Is Your Future Past?

Ephesians 2:8-9 English Standard Version (ESV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Philippians 2:12-13 English Standard Version (ESV)

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

1. In Christ, we have victory over sin (our bad choices).

Romans 7:21-25 English Standard Version (ESV)

21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

2. In Christ, we have healing from our wounds (done by others).  You can't go into your future until you've dealt with your past.

  

Ephesians 4:26-27 English Standard Version (ESV)

26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,27 and give no opportunity to the devil.

3. In Christ, you have authority over the devil. 

Ephesians 6:10-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

The Cup of deliverance (God does not condemn you).

Romans 8:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)

8 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you[b] from the power of sin that leads to death.

Romans 8:5-6 New Living Translation (NLT)

5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

Relationships are the key which influence the way you think and act. 

Proverbs 28:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
    but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

James 5:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Go to God for forgiveness.  Go public with your faith by... 

1. Water baptism (Acts 2:41, 8:21, 8:13).

2. Church membership.

3.  Church small groups. 

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands