Numbers 27:16-17 

“Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, 17 who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep which have no shepherd

b. Protection- Covering, Anointing, Prayers, Council

2. YOUR PASTORS RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS YOU

1. Feed you God’s Word

1 Peter 5:1-2 KJV

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind

John 21:15-17

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep

2. Take the Oversight

a. Serve as the Head

3. Pour Their life in the Leaders

2 Tim 2:22

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also

Eph 4:11-12

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

4. Be An Example to the Flock

1. Because sheep are led not driven

I Tim 4:12

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity

5. Pray for the Flock

Exodus 18:18-19 

Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. 19 Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God

6. Love the Flock

I Corinthians 13

Love doesn't mean - never rebuke

3. WHAT YOU OWE YOUR PASTOR

1 Thess 5:12-14

And we urge you, brethren, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

1. Know Them

2. Esteem them very highly in Love

Your estimation of Him

3. Be at Peace among Yourselves

1 Thess 5:13

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves

4. Understand He is a Man

John 1:6-8

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light

5. Honor Him

I Tim 5:17

Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine

- Financial Support 

- Encourage Him

- Pray for Him

-Coming to Service to Hear Him

- Submitting to and respecting delegated authority

- Listening when instructions are given

- Not talking about Him- Numbers 12:1-2

Authority can be abused- Do not submit to Abuse

Must respect office even if you can't  respect the person.

CONQUERING LUST OF THE FLESH

 CONQUERING LUST OF THE FLESH

1 Peter 2:11

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the

soul.

I. THE ANATOMY OF LUST

1. Lust in the Garden

Gen 3:1-7

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD

God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not

eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2  And the woman said to the serpent, “We may

eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3  but of the fruit of the tree which is in the

midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest

you die.’ ” 4  Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5  For

God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be

like God, knowing good and evil.” 6  So when the woman saw that the tree was

good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one

wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he

ate. 7  Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were

naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings

We are tempted to lust in the areas we have natural needs and desires

i. Basic Human needs (food, water, shelter etc.)

ii. Need to be “Moved” (fascinated, affected, swept etc.

Ex. Woman Romance men activity. Thrill adrenaline etc.

iii. To be Something (Great, to matter, to count, Have Substance etc.)

iv. Something cool or worth while to give yourselves to – yield to

Ex. That’s why they yielded to the Serpent He seemed to know more than

God

2. All Lust starts when we don’t believe what God has apportioned to us is

enough

3. Lust is internal. ADD THIS PLEASE JUST THE TITLE THE SCRIPTURE IS ALREADY

THERE

James 1:14-17 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is

finished, bringeth forth death. 16  Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17  Every good

gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of

lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

a. Lust comes from within.

b. Lust will draw you away toward enticement

c. Lust is a seed that will grow.

d. The fruit of lust is sin and death

Trouble comes when we don’t realize how intimately involved God is in our lives.

Trouble and difficulty makes us feel this way.

Exo 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s

wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything

that belongs to your neighbor.”

4. Lust is Deceitful

Eph 4:22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt

according to the deceitful lusts

ADD THESE PLEASE

Dopamine is a dominant neurotransmitter sought after Lust

A dopamine rush doesn’t create happiness itself but alerts the brain to the

possibility of feeling good motivating people to pursue more of that feeling.

Dopamine triggers anticipation in the brain but never creates satisfaction. A

lifetime of lust will never be enough. Lust will always seek for more. It’s

insatiable.

Eccl 1:8 All things are full of labor; Man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with

seeing, Nor the ear filled with hearing

5. Lust is Satan’s Doorway. DELETE THIS SECTION PLEASE

1 Tim 6:9-10

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish

and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love

of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered

away from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief’s.

6. Lust Chokes the Word of God in Our Hearts

Mark 4:19 (KJV) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of

other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

II. SIGNS OF LUST

1 Cor 10:5-11

But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in

the wilderness. 6  Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we

should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7  And do not become idolaters as

were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose

up to play.” 8  Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one

day twenty-three thousand fell; 9  nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also

tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10  nor complain, as some of them also

complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11  Now all these things happened

to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the

ends of the ages have come

1. Perpetual Overthrow despite Promises (v.5) – “with many of them God was not

well pleased for they were overthrown in the wilderness.”

2. Idolatry – Excessive Worship of Something other than God. ,” The people sat

down to eat and drink, and rose up to play”

Ex. Golden Calf in Wilderness

God’s that allow unrestrained behavior are more popular

3. Immorality –

4. Presuming upon God’s Grace – Tempting Christ

5. Constant Murmuring and Unhappiness

III. HOW TO DEAL WITH LUST

1. Dial Down and get rid of too much personal ambition

Matthew 18:1-5

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the

kingdom of heaven?” 2  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst

of them, 3  and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become

as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4  Therefore

whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of

heaven. 5  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

Psalm 131:1-3

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in

great matters, Or in things too difficult for me. 2 Surely I have composed and

quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a

weaned child within me. 3 O Israel, hope in the LORD FROM this time forth and

forever.

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls. 30  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light

2. Embrace Contentment

CONTENTMENT — a state of mind in which one’s desires are confined to his lot

whatever it may be

1 Tim. 6:6

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7  For we brought nothing into this

world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out

. It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10)

and anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the

offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of of divine providence

(Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own

unworthiness (Gen. 32:10) – Easton’s Bible Dictionary.

JIREH

I'll never be more loved than I am right now

Wasn't holding You up

So there's nothing I can do to let You down

It doesn't take a trophy to make You proud

I'll never be more loved than I am right now, oh

Going through a storm but I won't go down

I hear Your voice

Carried in the rhythm of the wind to call me out

You would cross an ocean so I wouldn't drown

You've never been closer than You are right now

(Let's sing it loud y'all)

You are Jireh, You are enough

Jireh, You are enough

And I will be content in every circumstance

You are Jireh, You are enough

Forever enough

Always enough

More than enough

Forever enough

Always enough

More than enough

3. Make your body your obedient slave. DELETE THIS SECTION PLEASE

1 Cor 9:27

but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to

others, I myself will not be disqualified.

1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is

faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but

with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able

to endure it.

Galatians 5:16-17 (KJV)

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [17]

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these

are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye

would.

4. Crucify the flesh. DELETE THIS SECTION PLEASE

Galatians 5:24 (KJV) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and

lusts.

Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12  teaching us

that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,

and godly in the present age

1 Peter 1:14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your

ignorance

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the

pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world

5. Revell in Superior Pleasures

a. The Pleasure of Self-Denial (Discipline)

Ex. Athletes do it all the time

Luke 9:23-24 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny

himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24  For whoever desires to

save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

Gal 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

17  For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and

these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you

wish.

b. The Pleasure of Pleasing Jesus

John 8:29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I

always do those things that please Him.”

Acts 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence

toward God, and toward men.

c. The Pleasure of Jesus’ Presence

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of joy; At thy

right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the

house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty

THE POWER OF SACRIFICE

THE POWER OF SACRIFICE

2 Samuel 24:1-25

Again the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel, and He moved David against them to

say, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” 2  So the king said to Joab the commander of the army who

was with him, “Now go throughout all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and count the

people, that I may know the number of the people.” 3  And Joab said to the king, “Now may the

LORD your God add to the people a hundred times more than there are, and may the eyes of my

lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king desire this thing?” 4  Nevertheless the king’s

word prevailed against Joab and against the captains of the army. Therefore Joab and the

captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel. 5  And

they crossed over the Jordan and camped in Aroer, on the right side of the town which is in the

midst of the ravine of Gad, and toward Jazer. 6  Then they came to Gilead and to the land of

Tahtim Hodshi; they came to Dan Jaan and around to Sidon; 7  and they came to the stronghold

of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and the Canaanites. Then they went out to South Judah

as far as Beersheba. 8  So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at

the end of nine months and twenty days. 9  Then Joab gave the sum of the number of the people

to the king. And there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword,

and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. 10  And David’s heart condemned him

after he had numbered the people. So David said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I

have done; but now, I pray, O LORD, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very

foolishly.” 11  Now when David arose in the morning, the word of the LORD came to the prophet

Gad, David’s seer, saying, 12  “Go and tell David, ‘Thus says the LORD: “I offer you three things;

choose one of them for yourself, that I may do it to you.”  13  So Gad came to David and told him;

and he said to him, “Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or shall you flee

three months before your enemies, while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ plague

in your land? Now consider and see what answer I should take back to Him who sent me.” 14  And

