Right Here…Right Now

Right Here…Right Now

Introduction:

Americans know for dreaming big things & achieving big things. What are your dreams? Dreams are good things. They give us something to work toward. They give us great personal joy. But…sometimes we are content to do little but dream. You see…we can deceive ourselves. We think we can impress God, if we do something big…something important. We can deceive ourselves into thinking what impresses humans impresses God. Begin those dreams by doing what you can in your life…right here right now.

I. Serve God NOW with what you have.

A. Consider two passages in light of the culture & society in which Jesus lived.

1. Mt. 10:40-42; Mk. 9:38-41

B. Jesus had to constantly remind his disciples not to focus on position & power.

C. He worked hard from beginning to end of His ministry to teach them:

1. Earthly wealth, prosperity & human power do not impress God.

D. Mt. 10:42; Mk. 9:41. What is God impressed with?

1. The person who demonstrates his faith by doing what he can with what he has at that moment.

D. Did the disciples get it? Not really. Mk. 9:30-34; Lk. 9:46

II. Cup of Cold Water Principle Illustrated.

A. Philemon. Onesimus, a slave & Philemon, his owner.

1. Notable things:

a) 1:2 – church met in Philemon’s home.

b) 1:5 – Philemon had a great reputation.

c) 1:10-16 – Paul wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus back

2. Philemon: a prosperous man. Able to do great & wonderful things.

3. Paul does not ask him to use power, prestige, or anything that society would be impressed with. Just forgive a slave.

B. Mt. 25:31-46 – Jesus speaks about judgment.

1. What plays a role in our salvation? Things we do right here right now!

a) 25:35-36 they did what they could when the need arose!

III. We must focus on what we actually have & ways we can actually serve.

A. Sometimes we see things that overwhelm us.

1. Too often we believe we must completely resolve a need or eliminate a problem.

2. Regret can become an acceptable substitute for inaction.

B. 1 John 3:17-18

IV. Some very personal applications.

A. What are your spiritual plans for the next few months? Years?

1. But…how are you serving God RIGHT NOW?

B. It is easier to plan to do great things for God “way out there” and “way off” than it is to serve God’s purposes right here in my life right now.

C. Don’t stop dreaming about big things! Set large goals for God & go out & let Him help you achieve His purposes through you!

1. Let God use you as He sees fit! John 12:26

Conclusion:

A. What about your life…right here….right now? Are you living your life for God?



Right Here…Right Now Introduction: Americans know for dreaming big things & achieving big things. What are your dreams? Dreams are good things. They give us something to work toward. They give us great personal joy. But…sometimes we are content to do little but dream. You see…we can deceive ourselves. We think we can impress God, if we do something big…something important. We can deceive ourselves into thinking what impresses humans impresses God. Begin those dreams by doing what you can in your life…right here right now. I. Serve God NOW with what you have. A. Consider two passages in light of the culture & society in which Jesus lived. 1. Mt. 10:40-42; Mk. 9:38-41 B. Jesus had to constantly remind his disciples not to focus on position & power. C. He worked hard from beginning to end of His ministry to teach them: 1. Earthly wealth, prosperity & human power do not impress God. D. Mt. 10:42; Mk. 9:41. What is God impressed with? 1. The person who demonstrates his faith by doing what he can with what he has at that moment. D. Did the disciples get it? Not really. Mk. 9:30-34; Lk. 9:46 II. Cup of Cold Water Principle Illustrated. A. Philemon. Onesimus, a slave & Philemon, his owner. 1. Notable things: a) 1:2 – church met in Philemon’s home. b) 1:5 – Philemon had a great reputation. c) 1:10-16 – Paul wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus back 2. Philemon: a prosperous man. Able to do great & wonderful things. 3. Paul does not ask him to use power, prestige, or anything that society would be impressed with. Just forgive a slave. B. Mt. 25:31-46 – Jesus speaks about judgment. 1. What plays a role in our salvation? Things we do right here right now! a) 25:35-36 they did what they could when the need arose! III. We must focus on what we actually have & ways we can actually serve. A. Sometimes we see things that overwhelm us. 1. Too often we believe we must completely resolve a need or eliminate a problem. 2. Regret can become an acceptable substitute for inaction. B. 1 John 3:17-18 IV. Some very personal applications. A. What are your spiritual plans for the next few months? Years? 1. But…how are you serving God RIGHT NOW? B. It is easier to plan to do great things for God “way out there” and “way off” than it is to serve God’s purposes right here in my life right now. C. Don’t stop dreaming about big things! Set large goals for God & go out & let Him help you achieve His purposes through you! 1. Let God use you as He sees fit! John 12:26 Conclusion: A. What about your life…right here….right now? Are you living your life for God?