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STRENGTHENING YOUR GRIP

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)

https://dailyverses.net/1-corinthians/16/13

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Summer 2017

So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Page

Æ On PRIORITIES ............................................. 2

Æ On INVOLVEMENT ....................................... 4

Æ On ENCOURAGEMENT ................................. 6

Æ On PURITY ..................................................... 7

Æ On MONEY ..................................................... 8

Æ On INTEGRITY .............................................. 10

Æ On PRAYER .................................................... 12

Æ On ATTITUDES .............................................. 14

Æ On LEISURE ................................................... 16

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ON PRIORITIES

Text: Luke 14: 15-33; Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 10:38-42

Don’t let the urgent take the place of the important in your life.

1. Make a list of urgent things in your life:

2. Make a list of important things: (Put an asterisk (*) next to those things that regularly get neglected in your life.)

3. Now from reading the texts listed above, what is the Lord’s definition of the difference between the urgent and important things?

List ways that you can keep the urgent from taking the place of the important:

In what ways could you change your schedule or your way of living to make room for these priorities?

Helpful Hint: Charles Hummel writes in his book, Tyranny of the Urgent, “You may also find it necessary to resist the temptation to accept an engagement when the invitation first comes over the telephone. No matter how clear the calendar may look at the moment, ask for a day or two to pray for guidance before committing yourself. Surprisingly, the engagement often appears less imperative after the pleading voice has become silent. If you can withstand the urgency of the initial moment, you will be in a better position to weigh the cost and discern whether the task is God’s will for you.”

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Evaluate the following statements:

1. Ironically, the busier you get the more you need daily quiet time and weekly time for spiritual inventory.

2. People should be far more important than rigid rules and demanding expectations. (I Thessalonians 2:1-12)

Discuss in depth how the “people” in our lives need to be a priority.

THIS WEEK: Ask your spouse, or someone close to you, if there are areas they see in your life that you do not see in which priorities are being neglected.

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ON INVOLVEMENT

Text: Ephesians 4:7-16; I Corinthians 12:14-27; Romans 12:9-21

List the main points that pertain to involvement from each of these texts.

Ephesians 4:7-16

I Corinthians 12:14-27

Romans 12:9-21

What do you see as the importance of involvement?

Definition (Webster): “To draw in as a participant, to relate closely, to connect, to include.”

Complete this sentence: “When we involve ourselves with someone we:

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

List reasons why involvement is important in the following areas:

MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY: _______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

OTHER CHRISTIANS: ________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

NON-CHRISTIANS: __________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

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Comment on how the following traits are needed to be properly involved with one another:

SPONTANEITY (I Corinthians 12:25; Hebrews 10:24): _______________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

VULNERABILITY (I Corinthians 12:26): __________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

ACCOUNTABILITY (Ephesians 5:21): ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

List things that we can all do in order to attain a more total involvement of every member of the church:

How does social interaction benefit Christian involvement (Acts 2:46)?

TEST YOURSELF: On a scale of 1 to 10 (Highest being 10):

1. How would you rate yourself on involvement? 2. How open are you to attempts of others at being involved in your life?

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ON ENCOURAGEMENT (EXHORTATION)

Text: Acts 4:36-37; Acts 9: 26-28; Acts 11:21-26; Acts 15:36-39; Hebrews 3:13

Explain the importance of encouragement from the life of Barnabas:

What are the benefits of encouragement in the lives of others?

List the occasions that encouragement is needed:

Give a list of ideas and specific ways we can go about encouraging one another on these occasions:

Evaluate this statement: “Encouragement is not flattery.” (Proverbs 29:5)

List some ways that we tend to discourage a person. Try to think especially of things that we do without thinking.

Encouragement should be a habit. In order to develop this habit, how often should you make a point of encouraging others? (Hebrews 3:13) Why is this important to YOUR life?

