Victory Life KY

Atmosphere II

Episode Summary

We’re talking about the type of atmosphere that describes the tone, the mood, really the influence an individual has on their surroundings.

Episode Notes

• We’re talking about the type of atmosphere that describes the tone, the mood, really the influence an individual has on their surroundings.

• Our subject is so crucial with what we’re facing in our nation because as disciples of Jesus, He made it clear that we are the light of the world today.

• And like we said last week, we should be the alternative to the current culture, not just another reflection of it.

• We need to set the atmosphere.

• This is the question we introduced last week; what kind of atmosphere accompanies us?
• What kind of tone or mood not only follows us, but goes before us?

• I’m bringing this up today because God has plans for each of us, as citizens of His Kingdom to take the culture of His Kingdom wherever we are, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, governments, etc...

• We are actually ambassadors for the Kingdom of Heaven. And it is Christ in us, empowering us to exercise Kingdom principle in a world we are no longer a part of.

• Listen to Paul’s description of a modern day disciple from Corinthians,  God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

• John 17, paraphrase, Father, I have given them Your word. Because they are no longer of this world, just as I am not of this world.
• Sanctify them by Your word. And as You sent Me, I’m sending them.

• John 17:22-23,NKJV- “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

• Acts 10:38, NKJV- How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

• Back to our original question, what kind of atmosphere accompanies us?
• What kind of tone, mood, attitude are we setting as an ambassador?

• Especially knowing we’ve been anointed with same Holy Spirit.

• And like we said last week, do we have any control over our atmosphere?

• We have to embrace the reality that if we are still here, and The Almighty has graced us to do something, chances are it's going to involve other people.

• So, the closer we follow Him. The more we're going to do the same things He did.

• I honestly believe that the closer we are to Jesus, the better our attitude will be towards others. Really, towards everything.

• This is why we’ve got to set the right atmosphere. When we’re moody, it’s way too easy to look past the one God's wanting us to influence.

• Hopefully having talks like this will encourage all of us to trust God to help us manage our moods and attitudes, instead of them managing us.

• Romans 12:2, NLT- Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

• This means taking the time to think more intentionally about our God life. Seriously, we’re going to be thinking about something anyway.

• So why not make the time to establish a few more Godly habits. Because we get use to responding a certain way to certain feelings.

• A big one we have the tendency to overlook is our nonverbal communication.

• We actually get use to certain moods and attitudes, and a lot of times we don't even recognize the effect they're having on us, not to mention those around us.

• A big part of the life of faith is actually practicing what God tells instead of simply giving in to what we're use to.

• More specifically, setting the right atmosphere, being the thermostat.

• Usually the reason we give in to what we're use too is because we've allowed those wrong emotions to have so much of an influence that they've become habits.

• Galatians 2:20, NLT- My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

• Since Christ is living in us, let's trust Him to help us with those areas where our old, crucified nature still tries to have control.

• Let's practice exercising enough faith to own our emotions instead of them owning us.

• Instead of just responding out of a certain emotional habit to something, let's start making the choice to respond based on trust and commitment that His way is better.

• But until we choose to develop our new lives in Him, living according to His leading will always remain a challenge.

• And our emotions will continue their control, good or bad.

• Which means, the more we get use to giving in to them, the more we're use to them, which means the more control they have in our lives.

• This means that we've got to be open and willing to change.

• Truth is, we don't mind change when it's invited, but when it comes uninvited, our emotions, our moods and attitudes are quick to let everyone around us know.

• In Colossians Paul is reminding us to practice putting on our new, God created nature.

• Colossians 3:12-14, NLT- Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 
• Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 
• Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

• You talk about setting some atmosphere, when we start practicing giving Him the lead instead of just responding out of emotion.

• Here’s the thing y’all, if He's leading, love is leading. 1st John tells us, God is love.

• Ephesians 5:1, MSG- Keep company with God and learn a life of love.

• Seriously, let's ask ourselves just how much of an influence does love to have on our moods and attitudes. In the atmosphere the accompanies us?

• You see, I really believe Jesus meant it when He said we are the light of the world.

• John 13:34-35, MSG- “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” 

• Paul said it best in Ephesians: Watch what God does, then you do it. Mostly what God does is love.

• Hopefully having talks like this will encourage all of us to trust God to help us create the right atmosphere.

• After all we are His anointed ambassadors to our generation, called to establish a Kingdom of Heaven culture.