Lesson 2: Priorities and Principles

[!NOTE]

Lesson Overview

Daily Reading Schedule:

• Thursday: Matthew 22:34-40
• Friday: Romans 13:11-14
• Saturday: 1 Peter 1:13-25
• Sunday: Matthew 7:24-29
• Monday: Colossians 4:2-6
• Tuesday: 1 Thessalonians 2:11-14

Lead Scripture:
1 Peter 2:11-12: “Beloved, I beg you as

sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

Establishing Priorities

When we become Christians, our priorities mu st change. We must no longer be like those who have no direction, no goal, and no hope. We must place a single goal above all others: serving God. In earthly goal setting, we establish a goal and chart a path to reach that goal. Consider the example on the right. If we set a goal to get a particular type of job, we would chart a path that might include several supporting goals. We must reach the supporting goals to reach our primary goal. In the astr onaut example, when we have met the physical and educational requirements, we are ready to pursue the job. I doubt if anyone approaches their goal of serving God in this way and it would be exceedingly difficult to do in all areas of life. However, if we identify characteristics that must define our lives as Christians, we can also deci de specific actions that would develop these characteristics. For example, as a Christian I realize that considering Hebrews 5:12- 14 and 1 Peter 2:2, I must grow in the knowledge of God. I can set goals from generic supporting goals to specific actions to lead me to those goals:

Questions for Discussion & Study

1. I will read the Bible daily according to the daily Bible reading schedule in my Bible.

2. I will study a particular New Testament book in detail each month (general goal).

   • 2.1. I will study the book of John in January (specific goal).
   • 2.1.
   • 1. I will outline the book of John.
   • 2.1.
   • 2. I will define difficult words.
   • 2.1.

3. … Goal: Become an Astronaut Tasks/Subtasks:

   • 1. Talk to NASA to determine the physical requirements.
   • 1.1. If I do not fit into those requirements, determine if there are any exceptions.
   • 1.1.
   • 1. If no exceptions, must make career change (END).
   • 2. Determine the educational requirements.
   • 2.1. Find a school that will provide the proper training.
   • 2.1.
   • 1. Apply for school.
   • 2.1.
   • 2. Register for class.
   • 2.1.
   • 3. Take classes The list would continue until all requirements are met and would include job search and interviewing goals. We could add many tasks to the above example. However, we must not be so grandiose in our plans that we create unrealistic expectations. We have many things in both the spiritual and physical worlds that need our attention, altho ugh the spiritual must ta ke priority. We must “redeem the time” to be good stewards of each passing day. With forethought, we can make simple daily changes that will help us grow in Ch rist. To build a great life, we simply need to add to our work each day. Guiding Principles The New Testament does not give many specific “do” and “don’ts ” as in the Old Testament. There are many specific commands, but we must ma ke most of our decisi ons using principles established in the word of God. We do not have a specific command: “T hou shalt not cheat on your federal income tax form.” Nevertheless, we do have the princi ples of honesty, fairness, and “paying taxes to whom taxes are due” in the scri ptures. The Bible does not outline specifics on our apparel (how long, how tight or loose, etc.) but does command us to be modest, able to blush, not to incite others to lust, and wear clothing that reflects godlin ess, not worldliness. Through an honest application of these principles, we can determine what is proper attire. Some will say, “But the Bible doesn’t say not to” when trying to defend something that may have no specific restriction but is against the very principles of Christianity. Does the defendant believe in a loophole that will allow his behavior to pass on the Day of Judgment? There are things that might be good that are forbidden in certain circumst ances such as eating meat in 1 Corinthians 8:13. Eating meat offe red to an idol is not wrong unless it causes my brother to stumble. As Christians, we must grow to maturity so we can use the word of God to make decisions in our lives. We must pursue or avoi d some things based on genera l principles of godliness and holiness. The Bible does not tell us what specific movies to watch, books to read, music to listen to, or TV programs to watch. We are given principles that must guide our thoughts: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, what ever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things,” Philippians 4:8. Some may be frustrated since there are not many “thou shalt” and “thou shalt not’s” in the New Testament (note: The Old Test ament had guiding principles as well: Matthew 22:34-40). However, God is trying to make us better people, not just individuals w ho can read a checklist and do what is commanded. God did not create us to check off a list of commands but to transform us into Christ-like creatures that want to be godly, holy, and useful for every good work. We must guide our mind by principles in addition to following specific commands. You will find no book of the New Testament that list s all of these principles. The principles are spread throughout the Bible, are seen in the life of Christ, and are the very fabric from which the Christian life is made. By daily study and pract ice, we can learn the pr inciples and the thought processes that must guide our daily decisions.
   • 1. Describe the general and specific goals that would accomplish the following: Show my love and concern for my sick brethren Strengthen my prayer life Be the type of (husband/wife/child) that God wants me to be
   • 2. What are some sacrifices that might be necessary to have more time to accomplish these goals?
   • 3. How do we learn the principles that must guide our lives? How long will it take?