THIS WEEK: Think of a person you have always found as an encourager. What is it about them that make them so encouraging? Try to adopt some of these ways. Write this person a note of encouragement and thanks for what they have done for you.

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ON PURITY

Text: Leviticus 11:44-45; I Peter 1:13-16; I Peter 4: 1-4; I John 3:1-3

Consider the importance of these statements: “There is no other champion of purity today aside from Christianity. Christianity is the ONLY champion of purity.”

List areas and ways that we as Christians need to champion purity: (Galatians 5:19-21)

Read Ephesians 4:18-19. Consider the problem of callousness.

1. What areas of our lives do we especially have a problem with callousness?

2. How can we overcome this problem?

Consider the importance of taking control of our bodies. Briefly list how each of the following passages tells us to handle our bodies:

Romans 12:1 ________________________________________________________________________

Romans 6:12-13 _____________________________________________________________________

I Corinthians 6:15 ____________________________________________________________________

I Corinthians 6:19 ____________________________________________________________________

I Corinthians 6:20 ____________________________________________________________________

I Timothy 2: 9-10 ____________________________________________________________________

THIS WEEK: Give some thought to the following:

Do you know your body? Are you aware of the things that weaken your control of it? Have you stopped to consider the danger zones and how to stay clear of them? Have you taken control of your body or is your body controlling you? (I Corinthians 6:12)

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ON MONEY

Text: Proverbs 23:4-5; I Timothy 6:6-10; I Timothy 6:17-19; Luke 12:13-21

Make at least 3 observations from a study of Proverbs 23:4-5

1. _____________________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________________

Divide I Timothy 6:6-19 and 17-19 into instructions to 3 different groups of people and make observations about each:

1. _____________________________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________________________________

REMINDERS TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT RICH (I Timothy 6:6-8)

From the text, how do we obtain contentment?

What does Luke 12:13-21 teach us about contentment?

Consider this statement by a Greek sage: “To whom little is not enough, nothing is enough.” Compare to Ecclesiastes 5:10-12.

WARNING TO THOSE WHO WANT TO GET RICH (I Timothy 6:9-10)

NOTICE: The verse says it is the LOVE of money and not money itself which is the problem. And it is a root, not THE root of all sorts of evil.

William Barclay wrote: “Money in itself is neither good nor bad; it is simply dangerous in that the love of it may become bad. With money a man can do much good; and with money he can do much evil. With money a man can selfishly serve his own desires; and with money he can generously answer to the cry of his neighbor’s need. With money a man can buy his way to the forbidden things and facilitate the path of wrongdoing; and with money he can make it easier for someone else to live as God meant him to live. Money brings power, and power is always a double-edges thing. For it is powerful to good and powerful evil.”

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INSTRUCTION TO THOSE WHO ARE RICH (I Timothy 6:17-19)

Note at least three specific instructions:

1. _____________________________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________________________________

To learn not to be conceited or “high-minded” one needs to remember that everything he possesses has come from the Father. If it weren’t for Him, think of where you would be today. Isaiah 51:1 – "Look to the rock from which you were hewn . . .”

To illustrate how money does not bring lasting satisfaction, consider the following:

¾ Money can buy medicine, but not health.

¾ Money can buy a house, but not a home.

¾ Money can buy companionship, but not friends.

¾ Money can buy entertainment, but not happiness.

¾ Money can buy food, but not an appetite.

¾ Money can buy a bed, but not sleep.

¾ Money can buy a crucifix, but not a Savior.

¾ Money can buy the good life, but not eternal life. THIS WEEK: Consider the implications of this statement: “You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24 NIV)

1. Are you caught up in the syndrome of living beyond your means?

2. Are you taking steps to change those habits?

3. Define your number one weakness in handling your money.

4. Is your giving what it ought to be?

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ON INTEGRITY

Text: Job 2:9-10; Proverbs 27:21; Daniel 6:1-17 Definition (Webster): “The quality or state of being complete; unbroken condition; wholeness; entirely. The quality or state of being unimpaired; perfect condition; soundness. The quality or state of being of sound moral principle; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity.” In Job 2:9-10, how did Job show integrity?

