Dead but Alive

1
Dead but Alive

• 4-14-02

2
A.W. Tozer

• I am afraid we modern Christians are long on
  talk and short on conduct. We use the language
  of Christian power, but our deeds are the deeds
  of weakness. We settle for words in religion
  because deeds are too costly. It is easier to
  pray, Lord, help me to carry my cross daily
  than to pick up the cross and carry it but since
  the mere request for help to do something (we do
  not actually intend to do) has a certain degree
  of religious comfort, we are content with the
  repetition of the words.

3
Central Truth

• When we know, reckon, and yield, we use the very
  best shield.

4
Biblical (saving) Faith

• Biblical faith is a knowledge of some facts,
  mental assent to the validity of those facts and
  a commitment of ones behavior in the light of
  the facts.
• Know, Reckon, yield were talking about the
  shield of faith.

5
Believe and behave

• Belief brings us into fellowship with God, and
  behavior gives evidence that we have fellowship
  with God. When we believe, we enter the straight
  gate when we behave we walk the narrow way.

6

• 1Well then, should we keep on sinning so that
  God can show us more and more kindness and
  forgiveness? 2Of course not! Since we have died
  to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3Or
  have you forgotten that when we became Christians
  and were baptized to become one with Christ
  Jesus, we died with him?

7

• 4For we died and were buried with Christ by
  baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the
  dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we
  also may live new lives.
• 5Since we have been united with him in his
  death, we will also be raised as he was.

8

• 6Our old sinful selves were crucified with
  Christ so that sin might lose its power in our
  lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7For when
  we died with Christ we were set free from the
  power of sin.

9

• 8And since we died with Christ, we know we will
  also share his new life. 9We are sure of this
  because Christ rose from the dead, and he will
  never die again. Death no longer has any power
  over him. 10He died once to defeat sin, and now
  he lives for the glory of God.

10
Facts to Know!!

• When we truly receive Christ as our savior (not
  just saying words), we have died to sin, and
  were freed from sins power.
• Were freed from the penalty and judgment of
  sinhell.
• Were free from sins habits, control,
  enslavement, and guilt.

11

• We no longer enjoy sinning, and we dont want to
  sin anymore.
• When we realize that weve sinned, were hurt,
  disgusted with ourselves, and we want to rectify
  what weve done wrong.
• Sin is our enemy. We hate sin the way god does,
  and we recoil at sins consequences.

12
Central Truth

• When we know, reckon, and yield, we use the very
  best shield.
• So you should consider (reckon) yourselves dead
  to sin and able to live for the glory of God
  through Christ Jesus11.

13
Old Sins and habits

• Lying
• Alcohol
• Pornography
• Dating and wrong behavior
• Cheating

• Lack of self-esteem
• R and X rated movies
• Holding grudges
• Temper

14
Achilles Heels

• The devil is the father of all lies, and he
  cannot tell the truth.
• Hes a master disguiser, and almost always makes
  sin look good or feel good in some way.

15
Satans lies

• Youll feel better when you tell so and so off.
• Hey, who cares? Everybodys doing it.
• If I dont do this, Ill lose my promotion, or my
  job!
• Nobody will like me if I dont go along.
• Just one time wont hurt anyone!
• You deserve a little fun!
• No one will ever know

16
Answers to lies

• Satan, thats a lie. I wont do better. I wont
  feel better.
• The consequences will be hurtful in the long run.
• God will reward honesty, but he cannot reward
  duplicity.
• I wont like myself in a very short time.
• How do you know one time wont hurt anyone?
• Fun isnt what life is all about.
• God always knows the truth.

17
Central Truth

• When we know, reckon, and yield, we use the very
  best shield.

18

• 13Do not let any part of your body become a tool
  of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead,
  give yourselves completely to God since you have
  been given new life. And use your whole body as a
  tool to do what is right for the glory of God.
  14Sin is no longer your master, for you are no
  longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to
  sin. Instead, you are free by Gods grace.
  Romans 613,14

19

• Lord, take my ears today let me listen to those
  things that will please you, my eyes to look at
  those things that will build me up. I want to
  use my hands to serve you today. Keep my feet
  moving in directions that will honor you today.
  Oh Lord, my tongue can praise you today or it can
  betray you. Help me to witness for you today in
  all that I say and do.

20
Know, Reckon, yield

• Can you characterize your daily life as being a
  slave or servant of God?
• What really distinguishes you from other
  religious people?
• Do you love to study Gods word? Is your prayer
  life a priority for you?
• Are you serving the Lord in His church in any
  significant way?

21

• Are your bothered by the fact that friends and
  loved ones dont know christ as their savior?
• Do you pray for them?
• Do you seek opportunities to share what god is
  doing in your life with them?
• Are you and generous steward of the resources god
  has entrusted to you?
• Can you honestly say that youre a growing
  Christian? Can other people see your growth?

22

• 16Dont you realize that whatever you choose to
  obey becomes your master? You can choose sin,
  which leads to death, or you can choose to obey
  God and receive his approval.

23
The last word

• the payment for serving sin is deathsometimes a
  slow death, a lingering death, a sad, sad
  conclusion, but the gift of God is eternal life,
  wonderful life, abundant life, exciting,
  meaningful, purposeful lifeand all of it can be
  experienced right now.