Lecture Notes: Message by Abby and Charles, Campus Pastors

Introduction

• Abby and Charles are campus pastors at the Tulsa campus.
• They discuss the current happenings at the church, specifically the end of year offering.
• This year, the offering is called the "Crazy Fruit Offering" – inspired by their word of the year, "fruit."
• The focus is on giving rather than receiving, and obeying what God asks financially.

Main Sermon: "Why Do I Feel So Out of Control?"

• Theme: Addressing areas in life where people feel out of control.
• Focus on Self-Control:
  • Importance of sowing the right seeds to bear the right fruit.
  • Fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, which is crucial.

Importance of Sowing and Reaping

• You cannot expect fruit in areas where you have not sown seeds.
• God's principles require us to sow seeds in areas like marriage, health, etc.
• Encouragement to reflect on areas where we desire something without sowing effort.

Message on Self-Control

• Scriptural References:
  • Galatians 5:22: Fruits of the Spirit include self-control.
  • Proverbs 25:28: Lack of self-control is like a city without walls.
  • 2 Timothy 1:7: God gives a spirit of power, love, and self-control, contrasting fear.
  • Proverbs 16:32: Better to have self-control than conquer a city.

Key Points on Self-Control

• Self-Control as Protection: It acts as a safety measure in life.
• Self-Control over Success: Emphasizing that internal self-control is more valuable than external success.
• Compromise: Without self-control, individuals are prone to compromise their promises and integrity.
• Decision Making: Encouragement to make decisions that reflect Spirit control rather than sin control.

Self-Control in Everyday Life

• Real-Life Examples: Encouragement to examine what controls us – whether food, finances, people’s opinions, or past relationships.
• Practical Applications:
  • Understanding daily battles between sin nature and spirit nature.
  • Developing accountability, discipline, and ultimately desire for righteous living.

Conclusion: Call to Action

• Self-Examination: Encouragement to identify areas needing self-control.
• Obedience: Highlighting the importance of obedience to God’s guidance.
• Practical Steps: Engaging in practices like prayer, accountability, and making decisions against natural inclinations.

Final Prayer and Call

• Prayer for strength in self-control and obedience.
• Invitation to accept Jesus for those led by sin nature.
• Invitation to participate in the Crazy Fruit Offering, emphasizing obedience over amount.