A PRACTICAL PROGRESSION
February 11, 2001 AM
Sermon Outline
Phil 4:13
INTRO: How many times have you and I said, I wish I could be _______? We might fill the blank with words like, loving, kinder, forgiving, patient, self-controlled, etc. The problem with wishes is that they too often lay as shiny coins at the bottom of some mythical wishing well. Making the wish simply changes nothing ...except perhaps to relieve our own guilt or feelings of responsibility. Perhaps a look at a practical progression of thoughts will move us along.
I. I WISH!
A. Often a thought indicating shortcoming
1. we look at ourselves; we compare ourselves; we see needs in ourselves
2. and we wish we could be different
3. (obviously, there are some things which cannot be changed ... I wish could be irrelevant)
B. And some short comings do need attention, thought
1. Ps 119:59 with Lam 3:40 (Hag 1:5)
2. this realization can be healthy, helpful
3. but it takes more than a dime in a wishing well
II. I OUGHT!
A. Oughts and shoulds are certainly part of life
1. similar in some ways to, I wish
2. yet, perhaps a stronger sense of need
3. oughts have a way of staying with us longer than wish
B. Ought often brings us into a real choice situation
1. Neh 5:9
2. 1 Thes 4:1
3. being aware of moral, spiritual oughts brings upon us the weight of responsibility
III. I CAN!
A. Realizing that wishes, oughts are possibilities
1. the needed amendments are not pipe dreams
2. they are not beyond me ... I have the capability (will is another thing)
3. Phil 4:3 I can ...
B. Can sets us toward positive thinking
1. we begin to think the mountain is not insurmountable
2. again, will may still keep us from climbing
3. but can takes us beyond the wishing well into the realm of reality
IV. I WILL!
A. The point of decision
1. to this point one thinks on his ways
2. now, a person has got to decide whether or not his wish, his ought goes to actual change
3. can is no longer the problem - but how much does he want the change, the improvement
B. Is this the point of failure for many
1. Mt 19:21,22 - he had a great wish which was well within his ability ... but the will was not there
2. the I will can lead to discomfort, to cost!
3. our habits, our ruts are just so easy, so comfortable
V. I AM!
A. Reflection upon the changed person
1. this realization implies that action was taken
2. Ps 119:59b and turned
3. Ezek 18:28 ... considereth, and turneth
B. Yes, there is satisfaction, contentment
1. not smug pride which thinks perfection arrived
2. but the peace which comes knowing there is real improvement compatible with Gods desire
3. could this be akin to Acts 8:39?
CLOSE: The progression is so practical. But in progression is progress - from wish to reality. We must be able to get beyond I will to I am. Do you need to make some wished for improvements, changes?
Cecil A. Hutson
11 February 2001