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Ephesians 4:11-15 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

MY 3rd PURPOSE IN LIFE IS TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST, ALSO CALLED DISCIPLESHIP.

Romans 8:28-29a And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…

THREE UNEXPECTED TOOLS

1. GOD USES TROUBLE TO TEACH US TO TRUST HIM.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The Key: Keep an eternal perspective…

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2. GOD USES TEMPTATION TO TEACH US TO OBEY.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.

2 critical keys to overcoming temptation:

· Keep focused on Good Thoughts

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

· Get a Spiritual Partner

Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

3. GOD USES TRESPASSES TO TEACH US TO FORGIVE

Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Try this when it is hard to forgive:

- Remember that God has Forgiven You!
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

- Remember Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Prayer of Commitment:
Dear God, I want to grow in character. I want to become who You made me to be. Thank you for the model of Jesus. I want to become more like Jesus in the way I think and the way I feel and the way I act. And if that means taking me through troubled times, then I say “I want Your will for my life, not mine”. And if that means going through a wilderness of temptation, please give me the strength to make the right choices. And if that means I must endure the hurts of other people, then teach me to forgive as much as You have forgiven me.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for me. As much as I know how, I want to give my life back to You. I want to know you and the purposes for which I was created. I turn to you and ask you to be the leader of my life. Please forgive me for the wrongs I have done against you. I ask You, Jesus Christ, to start changing me from the inside out beginning right now. In your name I pray, Amen.