What is the purpose of pain?

Preaching For Change

Free Sermon Outline Better Together part 1 Seeing the BIG PICTURE Why this is important? If we are going to talk about what better is, we must define it. And better must be better than what we currently have. We are going to look at the big picture this morning. We need God’s view in our life so that we have a better picture of what’s happening and where are we headed? (Are we there yet?) This is so important because it helps us understand how our life is made better together. We don’t get to automatically go to heaven as soon as we are saved because each of us has a mission. Romans 8:29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. We begin eternity at Salvation and we also start the path of sanctification. Ephesians 4:22-24 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. WE don’t have much time before heaven. We must spiritually grow quickly. God develops our spirits for Heaven through trials and circumstances. To be doing God’s work we have to live and work in a fallen and sinful society. We are called to show a different way to live and stay clean in the MESS. ##**(Water proof demonstration Never Wet) 2 Cor. 5:16-17 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! John 3:5-6 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. Not just knowledge but growth. Professors teach from knowledge great teachers have current experience in the field. If you want to learn something, ask someone who is doing it well not someone with opinions. Phil. 2:12-13 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. We have to work out our spiritual muscles. Heavenly reward and authority are earned in here on earth. Your position in heaven is a result of your growth and obedience here on earth. Our spirits will still grow in heaven, but they won’t grow through the opposition of sin because that obstacle will be removed. (Astronauts in Zero gravity lose muscle mass) We are currently determining the size of our capacity for heaven right now. We will all be joyfully full just some of us will have a bigger capacity for filling. Everything that happens in our life creates opportunity to develop our spirit. God wants us to grow through good and bad. In bad times God wants us to focus on Him the Author of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. In good times God wants us to leverage our blessings to bless others. God’s goal for your life is that you become more like His Son. That you are prepared for Heaven. Romans 8:28 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.