James 4:17 (NIV) A. Remove The Obstacles Matthew 13:18-23 (NIV) i) Be Rooted in Right Priorities • Received but not interacting with the Word. • Problem is because it has no roots. • This heart cannot develop roots because too many stones are in the way. • These stones represent your priorities. ii) Be Reassured With The Right Security • Thorns are the worries and the false security of wealth in life. • This group is more connected than Stony Heart. • As the Word of God tries to grow, it is choked out by the many thorns they collected. B. Run Away From Sin 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV) "Flee the evil desires of youth..." • Constantly stuck in Repentance is because we don't run away from sin! • The word "flee" means to move quickly away from danger because of fear, to escape from punishment. • So, can tell if someone is serious about sin. • Won't be lingering around sin. • If we understand the danger of sin, we would do anything to flee, even if that costs us. • We won't think about how inconvenient it is to change. C. Run after righteousness 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV) "...pursue righteousness..." • Growth comes from pursuing a goal, not just running away from something. • To "pursue", you need a vision, a dream of the future. • People with no dreams live aimless lives. • They never get anywhere. • A dreamless life is a destructive life. • Get a Kingdom Dream! • Then work out your Path to Celebration. • God gave us a dream - to be like Christ. • That should a lifelong dream. • But you should exhibit qualities of Christlikeness as you grow older.