Author: Martin Hawley

Open Heart, Open Hands
James 4:13-17; Romans 12; Timothy 2:20-21 Message from Pastor Matt Horne November 30 & December 1, 2019
About #Adulting: Growing Up in God
Do you ever get frustrated when the abundant life Jesus promised doesn’t seem to be your reality? There’s a direct link between obedience to God and joy in life. When you decide to give up your own will and live the way God designed you to live, there you will find true satisfaction. “In lofty theological terms, we call this sanctification,” says Matt Horne, associate pastor, “but in real life, we just call it growing up.”
Bottom Line
The one who has laid his life down has truly found it.
Introduction
Spiritual Maturity is to know and love Christ through trusting faith and obedient following.
The supreme mark of spiritual maturity to be found in a follower of Jesus is readiness and surrender to the will of the Father.
Struggle
The church taught us to “invite Jesus into our lives.”
We cannot walk with Jesus because we have been crippled.
Truth
James 4:13-17.
There is nowhere in scripture where Jesus says, “Go, let me follow.”
Christianity is not about Jesus coming into my life, but rather me stepping into His life.
There is a good life for you to live, and that is the life of Jesus. If you are a Christ-follower and you live otherwise, James says it is sin.
Romans 12:1-2.
Paul is writing about the concept of consecration.
Consecration is about dying to self to be raised up in the life of Christ.
The will of God for you is the life of Jesus.
The three things that I believe cripple our walk with Jesus are our sins, fears, and treasures.
Sin will keep you from life abundant (2 Timothy 2:20-21).
Fear will keep you from life abundant.
Treasure (idols) will keep you from life abundant.
Conclusion
To live led by Jesus requires a heart open to His will and hands open for His work.
Christ-followers who cannot give over their sin, fear, and treasure will settle for a mediocre faith. Those who do give it up will shine bright with the light and life of Jesus.
NEXT STEPS:
o Be honest about my sin to a brother or sister for healing (James 5:16).
o Confront my fear head on.
o Give away the things/possessions that I held onto so tightly.