4 – Comparison

Theme Verse: “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

Christ hasn’t called us to want other people’s lives, or to compare our lives to theirs; He has called us to follow Him.

“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” ¹⁹ Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God.… Read the rest

3 – Criticism

Theme Verse: “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…”  (Hebrews 12:2)

We can either focus on what people who don’t really know us think about us, or we can focus on what God, who has always known us, thinks about us.

“Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by ⁶⁷ and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.… Read the rest

2 – Circumstances

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

Big Idea:When all you can see are your circumstances, you miss out on what Jesus is doing all around you.

“Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. ²³ After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. ²⁴ Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. … Read the rest

1 – Character

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2)

Big Idea: If all we focus on is how we measure up, we will never be able to have a relationship with Jesus. But if we take our eyes off of ourselves, and begin to look at Jesus, He can show us what a relationship with Him will do for us.

“One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. … Read the rest

3 – Our Greatest Love

Speaking about Jesus (the ways of Jesus) into other people’s lives in a way that shows God’s love for them.

Who or what is your greatest love? What do you give most of your time, energy, money and attention to?

1. We all have idols.

“So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, ²³ for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.” (Acts 17:22-23)

Contemporary idols: possessions, careers, relationships, hobbies, sports, entertainment, goals, greed, addictions to alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, etc.… Read the rest

2 – Words in Action

Theme for Week 1: Speak the truth in love.

Truths about truths…

• Truth is Honesty.

“ But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (John 3:21)

Stop DOING things you think Christians should do and start BEING a follower of Jesus.

• Truth is Freedom.

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32-32)

Being a Christ follower isn’t about obeying the rules, but about living in freedom from sin.

1- Bold Words

Ways Jesus calls us to engage culture…

1. 1. Be a bold witness for Jesus.
   2. Demonstrate a visible love for each other.

“Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. ² As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.⁴ Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. … Read the rest

5 – Thinking About Your Future

TWO WAYS TO LOOK AT SEX:

1. Small Picture = NOW
2. Big Picture = FUTURE

AREAS IN LIFE TO LOOK AT WHEN THINKING ABOUT THESE OPPOSING VIEWS:

SPIRITUAL

“Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 14:1)

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.  Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable.” (Hebrews 4:13)

“They knew God, but they wouldn’t worship Him as God or even give Him thanks.  They began to think of foolish ideas of what God was like.  As a result, their minds became dark and confused, claiming to be wise [as so many people in here are doing], they instead became utter fools. … Read the rest

4 – Living in a Fantasy World

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15)

“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)

“For years, years, years, my dirty little secret was that I was addicted to pornography.  It really, really messed up my life in a lot of ways. Every man out there desires intimacy. Every time you look at pornography, it’s a desire for intimacy. You are trying to fight your feelings of being alone by filling it with pornography in an attempt to feel like you are with someone and you know someone.… Read the rest

2 – Image Isn’t Everything

Messages from culture…

1.  Sex before marriage is normal.

“He [Adam] gave names to all the livestock, birds, and wild animals.  But still there was no companion suitable for him.  He’s naming all these animals and then God says, “There’s no companion for you.  Let’s create one.”  “So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.  Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man. … Read the rest