The NIV renders Proverbs 27:21; “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.”

How does this Proverb demonstrate integrity?

DANIEL’S EXAMPLE OF INTEGRITY

Note: Daniel was one of three governors who were over 120 satraps who governed the kingdom. Approximately how old was Daniel at this time?

Consider the ingredients to Daniel’s integrity. How important are the following to our walk with God and our fellow man?

1. AN EXCELLENT SPIRIT (Attitude) Daniel 6:3

2. FAITHFUL IN HIS WORK Daniel 6:4

How would you like your work to come under the kind of scrutiny that Daniel’s did in verse 4? Would you have any skeletons tucked away in the closet?

Compare Proverbs 20:6-7 (NIV states, “neither corrupt nor negligent.”)

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How do fellow workers often respond when you are faithful in your work?

3. PERSONAL PURITY Daniel 6:4 (“They could find no corruption in him.”) Who are you when nobody is looking? There was a newspaper story years ago about a man in Long Beach who went into a KFC to get some chicken for himself and the young lady with him. She waited in the car while he went in to pick up the chicken. Inadvertently, the manager of the store handed the guy the box in which he had placed the financial proceeds of the day instead of the box of chicken. The fellow took his box, went back to the car, and the two of them drove away. When they got to their destination and opened the box, they discovered they had a box full of money. Now that’s a very vulnerable moment for the average individual. He realizes there must have been a mistake, so he got back in his car and returned to the place and gave the money back to the manager. The manager was so elated he wanted to call the newspaper, exclaiming, ‘You’re the most honest guy in town.’ But the fellow objected to the manager’s suggestion. When the manager asked why, he said, “Well, you see, I’m married, and the woman I’m with is not my wife!” A person of integrity is integrated and authentic. There is no duplicity of attitudes and actions. People around us often judge the truthfulness of Christianity by our lives. If they see us as hypocrites, they may not go any further in their investigation of the Gospel.

4. CONSISTENT WALK WITH GOD (Daniel 6:10)

Consider the following:

Dear Christian,

When you are faced with a busy day, save precious time by skipping your devotions to God.

Signed, Satan

What are some situations in your life in which maintaining your integrity is difficult?

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ON PRAYER

Text: Philippians 4:4-7; Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:5-13; Proverbs 3:5-6

CAN YOU RELATE TO THIS? “. . . most of the stuff I have ever read or heard said about prayer has either left me under a truckload of guilt or wearied me with pious sounding clichés and meaningless God talk. Because I didn’t spend two or three grueling hours a day on my knees as So-and-So did . . .or didn’t say it the ‘right way’ . . . or I didn’t move mountains, I had failed in this part of my Christian life.”

From Philippians 4:4-7, what should prayer accomplish in your life?

Listen to the words of verses 6-7 in the Amplified Version:

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace be yours, (that tranquil state of a soul assure of it salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Consider five ways prayer had degenerated in the days of Christ:

1. Prayer had become a formal exercise, not a free heartfelt expression. William Barclay writes: “… certain faults had crept into the Jewish habits of prayer. They are not faults of neglect; they are the faults of misguided devotion. Jewish liturgy supplied stated prayers for all occasions. There was hardly an event or a sight in the life which had not its stated formula of prayer. There was prayer before and after each meal; there were prayers in connection with the light, the fire, the lightning, on seeing the new moon comets, rain, tempest, at the sight of the sea, lakes, rivers, on receiving good news, on using new furniture, on entering or leaving a city. Everything had its prayer. Clearly there is something infinitely lovely here. It was the intention that every happening in life should be brought into the presence of God. But just because the prayers were so meticulously prescribed and stated, the whole system lent itself to formalism, and the tendency was for the prayers to slip off the tongue with very little meaning.”

