TODAY IS THE DAY to get rid of baggage

1 Peter 1:12 – the Bible is God-breathed on its authors & into believers as they read, study, and memorize it

Logos – the written Word – 1 Peter 1:23

Rhema – the Living Word in Action – 1 Peter 1:25

-The Lord can do anything.  He is UNSTOPPABLE…

-The believer has to do their part in getting rid of baggage

THE BELIEVER MUST COOPERATE WITH THE LORD

Verse 14 – obey – submit to Jesus and His Word

Lay aside – means to push away from you…Is a deliberate decision…

-is continual…it is the picture of removing clothes that do not fit

HOW DO WE LAY ASIDE BAGGAGE?

1. Realize you have some baggage – Matthew 7:1-5

-baggage represents issues and sins that we struggle with

-admit we have baggage – ME IS ME PROBLEM

-put away hypocrisy – this means to play the part of an actor

-don’t judge/don’t push people away because of their baggage

2. IMMEDIATELY AT SALVATION WE LOSE SOME BAGGAGE – Matthew 4:19 and 1 Peter 1:15-16

-We bring some of our old life into our new life

-we have some work to do – Phil 2:13-14

-church participation does not determine our level of discipleship

-Believers determine how fast they grow and how much baggage comes off

-start working out and never stop, which means to abide, be filled, walk in the Spirit, and spend time with Jesus Christ every day

3. THERE IS A SOLUTION TO GET RID OF BAGGAGE – Mark 5:25-34

-it is going after Jesus, who is UNSTOPPABLE

-Jesus will help you, and He will also show you the many ways available to you to give you some help to get rid of your baggage

-Getting rid of baggage is a process and takes time