MOUNTAINSIDE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
TRADE SECRETS
Locations & Times
Mountainside Assembly of God
1900 Trevorton Rd, Coal Township, PA 17866, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
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https://mountainsideag.comTrade Secrets
Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:21-5:2
Introduction: The Trade Secret of Jesus
Just as businesses have trade secrets for success, Jesus has a trade secret: we exchange our old selves for new selves. This transformation happens not by human effort but through experiencing God's love and walking in His way. This morning, we explore how to "walk in the way of love" (Ephesians 5:2).
The Business of Trade Secrets
In business, trade secrets provide a competitive edge. In faith, the trade secret of Jesus is an open invitation to exchange old ways for new life. This exchange transforms our lives—not for worldly success, but for a life filled with God's love.
Why Some Believers Stay the Same
Many believers remain in "Bob 1.0" or "Mary 1.0" mode, holding onto anger, fear, and old habits. The transformation isn’t about "getting our act together" but about receiving and responding to God's love. The Holy Spirit initiates the upgrade in us.
Walking in the Way of Love
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)— "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
The Way of Love in the Early Church:
Acts 9:2; Acts 19:9, 23; Acts 24:14—Early Christians were known as "The Way."
Their lifestyle was distinct:
Shared resources (Acts 2:44-45)
Daily worship and fellowship (Acts 2:46)
Devoted to the apostles’ teachings (Acts 2:42)
Cared for widows, orphans, and the poor (Acts 6:1-7)
Practiced hospitality (Romans 12:13)
Prioritized forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 6:14-15)
Lived morally upright lives (Ephesians 4:17-32)
Remained joyful even in persecution (Acts 5:41)
Maintained unity in love (John 13:34-35)
Matthew 7:13-14— The way of love is the narrow road leading to life.
Obligation vs. Opportunity
The early Christians had a choice: obligation or opportunity? Ephesians 4:22-24 calls us to "take off the old self, be made new in attitude, and put on the new self." This trade is not about self-help but exchanging temporary for eternal, death for life.
Two Mindsets:
Mindset of Obligation
Actions driven by external pressure and duty. Leads to resentment and burnout.
Mindset of Opportunity
Actions driven by love and gratitude. Leads to joy and spiritual fulfillment.
Examples:
Volunteering: "I have to serve." OR "I get to serve."
Prayer: "I should pray." OR "I get to pray."
Giving: "I have to tithe." OR "I get to give joyfully."
Bible Reading: "I should read my Bible." OR "I get to hear from God."
Work: "I have to work." OR "I get to use my talents."
Kindness: "I should help." OR "I get to show God’s love."
Making the Trade
Ephesians 4:25-32— Practical trades:
Trade falsehood→ Speak truthfully
Trade anger→ Seek reconciliation
Trade stealing→ Work and share generously
Trade unwholesome talk→ Speak words of encouragement
Trade bitterness and rage→ Show kindness and forgiveness
Personal Application: What Do You Need to Trade?
Are you holding onto bitterness, fear, worry, or old habits? Are you still "Bob 1.0" or "Mary 1.0" when God offers you 2.0 and beyond?
Prayer of Exchange:
"God, I give you my ____, and in return will You give me ____?"
Anger → Healing
Loneliness → Community
Fear → Courage
Anxiety → Peace
Doubt → Faith
Pain → Comfort
Bitterness → Forgiveness
Pride → Humility
Obligation → Opportunity
C.S. Lewis: “We are far too easily pleased.”
What are you holding onto that God is asking you to trade?
Conclusion
The way of love is a choice. Will you trade the broad road of self and obligation for the narrow road of love and opportunity? God invites you to step into a new mindset and a new life. Will you accept the trade?
Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:21-5:2
Introduction: The Trade Secret of Jesus
Just as businesses have trade secrets for success, Jesus has a trade secret: we exchange our old selves for new selves. This transformation happens not by human effort but through experiencing God's love and walking in His way. This morning, we explore how to "walk in the way of love" (Ephesians 5:2).
The Business of Trade Secrets
In business, trade secrets provide a competitive edge. In faith, the trade secret of Jesus is an open invitation to exchange old ways for new life. This exchange transforms our lives—not for worldly success, but for a life filled with God's love.
Why Some Believers Stay the Same
Many believers remain in "Bob 1.0" or "Mary 1.0" mode, holding onto anger, fear, and old habits. The transformation isn’t about "getting our act together" but about receiving and responding to God's love. The Holy Spirit initiates the upgrade in us.
Walking in the Way of Love
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)— "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
The Way of Love in the Early Church:
Acts 9:2; Acts 19:9, 23; Acts 24:14—Early Christians were known as "The Way."
Their lifestyle was distinct:
Shared resources (Acts 2:44-45)
Daily worship and fellowship (Acts 2:46)
Devoted to the apostles’ teachings (Acts 2:42)
Cared for widows, orphans, and the poor (Acts 6:1-7)
Practiced hospitality (Romans 12:13)
Prioritized forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 6:14-15)
Lived morally upright lives (Ephesians 4:17-32)
Remained joyful even in persecution (Acts 5:41)
Maintained unity in love (John 13:34-35)
Matthew 7:13-14— The way of love is the narrow road leading to life.
Obligation vs. Opportunity
The early Christians had a choice: obligation or opportunity? Ephesians 4:22-24 calls us to "take off the old self, be made new in attitude, and put on the new self." This trade is not about self-help but exchanging temporary for eternal, death for life.
Two Mindsets:
Mindset of Obligation
Actions driven by external pressure and duty. Leads to resentment and burnout.
Mindset of Opportunity
Actions driven by love and gratitude. Leads to joy and spiritual fulfillment.
Examples:
Volunteering: "I have to serve." OR "I get to serve."
Prayer: "I should pray." OR "I get to pray."
Giving: "I have to tithe." OR "I get to give joyfully."
Bible Reading: "I should read my Bible." OR "I get to hear from God."
Work: "I have to work." OR "I get to use my talents."
Kindness: "I should help." OR "I get to show God’s love."
Making the Trade
Ephesians 4:25-32— Practical trades:
Trade falsehood→ Speak truthfully
Trade anger→ Seek reconciliation
Trade stealing→ Work and share generously
Trade unwholesome talk→ Speak words of encouragement
Trade bitterness and rage→ Show kindness and forgiveness
Personal Application: What Do You Need to Trade?
Are you holding onto bitterness, fear, worry, or old habits? Are you still "Bob 1.0" or "Mary 1.0" when God offers you 2.0 and beyond?
Prayer of Exchange:
"God, I give you my ____, and in return will You give me ____?"
Anger → Healing
Loneliness → Community
Fear → Courage
Anxiety → Peace
Doubt → Faith
Pain → Comfort
Bitterness → Forgiveness
Pride → Humility
Obligation → Opportunity
C.S. Lewis: “We are far too easily pleased.”
What are you holding onto that God is asking you to trade?
Conclusion
The way of love is a choice. Will you trade the broad road of self and obligation for the narrow road of love and opportunity? God invites you to step into a new mindset and a new life. Will you accept the trade?
