Bow the Knee Loosening the Stiff- Knee Breaking the Hard Heart before God has to Psalm 95:6

Introduction (1Peter 5:6) A Messed Up Christianity Our problem is called stubbornness! The condition of God’s blessing is ABSOLUTE SURRENDER of all of our lives, our plans, our dreams, our expectations into His hands. Praise God! If our hearts are willing for that, and yielded to that, then there is no end to what God will do for us, and to the blessing God will bestow.

Stiff necks, Hard Hearts and Locked Knees Deuteronomy 9:13 Acts 7:51 Hebrews 4:7 Zecheriah 7:11,12 This is “us!” We are stubborn, just as Israel was – we are no different! People by nature are disrespectful, unyielding, and hard hearted towards God!

Bow the Knee… It’s Meaning To GENUFLECT is to 'bow the knee'; to go down on one knee – humility! The word “humble” means to be subdued, be brought down, be low, be under, be brought into subjection, yield, give way. To “bow the knee” then means, having a soft, yielded, very flexible approach towards God – so that He need not push or prod you to do His will, His way! No matter if He is chastening you, or just instructing you, you yield and accept His work in your life!

God Expects Our Surrender Some Examples… We Are Supposed to Bow in: Worship (Genesis 17:1-4) Repentance (Luke 5:8,9) – getting right Salvation (Matthew 18:2-4) Normal Living (Micah 6:7,8) Ministry (1Corinthians 3:6,7) Sincerity (Psalm 51:17)

It Usually Takes “Breaking” (2Chronicles 33:1-13) The Lesson from king Manasseh… Now you know why most of us go through so many trials and troubles! Maybe we are stubborn! Not all, but most of us! And you can certainly expect troubles if you are proud and haughty and stubborn (Proverbs 29:23)

There are TWO Powers at Work in Every Trial and Trouble See for examples the troubles of: Pharaoh! He only hardened! The Canaanite Woman (Matt 15:25-27) The Apostle Paul (2Cor 12:7) Wicked King Ahab (1Kings 21:20-27) How do YOU normally respond to troubles? Satan will seek to HARDEN you against God, especially in your heart! God will seek to SOFTEN you, make you a better person, especially in your heart!

Conclusion (Philippians 2:10,11) We will ALL bow the knee – better do it by choice now! Here’s why! (Proverbs 29:1) Here’s how…