David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His

mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” 15  So the LORD sent a plague upon

Israel from the morning till the appointed time. From Dan to Beersheba seventy thousand men

of the people died. 16  And when the angel stretched out His hand over Jerusalem to destroy it,

the LORD relented from the destruction, and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “It

is enough; now restrain your hand.” And the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of

Araunah the Jebusite. 17  Then David spoke to the LORD when he saw the angel who was striking

the people, and said, “Surely I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what

have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, be against me and against my father’s house. 18 And

Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing

floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19  So David, according to the word of Gad, went up as the Lord

commanded. 20  Now Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming toward him. So

Araunah went out and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. 21  Then Araunah said,

“Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” And David said, “To buy the threshing floor

from you, to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.”

22  Now Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to

him. Look, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements and the yokes of the oxen

for wood. 23  All these, O king, Araunah has given to the king.” And Araunah said to the king,

“May the Lord your God accept you.” 24  Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy

it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs

me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 25  And

David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the

Lord heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel.

Sacrifice - an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else

regarded as more important or worthy.

I. GOD HONORS SACRIFICE

1. Old Testament Sacrificial System

a. The burnt offering (Leviticus 1; 6:8–13; 8:18-21; 16:24),

b. The grain offering (Leviticus 2; 6:14–23),

c. The peace offering (Leviticus 3; 7:11–34),

d. The sin offering (Leviticus 4; 5:1–13; 6:24–30; 8:14–17; 16:3–22),

e. The trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14–19; 6:1–7; 7:1–6).

2. Our Life

Romans 12:1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your

bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable

service.

Luke 9:24

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My

sake will save it.

3. In Praise

Hebrews 13:5

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the

fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name

4. In Prayer

Psalm 141:1-2

Lord, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to

You. 2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as

the evening sacrifice.

5. In Giving

Philippians 4:18

Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the

things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well

pleasing to God.

II. PRAYING THROUGH THE NIGHT

Mark 13:35

Watch ye therefore for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even,

or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning

Nighttime in Scripture is divided into four three-hour periods called "watches."

 "Even," or the evening watch, is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 Midnight watch, from 9 p.m. to midnight

 Cockcrowing, from 12 M to 3 a.m.

 Morning watch, from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.

1. Job

Job 35:10

But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night,

2. David

Psalm 63:5-6

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise

You with joyful lips. 6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the

night watches.

Psalm 119:148

My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your

word

3. Jesus

Luke 6:12-16

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and

continued all night in prayer to God. 13  And when it was day, He called His

disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named

apostles: 14  Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James

and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15  Matthew and Thomas; James the son of

Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16  Judas the son of James, and Judas

Iscariot who also became a traitor.

4. Paul

2 Corinthians 6:4-5

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in

afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in

labours, in watchings, in fastings

5. Fresh Anointing and Affiliates

October 1-30

Worship and Prayer. Pray in Spirit. Soak in Word. War.

III. EXPECTATIONS

1. Pandemic Relief

2. Breakthrough

Acts 12:5-11

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for

him by the church. 6  And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter

was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards

before the door were keeping the prison. 7  Now behold, an angel of the Lord

stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and

raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8  Then the

angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he

said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9  So he went out and followed

him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he

was seeing a vision. 10  When they were past the first and the second guard posts,

they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own

accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel

departed from him. 11  And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know

for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand

of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.

3. Being with Our Beloved

Song of Solomon 5:2

I sleep, but my heart is awake; It is the voice of my beloved! He knocks, saying,

“Open for me, my sister, my love, My dove, my perfect one; For my head is

covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night

4. Preparation for Days Ahead

The Power of Divine Peace

He is your peace.

John 14:27 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let

not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

What is God's peace?

A. A peace of mind is defined as a mental state of calmness or tranquility

B. The peace in your heart is a gift of God.

This is why we need Him.

1.  His peace will calm our mind.

His peace allows us to see our path much clearer; helping us to walk in His purpose. 

2. His peace will help us focus and keep track of our goals.

Having clear goals is like having a compass; you know where you want to go, you aim for it

and commit to the road, trusting that all obstacles are worthy challenges rather than

intimidating threats.

