Upholding Spiritual Boundaries for Future Generations

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the importance of maintaining the spiritual boundaries set by our forefathers, as highlighted in Proverbs 22:28. These boundaries are not arbitrary; they are divinely instituted to protect us and guide us in our walk with God. Just as landmarks in the physical world denote ownership and territory, spiritual landmarks define the limits within which we can safely operate. They are there to prevent us from straying into areas that could lead to spiritual peril.

We discussed the generational impact of our actions, emphasizing that what one generation tolerates, the next will embrace in excess. This principle is crucial in understanding how sin can multiply if left unchecked. The story of Lot and his descendants, the Moabites and Ammonites, serves as a cautionary tale of how compromising on God's commands can lead to long-term consequences. Similarly, the narrative of Balaam and Balak illustrates how the enemy cannot curse what God has blessed, but can tempt us to bring curses upon ourselves through sin.

The message also addressed the pervasive issue of pornography and its destructive impact on individuals and families. It is a modern-day Moabite strategy, luring believers away from purity and into bondage. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds, making covenants with our eyes, and fleeing from youthful lusts. The call to action is clear: we must stand firm in our convictions, uphold the boundaries God has set, and lead our families in righteousness.

Furthermore, we are reminded of the power of God's grace and mercy, which gives us time to repent and realign with His will. However, there is a limit to this grace, and we must not take it for granted. Instead, we should strive to build on the victories of past generations, multiplying righteousness and setting a strong foundation for future generations.

Finally, the message is a call to action for the church to rise up as laborers in the harvest field. We are encouraged to focus on soul-winning, teaching Bible studies, and expanding the kingdom of God. Entertainment and worldly distractions must take a backseat to the work of the ministry, as we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Preserving Spiritual Boundaries: The ancient landmarks set by our spiritual forefathers are crucial for our protection and growth. These boundaries are not restrictive but are designed to keep us within the safety of God's will. Before considering moving any spiritual boundary, we must understand the reason it was established and the potential consequences of removing it. [05:10]

2. Generational Impact of Sin and Righteousness: What one generation does in moderation, the next will do in excess. This principle applies to both sin and righteousness. By upholding godly standards, we can ensure that future generations inherit a legacy of faith and victory rather than bondage and defeat. [07:33]

3. The Pervasiveness of Temptation: The enemy cannot curse what God has blessed, but he can tempt us to bring curses upon ourselves through sin. We must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds, making covenants with our eyes, and fleeing from youthful lusts to maintain our purity and protect our families. [13:36]

4. The Limit of God's Grace: While God's grace and mercy are abundant, they are not to be taken for granted. There comes a point when God may remove His grace if we persist in sin. We must use the time given to us to repent and realign with His will, building on the victories of past generations. [17:30]

5. The Call to Action for the Church: The church is called to rise up as laborers in the harvest field, focusing on soul-winning and expanding the kingdom of God. Entertainment and worldly distractions must take a backseat to the work of the ministry, as we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. [31:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:10] - Importance of Spiritual Boundaries
- [07:33] - Generational Impact of Sin
- [10:11] - The Enemy's Strategy
- [13:36] - Guarding Against Temptation
- [17:30] - The Limit of God's Grace
- [23:19] - Consequences of Removing Boundaries
- [31:29] - The Call to Action
- [36:28] - The Joy of Soul-Winning
- [38:03] - Expanding the Kingdom
- [41:15] - Overcoming Distractions
- [47:32] - Joining Forces in Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Proverbs 22:28: "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."

#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the "ancient landmarks" mentioned in Proverbs 22:28, and how do they relate to spiritual boundaries? [05:10]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the generational impact of sin using the story of Lot and his descendants? [07:33]
3. What strategies does the enemy use to tempt believers, according to the sermon, and how are these strategies similar to the story of Balaam and Balak? [13:36]
4. How does the sermon describe the consequences of removing spiritual boundaries in one's life? [23:19]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways do spiritual boundaries protect believers, and why might someone be tempted to move them? [05:10]
2. How does the principle "what one generation does in moderation, the next will do in excess" apply to both sin and righteousness? [07:33]
3. What role does personal responsibility play in maintaining purity and resisting temptation, as discussed in the sermon? [13:36]
4. How does the sermon explain the balance between God's grace and the need for repentance and realignment with His will? [17:30]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the spiritual boundaries in your life. Are there any that you have considered moving? What might be the consequences of doing so? [05:10]
2. Think about the generational impact of your actions. What legacy are you leaving for the next generation in terms of faith and righteousness? [07:33]
3. Identify a specific temptation you face regularly. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and mind against it? [13:36]
4. How can you ensure that you are not taking God's grace for granted in your daily life? What steps can you take to realign with His will? [17:30]
5. Consider the distractions in your life that may be hindering your focus on soul-winning and expanding the kingdom of God. What changes can you make to prioritize these spiritual goals? [31:29]
6. How can you actively participate in the church's call to action as laborers in the harvest field? What specific role can you play in soul-winning and teaching Bible studies? [41:15]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about entertainment and worldly distractions. Is there a specific distraction in your life that you want to minimize this week? How will you do it? [31:29]

Devotional

Day 1: Preserving Spiritual Boundaries
The spiritual boundaries set by our forefathers are not mere traditions but divinely instituted landmarks meant to protect and guide us. These boundaries, much like physical landmarks, define the safe limits within which we can operate in our spiritual journey. They are established to prevent us from straying into areas that could lead to spiritual peril. Before considering moving any spiritual boundary, it is crucial to understand the reason it was established and the potential consequences of removing it. These boundaries are designed to keep us within the safety of God's will, ensuring our growth and protection. [05:10]

Proverbs 23:10-11 (ESV): "Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you."

