Discover
...the hope-filled process for overcoming the struggles that trip
us up.
... the grace filled living that enables us to thrive.
THRIVE
Overcoming Real life struggles through Hope in Christ
Introduction
Pastor Greg's Notes
Lesson One
What does a life of overcoming look like?
Recognizes personal sin and Christ as Savior and Lord.
One where there is a desire to live for Christ and like Christ.
One that is not dominated by habitual patterns of sin and disobedience.
One that is growing in obedience and Christ-likeness.
One that is motivated by love for God and others.
One that is under the control of the Holy Spirit.
One that is growing in intimacy in relationship with Christ in prayer, worship and God’s word.
General Promises for a Life that Overcomes
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2.14
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8.37
Specific Promise for Overcoming
Overcoming Adversity -- These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16.33
Overcoming Temptation -- No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10.13
Overcoming Evil -- Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12.21
Pastor Greg's Lesson Notes
Troubles neither surprised Jesus or consumed Jesus. "In the world you will have trouble", said Jesus. Are you living focused upon the troubles or are you living toward a larger perspective of reality?
John 16.33 In the world you will have troubles, but be of good cheer, I have overcome.These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
A Problem - Focused Life
Constrained by the Past
Consumed by the Present
Concerned for the Future
Controlled by Circumstance
Comfortless
The Process-Oriented Perspective of the Christ Life
The problem I’m Facing is sifted through the Hand of God’s providence for the process of making me into person He has destined me to become in Christ.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3.1-3
A Christ-life perspective with Problems
Reaffirm your position identified in Christ.
Recognize that growing in a process of becoming Christlike
Relinquish your troubles unto Christ.
More than Perspective: The Promise of His Presence
Be of Good Cheer…(take heart, take courage, go in peace)
Jesus said, I have overcome.
He will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon me.
Isaiah 26.3.
Understanding Spiritual Growth as Process
Lesson 3
Part 1 & 2
Pastor Greg Sergent's Notes
Jesus taught often using analogy, especially spiritual growth with the maturing process of things of nature. Agricultural societies understood the bounty of the land’s provision. They lived by the fruit of their labors. By what was planted, cultivated, harvested and then saving the seed for future harvests sustained life. Both the Old and New Testaments draw from the rich farming language. Jesus taught using metaphor of these natural order to the deeper spiritual truths. So, this lesson will explore that process and draw upon the deeper truths of Scripture relating to spiritual maturity in general and what that looks like in our lives.
