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The Disciplines of Freedom

Eight part series from July 2 through August 27, 2023

The Superiority of Submission and Service

August 20, 2023 • Steve Hinton • Philippians 2:5–7, John 1:14, John 13:2–5, Colossians 3:23–24, Mark 10:45

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Philippians 2:5-7 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (NIV) Freedom is found in The Unlikely Form of Submission and Service. Freedom is Found in Being His Servant. The Misunderstanding of Servanthood The Model of Servanthood John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 13:2-5 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. The Metamorphous of Servanthood John 13:14-15 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Luke 1:38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Abiding in Christ and Hearing the Voice of Christ.

August 13, 2023 • Steve Hinton • John 10:27, John 15:5, 2 Corinthians 11:14, James 4:8, 1 Samuel 3:1–11

John 10:27 1 Samuel 3:1-11 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 2 Corinthians 11:14 For even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. James 4:8a Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. The Closer We Draw Near, The Greater We Will Hear. 1. The Problems with Hearing the Voice of God. Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. (NIV) 2. The Potential Times We May Be Hearing the Voice of God 3. The Practical Steps to Hearing the Voice of God Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Hebrews 10:25 Not to neglect to “meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Power Through Praise and Prayer

August 6, 2023 • Steve Hinton • Luke 11:1, Matthew 7:7, James 4:3, Mark 1:35, Matthew 6:9–13

Luke 11:1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Disciplined Praise and Prayer Brings Power to Growth with God 1. The Problems that Defuse the Power James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (NIV) – (context of verses 1-2) Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Proverbs 28:9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. Romans 1:21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 2. The Pattern in Jesus’ Life of Power Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 3. The Principles that will Grow the Life of Power Matthew 6:9-13 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Philippians 4:6-8 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Job 1:20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. James 5:16b-18 “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Standing Strong

July 30, 2023 • Steve Hinton • Ephesians 6:10–18, Matthew 18:1–4, 1 Peter 5:8–9, 2 Corinthians 2:11, Hebrews 4:12

Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (NIV) 1. The Need for Weaponry Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it. (NIV) John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV) James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 2. The Armor of Weaponry John 8:44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Philippians 3:9 “being found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:11 “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” 3. The Offensive Weaponry Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Strength through Silence and Solitude

July 23, 2023 • Steve Hinton • Mark 1:35, Mark 6:31, Psalm 46:10, Matthew 14:23

-Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” -Matthew 14:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. -Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. -Mark 6:31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 1. Silence and Solitude Refine our Hearts. Ecclesiastes 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. Habakkuk 2:20 But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.” Zephaniah 1:7 Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests. James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 2. Silence and Solitude Build our Faith. Psalm 62:1-2 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 3. Silence and Solitude Encourage Others. James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Ecclesiastes 3:7b a time to keep silence, and a time to speak. Acts 20:2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece.

Transformation through Memorization and Meditation

July 16, 2023 • Steve Hinton • Psalm 1:1–3, Psalm 42:5, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 143:5, Isaiah 26:3

- Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. 1. The Description of Meditation Psalms 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation. (NIV) 2. The Object of Meditation Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Matthew 4: 4 “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Psalms 143:5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV) 3. The Fruit of Meditation Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 4. The Hindrances to Meditation Exodus 20:19 And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” 5. The Practice of Meditation

Dealing with the Divine and Dollars

July 9, 2023 • Steve Hinton • John 10:10, 1 Timothy 4:7–8, Psalm 50:10–12, Matthew 6:19–24, Malachi 3:8–10

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. Matthew 6:19-21, 24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. . . 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. When we Delight in the Dollar over the Divine we Commit Idolatry! Divine Ownership Job 41:11 Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me. (NIV) Psalm 50:10-12 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. 12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change 1 Timothy 6:17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Personal Management Proverbs 23:5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (NIV) Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) Proverbs 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2a Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income. Malachi 3:8-10 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

Grace, Truth, and Inner Transformation

July 2, 2023 • Steve Hinton • 1 Corinthians 9:25, Ephesians 2:8–10, Philippians 2:12, John 15:5, 1 Timothy 4:7–8

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” -1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) “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. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10 “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.” - Philippians 2:12 Jesus Came to Free us from the Penalty of our Sin and now Calls us to Grow in our Freedom through Spiritual Discipline. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control.” - Galatians 5:22-23a “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5 “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” -1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)