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Trusting God with Big Decisions

James Rochford

James 4:13-17

Major decisions are not morally neutral. In this passage, the author, James, gives an example scenario to show how to reason in decision making. One principle is to consider the immediate reward and principle two considers the ultimate reward. God gives us every reason why we can trust Him in decision making.

Keywords

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Dealing with Negativity and Cynicism

Scott Risley

Philippians 4:8-9

We are naturally drawn toward negative thinking, but we can correct this bias. There is evil in this world, but God is good and we have to choose where we are going to focus.

Keywords

Peace
Pride

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The Writing's on the Wall

Jim Leffel

Daniel 5:1-30

King Belshazzar's hubris was able to distort reality to fit his desires even when God himself delivered a supernatural message. The writing on the wall contained three statements: 1) your days are numbered; 2) you've been found wanting; and 3) your kingdom goes to another. We should seek to avoid the hubris of Belshazzar as we live in light of eternity, seek to be made right with God, and realize that only our accomplishments for God will result in a lasting legacy.

Keywords

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Restored from the Insanity of Unbelief

Jim Leffel

Daniel 4:1-37

King Nebuchadnezzar suffered from insanity caused by inner problems with a profound spiritual dimension. Greatest of all was his pride, in which he was self-deceived about his greatness and blind to his cruelty. God pursues him through a revelation of knowledge and a demonstration of His power. When Nebuchadnezzar humbly turns to praise God, he experiences God's blessing and receives personal knowledge of who God is.

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Greatness and the Gospel

Jim Leffel

Mark 9:30-35

Throughout his ministry, Jesus' disciples could not grasp the paradox of his ultimate power manifested in ultimate weakness. When the disciples argue about which is the greatest, Jesus teaches that those who are servants will be considered the greatest. Instead of seeking worldly greatness, followers of Jesus can seek a greatness for the gospel.

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{"passage": "Mark 9:30-35","passageabreviated": "Mark 9:30-35","passagetiny": "Mark 9:30-35","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "06/...

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Samson's Collapse

Scott Risley

Judges 16:1-31

Sampson's pattern of arrogance towards God and engaging in whatever he seems is best comes to a fatal conclusion, as he is tormented by his enemies and the Spirit of God leaves him. Yet, God demonstrates His power and compassion to hear his plea in spite of Sampson's sin. Much like us, God is more compassionate and patient towards our way of living and can use it in spite of our efforts.

Keywords

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Samson: Right in His Own Eyes

Scott Risley

Judges 13-15

Sampson's life, despite being an miraculous work of God, is one characterized by disobedience and pride against God, as seen with his marriage choice, his dealings with his parents and how he interacts with those persecuting Israel. However, God demonstrates His power in spite of Sampson's pride to bring about God's own purposes for the nation of Israel. This demonstrates God's ability to powerfully use and love even those who are arrogant.

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Jephthah: Bargaining with God

Scott Risley

Judges 10-11

Jepthath's interactions with both his enemies, the Ammonites, and with God, reflect a repeated flaw in thinking during the time of the Judges: religious bargaining. By operating out of a man-made system of relating to God, Jepthath misses the point of real devotion to Yahweh and pays the consequence by having to sacrifice his daughter after a foolish vow.

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Gideon and God's Strength

Scott Risley

Judges 7:1-8:27

Gideon's conquest against the Midianites continues as his weakness in the face of his enemies allows God's power to be fully demonstrated. Gideon's understanding of his weakness allows him to discern God's will and direction for him easier. However, after God strengthens him and leads him to victory, Gideon takes credit for himself and his arrogance results in religious hypocrisy for him and the nation of Israel. Christians can learn through this passage the importance of day to day reliance on God's strength rather than our own.

Keywords

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