14/01/2018: “Live Right”

14/01/2018: Right Way

CALL TO WORSHIP

Psalm 139:1-6,13-18

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

BIBLE READING

Philippians 4: 1, 4-9

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. “Stand firm” …in the Lord…in this way! (vs.1)
2. Admit – you can’t do it on your own.
3. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice (vs 4).
4. Live with the character of Jesus in you (vs.5).
5. Live thankfully and prayerfully (vs 6)!
6. Being aligned with God, and His Will, in this way – brings with it the gift of “peace” (vs.7).
7. Focus your mind! (vs. 8)
8. Remember – Don’t try to “go it alone”.

God bless,
Tim