CHRISTIAN LIVING - LESSON 11

                                                                  TWO OPPOSING FORCES

   You will need your Bible and a pen & notebook to complete these lessons. You should be able to copy and paste these outlines to your word processor and print them without difficulty if you so desire. We recommend you record in your note book deep thoughts or questions that may arise as you study, and certainly record all things God reveals to your heart. Look over these notes frequently and use them even as you pray. God will cause you to grow in wisdom and understanding. Keep your note book with you throughout the day as much as possible to record all God reveals to you and to review the things you have learned. Look up all bible verses in this study. Highlight or mark them in your bible. It is Gods Word speaking directly to you.

   We also recommend you make a habit of memorizing a scripture each week. This not only helps get the Word deep in your heart, but is also an excellent mental exercise.

                                                                                        TWO OPPOSING FORCES

Much of our life can be summed up by the word 'busy'. Our culture heaps praises on the driven few who become super successful..When the

media admires an athlete or a business person for some magnificent accomplishment they often point to the sacrificing of all else that it took to accomplish such a feat. Movies also often build up the hero's ability to lay aside everything, and everyone, to win the battle and overcome all obstacles in their path.

They call it dedication. But, dedication doesn't have to require us to abandon all else in the pursuit of a goal, no matter how big an achievment we are attempting.   

                                                                                 

Often our culture is saying that the only way to success in a chosen field is to abandon all else?

Is it impossible to be a success in business and be happily married at the same time?

It seems as though many books, literary articles and movies would certainly imply that.

Let’s look at what God has to say about true success in life.

     The world system is based on selfishness, greed and living to take care of oneself and one’s own.
The Kingdom of God system is based on love, self sacrifice, helping others and living to be a servant and blessing.

Walking in love is not just an attempt to be nice to one another. It requires a complete change in lifestyle, drive, purpose and motivation. The natural tendencies toward selfishness must be replaced.

     Love is not something that can be manufactured, although it does take our decision to make the change toward it. Genuine, godly love requires a special diet for the heart and must be allowed to grow.

1. True success requires strength
Proverbs 10:29

The way of the Lord is strength for the upright.

- Living life God’s way makes us strong in all the right ways!
- Faith belongs to the believer, the lost don't have faith.
- Knowing God has your back brings strength & confidence.

- Walking in the Word gives life direction, purpose and meaningful goals.
* Christlikeness
* Eternity
* Victory over circumstances
All achievable goals to those who walk according to the Word

Psalm 84:11 For the Lord is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

~ Walking with God, in close relationship /fellowship with Him brings a strength and zeal to one's life.

2. Wisdom is the only pathway -
     Proverbs 8:12-21

Notice verse 13- The fear of the Lord is to HATE evil - We must work against it!

Perverse: Showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequences.

* Get involved in ministries teaching the truth - fighting evil - connect with them

Become part of what God is doing - Part of the solution

* You can get involved politically, fighting against those things God's Word declares are evil/wrong!

notice verse 17
I love those who love me (wisdom)
And those who seek me (wisdom) diligently will find me.

- Chase after learning God's way of living!
- School Of Faith .ca

notice verse 18
Riches and honor are with me (wisdom)

- We seek after wisdom from God and the other things (riches and honor) are with wisdom! A by-product or Fringe benefit!
- Just a Jesus said in Matthew 6:33

notice verse 19
The benefits are FAR BETTER than earthly wealth -

- The finest gold isn't found on the periodic table. It's not just au, or any other element.
Spirit filled Life and power are far more excellent than just earthly wealth.

Now verse 20
Wisdom is IN the way of righteousness!
Walking according to God's Word makes one rich in life!
Not just finances, but even in things of eternal weight and value!
*Peace
* Freedom
* love
* joy
*hope
*confidence
* health
* eternal life

3. Un-busy your life -
     Luke 10:40-42

Satan's greatest weapon - not sin, porn, sickness, rock music, movies or violent video games.

His greatest weapon has infiltrated the church since the beginning
- From the pastor to the janitor.
- every day we face it.
- You and I, same struggle

What is his greatest weapon?

Distraction!
Satan robs us of time with God! People are to busy!.

People ask why many Christians struggle?

Not the only reason but...
- each have 24 hours in a day

   choices

- Many say God is number 1 in their lives but is He really?

   *Time is His presence is paramount.

The 'Secret Place' of scripture is His presence!

Under His wings in the secret place!

     - Acting responsibly is good, but one must be able to set priorities.

- Our lifestyle is to be built around God’s Word. It is not good enough to just squeeze a little Word or prayer in here and there, when    

   convenient. That type of living will never bring God’s richest blessing and success or strength.

4. Godly success is the ONLY true success - Proverbs 10:6 & 24
    6- Blessing’s are on the head of the righteous…
    24- …and the desire of the righteous will be granted.

Didn't Jesus say " What good does it do a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?"

All the good God has is available to you today!

The peace
answered prayer
healed body
Healed marriage
joy,
freedom

and they only come through God.

Imitations in life exist, but with God they are temporary at best.

Conclusion: Man’s idea of success falls far short of God's blessing.
God’s way goes far beyond the natural and temporary needs of man, and deals with all our need, both on earth and after we leave here. Understanding this, it seems silly to even consider anything truly successful outside of God’s plan.

Real success leads one into a balanced life, with God at the head and family, responsibility, career and leisure in perfect harmony.
*Live life to the full

*Go after God's best!
Spend time with Him daily and walk in His presence

When you apply the Word of God you have learned and walk in His Word continually God has promised us His help in time of need and His presence in our lives. Be blessed, for those that seek Him, find Him and to those who knock, the door shall be opened.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU HAVE JUST COMPLETED LESSON ELEVEN, THE FINAL LESSON IN OUR YEAR ONE PROGRAM "CHRISTIAN LIVING". TWO OPPOSING FORCES
Much of our life can be summed up by the word “busy”.
Our culture heaps praises on the driven who become super successful.
When the media admires an athlete or a businessman for some magnificent accomplishment they often point to the sacrificing of all else that it took to accomplish such a feat.
Movies also often build up the hero’s ability to lay aside everything, and everyone, to win the battle and overcome all obstacles in their path.