“Fascinated With The Familiar”
Some Things 2 Consider:
Vision- “What you see will determine what you experience!”
A New Thing- If it’s new that means it’s never been done; but, that also means you have to recognize it to receive it!”
Fascinated with the Familiar- “Don’t become so fascinated with the familiar that you become frustrated and forfeit your future!”
Like most of you I like the familiar because it is familiar… and the familiar brings security; because, as good or bad as it is… you know what to expect.
We are all comfortable with the familiar. That’s because it’s familiar. However, If the future is going to be any different than the present; chances are it probably won’t look familiar.
Here are 3 things that the familiar can cause:
1. The familiar will cause you to be comfortable with what is; while keeping you from what could be.
2. The familiar will cause you to become critical of what is currently taking place; without initiating anything that will make it different or better.
3. The familiar will cause you to rely on what you know or see; instead of relying on God to do what only He can do.
Here’s 3 things to remember about the familiar:
1. The familiar is not bad unless it keeps you bound to what is.
2. The familiar is not bad unless it keep you bound to promiscuous patterns.
3. The familiar is not bad unless it keep you bound by hopelessness that hinders.
In John chapter 5 there is a story of a man on a mat by a pool called Bethesda. This man is waiting for the water to be stirred so he can be healed. Through his conversation with Jesus he reveals his frustration with people; this frustration has been been brought about by the all too familiar patterns of life that are taking place by the pool…
The Familiar Will Cause You To:
1. Complain- complaining displeases God and it will keep you stuck where you don’t want be; longer than you want to be.
– don’t complain about what you allow.
– don’t complain about what you have caused.
– don’t complain about what you can change.
2. Compare- comparing will keep you fixated on either your strengths or weaknesses; without changing anything in the process. – comparisons create unhealthy competition.
– comparisons create complacency (well, I’m doing better than______.)
– comparisons create pride or pity.
– comparisons create jealousy, envy, and covetousness.
3. Compromise- compromise is conceived by convincing yourself its ok; it’s forfeiting what’s right; for what’s easy.
– its not hurting anyone.
– you tell yourself: no one will know.
– it’s not as bad as_______.
> “Don’t forfeit your future for immediate gratification.” *(thoughts for study)
– The Ark of the Covenant- comfortable with what they were carrying.
– The Temple of God- Eli’s wicked sons.
– The Birth Right- Jacob and Esau- “what is it to me?”
– Adam and Eve- the tree in the garden.
4. Be Critical- a critical spirit is usually a heart issue that affects your eyes / ears / mind / mouth – if you have a problem with everyone and everything; they or it may not be the problem; you may be the problem.
– a critical spirit is different than being insightful and constructive. *(its negative, hateful, and condescending)
– the Pharisees and Sadducees were critical.
– A critical spirit is seldom happy or satisfied.
5. Become Comfortable- being content with the way things are and don’t care to change. (there is a difference between being content and being satisfied)
– when you are comfortable you desire change without anything being different.
– when you are comfortable you don’t want to move. *(mat)
– “do you want to be made well?” (a question we must all answer) *(see John 5)
6. Be Content – to settle for what’s Common- (almost / good enough)
– everyone else is doing it.
– complacent vs. fulfillment
– I almost ____________.
– that’s good enough.
7. Cooperate with a Debilitating Co-Existence- (people who won’t help you up but put you down) – get some new friends!
– show me your friends today and I will tell you where your life will be in a year.
– don’t be the enabled or the enabler; be the encourager or the empowered.
– “don’t be deceived bad company will corrupt good behavior.”
This man was trying to find his way. However Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life! In John 5 there are two words that bring this reality to life for us… Those words are:
1. Bethesda: “A House of Mercy” or “A House of Flowing Water.” and
2. Sheep Gate: “The Sheep would pass through the gate on the way to being offered up as a sacrifice.”
The man on the mat was familiar with the pool, the people, and the problem. But, he wasn’t familiar with Jesus who was the Lamb of God that had entered through the Sheep Gate and passed by the Pool of Bethesda (a House of Mercy; A Place of Flowing Water). He was so familiar with his circumstances and surroundings that he almost missed Jesus. He was so busy sharing his frustration with the familiar the he almost missed an opportunity for something new and different! A future that would be so different from his current condition. But, thank God he didn’t miss it. He courageously picked up his mat and by faith walked away from the familiar surroundings that kept him bound and frustrated, and you can too! Don’t allow the familiar to cause you to become so frustrated that you forfeit your future… Get up!
