Josh McGuire | Beware of the Competition | Austin CFC 2021-06-13
Summary
The speaker cautions against internal competition, arguing that it manifests in any area where we feel strong or compare ourselves to others. He warns that this spirit of rivalry can destroy relationships, citing examples from the Garden of Eden and Cain and Abel. Ultimately, he urges listeners to examine their hearts regarding godly relationships, asking if they approach them with a spirit of fellowship rather than competition.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Beware of internal competitionWhen we think of competition, we usually think of external competitors like car companies or sports, but we must beware of the competitive spirit that comes from inside us.
Where does competition show up?Every one of us is a competitive person in the areas where we feel strong, whether it is hobbies, parenting, or even carrying our crosses.
Competition throughout scriptureFrom the garden of Eden to Cain and Abel, scripture shows how competition creeps into relationships and destroys them, yet there is no place for it in the kingdom of God.
The contrasting examples of Saul and JonathanWhen God brings a godly person like David into our lives, we can respond like Saul, whose competitive spirit haunted and destroyed him, or like Jonathan, who loved David as himself.
Jesus rebukes Peter's comparisonAfter restoring Peter, Jesus had to address the final lesson that we cannot compete with each other or look around at how others are following Him.
Peter's transformed relationship with PaulHaving learned this lesson, Peter overcame competition and shared a beautiful, unified bond with Paul, even endorsing Paul's letters in his own writing.
First: Walk in the light and be honestWhen the Lord exposes competition in our hearts, we must simply agree with Him and be honest about it.
Second: Keep yourself in the love of GodWe often find ourselves competing when we are not secure in God's love, so we must continually go back to the cross and rest in His love.
Third: Take competitive thoughts captiveWe must fight against thoughts of comparison and resentment by taking them captive, throwing them away, and humbling our minds.
Fourth: Keep Jesus present in everythingJust like a basketball game changes completely when a player like LeBron James joins, having Jesus present in our midst sucks the competition right out of the room.
