Yesterday at NorthStar we continued the Bring It series with part 6, "Cool Down," on James 4:1-10. High School Pastor Brad Parkhurst talked to us about how to resolve the conflict within us.
Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Brad's message or to view or print sermon notes.
All the conflict in your life is caused by your desires (James 4:1; Romans 7:15, 18-19, 24).
Like callouses from repeated work, we get callouses on our hearts from repeatedly ignoring the voice of the Spirit. The more we ignore Him, the less able we are to hear Him. Sometimes we actually do get just what we want, only to discover that we still do not have what we really need—the deep contentment that only comes when we are right with God (James 4:2-3).
When the Holy Spirit resides in us, His desires conflict with our sinful spirit’s desires. This conflict within us creates a dual-minded or “adulterous” person (James 4:4-5; Isaiah 1:12-15; 29:13).
No matter how hopeless this situation may seem, God says He gives us more grace (James 4:6; Romans 5:20).
How do we resolve the conflict within us?
- Submit (James 4:7a). Voluntarily place yourself under His authority.
- Resist (James 4:7b). Satan cannot lead you into sin without your consent.
- Come near (James 4:8a). Sincerely approach God in humility and repentance and desire fellowship with Him.
- Cleanse (James 4:8b). Ask forgiveness for outward sins.
- Purify (James 4:8c). Ask forgiveness for inward sins of the heart.
- Feel (James 4:9). Mourn as if over the death of a loved one.
The result: He lifts you up (James 4:10; Matthew 23:12).
Next Steps
Is it time to take one of these next steps along the road of your spiritual journey?
- Membership Class: This Sunday, July 12, 9:30-11 a.m., Center Court.Find out what it means to be a member of NorthStar with a no-pressure opportunity to join the church. Register here.
- NorthStar at the Lake: Sunday, July 26, 6 p.m., Dallas Landing. Register here to be baptized. Every family is encouraged to bring two large dishes to share. Drinks and paper products will be provided. Picnic starts at 6:00 with baptism to follow. (No 5:00 Compass service that day.)
- Newcomers: Sunday, August 16, 6:30 p.m., home of Thomas & Cindy Rainey. New to NorthStar? Learn more about the church, meet Mike and some of the staff, and hear about how NorthStar is impacting lives for Christ. Register here.
Upcoming
Check out more upcoming dates at NorthStar!
- True North Services Return: Sunday, August 9.
- Surviving Divorce Class: Begins Sunday, August 16.
- NorthStar in the Community: Check the calendar for many upcoming dates to serve.
Check out Digging Deeper to help you apply Sunday's message and develop a daily quiet time. These daily devotions can be found as an insert in each week's Navigator. They are also posted each day on the GrowthStarts blog (www.growthstarts.org). Use them to establish or strengthen your daily appointment with God and to further apply the truths of Sunday's message.
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