THE LINC COLLECTIVE

UP: KEEP MOVING – MARK SLEVIN

Scriptures:
Luke 12:49 MSG
Exodus 14:1-22 NIV
Ephesians 6:10-18 MSG

Points:
1.⁠ ⁠REDEFINING FAILURE
2.⁠ ⁠⁠REFOCUS YOUR FAITH
3.⁠ ⁠⁠REFLECT ON WHAT YOU HAVE

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The invitation of “UP” is not just about elevation, but transformation. It’s on the mountain that we hear Him.
From hearing comes revelation, from revelation comes transformation.

“I’ve come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything rightside UP.” Luke 12: 49-53 MSG

How do we live right side UP in an upside down world?

EXODUS 14 – The Story and Song of Salvation (MSG)
Three observations from the text:
– Redefining Failure, Refocusing Your Faith, Reflecting on What You Have

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1. REDEFINING FAILURE

How do we lose the fear of failure? We give it a new meaning.

Everyone experiences failure in various ways (“We all stumble in many ways.” James 3:2a)(“There is no one on earth who always does what is right all the time and never makes a mistake.” Ecclesiastes 7:20).

But failure is an event, not a person.

Allow yourself to feel the disappointment – just not the disapproval.
Your standing with God is not based on the success or failure of your performance.
You approval from God does not change because its based on His son’s performance – not yours.

The fear of failure will stop you moving… but here’s the thing: you never please God by playing it safe.

Failure is NOT missing a goal. Real Failure is
not having one.

Failure is NOT being unable to do something. Real failure is being unwilling to try.

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6
“According to your faith it will be done to you.” Matthew 9:29

What if we were to live like you have nothing to lose, because everything that counts has been won for you already?

“For even though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.” Proverbs 24:16 NIV
“We must never get tired of doing good because if we don’t give up in the struggle WE WILL get our harvest at the proper time!” Galatians 6:9

KEEP MOVING – the miracle is in the movement!

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• 2. REFOCUS YOUR FAITH

Bring your faith into view.
Look at Moses … Moses was in the same circumstance as the Israelites who were complaing – he doesn’t know what God is going to do, but by faith he proclaims His promises.

FAITH IT TILL YOU MAKE IT – put it on God.

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

To focus your faith is to see his deliverance.
The Israelites, like us, were so focussed on WHAT they were walking into they forgot WHO they were WALKING IN WITH.
You’re not just walking in with your ability, your experience, your wealth, your education, your wisdom …. at some point that will fail you… BUT HE NEVER WILL.

The 10 spies (book of numbers) – come back to report to Moses and the people of Israel reporting of grapes, giants and grasshoppers – but no mention of God … the reason they didn’t go back is because they were more focused on the size of the giants than the size of their God.

Where’s your focus? 

“Come up” – don’t let the intimidation of the enemy become louder than the voice of intimacy.

Look for HIS GRACE …. there is grass in the desert (“turn around and encamp at PI Harioth” – hebrew = the mouth of freedom … the way of escape).

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• 3. REFLECT ON WHAT YOU HAVE

Ephesians 6 (MSG) – God is strong and he wants you strong (right side up).

Keep moving. But how? God put a stick in Moses hand – He always uses what you have.

You have everything you need – you may just not be accessing it. Why? Because you’re not REFLECTING:
The role of a believer is to THINK ABOUT THE GOSPEL… think about the PROMISE. .. Jesus said “CONSIDER the birds … do i not provide for them…”. – He feeds them, but He doesn’t put the worms in the nest.

Armour of God – it’s less about clothing, more about a MINDSET.
“Put on the armour of God”… The benefits and blessing of the gospel – He wants you to tale hold of them.

BELT OF TRUTH – not offensive – but foundational.

The enemy wants you to pay attention to your feelings, but God wants you to pay attention to the truth.
Why? Because that how you defeat the lies. The truth sets you free.

FOCUS ON THE TRUTH – on scripture – GIRD UP YOUR LOINS with the word of God.

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Discussion Questions

1. Redefining Failure: How does the fear of failure affect our ability to move forward in life, whether in relationships, careers, or personal growth? How would viewing failure as an event instead of an identity change things? Share a personal experience of failure and discuss how redefining failure could have changed your approach to the situation.

2. Refocus Your Faith: Discuss the concept of “Faith it till you make it.” How can putting faith in God’s deliverance change our perspective in challenging situations? How can we shift our focus from the size of our challenges to the size of our God?

3. Reflect on What You Have: What is the significance of reflecting on the Gospel and God’s promises in our lives? How does the idea of God using what we have (illustrated by the stick in Moses’ hand) relate to our lives today? Share a time when reflecting on the truth of God’s Word helped you overcome a challenge or a difficult situation.

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, guide us to live right side UP in this challenging world. Thank you for the wisdom in Your Word. Grant us courage to see failure as an event, not our identity. Help us to move forward with faith, knowing our standing with You is secure. Teach us to trust in Your promises amid challenges, shifting our focus from our giants to Your greatness. Open our minds to all that we have in You. Speak Lord, We’re listening. Amen.