Holy Obsession

About This Series:

Remember, you are God's sword, His instrument - a chosen vessel unto Him to bear His name. It is not great talent that God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus Christ. A holy Christian is an awesome weapon in the hand of God. -Robert Murray McCheyne, 1836 At the very heart of someone with a holy obsession is the realization that God doesn't just choose sinners to be partakers in His divine nature, He chooses the worst of them. Unless we, like McCheyne, remind ourselves of the great indebtedness we have to the gospel every day of our lives, we will begin to content ourselves with becoming a retired display on a wall-like swords at a museum used in wars past, dulled and rusted-rather than active weapons in the hands of an awesome God.

Lesson 1: Three Radical Refusals

The life of the apostle Paul was indeed an extraordinary one, but what was so extraordinary was not his natural gifts and abilities; it was his whole-hearted devotion to God. In Paul's letter to the Romans, we get a glimpse of his commitment to holy living and discover that holiness demands that we are willing to say "no" as often as we say "yes."

Lesson 2: Gripped By Grace

What motivates you? Have you ever asked yourself that question? There is no doubt about what motivated the apostle Paul. Until his encounter with the risen Christ, Paul was not only a blasphemer, he was also the number one persecutor of the church. Yet the grace offered him by Jesus Christ changed him, empowered him for service, and ultimately motivated him to live a life of holiness. It can do the same for you too!

Lesson 3: The Magnification Of The Master

An obsession with holy living must first begin with an obsession with the Holy One. Paul's passion to become like Christ was the natural overflow of his deep, intimate walk with Christ. How do we develop a passion for holiness? It begins getting a better picture of our great and holy God.

Lesson 4: Great Expectations

What do you do when God's will seems contrary to the desires He gave you? How do you continue to move forward in your service for God when He keeps closing doors? The apostle Paul wrestled with some of these same questions. In Romans 15, he confides in us his expectations for the future of his missionary work, but these great expectations never become reality. What will he do when his way does not match God's will?

Lesson 5: On Your Mark, Get Set . . . Pray

What do you do when God's will seems contrary to the desires God gave you? How do you continue to move forward in your service for God when He keeps closing doors? The apostle Paul wrestled with some of these same questions. In Romans 15, he confides in us his expectations for the future of his missionary work, but these great expectations never become reality. How will he cope with his disapointment? Find out now.

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