Sermon:
Gentrify
[jen-truh-fahy] …a sermon
about renewal
by Chris Cumming
On the 18th of January of this year (2020), I presented
to you the sermon, “Double Down” which shared with you a hands-on
perspective to repentance. I began that sermon with this statement:
“Back
in July and August of 2014, I gave four sermons as part of a Holiness
series. You can see all these sermons at the Las Vegas site. This
sermon is the fourth in that series. Each is a stand-alone sermon on
the same overall subject: Holiness.”
So “Double-down” is part of the Holiness series of four (4) sermons.
From this one sermon, I have put together fourteen (14) sermons in what
I call the, “Salvation series.” You can see these sermon titles and
subjects on the Schedule page of the Las Vegas site. Each sermon has a
key verse or two you heard in “Double-down.” Let us begin.
The name of this sermon is
Gentrify [jen-truh-fahy]. This word has meaning and points us to
more than one process. The purpose of today’s sermon is to encourage
all of us to continually manifest our spiritual duty of renewal.
Manifest spiritual renewal.
That is what repentance is all about; spiritual renewal. Spiritual
renewal is what salvation is all about.
Take a look at the meaning of Gentrify [jen-truh-fahy]:
To alter
through buying and renovation. Taking an item that is deteriorated and
raising its value to a much higher plane. How can we take “an item that
is deteriorated” and begin spiritual renewal unless we first see it and
recognize it? Here is an example of an item that is deteriorated:
Bad idea cycle:
1] Trigger…as in something or someone triggering a thought in your
mind.
2] Behavior…the negative kind…sin.
3] Reward…sin has reward; this is why people embrace the bad idea
cycle.
To find any deterioration in our lives, we need discernment. The word
for this is “cognition.”
Noun
the act or process of knowing; perception. the product of such a
process; something thus known, perceived, etc. knowledge (which
ultimately leads to wisdom)
WORDS RELATED TO COGNITION
insight, notice, perception, observance, comprehension, discernment,
acknowledgment, recognition, cognizance, reasoning, awareness,
observation.
Let us take two key scriptures we read in the Double-down sermon on
repentance:
In the Double-down sermon, I gave you a key verse. I then extracted
what I labelled as “Double-down phrases” from that verse followed by
scripture phrase definitions. Turn to Ezekiel 18.
Ezekiel 18:30-32 ...God
speaking to the House of Israel but clearly to all individuals in the
Salvation process.
30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of
Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and
turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be
your ruin.
31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have
transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye
die, O house of Israel?
32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord
GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Double-down Phrases:
--Turn yourself from all your transgressions.
--Cast away the transgressions.
--Make a new heart and new spirit.
Definitions:
---Cast away: throw; hurl; fling.
---Cast off: discard; reject.
---Cast out: force out; expel; eject.
Ephesians 4:22-23
22 That ye put off concerning the former
conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful
lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Double-down Phrases:
--Put off the old man.
--Be renewed.
Definition:
---Renew: recover; replenish; make
effective for longer period.
If we are going to “put off the old man” and be renewed, we are going to
have to discuss those things in our lives that need to be “cast away”,
“cast off”, “cast out”. We must discuss those that have to be
discarded, forced out, expelled and rejected from our lives, character
and behavior.
Cast away the transgressions
Bad habits come at a cost--in health, in reputation, in money.
But some are worse than others. Here are 11 habits that we pay for with
reduced happiness. Which of them might be making your life less rich and
good than it could be?
1. Neglect. When you habitually ignore responsibilities
and the things you are accountable for, they weigh on you even more
heavily and take a toll on your happiness--even (maybe especially)
when you fall back on the excuse of neglecting small things to
accomplish bigger ones. Over time, neglecting responsibilities causes
terrible damage, and neglecting opportunities for happiness causes deep
regret. Stay on top of things for your best chance of happiness.
Hebrews 2:3
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great
salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was
confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
2. Complaining. Seeking success in life and business
can be difficult, but constant complaining makes it harder than it needs
to be--and it's tiresome to those around you. If you frequently find
fault in things or focus on things that aren't working or seem unfair,
you're hurting yourself. Instead, embrace the positives and the places
where you can make a change for the good.
Philippians 2:14
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
1 Corinthians 10:10
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also
murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the
hearers.
3.
Self-doubt. For many people, self-doubt is a major obstacle to
a great life--few things will sabotage your success more. It's that
troubling and persuasive voice that holds you back from seizing
opportunities and fulfilling responsibilities. It's the self-talk that
tells you you're not good enough, often without you even being aware of
it. Tune in to the messages you give yourself and make sure they're
positive.
2 Timothy 1:7 [see
Lesson]
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind.
Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not
afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee
whithersoever thou goest.
Philippians 4:6-8
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
4. Blaming. Blaming
others takes time and energy away from your own self-improvement and
efforts. You can spend your life blaming the world for your troubles,
but when you do, you deny your own responsibility for creating the life
and leadership you choose. When you stop blaming others you can begin to
truly connect to your own power.
