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This morning we’ll be looking at two groups of people in the Bible. Both are having a “frustrated religious experience.” The motivation of this sermon is just to remind us of some basic principles.
Isaiah 58 & 59 – This group of people was not doing well, but they are described as seeking God daily and delighting to know His ways. Usually, we would expect people doing this to have a great relationship with God. They are seeking God, but are not getting the response they expect.
James 4:1-12 – Another group of believers who are struggling. James puts their struggles in extreme language. James says that the cause of these problems is selfishness. James calls them to begin by submitting to God. Draw near to God. Resist the Devil. Cleanse your hands.
- It is possible to be a Christian and yet not walking fully with God.
- Selfishness leads to spiritual poverty.
We should all examine our hearts to see if we are as surrendered as we know how to be.
Two questions that we should be asking God on a regular basis.
- Acts 9:6 – Lord, what would you have me to do?
- Lord, how am I being selfish?
Living the Christian life can be difficult sometimes. It is a lot harder when we are not fully surrendered. Sincerely asking God what we need to do and how we are bing selfish is a good way to work with this.
If we have a basic surrender problem we will miss out on blessings and will have a dissatisfying walk with God. There is no spiritual activity that is going to make up for this problem. There is not a perfect devotional book, podcast, sermon, or church that will fix this problem.
The thing of surrender is an ongoing pursuit. The basic goal for all of us is to be as surrendered as we know how to be.
Scriptures used – Isaiah 58 & 59, James 4:1-12, Acts 9:6