“LEAD ME”
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:24
Belief test
1.Do you believe that the devil or Satan is not real but a symbol of evil?
2.Do you believe that all religious faiths teach equally valid truth?
3.Do you believe that Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Jews and all other people pray to the same god, even though they use different names for god?
4.Do you believe if people are generally good, or does enough good things for others during his or her life, they will earn a place in heaven?
5.Do you believe when Christ was on earth he committed sins, like other people?
You would be surprised how many people (youth especially) answers these questions contrary to what we would expect a Christian to answer. This goes to the fact that many have allowed the views of the world to infiltrate their belief system. Last week I posted the “Search Me” notes. This is important for us to allow God to show us ourselves so that we can see if our beliefs are in line with a godly view or a secular worldview. Below are some of the lies we allow ourselves to embrace and the truth that will set us free from those beliefs.
VIEWS
ABOUT TRUTH
Lies the world says
You cannot know what is true. Truth is relative; there is no absolute truth.
What God says
God is truth. His Word is the standard for truth.
Psalm 119:142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true
Lies the world says
Lying is sometimes good or best. White lies are okay.
What God says
God hates lies
Proverbs 6:16-17 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
ABOUT LANGUAUGE
Lies the world says
You must tolerate contradictory views; don’t speak against the opinions of others.
What God says
Fear God and not man
Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Lies the world says
Swearing is okay. Vulgar langage can be funny.
What God says
Do not swear speak only words that build others up
Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
ABOUT PRIDE
Lies the world says
Take pride in yourself and your talents (in a self righteous manner).
What God says
God is the source of all your talents
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Lies the world says
You can do anything you set your mind to
What God says
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you
Phil 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength
VIEW OF SELF
Lies the world says
Think of yourself first
What God says
Treat others the way you wish to be treated
Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
VIEW OF AUTHORITY
Lies the world says
Questions authority
What God says
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Lies the world says
Not all rules apply to you.
What God says
God has established the authority in our lives
Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Lies the world says
Respect those that respect you and those who treat you well.
What God says
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Romans 12:1-3 (The Message)
Place Your Life Before God
1-2 So here's what I want you to do, (God helping you): Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
3 key points:
1.Make a commitment to God.
2.Be a living sacrifice to God.
3.Respond to the will of God.
Final points:
= Go to the word of God for direction and the right way to think (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
= Apply the truth of the word to your life (Matthew 7:21).
= Pray
Make these commitments:
•Evaluate your current beliefs and values
•Form personal and biblical convictions
•Depend on God to help you as you seek to apply the truth to your life.
Why, because God took the time to form you in your mother’s womb, therefore he wants to direct your life, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made!
