DATE: 2024-01-12

AO: 3rd-f

Q: Ginger

PAX: Pinto, Keds, Thriller, Shnitzel, Ginger, Web, Mr Rogers

FNGs: None

COUNT: 7

What has mastered you?

Psychologists suggest that one of the easiest measures of addiction is whether or not you can stop doing something for 30 days.

1 Corinthians 6:12

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.

2 Peter 2:17-19

“These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

Romans 6:13-14

”Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”

– A scalpel in the hands of a doctor is an instrument of healing.  A scalpel in the hands of a serial killer is an instrument of terror and torment.

   – Your life is the same.  You can offer your body to the Lord from your tongue all the way down to your manhoood or you can offer it to sin.  The choice is ours.

The Road To Freedom:

Confess and renounce whatever has mastered you.

   Proverbs 28:13

   ”He who conceals his sins does not prosper,

   but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Tap into the power of the Holy Spirit rather than you’re own power.

   2 Timothy 1:7

   ”For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Get help and accountability from others.

   James 5:16

   ”Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Invest in your intimate friendship with Jesus.

   John 15:12-14

   ”My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

Moleskin: Keds gave up Nicotine last night so this was a timely lesson. Please keep our brother in prayer as he moves forward. Proud of him!