3. His peace includes freedom from worry and anxiety.

When our minds are buzzing with thoughts, it can be intense and overwhelming. 

4. His peace will give us a calm, relaxed, and content mind.

 

Myth

Peace of mind is often associated with yogis, hermits or monks, sitting alone in a far off place, in

an ashram, cave or monastery, praying or meditating all day long.

The word yogis or yoga means to yoke with or be in union.

Although yoga is not a religion in itself, it is connected to religion, and stems historically from

Hinduism, but also to Jainism and Buddhism.

 

2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness

with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Isaiah 26:3 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

 

Truth

Peace comes from heaven. God is the Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his

shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting

Father, The Prince of Peace.

John 20:19

...Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you"

Romans 5:1 - "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through

our Lord Jesus Christ

Galatians 5:22 - Peace is noted as part of the fruit of the Spirit

Ephesians 2:14 - Paul identifies Jesus Himself as our peace. How did Jesus provide this peace?

Colossians 1:20 - Tells us that "He made peace by His blood on the cross

 

He is a Wonderful Counselor .

We take His counsel by reading His word and obeying it.

Joshua 1:8 

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and

night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt

make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

The Peace of God can be attained and enjoyed right here and now, even while leading a

normal, ordinary life, with a job and family.  Wherever you are.

Jesus gives us peace to do things such as:

1. Have better concentration.

2. Be more efficient in our daily life affairs.

3. Have a sense of inner strength and power.

4. Have more patience, tolerance, and tact.

5. Be free from stress, anxieties and worries.

6. Have a greater sense of inner happiness.

7. Allows us to fall asleep easily at night and sleep soundly.

8. Keeps us from being affected by what people say or think.

9. Helps us to experience tranquility and rest in our mind so we are not thinking and running

from one unimportant thought to another.

10. Keeps us from being swayed and agitated by events, problems, or difficulties.

John 14:26-31

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall

teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let

not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go

away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the

Father: for my Father is greater than I 29 And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that,

when it comes to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you:  for the

prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.   31 But that the world may know that I

love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.  Arise, let us go hence.

 Remember, your inheritance from Jesus is peace.

 He came to give us the Kingdom.

What is the kingdom about?

Romans 14:17-18

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness

and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God,

and others will approve of you, too.

This is why God gave us His peace.

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and

self-discipline

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of

a sound mind.

A sound mind is the mind that relies on the promises of God. We are in control of what we

believe. Even if it is “bad news”. ie...Doctor’s report, news report, global warming, or wars.

Think on this: Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if

there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 Fear comes to steal our peace. Guard your heart and do not allow it.

 As a Christian, meditate, concentrate, and think deeply on God's truth, always.

A Whole Soul

 A WHOLE SOUL

 

 

Psalm 23:1-6

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2​He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths ofrighteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 Youprepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever

 

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

 

Spirit - God Consciousness 

Body - World Consciousness

Soul - (Emotions) Bridge the Two

Trichotomy of Man  

 

I. THE TAINTED SOUL

Gen 2:7

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being

• Originally spirit dominate, soul subordinate, body compliant

 

• Post Fall – Body dominant, soul compliant, spirit dead

Ephesians 2:1-3

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others

 

• After Salvation – spirit alive seeking dominance, soul tainted needing restoration, body needs to be put to death

 

Romans 8:13

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

 

 

Hebrews 4:11-12

 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

II. SOUL RESTORATION

 

1. Restoration from Sin

Luke 22:31-32

 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren”

 

Psalm 51:10-13

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You

 

o Sin brings you into bondage…

 

Romans 6:16

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

 

2. Restoration from soul scars

Luke 4:18

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed.”

 

3. Restoration from Soul Ties

Genesis 34:1-3

Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. 2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and violated her. 3 His soul was strongly attracted to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young woman and spoke kindly to the young woman.

1 Corinthians 6:16-20

Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

​

III. HOW TO KEEP A RESTORED SOUL

1. Constantly bring your soul before the Lord

Psalm 25:1-2

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me.

 

Psalm 41:4

I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”

 

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

2. Strengthen your spirit

Ephesians 3:16

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.

 

3. Live out of the Spirit’s strength

 

4. Resist the enemies of your soul

- Pride 

- Offense

- Root of Bitterness

 

Hebrews 12:14-15

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled