Lakeview Christian Center

Fighting the Flesh

The Enemy Within

“…your desires are at war within you…” (James 4:1)

-People who know ourselves rightly & guard ourselves accordingly
-Humility to pursue correction & accountability when we sin
-A Holy Church that hates sin biblically, battles the flesh faithfully, and loves Christ richly

Mortification by Vivification

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Romans 8:13)

-Killing sin by bringing to life….
…Purity of mind instead of lust, pornography, and sexual immorality
…Genuine love for others instead of selfishness, jealousy, and fear of man
…Self-control instead of over-indulgence, greed, and carelessness
…Patience instead of anxiety, idolatry, and unbelief
…Gratitude instead of complaining, strife, and anger

-Quenching the passions of the flesh by the greater delight in God
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:1-2)

Praying Psalm 96

Sing a New Song

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:1-2)

-God to bless this morning’s time of worship with His presence
-Those reluctant to worship expressively would be freed to celebrate
-Anthem of salvation (v. 2) & exploring the “glories of Calvary” through song
-God to give us a “new song” — a fresh understanding, experience, and
appreciation of who He is and what He has done
-Our corporate worship to display the greatness of god and the magnitude of grace

Declare His Glory Among the Nations

“Declare His glory among the nations; His marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods” (Psalm 96:3-4).

-God to use us in spreading a passion for His name
-God to bless Sovereign Grace’s efforts to extend the church to the most
unreached people
-Lord “to be feared above all gods” (v. 4) in nations trapped in idolatry
-Young & old in our church to sense a burden for local & global missions
-All in our church to experience the joy of declaring God’s glory among the nations

Praying for Everyone

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Intercessory Community

-Intercessory prayer to be an essential component of our lives
-Valuing corporate and personal prayer and avoiding its neglect
-Prayers that are not self-focused but Kingdom-minded and Gospel-centered
-Supporting others through prayer and bearing their burdens (Gal. 6:2)

Prayers for All People

“Big general prayers become powerful when they are filled up with concrete, radical Biblical goals for the people we are praying for” —John Piper

-Homeless & neglected in the city to find rest in Jesus Christ (Matt. 11:28)
-Missionaries in foreign countries to rejoice in tribulation (James 1:1-4)
-New Orleans business owners as well as blue-collar workers to treasure Jesus Christ as precious (1 Peter 2:4)
-Those in governmental authority to be gifted with supernatural wisdom and peace that leads them to the gospel (1 Tim. 2:2)
-“All of the saints” (Eph. 6:18) to be guarded from the enemy, preserved in doctrinal purity, and matured into Christ’s image for God’s glory

Praying the Beatitudes

Matt. 5:1-11

Students of Jesus

“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them” (v. 1-2)

-Men and women committed to and living by Christ’s teaching
-Hearts that long to be directed by the rod & staff of their Shepherd
-Church filled with people who “receive with meekness the implanted Word, -which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21)
-Abiding in Christ’s Word, and so proving to be His disciples (John 8:31)

Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. …Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3-5, 10)

-Eyes lifted from temporal possessions and pleasures to the eternal hope
-Fostering an atmosphere of humility and self-forgetfulness
“Naked, come to Thee for dress; helpless, look to Thee for grace”
-Gospel-comfort for those in the Body who mourn over sin
-Those suffering to hear Christ’s proclamation of “Blessed” over their life

Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. …Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (v. 6, 8 )

-More of Jesus Christ, our Righteousness! (1 Cor. 1:30)
-A church that displays the holiness of God
-Grace-motivated, joyful obedience to the commandments of Jesus
-Purity that is rooted in satisfaction in God