A Closer Look at Lk 9:23

This evening I would like to take a couple moments to consider the words of Christ in Lk 9:23 and how they can impact our lives today

I believe by taking a a close look at these words we can see four separate things to consider and these will be reviewed in our lesson this evening

Many people today have difficulty deciding which master to serve. They try to hold on to God with one hand and worldly things with the other• Mt 6:24; Lk 6:13 & Mt 19:16-30; Mk 10:17-31;

Lk 18:18-30• The Word of God teaches not to love the things

of this world• 1 Jn 2:15, 5:19; Jam 4:4• We must make a concrete decision to follow God• Josh 24:15; 1 Kng 18:21

Many people today are self indulgent. They fail to practice self-denial and restraint

The Word of god teaches us that we must practice restraint and self-control• Dan 1:8; Prov 25:28; 1 Cor 9:24-27; Tit 2:11-14

We must set rules and limits for ourselves and God will help us overcome• 1 Cor 10:13; Jam 1:12, 4:7

Many people are devoted to selfish interests. They fail to win over self because they neglect time with God or fail to seek Him• Deut 4:29; Ps 9:10, 105:4; Mt 6:33; Heb 10:24-

25 Faithful attendance, daily prayer and

bible study/reading, plus sharing Christ with others-these bring victory over self• Acts 17:10-11

The example of Paul• 2Cor 11:22-28

Christ’s teachings in The Sermon on the Mount show us the importance of determination• Mt 5:19-20, 38-45; 7:13-14, 21-23

We must develop a bulldog-like tenacity, a never give up, do-or-die attitude.

Determination, with God’s help, brings victory in one of our greatest battles-the battle against self

Never forget what Paul reminds us in Phil 4:13• I can do all things through Christ who

strengthens me.