New Song Church OKC

LUKE 12:13-21 (NIV)
Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

ECCLESIASTES 9:10-12 (NKJV)
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.
I returned and saw under the sun that—
The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to men of understanding,
Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.
For man also does not know his time:
Like fish taken in a cruel net,
Like birds caught in a snare,
So the sons of men are snared in an evil time,
When it falls suddenly upon them.

Sometimes the reason we pray amiss is because imbedded in our request is a desire to have possession that we might find meaning and identity in it.

The sum total of our existence is not measured by the things we possess, but by who possesses us.

PICTURE THIS: THE STORY OF THE RICH MAN

Psalm 14:1 (NIV) The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”...

Luke 12:31 (NLT)
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

The way in which we seek the Kingdom is determined by how we use our opportunities.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITY

1 - Have Faith

Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV) - And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

2 - Study

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

3 - Sharpen the Saw

Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NLT) - Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.

4 - Always Work Unto the Lord

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

5 - Look for the Opportunity the Storm Brings

Acts 21:23 (NLT) - But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”

KINGDOM CONCEPT:
1 - SEE THE OPPORTUNITY
2 - SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (MSG) You’ll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God’s sheer genius, I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. 2 I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.

Luke 7:33-34 (NKJV) “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’

Is Jesus a friend of sinners?

1. Levi, a tax collector.

Luke 5:27-28 (NLT) Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. 28 So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.

He is now known as Matthew = Yahweh’s gift
He became one of the 12 disciples.
He wrote one of the gospels, Matthew.

Luke 5:29 Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them.

When you meet Jesus you want to tell people!

Matthew experienced and believed Jesus was a friend to sinners.

2. Judas. The betrayer of Jesus

Matthew 26:49 (NKJV) Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”

Judas learned too late that Jesus was a friend to sinners.

3. Me

Jesus befriended me when I was at my worst.

Paul deals with the subject of how we are supposed to treat sinners.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NLT) When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. 11 I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.

So we are called to be friends of sinners but not compromise.

We want to be friends to sinners so that that they may be transformed and restored back to God.

Proverbs 11:30 (KJV) The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.

Daniel 12:3 (NLT) Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

John 4...Jesus shows us the process.

The story of the woman at the well.

3 Things we can do to Reach Sinners
John 4:3 (NKJV) He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 And He must needs go through Samaria.

He prayed and was led to go to Samaria.

1. Pray and go where you’re led.

John 5:19 (NLT) So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.

We can’t be led by peoples needs.

Jesus was led to the right person.

Pray! Ask God where and to who he wants you to go.

2. Make friends

John 4:13-15 EXB Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so I will never be thirsty again and will not have to come back here to get more water.”

We are called to love people into the kingdom.

3. Look for an opening to go in for the kill

The Holy Spirit will give you wisdom and empower you supernaturally if you will step out.

This woman was transformed and the whole city heard her story.

There is nothing like winning someone to Christ!

So, what did Jesus do when he encountered sinners?
He befriended them.
He loved them.
He ate with them.
He related to them (built relational equity.)
He corrected them from a heart of love.
He saved them!

1 Timothy 1:15 (NLT) This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”--and I am the worst of them all.

Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

and does them = "practices them", "acts on them", "follows them", "obeys them".

It’s easy to have an information surplus and an obedience deficit.

Obedience to Jesus is central to the way of the Kingdom.

Matthew 7:24 I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock

“house” = your entire life.

The wise person builds the entirety of their life on the bedrock of Jesus' teachings.

John 16:33 In this world, you will have trouble In this world, you will have trouble. But take Heart I have overcome the world.
overcome - a victory rooted in the past that continuously effects the present and the future.

Matthew 7:26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

God’s word wait on human action so that we're walking by faith not just talking by faith

Mark 7:13 You make void the word of God for your tradition

2 Timothy 4:3 The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Mark 4:35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”

Mark 4:38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Mark 4:39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? Now look at this, Jesus says: How is it that you have no faith?”

Mark 4:35 He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”

Rain = Loss Or Disappointment

Flood = The World

Wind = The Devil, Demonic Forces

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

It’s possible to live a worry free life.

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.

1. Worry is about you and worry is about later.

Worry is something that happens, when we become fixated on us

Without God You Are Not Enough!

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he [God] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me

Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

2. Know Your Value

Value is not determined by those who set the price. Value is determined by those who choose to pay it.

Matthew 6:27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And who of you by being worried can add a single cubit to his stature”

3. Worry Doesn’t Add Up

Worry does not take away tomorrow's troubles but it does take away today's peace

You cannot by obsessing influence what you have no control over

Matthew 6:28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

Worry projects a future absent of God and God’s help.

Walking By Faith means we believe God will be present in my future

“Oh, You little Faithers you”

4. Worry Is A Trust Fall

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Matthew 6:31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? 32 For the pagans run after all these things,

Recognize, God Knows What’s Up?

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

5. Seek First God’s Kingdom

When you're tempted to borrow from tomorrow, and worry, look for a way to participate in what God is doing today.

Philippians 4:6 “Never worry about anything. Instead in every situation let God know what you need in your prayers and in your requests.”

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,

1 Corinthians 14:23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

1 Corinthians 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

#1 It Is Scriptural

1 Corinthians 14:2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God,

4 Myths Of Praying In The Spirit.

You Can Speak Fluently The First Day

You Can't Control It

praying in the spirit is a choice,

1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

1 Corinthians 14:15 What is the conclusion then? I will and I will also pray with the understanding.

I Could Get A Demon

Luke 11:11-13 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Some People Have It, Some People Don’t

Romans 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

Acts 10:34 God doesn't show favoritism

#2 It Is A Benefit

1. It Builds You Up

1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies (or builds up) himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

Ephesians 6:13 Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit

2. It covers your ignorance

Matthew 6:8 For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray

Prayer is a legal

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession f