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.