2 Corinthians 13

The Temple at Corinth

2 Corinthians 13

The Temple at Corinth

If we are convinced we don’t want to be stagnant, what do we do?

Luke 6:46 - Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do the things which I say?

2 Corinthians 13

The Temple at Corinth

The answer is OBEDIENCE

DO WHAT JESUS SAID

1. The cure for spiritual stagnation:

7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

BLESSING

2. Obedience brings a promise:

1 John 3:21-22

22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Blessing of obedience

Luke 12:19-21

19 And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." '

20 But God said to him, 'Fool!

Cost of stagnation

…This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?'

21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Cost of stagnation

James 2:26

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Cost of stagnation

3. Obedience includes DEPENDENCE. Dependence is manifested by PRAYER.

4. Results of obedience:

TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN!

Acts 17:6

… they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.

Compare:

Revelation 3… So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, …

Compare:

PRAYERWhat if we surrendered our will to

the Will of God and decided to obey God? Is there a limit to what God could accomplish?

“God, I give myself to you. I give you my family, my work, my abilities, and all I possess. If I were to lose all for your sake, so be it. I choose to obey your will in all situations you place me in for your glory.”

ACTIONIf you are spiritually stagnant and

want to live a life that matters: do the SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES.

If you want to “start some movement in the stagnant waters” by getting more involved in the church, be a STEWARD of yourTIME – prayTREASURE – giveTALENTS - serve

If you want to reach out to others:PRAYER WALK – ask God to

give you insight as to the need in your school, neighborhood, job, etc.

SERVE OTHERS NEEDS – as God gives you insight, do something to meet those needs

SHARE – as opportunity arises for you to tell others