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Leading With Optimism Introduction: Today we wish to discuss another important key becoming a person of influence: leading w/optimism. We’re describing a person who has his attitude in check, a person who is disciplined & well aware of his spiritual priorities. When we speak of attitude we mean: the inward feeling expressed by our behavior. Our attitude is often seen without ever saying a word. Outward actions and expressions can become a “window to the soul.” I. Our attitude determines our __________________________. A. Our attitude is the primary force that will determine whether we _________ or fail spiritually. B. Adopting a good, healthy attitude is essential for our spiritual lives. 1. 1 Tim. 1:12-15 – Paul had terrible background to overcome. 2. Phil. 3:8-13 - He was _________________ on “laying hold of Jesus.” C. His __________________ was essential to his spiritual success! D. Phil 4:4 – keep in mind that Paul writing from imprisonment. 1. Phil. 4:12-13 - It IS possible to tailor make our attitude to fit every ____________ that life throws out. E. This is ____________________ behavior. II. Attitude helps turn _____________________ into ______________________. A. When confronted w/a difficult situation – a person w/an outstanding attitude makes the _________ of it while he gets the ________________ of it. B. Consider the success of these men & the importance of attitude: 1. Gen. 39-42 – __________. Ex. 2-3 – ________ Mt. 26:69-75 – ________ 2. The ______________ of life lie directly in our ________________! C. A positive attitude allows us to handle our problems & failures w/success! III. Our attitude is not automatically good just because we’re __________________. A. We carry around problems of attitude, inner spirit, and motives. 1. Lk. 15:25-32 – consider prodigal son’s older brother. Are we like him? 2. He possessed a feeling of ___________-________________. 3. He possessed a feeling of ___________-___________. B. Phil. 2:3-8 – look at the attitudes we must possess as Christians 1. 2:3 – do the __________ things for the ___________ reasons. 2. 2:3 – regard ___________ as more important than yourself 3. 2:4 – look out for the ________________ of others 4. 2:6 – Jesus realized his ____________ & the need to serve His Father 5. 2:7-8 – Jesus ___________ himself, obeyed God, and fulfilled His purpose. C. Wrong attitudes _____________ the blessings of God & cause us to live below God’s potential for our lives! D. When an attitude of ours “goes south” remember 2 things: 1. our _____________ and our _________________ – Lk. 15:31 IV. Our attitude can give us an ____________________ perspective! A. It’s our attitude of ______ & ___________ in God that allows us to be optimistic! B. Future not only looks bright when our attitude is right – but the present is also much more enjoyable! Conclusion: A. Daily we can become people of influence. B. Are you aiming toward spiritual success? Phil. 3:8-13 |
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