1. Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Session #4 Paul J. Bucknell Gain Strength

2. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Second Foundation for Overcoming Believe what you choose Never be a victim “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14). Hope brings inspiration Never need to give up

3. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14). Third Foundation for Overcoming Never fight alone Strength from God’s Word ✦ Point: “The Word of God abides in you!” (John 15:7) ✦ Purpose: Endurance ✦ Problem: We do not believe it makes a difference (don’t know how) ✦ Product: We feel helpless ✦ Point: “The Word of God abides in you!” (John 15:7) ✦ Purpose: Endurance ✦ Problem: We do not believe it makes a difference (don’t know how) ✦ Product: We feel helpless

4. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Hall of Faith (Heb 12) “But the LORD said to him (Gideon), ‘Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man’” (Judges 6:16). Gideon “And in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). How do you get God’s Word in you actively working?

5. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 God’s Special Design 2 Peter 1:3-11 Awesomely equipped! 2 Peter 1:3 “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness.” Magnificent promises 2 Peter 1:4a “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises...” Liberating purpose 2 Peter 1:4b “… In order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust” Wonderful action plan 2 Peter 1:5-8 “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge”

6. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Growing Pains How does one use God’s Word to grow ? How can God’s Word help me overcome a certain problem? How come God’s Word does not seem to help me? Why is reading God’s Word so dull at times? Learn to work with God!

7. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Faith Builder “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. (Rom 10:17) Word of Christ Hearing Faith

8. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 The Word of God and Faith Seed of Life Faith Faith The seed (Word) brings faith! “Been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23 ).

9. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Faith Destroyers unbelief ✦ Doubt Bible’s veracity => “It’s probably not true” ✦ Doubt Bible’s relevance => “Bible seems dry, boring” ✦ Doubt Bible’s power => “I don’t need God’s Word” DOUBT Seed of Life

10. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 God Speaks ✦ Judges 7-8 (Gideon) ✦ Book of Ruth ✦ 2 Peter 3:18 “Grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus” Expect that the Lord regularly speaks to you.

11. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 A Battle for Your Mind God’s Word Satan’s Word Eve You VictoryTemptation We often trust and believe those we listen to!

12. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Life Applications God’s design and plan for our growth is amazing! Need to work along with God (3-legged) God builds faith largely through times in His Word Beware of doubts which keep the power of God’s Word from us - same as unbelief Discern the voices giving you advice. LLAA Key: We vitally need God’s Word!

13. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Growing Through Psalm 1 Emphasize faith - belief aspect! “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” (Psalm 1:1) What does the word blessing or blessed mean? Observation: What does it say? Application: What does it mean to me? Do you really think God’s blessing is important to your life? How do you know? What does the person need to do to receive God’s abundant blessing? Be specific. Is this what you are doing in your life? How so? Be specific.

14. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Life Sharing ✴ Which is the biggest doubt producer for you with the Bible: Is it true, helpful, trusty, relevant, powerful, other (identify)? What might help you overcome your doubt? ✴ Are you able to detect when God or Satan whispers thoughts into your mind? Try to give examples. ✴ Would you say that you work closely with God (3-legged race)? Why or why not? LifeLife ShareShare “There is a living God. He has spoken His word. He means just what He says, and will do all that He has promised.” - Hudson Taylor

15. Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Session #4 Paul J. Bucknell Gain Strength

16. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Hall of Faith FAITH FAITH FAITH FAITH Hebrews 12 FAITH FAITH FAITH FAITH “And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets” (Hebrews 11:32). “But the LORD said to him, ‘Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man’” (Judges 6:16). Gideo n

17. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 Growing Through Psalm 1 Emphasize faith - belief aspect!

18. D2 Reaching Beyond Mediocrity Gain Strength #4 The World of Doubt Word of Christ Worldliness “I’m not good enough.” “I guess I do not belong.” “Too ashamed to talk.” Sin distraction guilt “I’m too busy.” “Later.” “I like what I’m doing.” “I can’t stop it.” “It doesn’t really matter.” doubt Doubt the value of God’s Word Doubt the effectiveness of the cross Faith