Boasting

Jim Leffel

2 Corinthians 10:8-18

In order to defend himself against accusers, Paul must boast about himself to the Corinthians. Normally, boasting in self is offensive to God. However, boasting or praising God for who He is or what He's done is biblical and effective in pointing others towards Him. As we move away from puffing ourselves up through comparisons or trying to boost our ego, God is able to remind us that our real source of identity and significance are given by Him. This allows us to delight in the opportunities He gives us to serve.

Spiritual Depression

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Kings 19:1-18

After taking part in a glorious victory for God, Elijah falls into a deep and life threatening spiritual depression. This teaching brings light to the most common causes of depression (both spiritual and not), as well as the way in which God restores us to a healthier state of mind. There are four main causes for Elijah's depression that we can apply to ourselves, namely: 1.) unrealistic expectations; 2.) physical and emotional exhaustion; 3.) isolation from people; and 4.) a Messiah complex. Beneath all four of these causes lie a destructive attitude of self-sufficiency or pride. God restores people out of spiritual depression, not by forcing them back on their feet, but by gently and mercifully teaching them to depend on Him. God kindly corrects Elijah's skewed perspective with His truth, and Elijah recovers from a depression that could have ruined his life.

The Spirit of the Gentiles

Dennis McCallum

Luke 14:9-11

James' and John's desire to be at the places of honor reflects the damaging effects of human pride and putting self at the center. Jesus tells them that true leadership is servant leadership, where you forsake self for the building up of others. Jesus perfectly demonstrated sacrificial servant leadership by going to the cross to pay for humanity's moral debt to God. Humility before God and others is a key attribute of being effective in servant leadership.

Saul

Dennis McCallum

Genesis 15:16

When the Israelites asked God for a king, he appointed Saul as their ruler. Though Saul started out strong, he consistently relied on his own strength and power rather than God's. People followed him, but he didn't follow God and proved time and time again that he didn't trust Him. Because of his rebellion against God, God rejected him as king. Saul's life went into a tailspin, ending badly and becoming an example to us of what happens when you harden your heart toward God.

Murder!

Dennis McCallum

Genesis 4:1-16

Cain and Abel offer sacrifices to God, but they are received with different reactions. Abel's was looked on with favor by God, but Cain's was not. Cain's sacrifice represented a ritualistic approach to relating with God, while Abel's was based on faith. Cain allowed his emotional state of bitterness and jealousy affect his behavior, and he murdered his brother. Cain exemplifies a fallen man putting himself at the center, resulting in conflict with God and others.

Jesus Heals a Royal Official's Son

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 3:20

Jesus called on a royal officer to trust him to heal his son. The royal officer put his faith in Jesus' ability to heal, and Jesus healed his son. We are called to put our faith in God as we move forward in life based on the ways He has provided for us and revealed Himself to us.

Power through Weakness

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Corinthians 12:9

The relationship between power and weakness is a key theme throughout the Bible. God's wisdom says that power is available to those who trust in God and realize their weakness apart from Him. As a result, powerful people can boast in God and their weakness while enjoying a level of contentment as they learn to depend on Christ's power to work through them more. Christ's power empowers us to serve others, be nourished by God's Word, and endure difficulties in spite of our human weaknesses.

In the World, But Not Of the World

Dennis McCallum

John 17

Jesus knows that his departure is close at hand. In light of this, he prays to the Father, acknowledging that his disciples are not of the "kosmos" or system of the world, though they will be witnesses to the world. Other sections of scripture, 1 John 2:15 and 1 Corinthians 9:19 provide practical content on areas in which Christians should adopt the practices of the world/culture, and areas in which Christians should be different from the world and culture.

In the World, But Not Of the World

Dennis McCallum

1 Corinthians 9:19

Jesus knows that his departure is close at hand. In light of this, he prays to the Father, acknowledging that his disciples are not of the "kosmos" or system of the world, though they will be witnesses to the world. Other sections of scripture, 1 John 2:15 and 1 Corinthians 9:19 provide practical content on areas in which Christians should adopt the practices of the world/culture, and areas in which Christians should be different from the world and culture.