Here is a recap of our message from this weekend...

YOUNITED: The Enemy In Me

In the second week of the "YOUNITED" series, Pastor Jared dives into the often-overlooked reality that the biggest obstacles to unity and peace lie within ourselves. Using James 4:1-3 as the foundation, the sermon titled "The Enemy in Me" highlights the importance of identifying and addressing internal conflicts that fuel external quarrels.

Weekly Bible Study List

1. James 4:1-3 (NIV): "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?"
2. Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV): "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."
3. Philippians 4:7 (NIV): "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
4. Matthew 6:10 (NIV): "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

3 TRUTHS ABOUT UNHEALTHY DESIRES & CONFLICT

1. The Root of Conflict is Selfish Desire - Pastor Jared begins by explaining that at the heart of all conflicts is a clash of desires. Whether it's control, recognition, or power, these desires cause friction, not just externally but internally. He draws a parallel to Cain and Abel, showing how Cain’s unchecked desire led to devastating consequences. Our unchecked desires can similarly become destructive if we don't bring them before God.
2. Unhealthy Desires Lead to Unhealthy Actions - Moving deeper into James 4:2, Pastor Jared emphasizes how unhealthy desires can manifest in harmful actions. Even if we don’t physically harm others, our words and attitudes can damage relationships and trust. Drawing from Saul’s jealousy of David, the message reminds us that when we let our desires go unchecked, they can lead to irrational and destructive behavior, even to the point of pushing us outside of God’s will.
3. Unhealthy Motives Lead to Unanswered Prayer - The sermon concludes with a challenge from James 4:3: We often fail to receive from God because we come with the wrong motives. Pastor Jared warns against treating prayer as a way to get what we want, rather than seeking alignment with God’s will. Authentic prayer is about seeking God’s transformation in our hearts. Only when our motives are pure can we experience the full blessings of God.

From Sermon to Action

Pastor Jared concluded by urging us to identify one area in our life where we have been seeking control or recognition. Surrender this desire to God in prayer and ask Him to align our heart with His will. Practice praising God daily, regardless of our circumstances, and observe how it transforms our perspective.

Worship Setlist

1. O Mighty Ones
2. Firm Foundation (He Won't)
3. Great Are You Lord

Notable Sermon Quotes to Repost on Social Media

1. "Sometimes the greatest enemy in our lives is ourselves."
2. "The longer I focus on what's around me instead of what's inside me, I never deal with the root issue for my lack of peace."
3. "At the center of every fight is a clash of desires."
4. "Unchecked desires can become destructive when we fail to bring them before God."
5. "True prayer is not about getting from God; it’s about aligning with God."
6. "God is not in the business of wasting His blessing on people who only want to glorify themselves."
7. "Choose to be a peacemaker rather than someone who needs to win."

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