June 3, 2018

Keys to Living Right
June 03, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Reading the Instruction Sheets that come with a new DIY piece of furniture is a prudent step. Often, however, we feel we are sensible enough to navigate the task of assembly without the need for the instructions. Can you think of an example and tell what occurred?

The past two weeks we have looked at the work of the Holy Spirit in witnessing and in speaking. Today we will look at Psalm 119, as we are presented with the “keys” to a life of joy.

Focal Passage: Psalm 119:9-16

 

Discuss:

Obey His Word

  • How would you describe the Bible to someone who is unfamiliar with it?
  • Read verse Psalm 119:9. What does the word “psalms” mean? In the section of Scripture called “Psalms,” who did they magnify?
  • If you answered question one by saying the Bible is God’s instruction manual for believers, so that their lives can be empowered by and glorify Him, you would have been correct. Read Romans 10:17 and Heb. 11:6. How does one get the faith to believe that God exists?

Seek Him

  • Read verse 10. If you were an unbeliever, not in church, how would you begin to search for God?
  • What is the promise God has given in Deut. 4:29? Does anyone remember how the Greek was translated in describing how the Psalmist had searched for God? Why would we actively seek Him with our entire being?

Memorize Scripture

  • Read verse 11. When are we tempted to sin? Read Rom. 6:11-14. Why should we NOT sin? What can keep us from obeying the lusts of the flesh?
  • Read Heb. 4:12. If God’s Word is living (and God says it is!) and we have it in our heart, will it be present with us when we want to run from sin? How?
  • Read Deut. 6:6-8. Can anyone relate their experience with teaching their young children to memorize Scripture?

Worship Him

  • Read verses 12, 13. What are some ways in which we worship God? Are there other things in your life that you worship? If so, what are they?
  • Read 1 Cor. 10:31. Why should we give God worship?

 Find Joy in Following

  • Read verses 14-16. What are some of the joys you experience from following Christ as your Savior?  Are you following Him? If you are not, He’s not that “big of a deal” for you, is He?
  • Read 1 Pet. 1:6-9. Is this the testimony of your life?

 

Key thoughts: Just as a parent sets boundaries for his child, every boundary that God has set around us is there to give us the best life possible. Does this truth bring you amazing happiness? Find joy in following Jesus Christ, as it leads to the happiest life that is possible.

 

 

Close

Peter—that brash, often outspoken disciple—was a different man after seeing Jesus in His resurrected body. He became a bold testifier of the faith, and his letters were filled with nuggets of gold. In chapter 3 of his first letter, he writes that if we want to love life and see good days, we should keep our tongues from evil, and our lips from speaking deceit. Last week we learned that controlling the tongue is one of the hardest virtues to acquire, but we are to strive for it. He goes on to say that we should turn away from evil and do good; to seek peace and pursue it (in fact, run after it). In his second letter, he says that God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, and His word is filled with “exceedingly great and precious promises”

Reading these short passages from the small books of 1 and 2 Peter, we can see that Peter summarizes the sermon for today: we are to obey the Word, to seek God’s way within the Scripture, memorize it, worship Him for Who He is, and find joy in following His way, so that we have life and godliness. Do these guidelines illustrate your lifestyle? As said in question 11, if He’s not first and foremost in your life, then He’s not that big of a deal to you. Another statement heard today from a believer was “if my iPad dings to say I haven’t clicked on my Scripture app in three days, I know I need to read some!” Would your family be okay if you only spoke to them every few days? Probably not. Timothy reminds us that we are to flee sin, and pursue (run after) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness (1 Tim. 6:10-12.) Let’s make new commitments to pick up these “keys to living” and live a life of righteousness.

 

 

 

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