God’s Will for His People (Part VI) Lesson 23

The Ninth & Tenth Commandments Do not covet. Coveting = having a sinful desire for anything we cannot have. (1 Timothy 6:6-10 NIV) But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8) But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9) People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Why is God so concerned about our thoughts? (James 1:14-15 NIV) but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15) Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Sinful thoughts lead to sinful actions.

Some basic truths… (Hebrews 13:5 NIV) Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Some basic truths… God wants us to be content with what we have.

Some basic truths… (Matthew 6:33 NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Psalm 37:4 NIV) Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Some basic truths… God wants us to be content with what we have. Christians can be content because God will give us what we need. He is already our greatest treasure. Christians can be content because God will give us what we need. He is already our greatest treasure.

What Do The Ten Commandments Teach Us? About the Salvation we need? (Romans 3:20 NIV) Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. (Romans 3:23-24 NIV) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24) and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:28 NIV) For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

What Do The Ten Commandments Teach Us? About the Salvation we need? We cannot be saved by our own works. We are saved by faith alone because Christ obeyed the law for us.

What Do The Ten Commandments Teach Us? About the Sanctification we desire? (Matthew 5:48 NIV) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Philippians 2:12-13 NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13) for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

What Do The Ten Commandments Teach Us? About the Sanctification we desire? God has set high standards for his redeemed people. God gives us the power to live a sanctified life.

Christians Want to Grow Spiritually (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV) So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. God is honored and glorified by our lives.

Christians Want to Grow Spiritually (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. We will enjoy God’s blessings as we grow.

Christians Want to Grow Spiritually (Galatians 6:2 NIV) Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Fellow believers will be helped and served.

Christians Want to Grow Spiritually (Matthew 5:16 NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Unbelievers will be attracted to Jesus by our lives.

God Helps Us to Mature (1 Peter 2:2 NIV) Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, (1 Corinthians 11:25 NIV) In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."

God Helps Us to Mature He urges us to use his Word and Sacrament regularly as spiritual food.

God Helps Us to Mature (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV) pray continually; He urges us to pray regularly to seek his will and Holy Spirit.

Keys to Spiritual Growth Galatians 5: So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Keys to Spiritual Growth 1.Remember that we have spiritual enemies DevilDevil WorldWorld Sinful Flesh (old Adam, sinful nature)Sinful Flesh (old Adam, sinful nature)

Keys to Spiritual Growth 1.Remember that we have spiritual enemies 2.Only the Holy Spirit can give us victory over our enemies 3.We need to use the Holy Spirit’s tools!

The Holy Spirit’s Toolbox The Means of Grace

God’s Spiritual Exercise Program PrayerFellowship Service

The Value of Sanctification 1 Corinthians 10:31 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

The Value of Sanctification 1.God is glorified (honored)

The Value of Sanctification Psalm 1:1-3 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

The Value of Sanctification 1.God is glorified (honored) 2.We will be happy, prosperous and successful (by God’s standards)

The Value of Sanctification Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

The Value of Sanctification 1.God is glorified (honored) 2.We will be happy, prosperous and successful (by God’s standards) 3.We can help and save fellow believers

The Value of Sanctification Acts 1:8 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Matthew 5:16 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

The Value of Sanctification 1.God is glorified (honored) 2.We will be happy, prosperous and successful (by God’s standards) 3.We can help and save fellow believers 4.We can reach and help unbelievers