Reflection: What spiritual boundary in your life have you been tempted to move, and how can you reaffirm its importance today?


Day 2: Generational Impact of Sin and Righteousness
The actions of one generation have a profound impact on the next. What one generation tolerates, the next will embrace in excess, whether it be sin or righteousness. This principle highlights the importance of upholding godly standards to ensure that future generations inherit a legacy of faith and victory rather than bondage and defeat. By living righteously and setting a strong foundation, we can multiply righteousness and create a positive generational impact. [07:33]

Deuteronomy 5:9-10 (ESV): "You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."

Reflection: What legacy are you currently building for the next generation, and how can you ensure it is one of faith and righteousness?


Day 3: The Pervasiveness of Temptation
The enemy cannot curse what God has blessed, but he can tempt us to bring curses upon ourselves through sin. Temptation is pervasive and can lead us away from purity and into bondage if we are not vigilant. It is essential to guard our hearts and minds, make covenants with our eyes, and flee from youthful lusts to maintain our purity and protect our families. By doing so, we can resist the enemy's strategies and uphold the standards God has set for us. [13:36]

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Reflection: What specific temptation do you need to guard against today, and what practical steps can you take to avoid it?


Day 4: The Limit of God's Grace
While God's grace and mercy are abundant, they are not to be taken for granted. There comes a point when God may remove His grace if we persist in sin. It is crucial to use the time given to us to repent and realign with His will, building on the victories of past generations. God's grace provides us with the opportunity to turn back to Him, but we must not delay in doing so. [17:30]

Hebrews 10:26-27 (ESV): "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have been taking God's grace for granted, and how can you begin to realign with His will today?


Day 5: The Call to Action for the Church
The church is called to rise up as laborers in the harvest field, focusing on soul-winning and expanding the kingdom of God. Entertainment and worldly distractions must take a backseat to the work of the ministry, as we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This call to action requires dedication and a shift in priorities, as we strive to fulfill the Great Commission and lead others to Christ. [31:29]

Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

Reflection: What specific step can you take this week to prioritize soul-winning and contribute to the expansion of God's kingdom?

Quotes

Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set. If you ever see a landmark, if you ever see a pin driven into the ground, somebody put it there for a reason. The old saying is, if you ever see a turtle on a fence post, he didn't get there by himself. Whenever you see a fence post somewhere, somebody was setting a boundary line and they were saying, this is the boundary. [00:03:26] (41 seconds)


And God is okay setting boundaries, and he's okay enforcing them when you trespass. Because trespassing is to cross a boundary that's been set. And the Bible calls trespassing sin. When God puts up a boundary, it's not my job to decide whether I can cross it or not. Well, I think it's okay for me. [00:07:19] (25 seconds)


They're living on the mercy and the grace of God. The Bible says, should we sin because grace abounds? God forbid. Don't frustrate the grace of God. God's grace gives you opportunity, even when you're wandering. You're walking out on the end of the plank, and your life is about to fall apart. God says, I'm going to give them a little bit more time. [00:08:03] (22 seconds)


Do you realize God gave us a whole lot more time than we deserve? While we were sinners, he died for us. God's mercies are new every day, but there's something about God. There comes a point when he says enough is enough, and he removes his grace from our lives, and now we're not standing on anything except our own decisions. [00:08:27] (23 seconds)


The devil and nobody on earth can curse you because you're blessed. The devil can't take you out. The devil can't speak ill over you. If he does, it's going to come right back on his own head. The devil can't curse you and the people of this city and the people around you. You're blessed. [00:10:22] (21 seconds)


Job said I made a covenant with my eyes I'm not gonna look on a maid to lust after her you got to make a covenant with your eyes young men if you're gonna cleanse yourself from sin you're gonna have to flee youthful lusts you there there is no alternative to lust it's flee it flee it flee it flee it flee it [00:14:02] (23 seconds)


Because when you start exposing the enemy's lies, he cannot curse you. He cannot destroy you. But he can tempt you. He can lure you by your own lust and try to get you to take the bait. He can't make you do it. What's he after? He's after your purity. He's after your marriage. You know what he's really after? The next generation. [00:15:02] (29 seconds)


Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all the things will be added to you. All your clothing, your food, your protection, your house, your cars, your business is gonna be taken care of if you seek the kingdom. But if you let the world creep in, it's just gonna take over. Like the weeds that take over a garden, you gotta keep jerking them out and keep pressing yourself into the things of God. [00:36:17] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
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