Ripe for Harvest

S ESSION 2: P REPARE • 123

2 Cor. 11.13-15 (ESV) – For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 1 Tim. 4.1-3 (ESV) – Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting them selves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 2. The point: We pursue God through the body and personal discipline because he has already accepted us and made us his very own, not in order to become acceptable to him. Phil. 2.12-13 (ESV) – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. B. We’ve been set free from Judgmentalism: From fear of God’s wrath because of our personal sinfulness, and the impending judgment of death. 1. The principle: We do not morally judge one another – for Christ’s death on the cross has paid the price for us; he suffered in our place God’s wrath, the penalty of death, and God’s judgment on us. John 3.35-36 (ESV) – The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. 1 Thess. 1.9-10 (ESV) – For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Context Values/Vision Prepare Launch Assemble Nurture Transition Schedule/Charter