Matthew 6:19-24

Already spoke on Faith:

• God is our Creator

• God is our Provider

• We are Debtors

Today, Hope & Love:

Meaning of Hope:

• Sometimes it means Faith

• Usually, it is a confident expectation

• There is a distinction between Faith and Hope

– If you have faith, then you WILL have hope

– Faith looks at the past and present

– Hope looks toward the future

Romans 8:18-25

Focus of Hope:

• Christ’s Return

Titus 2:11-13

• Future Resurrection

1 Thessalonians 4:13-16

• Heaven or Eternity

1 Peter 1:3-5; Colossians 1:3-5; 1 John 2:28-3:3

Meaning of Love:

• Not mere emotion of passion

Deuteronomy 6:4-6

• Reverence and Obedience

Three Questions:

• Faith: on what are you STANDING?

• Hope: on what are you LOOKING?

• Love: on what are you CLINGING?

Stewardship and Virtue:

* Theological Virtues

* Real Issue is the Heart

* Return to Foundations

The Foundation of our Faith

I. God is the Creator (Gen. 1:1)

A. He is the owner (Malachi 3:8-10)

B. He is the Lord (Ps. 2:1-3)

II. God is the Provider

A. God provided all Adam needed (Gen. 2)

B. God now provides all we need (Matt. 6:25-34)

III. Man is a Debtor

A. As a steward we must all according to God’s will (Gen 2:15)

Conclusion:

What are the Fruits of our Faith?

One thing we will see is PEACE instead of ANXIETY!

Matthew 6:19: So where is your heart?!

Fruits of the Spirit: Peace

Galatians 5:22

• General Definition

• Three-fold Meaning

• Peace with God: Reconciliation

• Peace with Self: Tranquility

• Peace with Men: Concord/Harmony

Between Christian & Pagan

Between Jew & Gentile

Between Husband & Wife

Between Fellow Christians

• Being a Peacemaker

• Does not retaliate (evil for evil)

• Does not judge or offend

• Avoids contentious words

• Prays for peace

• Puts away anger

Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

Meaning of Joy (Greek: Xara): Joy is delight at something esteemed good in possession or in prospect.

Xara denotes both the state and the object of joy

Objects of Joy:

• The Person of God

• The People of God

• The Power (Gospel) of God

Observations on Joy:

• Joy linked to thankfulness

• Joy opposed to selfishness

• Joy consistent with trials

Fruits of the Spirit: Love

Walking in the Spirit VI (Galatians 5:16 and following)

Works of the Flesh can be grouped in this way:

• Vices against Purity

• Vices against Spirituality

• Vices against Community

> VICES AGAINST SOBRIETY

— Vices against Sobriety

1) Methai: drunkenness

2) Komoi: revelries; carousing; rioting

— And the like

1) Ephesians 5:3-4

2) Colossians 3:8-9

3) 1 Corinthians 5:11

— Shall not inherit

1) Tell you before

2) Those who do/practice

Conclusion: Change the tree and you change the fruit