Falling can hurt. In fact, falling can permanently disable you.  After several big falls in my life I am focusing on ways to keep from falling.  The pain and damage to myself and others is always better to avoid.  It is almost impossible to not affect others when you fall. You may pull them down with you or make them clean up your mess.  Spiritual falls can have consequences can have similar impacts. You can permanently damage your witness and relationships. You can also pull others into sin with you. You almost always leave others to deal with your mess.  Spiritual falls are in many ways worse because the effects may be eternal.  Our falls into following our flesh can hinder others from trusting the Gospel.  Our stumbles into using the devils tool box may cause others to do the same.

Slippery places require extra care. The terrain of this most recent election has created a slippery place.  Our purpose is to live out a believable reflection of Christ and share His message of reconciliation.  You can see how easy it can be to fall into words actions and attitudes that   betray this purpose.

Please read these verses slowly and consider your recent walk with others.

James 3:13-18 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. (14)  But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. (15)  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. (16)  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. (17)  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. (18)  And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Gal 5:19-24  Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, (20)  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, (21)  envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (22)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (24) Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Jesus said…

John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (35)  “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

These verses are to steady and restrain   the gravity of our own   fleshly reactions. Especially toward those we are   disagree with . These slippery places test if we have a relationship with the one who conquers hearts with kindness.

This Sundays message is titled… “HOW TO KEEP FROM FALLING” You staying steady on your spiritual feet will have eternal consequences for you and countless others you may not yet know.  Please be sure to come and invite your one to come with you.

Blessings,
Joe

To get ready please read the following scriptures and consider the questions that follow.

1 Peter 5:1-7 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, (2) shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; (3) nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. (4)  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (5)  You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. (6)  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, (7) casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

1. Please describe how someone’s steady love for Christ and others helped you stand?
   

   Gal 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (24) Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires

2. Describe how someone else’s fall into the flesh can pull you down?
   

   Gal 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, (20) idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, (21)  envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

3. Why is being willing to follow pastoral leadership important to growing in stability?
   

   Eph 4:11-13 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, (12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; (13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

   Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

4. What is the relationship between humility and getting more grace and power to live?
   

   1 Peter 5:5-6 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. (6) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time

5. What does humbling yourself look like?
6. How does pride lead to a fall?
   

   Pro 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.

7. How can fear and anxiety bring a spiritual fall and how can you overcome it?
   

   1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.