Sunday 12th May

Tim Smith shares a messaged titled,
'Empowered by Divine Inspiration' 

Inspiration can be seen as the seed of all things. When we're inspired by something it motivates us to change, but also motivates us to do something that perhaps we haven't done before. 

Jesus gifts us divine inspiration which can grow into fruit which is far beyond what we could achieve in our own strength. 

There is a difference between Entertainment and Inspiration. The challenge set forward here is to actively seek out the inspiration of God rather than settling for the entertainment of the world. 

We live in a transformative way that is alive and not stagnant. Inspiration is the cause for meaningful change which results in transformation... This inspiration is not earned, it is freely given!

Romans 5:1-5 NLT
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

The daily act of embracing the cross and submitting to God is what brings transformation & salvation.

Salvation is a free gift, given by Christ so that we may have life and life to the full. It is not just a one-time thing, it is a daily saying yes to all Jesus has for us.

Philippians 2:12 NIV
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling..."

Any time that we overcome something that holds us back from living fully free, we experience salvation. A character shift can be salvation at work!

We are to be masters of our character to display the nature of Christ. 

Mastery begins with inspiration, and then we get to work, practise, adjust and repeat... with accountability and in relationship with others. 

2 Peter 1:3-9 NLT
"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins."

We can maintain humility by giving Christ the glory and honouring what He has done in us. 

One of the keys of developing mastery is self-control. This comes by our communion with the Spirit, it is a gift. 

Discipline may be stepping out of the darkness, but empowerment is stepping into the light.

Character is what we take with us everywhere we go, so this is where we want to be on a journey of transformation! 

Some questions to ponder in response are:
Where have I compromised inspiration with entertainment?
What is God drawing my attention to?
What areas of life do I feel captive or a slave to?
Have I been stuck with a discipline view of self-control?
Jesus, what are you wanting to inspire in me today?

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You can watch the full message below: