February 02, 2025

RIGHT WAY LIVING: LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE

February 2, 2025

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

So often we think that our generation does not have problems like previous generations, or conversely, that no one else has had it as rough as we do. Both of these assumptions are false, as is shown by today’s sermon from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church. These people lived in a city where the lifestyle of sin makes us shudder. For instance, the temple on top of the mount had one thousand prostitutes always available. Yet we have the internet, phones, or computers that will give us the same sinful scenarios in a second—in the privacy of our home, where no one sees. We can cite example after example of sin, wickedness, and so much more that we can partake in without others having a clue. Like Paul, we want to present a clear conscience to others. Let us conduct ourselves daily—when no one is looking—as godly as we do on Sundays.

Focal Passages: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24.

Live differently than anyone else:                                                                                                                 

  • Read 2 Cor. 1:12-14. Why did the Corinthians have a hard time living the Christian life? Was it so very different than times today? Name some issues that are prevalent in our society that were rampant then as well?
  • What was another word Paul could have used rather than boast? Why did he talk of how he, Silas, and Timothy had conducted themselves? What is the modern-day word parents use instead of conducted? What did he mean by “godly sincerity”?
  • What is fleshly wisdom? (It is the expression of sinful man’s revolt against the sovereignty of God in being and knowledge). Read Prov. 2:6-7. Where does godly wisdom come from? How does one live in godly wisdom?
  • Paul had lived at least eighteen months in the presence of the Corinthians; what would they have seen from his simplicity and godly wisdom that would have been different from their city friends? Do you think Paul lived with any regret?
  • Why did Paul say he had a clear conscience? If Christ walked into your house right now, would you be okay with that, or would you want to get rid of some things as fast as possible? Would you be embarrassed for Christ to see your movies or books?

Be ready to change:

  • Read verses 15-18, What is Paul saying in these two verses? Have you ever said you would do something for someone and then had to say you can’t? Is that always truthful, or do you make an excuse, wishing you had never committed yourself?
  • There is a phrase that used to be often added when we committed to do something; does anyone recall what it was? (If God is willing). How do we know whether a barrier is a challenge from Satan or a restraint from God?
  • How will we know if a change of plans has come from the Lord?

God’s ways are best for you:

  • Read vv. 19-20. Why did Paul call Jesus the “Son of God”? Who else had done so? Had there been anything in Paul’s actions or character that was contrary to his teaching and preaching? Think back to last week when we read of the perils he had undergone; why would he continue to follow Christ—when on every hand were people who would hurt him—if he was not completely sold out to Him?
  • Paul asks the question, does Jesus waffle on his promises? How do we know? Read Luke 1:70. Have His promises always been carried out?

God’s plan includes God’s presence:

  • Read verses 21-24. Do we have to worry that God will change His mind about us being saved? How do you know? What does the word sealed mean in vs. 22? What else has He done to make us His own?
  • Are we conscious all the day that the Holy Spirit is indwelling us, and therefore knows all we do, all we think, and all we say, good and bad? If you train yourself to be cognizant of this, what part of your behavior would it change? If we are aware the Holy Spirit is within us, how will that give us assurance that God is trustworthy?
  • Read Heb. 13:5. What promise from God do we have that we can believe? What does that mean to you?

Take Aways:
Spend more time being influenced by Him rather than by the world;                                                                                                                                                          Hold your plans loosely for He may change them;
Listen to the Spirit’s voice.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Close:

God’s presence is something we often take for granted—unfortunately. If we treated our spouse or our children with the same languid attitude, how would they take it? Yet the Holy Spirit is within us—even though we cannot understand it—and knows us intimately. Do we give Him a thought as we go about our day? Understandably, we are involved in tasks at home or work that take our complete attention, but even so, in the back of our mind we should be as aware of His presence as we would be of a friend who could be sitting in the living room. If you’ve ever cared for an aged parent, you know no matter what you are doing, you have an innate sense of their presence. You know where they are in the house, and probably, what they are doing. You know if you should be talking to them, or letting them be quiet. You can be at peace because you know the relationship between you is right and you are doing your best to see to their care. Granted, the Holy Spirit does not need our care, but you can still be sure the relationship is in a good place, that everything is right between you, and you are comfortable in and with His presence. He should be that real, at all times.

By Sandy Day
February 02, 2025

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