2. Prayers were ritualistic in their set times. Third, sixth, and ninth hours of prayer, preferably in the synagogues.

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3. Prayers were long, filled with verbiage. One prayer had sixteen adjectives preceding the name of God. The idea was that whoever knocked long and hard enough at God’s throne would be granted attention.

4. Prayers were filled with repetitious words and phrases, much like the Gentile idol worshippers. (I Kings 18)

5. Praying became a cause for pride. It was a status symbol for the person who could pray well.

From Matthew 6:5-15, list at least three warnings Jesus gives concerning prayer:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________________________

List a couple of things that impress you most about the “model prayer.”

1. ____________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________

Prayer is our first line of defense and our most effective offensive strategy. Prayer is not an afterthought for a man of prayer; it is not a last ditch engagement with the eternal, but is top of mind. Prayer is not just a demonstration of discipline and determination, but is a desperate dependence on God. It is conversing with Christ and is not just asking God for goodies and guarantees. The man of prayer enters into intimacy with the Almighty. He realizes that God is in control and that His wisdom is needed for life and work. Prayer precludes pain by providing patience. It forecasts disaster by giving warning. It discerns clumsy and destructive decisions by cultivating understanding and discernment.

A man of prayer avoids self-inflicted problems because he prays first. Prayer is medicine for the sick and refreshment for the soul. Prayer may be the best gift you can give someone. You may not have silver and gold to give, but you can give prayer (Acts 3:6). A man of prayer does not talk about praying, with a simple, “I’ll pray for you.” On the contrary, with a seriousness of purpose and responsibility, he stops what he is doing and lifts to heaven the concerns of the one requesting prayer.

Start by getting on your knees for five minutes each morning. Prayerful posture is important to a man of prayer. His stature is humble and dependent. Therefore, humble yourself daily before your heavenly Father. Lay face down on the floor, if necessary. Consider making a prayer list. Do not sell yourself short by feeling unqualified to be a man of prayer. This role is not reserved for the super righteous. It is for adulterers, liars, and murderers like David (Psalm 51).

Tell God what is in your heart. Tell Him your joys and longings. Tell Him of your temptations. Show Him the wounds of your heart. If you permeate your prayers with worship, thanksgiving, praise and adoration, and pour out all your weaknesses, needs, and troubles, there will be no lack of what to say.

There is accountability to God that bolsters the man of prayer in his everyday life. There is a direct correlation between prayer and purposeful living. “Man of Prayer” is not a title that comes with a badge to flaunt. Instead, it is a discreet lifestyle of continual prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It becomes a habit of life, like eating and sleeping. Prayer, for a man of prayer, is not an option, it is mandatory.

THIS WEEK: Plan ways you can improve in your prayer life.

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ON YOUR ATTITUDE

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-9; Philippians 2:1-18; Philippians 4:4-5; Acts 16: 25-28

The colorful, 19th century showman and gifted violinist Nicolo Paganini was standing before a packed house, playing through a difficult piece of music. A full orchestra surrounded him with magnificent support. Suddenly one string on his violin snapped and hung gloriously down from his instrument. Beads of perspiration popped out on his forehead. He frowned but continued to play, improvising beautifully. To the conductor’s surprise, a second string broke. And shortly thereafter, a third. Now there were three limp strings dangling from Paganini’s violin as the master performer completed the difficult composition on the one remaining string. The audience jumped to its feet and in good Italian fashion, filled the hall with shouts and screams. “Bravo! Bravo!” As the applause died down, the violinist asked the people to sit back down. Even though they knew there was no way they could expect an encore, they quietly sank back into their seats. He held the violin high for everyone to see. He nodded at the conductor to begin the encore and then he turned back to the crowd, and with a twinkle in his eye, he smiled and shouted, “Paganini . . . and one string!” After that he placed the single-stringed Stradivarius beneath his chin and played the final piece on one string as the audience and the conductor shook their heads in silent amazement. “Paganini . . . and one string!”

