A Few Good Men—by Jacques Genis
October 16, 2022
Sermon summary:
Romans 15:4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us."
1 Cor 10:11 "These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us."
1 Kings 15:8 Asa — king of Judah. Son of Abisha. Did right in the eyes of the Lord. He dealt with sin and idolatry. He wasn't sentimental.
It's easy to coexist with sin and idolatry in our lives, ignoring the danger, and treating it like a pet.
- Are you a spiritual analyst (thinking you can handle sin in your life—maybe it's an attitude towards someone, coexisting with them but not united)?
- Maybe it's an action that you've not dealt with. Mark 9:42–47 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off.
- Ephesians 5:3–5 There shouldn't even be a hint. Collossians 3:3–5 Put to death what belongs to your earthly nature. These letters were written to disciples of Jesus. We need to have the same attitude as Asa. Repentance is painful. It requires outside help. Don't back out when someone tries to help you; don't give up.
- 2 Chronicles 14:8–11 Asa fully depended on God. He felt powerless despite what he had going for him. He asked God not to let mere mortals win. Psalm 33 The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him. Remember we are powerless. Let your faith be rooted in humility—before making decisions, and to implore God on behalf of others.
- 2 Chronicles 16:1–13 It's not about starting well but finishing strong. Past faithfulness doesn't guarantee future faithfulness. If you don't remain humble and hungry nothing is guaranteed.
The warning: It doesn't have to be that way. We canl finish strong.
Watch the full sermon here (it starts at 37mins)
We are called to excel in the grace of giving—it’s not just a duty, but a spiritual act of worship. Be consistent and faithful in our giving. Set it aside intentionally, and don’t delay in fulfilling what you’ve committed to the Lord. Don't let your imperfect view of God impact your giving.
Changing takes courage—but parenting God’s way means choosing His path, and knowing where our help comes from. Righteousness is about healing and strengthening relationships, not achieving perfection. Don’t conform to the world’s ways—seek God’s perspective on parenting. Model the behaviour you want to see, and let His Word draw your heart to your children, and theirs to yours. Be present in their spiritual journey—it's not optional, it's your responsibility.
We are like broken pieces of pottery. God went looking for us, he found the fragments of our lives discarded by life/shame/disappointment, and put us back with the blood of Jesus. Treat each other not as broken but perfected through Christ.