Scripture References

MATTHEW 19:16-22

LUKE 14:16-24

HOW TO MAKE SURE MONEY/POSSESSIONS IS IN A PERIPHERAL PLACE IN OUR MINDS AND NOT THE CENTER FOCUS OF OUR EXISTENCE.

1. POSSESSIONS PROMISE SECURITY THEY CANNOT DELIVER.. The first man says, “I have bought a field.” In the ancient world, land was retirement, inheritance, wealth, and stability all rolled into one. Jesus isn’t condemning ownership; He’s exposing misplaced trust. The Rich Young Ruler had obeyed the commandments, but when Jesus touched his possessions, his true allegiance was revealed. The question is not whether you own things—the question is whether your things have become the place you run for security instead of God.

2. POSSESSIONS DEMAND ATTENTION THEY DO NOT DESERVE.. The Rich Young Ruler wasn’t condemned because he was rich; he walked away because he could not imagine life without what he owned. Notice how both the ruler and the man in Luke 14 are distracted by possessions. One must go inspect a field; the other cannot release his wealth to follow Jesus. It is possible for God to have your affection while possessions have your attention. Whatever constantly occupies your mind will eventually shape the direction of your life.

3. THE KINGDOM REQUIRES SURRENDER, NOT JUST BELIEF.. Both stories involve people who wanted God without releasing control. The Rich Young Ruler wanted eternal life but not at the cost of his possessions. The invited guests wanted the benefits of the feast but prioritized their own agendas when the invitation arrived. Jesus is showing that discipleship is not merely believing the King exists; it is reordering everything beneath His rule. The issue is not how much money you have—it is whether money has a claimed sole focus of your existence.

Submitted and Un-submitted Appetites pt 3: MARSHMALLOWS AND THE CHOICE BETWEEN HEAVENLY AND EARTHLY POWER

Fixate Phx - Pastor Micah Schoeplein June 21st, 2026

Scripture References:

MATTHEW 4:8-11

MARK 10:35-45

1. ALLEGIANCE DETERMINES THE SOURCE OF POWER. The greatest question about power is not what you can do with it, but where you believe it comes from. Jesus was offered the kingdoms of the world, but refused to gain power at the cost of false allegiance. Earthly power tempts us to compromise for quicker results, greater recognition, or more control by asking us to worship fallen things. Heavenly power begins with surrender, trusting God’s timing and God’s ways. Before God entrusts us with influence, He first tests our allegiance… and the worst thing that can happen is when you have influence but do not know where your allegiance is..

2. Earthly power produces pride; humility determines how well we handle power. Throughout Scripture, the temptation of power is ultimately the temptation of pride. Whether it was Satan offering Jesus the world, the disciples debating who would be greatest, or rulers believing they were the source of their own authority.. earthly power consistently feeds pride, self-reliance, and arrogance. Heavenly power works in the opposite direction—it produces surrender, dependence, and humility before God. It recognizes that every position, opportunity, and measure of influence is entrusted by God and ultimately belongs to Him.

3. Trust God’s sovereignty more than human authority. Scripture repeatedly shows that God raises up kings and removes them. Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Babylon, and Rome all seemed permanent, yet every earthly power eventually faded. Our hope is not in who sits on an earthly throne, but in the God who rules over every throne. Power is not just about earthly thrones of others we swear allegiance to, it's also about the thrones we seek to build in hopes people swear allegiance to us.. Submitted power is the recognition that any power I have is borrowed from Jesus.

Scripture References:

1 COR 6:12-13; 18-20

PHILLIPIANS 3:17-21

MATTHEW 4:1-4–

LUKE 24:41-43

HOW TO SUBMIT WHAT THE ENEMY TRIES TO EXPLOIT

1. Appetite Is a Gift but a Terrible God.. God created hunger, desire, and appetite as good gifts. The problem isn’t that we have appetites; it’s when our appetites begin impulsively directing our lives instead of serving God’s purposes. Paul's warning to Philippians is that some people make their appetite their god, allowing cravings and impulses to become their highest authority. Every person serves something, and one of the easiest idols to miss is the one we carry around in our own body. A submitted life asks, “Am I leading my appetites, or are my appetites leading me?”.

2. What You Feed Grows, What You Starve Weakens. In Matthew 4, Jesus shows us that spiritual strength is forged through physical restraint. The temptation wasn’t merely about bread—it was about whether physical desire would dictate His decisions. Every appetite becomes stronger when constantly indulged and will always weaken when it is only occasionally denied. Fasting is not punishment, nor is it a way to earn God’s favor; it is training our craving to submit. Every time we tell our flesh “not now,” we are teaching our spirit to say “yes” to God.

3. Your Body Is a Tool for Worship, Not an Object to Worship. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and were purchased at a great price. The Christian response is neither neglect of the body nor obsession with it, but faithful stewardship. Our culture swings between indulgence and image worship, but Scripture calls us to something better. We care for our bodies not because they define our worth or affirm existence, but because they belong to God. The goal is not a perfect physique; the goal is a life that glorifies God in both spirit and body.