Matthew 7:3-5
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but
considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of
thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then
shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Romans 2:1
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest:
for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that
judgest doest the same things.
5. Lack of
Self-Control. Especially when things are out of control, you
may be in the habit of trying to take control. Most of the time that's
an illusion, of course--you have little to no power to change anything
outside yourself. What you can control is your attitudes and responses.
Free yourself of the rest and let things take their own natural course,
and you'll be much happier.
Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that
ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 25:28
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken
down, and without walls.
1 Thessalonians 5:6
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others (the unconverted); but let us
watch and be sober (controlled in mind and body).
Notice the commentary
but let us watch -
over ourselves, our hearts, thoughts, affections, words and actions.
~John Gill
6. Criticizing Others. The time you spend criticizing
others is time you could be spending improving yourself. People who
incessantly criticize other people are generally unhappy about something
in their own lives, and they criticize others in an effort to feel
better about themselves. If that sounds painfully familiar, remind
yourself that it takes little character to condemn, and far more to find
happiness in understanding others and yourself.
Luke 6:37
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be
condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
James 4:11-12
11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his
brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth
the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but
a judge.
12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art
thou that judgest another?
Here are a couple of quotes on our criticizing others
“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character
and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” – Dale Carnegie
“Criticism is an indirect form of self-boasting.”
“It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can
gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.”
7. Bossiness. People
who are busy dictating to others often never pause to take
responsibility for themselves. If you truly seek happiness, then start
to take responsibility for yourself. When you demonstrate responsibility
and collaboration instead of dictating to those around you, you gain
respect and trust.
"Bossy," according to Webster, means domineering, overbearing,
authoritarian and controlling.
1 Peter 5:3-5
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the
flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
glory that fadeth not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of
you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:3-5 -Contemporary English Version (CEV)
3 Don’t be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an
example for them.
4 Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown
that will never lose its glory.
5 All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone
should be humble toward everyone else.
These scriptures are surely about how ministers and elders of the church
should act in seats of authority (servantship) to the flock. The
principle would clearly apply to anyone in position of authority.
James 1:19-20
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow
to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Colossians 3:12-15
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a
quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye
are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
How could anyone read these scriptures and attempt to spiritually
justify being domineering, overbearing, authoritarian and controlling.
8. Rejection. Some level of rejection is healthy and
even necessary to maintain high standards, but if you're in the habit of
rejecting everything that comes your way, maybe it's because of fear or
a habit of negativity. Rejecting ideas, thoughts and opportunities
before you actually give them a chance can keep you from experiencing
new things and benefiting from new ideas. Keep your critical facilities
but learn to trust and let things in.
Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9.
Manipulation. Especially under mounting pressure, you may
sometimes feel that the only way to get things done is by manipulating
others. But when you manipulate, you cross important boundaries and risk
your own happiness as well as that of others. Instead, go straight for
what you know you want, with room for those you can persuade to come
with you of their own free will.
To manipulate someone, the individual is either lying and/or conducting
a blackmail of some kind. It is a form of our next discussion,
“Deception.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth
all things.
John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will
do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth,
because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of
his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves.
10. Deception. Deception
is another case where people convince themselves that the end justifies
the means. You can rationalize and say that your particular deception
isn't hurting anyone, but when you allow deception--whether it's to
protect yourself, advance your ideas, or even to spare others--you harm
your own integrity, and that doesn't make for happiness.
Proverbs 10:9
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his
ways shall be known.
Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his
delight.
Colossians 3:9
Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his
deeds;
11. Selfishness. Those who are self-serving think only of themselves, with a "what have you done for me lately" mentality. When you're focused only on yourself, you may feel that the world only is centered around you, but in driving people away you risk emptiness and the loss of the connections that make happiness possible.
If you count any of
these among your own bad habits, start learning how to reverse them
today. Resolve not to let them interfere with your prospects for
happiness.
1 John 3:17
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of
God in him?
Philippians 2:4
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things
of others.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 [see
Lesson]
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us
richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to
distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time
to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Recap
Let us put these eleven (11) transgressions into a list you can readily
use. Manifest spiritual renewal by casting off:
1] Neglect
2] Complaining
3] Self-doubt
4] Blaming
5] Lack of Self-Control
6] Criticizing Others
7] Bossiness
8] Rejection
9] Manipulation
10] Deception
11] Selfishness
Let me end this sermon by giving you something to meditate on the rest of this Sabbath day:
“Spiritual renewal and the transformation of a nation, country, or a city cannot take place unless there is first renewal and transformation in the individual.”
Here is my version of that quote:
"Spiritual renewal and the transformation of your life, your family, the church, the Work and the very Kingdom of God cannot take place unless there is first renewal and transformation in you."
Manifest spiritual renewal.