Wanting to Want What God Wants – (12.03.23)

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Dear St. Paul family,
 

Sermon - Wanting to Want what God Wants

Cornerstone - OT to NT - The Tabernacle: Why So Specific?

Kids Sermon - God's Trades

Intentional Parenting -  Parenting Scripts - When They Need to Forgive


The gospel is from Mk. 10:17-31, about the rich young ruler who came to Jesus.

The rich young ruler asked Jesus what he needs to do to inherit eternal life. That’s a good question. Jesus answers him that he needs to keep the commandments, and the young ruler said, he does, but then Jesus asks him to leave all and follow him. The young ruler went away sad.

Let us look at the 4 methods of reading the bible that we learned recently.

Method #4: Ask Why?
Why was he sad? Did he give up his money? Was he any less rich than the beginning of the conversation? Then why was he sad?

Method #3: Put yourself in the story
What is God saying that “I” lack? Remember, every passage is to be taken personally so put yourself in the place of the young ruler.

Method #1: Facts Commands Promises
Facts

• For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive,
  And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

• But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious,
  Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. (Ps. 86:5, 15)

• God is love (1 Jn. 4:8)

• And my God shall supply all your need (Phil. 4:19)

Commands

• what does the Lord your God require of you, … which I command you today for your good? (Dt. 10:12,13)

Promises

• If we are faithless, he remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13)

• and you will have treasure in heaven (Mk. 10:21)

That is what we know about God, and we understand that if He commands something it is for my good and that He is faithful to His promises.

What about me?

• Do I always make the best choices?

• Did ever change my mind on something or someone?

• Have I ever changed my views?

• Have my desires change?

Looking at the lives of characters that obeyed God, even if it was very difficult and that He showed this was great for them at the end. Like Abraham who left all, but then God blessed him with Isaac, like Moses who was asked to do a very difficult thing, but then he was able to do wonders and miracles through God’s power. They trusted in God’s perfect track record.

Let us then accept:

• Accept: knowing what I want, may change

• Accept: what God wants

• Accept: when God wants it

Finally, using the last bible study method:

Method 4 – Praying Through Scripture
Dear Lord, I know that you are good and all-knowing, and I know that I am limited and don’t see what is always good, help me to accept your commands and do help me “want what You want”. Amen.

Fr. James

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