#TheStruggleIsReal, Week 3: The Tension Between Now & Next

Tension: sense of conflict, or a pulling force Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see… Hebrews 11:1-6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:1-6 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) “The Tension Between NOW and NEXT.” I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT) I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT) Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Luke 8:40-43 (NIV) As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.  And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. Luke 8:40-43 (NIV) Understand that where you are NOW is necessary for what is NEXT. It’s easy to get frustrated with the NOW, not realizing what is happening now is setting us up for what God wants to do NEXT. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV) Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV) For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV) For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV) What God wants to do NEXT is always built on the foundation of what He wants you to LEARN now. …As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. Luke 8:42-44 (ESV) And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. Luke 8:42-44 (ESV) She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. Luke 8:42-44 (ESV) Understand what got you HERE, won’t get you THERE. Yesterday’s FAITH won’t get you through today’s FIGHT. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:45-48 (NIV) Don’t get stuck in the NOW… there is always a NEXT “Complacency kills growth.” – John Maxwell Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT)  Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:7-9 (NLT) Our success in the NOW is not a finish line to celebrate, but a mile marker leading us to what is NEXT. Don’t get discouraged in your NOW, when someone else reaches their NEXT. While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Luke 8:49-55 (NIV) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) …Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:1 (NLT)