Taking It to the Limit

  • Pastor David Hillis
  • Dec 30, 2007
  • Series: Living within the Margins

LIVING WITHIN THE MARGINS

“Take it to the Limit”

Pastor David Hillis

December 30, 2007

Margin is breathing room...a little extra that isn’t being used up. It’s the reserves that are available beyond what is actually needed.

God rested to set the example “On the seventh day, having finished his task, God rested from all of his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from his work of creation.” - Genesis 2:2-3 (New Living Translation, emphasis added)

God told the people again, so they would get it “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then He rested on the seventh day. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.” - Exodus 20:8-11 (New Living Translation, emphasis added)

God’s plan for financial margin with the Israelites

1. One-tenth to go to the temple, or church. (Leviticus 27, Deuteronomy18)

2. Every third year, give an additional 10% to care for the orphans, widows, and aliens among them.(Deuteronomy 14)

3. Hold back one-tenth more to enjoy on yourself and your family.

Implications of marginless lives:

1. Marginless lives are ______________ lives.

2. Marginless lives are ______________ lives.

3. As stress increases and joy decreases, our focus ____________.

4. As our focus narrows, our _________________ suffer.

5. Marginless lives are ______________ lives.

“Zeal without knowledge is not good. A person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way.” — Proverbs 19:2 (New Living Translation)

Where to start having margin:

1. Be _______and be ________about the preacher.

2. Examine your _____________________________.

3. Pay attention to your __________________and pursue _____________.

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” — Philippians 4:11-12 (New Living Translation, emphasis added)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” — Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message, emphasis added)

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