Father’S Day

Sermon Notes

Be very careful, then, how you live… not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
(Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV)

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”^a]">[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:25-32, NIV)


AM I WALKING IN A MANNER PLEASING TO GOD?

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your^a]">[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
(Colossians 3:1-4, NIV)


TRUTHFULNESS
A man of God values the truth.

1. Many cultures devalue truth by approving lies.
2. The Bible teaches TRUTH as a divine value.
3. Ananias and Saphira were killed for lying.
4. Jesus not only speaks the truth, but He is also the truth.

ANGER
A man of God will not allow a foothold to Satan.

1. Anger can be a snare, especially to a man who lives in an aggressive culture.
2. Satan would love to put you out of commission with some kind of malice or grudge. Don’t allow him a foothold in your life.

WORK
A man of God earns so he can give.

1. Wealth is given by God so you can bless others.
2. God speaks much about wealth… both the pitfalls and blessings.
3. When you understand what wealth is for, it can be a great blessing to you and to those around you.

PURITY
A man of God bears good fruit.

1. I must be “in the vine” to bear good fruit.
2. It is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean.

ENCOURAGEMENT
A man of God inspires courage in others

1. Speak to uplift, not to discourage.
2. Your words can be deeply harmful or wonderfully uplifting.
3. The words you use are choices you make.

COMPASSION
A man of God has compassion for the weak.

1. Compassion is empathy and the desire to do something about it.
2. There is nothing more beautiful than a strong man with compassion.
   

FORGIVENESS
A man of God frees others by forgiving.

1. Sin ensnares people.
2. Forgiveness frees people, breaks bondages, restores joy, and mends friendships. But they haven’t asked for forgiveness!!!
3. Forgiveness is for you, too. I need to let go of the toxic waste! The more you hold onto it, the sicker you get.

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you,
then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,
whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates,
or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.
”But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
(Joshua 24:15, NIV)