Pushed or Pulled

Romans 7:14-25, Galatians 5:13-26, Mark 7:15-22

I: Man’s Heart a Battle Ground.
1. Out of the heart comes that which defiles a man.
2. Jesus knew that man was pushed by forces from within.
3. A demon possessed person was one that had been pushed too hard.
4. Man’s least advancement is found in this field.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said: “When two people are talking, there are in reality, six person’s involved. First there is you as I think you are, and I as you think I am, then there is you, you think you are and I as I think I am; Finally there are two more each of us as we really are.”

II: Pushed by Fleshy Desires.
1. The Alcoholic pushed by his desire.
2. The Libertine his lust.
3. The pleasure seeker that must have excitement.
4. The urge to control others.
5. The push to keep up with the Jones.
6. The urge to gamble.

III: The Results of a Flesh-controlled Life.
1. Pushed by hate, love dies.
2. Pushed by lust, you become dirty and cheap.
3. The dominating push soon meets firm opposition. “Assert yourself and you soon have no self to assert.”
4. Sin when it is full-grown brings death.

IV: Pulled by the Holy Spirit.
1. This is the greatest source of successful living.
2. Jesus likened this kind to a branch and the vine.
3. God always pulls, never pushes.
4. Love is the greatest pulling force of this life.

“And if I shall be lifted up, it will draw all men unto me.”