If your faith isn’t Challenging you, it’s not changing you.
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 1 Peter 1:13-17
Don’t trade Holiness for Happiness or Selfishness.
Putting ourselves first is one of the most natural things we do.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud … lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Hágios—holy, set apart, different, pure.
So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. 1 Peter 1:14
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Jesus Didn’t Call Us To ...
Promote ourselves, but to Humble ourselves.
Pamper ourselves, but to Deny ourselves.
Serve ourselves, but to Serve others.
Put ourselves first, but to put ourselves Last.
Seek our pleasure, but to pursue God’s Purpose.
… Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew16:24
Discussion Questions:
Which part of the message was most impactful for you and why?
In which three areas do you struggle most trying to fit in?
When was a time you put your happiness above God’s call for holiness?
In what area of your life are you loving yourself more than loving God and loving others? What is God calling you to do about it?
What are the biggest ways that I’m different from the world?
What is the area that God wants me to be different?
"Your people will proclaim your praise to all generations, O God!" Psalm 79:13
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