In this powerful message, we explore the call for believers to break their silence and boldly proclaim the goodness of God. Jesus declares that if His disciples remain silent, the very stones will cry out in praise. This sermon challenges us to use our voices to testify about God’s faithfulness and deliverance.

Key Points:

1. Past Sins Have Silenced Me

• Many believers remain silent because of past failures and feelings of unworthiness.
• God doesn’t hold our past against us—He wants to use our testimony for His glory.
• Scripture Reference: Numbers 32:23 – Misinterpreted by many, this verse does not mean God seeks to expose past sins but rather calls us to fulfill our commitments to Him.
• Encouragement: Isaiah 54:17 reminds us that no weapon formed against us will prosper, and our righteousness comes from the Lord.

2. Sound Before Sight

• Acts 2:1-3 – The Holy Spirit was heard before He was seen at Pentecost, showing that faith often comes through hearing before seeing.
• Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is believing in things not yet seen.
• Victory has a sound—what does it sound like in your life?

3. Use Your Words

• Psalm 81:10 – "Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it."
• God calls us to praise Him openly for what He has done and will do.

4. Free Indeed

• John 8:36 – True freedom isn’t just being freed from something but being freed to something.
• We are freed from sin’s bondage and freed to worship God in Spirit and truth.
• 2 Corinthians 3:17 – Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Conclusion: The Posture of Praise

• Praise is active clapping, shouting, dancing, lifting hands, and raising our voices in prayer.
• Psalm 150:1-6 – Calls all creation to praise the Lord with everything we have.
• Praise isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a command!

Final Challenge: Don’t let fear, past mistakes, or doubt keep you silent. Declare your victory and let the sound of freedom be heard!

As we recognize Super Bowl Sunday, sports fans everywhere are counting on their teams to win. But let’s take a moment to flip this concept spiritually. True Holiness, The Intentional Church, we are the warriors. Who are we counting on to win the game? The answer: Every player has a role in securing victory. As your coach, I’ve given you the tools—now it’s up to you to execute the game plan. Let’s revisit the playbook of scripture and stay focused on the goal.

Key Points to Stay Focused on Game Day

1. Your Gift is Your Strength

John 14:27 – "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

• Every believer has a unique gift that contributes to the team’s victory.
• Hold onto God’s peace—don’t let fear stop you from using what He has given you.

2. Overcoming Doubt

Psalms 94:19 – "When doubt filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."

• Moments of doubt will come, but the Holy Spirit is our source of renewed hope and encouragement.
• Trust in God’s ability to guide and uplift you through uncertainty.

3. Persevering Through Challenges

James 1:12 – "Blessed is the one who endures temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life."

• Just like athletes face obstacles and setbacks, we must persevere spiritually.
• Trials refine us—keep pushing forward with faith.

4. Being Part of a Great Team

Hebrews 12:1 – "Since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight... and run with patience the race set before us."

• We have a history of faithful believers cheering us on.
• Stay in your lane, focus on your journey, and don’t be a stumbling block for others.

5. The Power of Unity

Ecclesiastes 4:9 – "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed."

• Teamwork is essential—when we unite, we achieve greater purpose.
• Support and uplift one another to fulfill God’s plan.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Victory

Our goal is to finish the game strong because, as believers, we have already won.
Colossians 3:23 – "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord."

• Stay focused—today is game day.
• Victory is ours because Jesus conquered sin, death, and the grave.
• Encourage someone today: Stay focused, we have a game to win!

In this episode, we explore the struggle between the desire to do good and the reality of sin. Paul, in Romans 7:15-25, shares his personal battle between his spiritual aspirations and human weaknesses. This message is a powerful reminder that our fight is not just against external influences but also against the sin within us. By keeping our focus on Christ, we can overcome these struggles and live a victorious life.

Key Points:

I. Understanding the Fight

• The term "fight" means to contend or strive vigorously for or against something.
• Christians face various battles beyond sexuality, including the Seven Deadly Sins:
  1. Lust (2 Timothy 2:22)
  2. Gluttony (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  3. Greed (Hebrews 13:5)
  4. Sloth (Proverbs 6:6)
  5. Wrath (Romans 12:9)
  6. Envy (Proverbs 14:30)
  7. Pride (Jeremiah 9:23-29)

II. The Cure – The Seven Virtues

• Overcoming sin requires practicing virtues that counteract sinful tendencies:
  1. Kindness – Cures envy by prioritizing helping others.
  2. Temperance – Cures gluttony by promoting self-control.
  3. Charity (Self-Control) – Cures lust by focusing passion for good.
  4. Humility – Cures pride by fostering a service-oriented attitude.
  5. Diligence (Zeal) – Cures sloth by prioritizing effort over ease.
  6. Patience – Cures wrath by encouraging understanding.

III. Lifestyle vs. Struggle

• A true fight means resisting sin despite its pull.
• When something becomes a lifestyle, it ceases to be a struggle—it becomes a habit.
• The goal is to fight against sin rather than surrender to it.

IV. The Internal Struggle (Romans 7:15-25)

1. Frustration (Verses 15-17)
   • Paul acknowledges doing things he doesn’t want to do.
   • His struggle is between the inner man (desire to obey God) and sinful nature.
2. Desire to Do Good (Verses 18-20)
   • He has a desire to do good but often fails.
   • Sin is at work within him, showing that without divine help, he is powerless.
3. The Law at Work (Verses 21-23)
   • When he seeks to do good, evil is present.
   • The law reveals sin but does not provide the power to overcome it—grace is needed.
4. Desperation and Deliverance (Verses 24-25)
   • Paul cries out, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me?"
   • The answer: Deliverance comes through Jesus Christ.
   • Faith in Christ, not human effort, empowers believers to overcome sin.

Conclusion: The battle against sin is real, but victory is assured when we focus on Christ—the ultimate "Fight Fixer." By keeping our eyes on Him and embracing the virtues that counteract sin, we can live in spiritual victory.

Call to Action:

• Reflect on your personal struggles and identify areas where you need Christ’s strength.
• Commit to practicing the virtues that counteract sin.
• Trust in Jesus, knowing that He provides the power to overcome all struggles.