What does the above excerpt tell you about attitude?

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-9, you will find 14 pairs of contrasts that are the “inevitables” of life. Concerning these inevitables, what does the writer mean in verse 9, “What profit has the worker from that in which he labors?”

EXERCISING THE PROPER CHOICE OF ATTITUDE: Describe the kind of attitude the following passages tell us to have and explain their importance in our lives.

Philippians 2:2 _______________________________________________________________________

Philippians 2:3-4 ______________________________________________________________________

Philippians 2:5-11 _____________________________________________________________________

Philippians 3:12-14 ____________________________________________________________________

Philippians 4:4-5 ______________________________________________________________________

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Two attitude killers are BLAME and SELF-PITY. How can these two traits give a person a bad attitude?

Read Acts 16:25-28. How did the choice of attitude in Paul and Silas transform their circumstances?

What kind of attitude might they have chosen?

To have the right kind of attitude our minds need the right kind of food. Consider how Philippians 4:8 will transform the attitudes in our minds? (Read the words from the song When Peace Like A River.)

Let your mind dwell on these things. Fix your attention on these six specifics in life.

1. Not unreal far-fetched dreams, but things that are true, real, and valid. 2. Not cheap, flippant, superficial stuff, but things that are honorable; i.e., worthy of respect. 3. Not things that are wrong and unjust, critical and negative, but that which is right. 4. Not thoughts that are carnal, smutty, and obscene, but that which is pure and wholesome. 5. Not things that prompt arguments and defense in others, but those that are lovely, agreeable,

attractive, and winsome. 6. Finally, not slander, gossip, and put-downs, but information of good report, the kind that builds up

and causes grace to flow.”

THIS WEEK: Examine yourself:

1. Are you more negative than positive? 2. Are you stubborn and closed rather than open and willing to hear? 3. How is your attitude toward people that are very different from you? Are you prejudiced? (See

James 2:1-4)

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ON YOUR LEISURE

Text: Mark 6:30-34; John 4:3-38; Genesis 2:1-3; Ecclesiastes 4:4-6; Ecclesiastes 2:24-26; Ecclesiastes 9:7-10; Proverbs 23: 4-5

In reading the scriptures above, have you come to the conclusion that leisure time is allowed?

Is leisure time simply “allowed” or is there something more demanding about it?

How would you describe leisure time as opposed to time on your job?

It is important to realize that leisure time is not inactivity! List things that can be done during leisure time that are productive and yet still fulfill the inner needs required in leisure:

What is the primary lesson from Ecclesiastes 4:4-6?

Why does the writer say there is nothing better for a man than he should eat and drink and enjoy the good of his labor?

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Consider the following things that contribute to our lack of inner rest:

1. A poorly developed sense of humor. 2. Focusing more on what we don’t have rather than on what we do have. 3. Failure to give play, fun, rest, and leisure a proper place of dignity. 4. Our strong tendency to compete and compare, leading to a wholesale dissatisfaction with things as

they are. 5. Our continual preoccupation with getting more. 6. Self-imposed guilt . . . unrealistic expectations. 7. An “all work no play will make me happy” philosophy of life.

What are some of the dangers of how we use our leisure time?

Most middle class Americans tend to worship their work, work at their play, and play at their worship.

Suggestions for implementing proper leisure:

1. Deliberately stop being absorbed with the endless details of life. Don’t sweat the things only God can handle. (Matthew 6:19-34)

2. Consciously start taking time for leisure. You must plan for it! Think of it as fulfilling part of God’s laws.

THIS WEEK: Evaluate yourself:

1. Are you always “BUSY?” 2. Does it lift you up when people say you are a workaholic? 3. Is it hard for you to rest, be quite, at ease, and alone?

strengthening your grip - where god's family … · strengthening your grip be on your guard;...

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