Study Guide: "What If... I Made the World a Better Place?"

Text: Deuteronomy 34:1-12

OPEN:

When I preach a funeral, I often find myself trying to answer the question, "What mark has this life made?" When I think of my own, I ask the question: "What am I doing to insure that when I depart the world is in better shape than it was when I arrived?"

To make the world a better place -- this should be the goal of every believer. Often we're accused of being so heavenly minded that we're no earthly good, but to tell you the truth, I don't see that. In fact, those who have an eternal perspective on life are more apt to be devoted to making a difference here and now. I like what CS Lewis said:

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."

It is possible to create a life for ourselves that makes a difference for others now and forever.

I. THE OPPOSITE OF LIVING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IS LIVING FOR YOURSELF.

The opposite of living to make a difference is living for yourself -- and when you do this, you end up making yourself and everyone around you unhappy.

1. When you live for yourself, it's hard on everyone else. 

The problem is that you won't care while everyone else around you does.

2. What ultimately happens is that you end up alone. 

Living for yourself leads to isolation.

3. Living for yourself leads to missed opportunities. 

When I talked about organizing your life, I talked about how lack of proper time management can cause you to miss out on opportunities. When you multiply this over the course of a lifetime, it adds to much more than just missing a good chance here and there; it adds up to a life that never reaches its potential.

The flip side of this is that when you live to make a difference you will reach your potential; you will experience deeper, fuller relationships; and you will make the world a better place.

II. YOU CAN MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.

Today we read from the last chapter of the book of Deuteronomy. It talks about the death of Moses. If anyone lived to make a difference, it was Moses. And look at the difference he made. He compiled and wrote the first five books of the Old Testament, he led the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, he established God's law and God's covenant with God's people, and he is a central figure in the world's three dominant religions. Deuteronomy 34 tells us about his death and what happens next. In this chapter we can learn some things about living to make a difference. There are three things I want you to see. The first is a rather sobering truth. I want you to see that when your time comes...

1. You will be mourned when you're gone, but not forever.

And this is how should be. Listen to what was written about Moses.

(v. 7-8) Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.

No matter who it is that is gone, life goes on. Even when it's one of the greatest leaders of all time, one of the greatest men who ever walked the planet, life goes on. And that's the way it should be.

Now, I'm not trying to depress you. I'm trying to impress upon you a simple and sobering truth. You will be mourned for awhile no matter who you are. How much and for how long you are missed will be determined by the kind of life you build for yourself.

2. Devote yourself to a vision that will outlive you.

Right before Moses died, the Bible says that...

(v. 1-4) Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land-from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the Lord said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it."

Why was Moses not allowed to enter the promised land? It goes back to a failure of leadership in his life. To be exact, a failure in obedience.

In Numbers 20 Moses was dealing with the complaints of the people of Israel. They were unhappy because they had no water. Once before God had told Moses to strike a rock with his staff and water would come out of the rock. This time God told Moses to speak to the rock. What did Moses do? He struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out. He also took credit for it, saying, "Must we bring water out of this rock?" And then God told him...

Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them. (Numbers 20:12)

This may seem like a harsh judgment, but it's the judgment God chose. And it brings us to another sobering truth. Your failures and your mistakes will limit what you can accomplish in life. There is not a person in this world who cannot look back on their life and see where they could have done more and they could have done better. "If only I had greater faith. If only I had been more obedient. If only I had been more committed. If only I had worked harder. If only I had taken more chances." It happened to Moses. It happened to David, too. He wasn't allowed to build the temple because he had been such a man of war. If it happened to these great men, it will happen to each one of us. Our failures and mistakes will limit what we are able to accomplish. There is a sense in which we will always see more than we hold, more than we touch. That's why it is crucial that you devote to a vision greater than you, to a vision that will outlast you.

Moses' leadership wasn't based on him. It was based on the vision that God had for his people. Even without Moses in leadership, the people were able to get to where God wanted them to go. It wasn't a case of, "If Moses can't enter the promised land, nobody can either, because we can't do anything without Moses." And yet, that's how many people organize their area of leadership -- in such a way that it can't survive without them.

Here's what I'm getting at. If you want to live to make a difference, you need to devote yourself to something that is bigger than you. Something that can outlive you and outlast you.

3. Invest in building those who will come after you.

(v. 9) Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.

Among the most important work that Moses did in his entire life was that he prepared Joshua to take his place. In the same way, among the most important work that you do in your life will be the work you do building others. God's plan for his people is that we build up one another.

Paul said to Timothy...

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

This is God's method. We are to pass leadership along. Like relay runners pass the baton to the next runner in the race, we are to pass on our knowledge and skill to others, and we are to give them our blessing as they move forward.

The truth is that you will accomplish more through the people who come after you than you will accomplish through your own efforts ... so devote your life to building others.

As a parent, as a coach, as a teacher, as a boss, your job is to help those you lead accomplish more than you accomplish. If you want to live to make a difference, invest your life in building people.

CLOSE:

It is possible to create a life for ourselves that makes a difference for others now and forever.

Do you want to make the world a better place? When your time comes, and you leave this world behind, life will go on. It's the cold sobering truth. Your greatest impact will be felt in what you accomplish through others. So I encourage you to ask yourself three questions.

• Am I living for something bigger than me?

• Am I inspiring others to keep moving toward greater things?

• Am I investing my life in building people?

(Dr. Dane Fowlkes)

Study Guide: "What If... I Organize My Life?"

Text: Ephesians 5:15-20

OPEN:

We're continuing our series called "What If?" It's about exploring the possibilities of making significant changes in key areas of your life. We've talked about forgiving others, changing your thoughts, changing the way you talk, getting rid of worry ... and today we'll talk about taking control of your life, which means taking control of your time. The Bible challenges us to do this. In the book of Ephesians, Paul wrote...

"Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17

We're talking today about organizing your life so that you spend most of your time doing what matters the most to God, which should be what matters most to you.

All of us, no doubt, have a lot to learn about how to better organize our lives and how to better manage our time.

I.  DISORGANIZED PEOPLE ARE UNWISE PEOPLE.

"not as unwise people but as wise.... So do not be foolish."

When you don't take full control of your schedule, you are living unwisely and creating unnecessary problems for yourself:

1. Wasting time is wasting life. 

Your life consists of individual days divided into hours and minutes, and when you spend those hours and minutes doing the wrong things, your life takes the wrong direction. If you lose money on an investment you can earn it back later, but you can never get back wasted time.

2. Wasting time causes you to miss opportunities. 

3. Wasting time leads to regrets. 

It causes us to look back on our lives and realize that we could have made a deeper impact, become a better person, leave a greater mark.

II. DISCIPLINED PEOPLE ORDER THEIR USE OF TIME AROUND GOD'S WILL.

"So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Allow me to offer four steps toward the rightly managing your time/ organizing your life. 

First of all...

1. Build Godly Routines Into Your Life.

A routine is not the same thing as a rut.

You don't have to create a regimen for every minute of the day, but it is a good idea to begin developing habits of behavior that enable you to move in the direction of God's heart.

"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

The more we build godly routines into our daily lives, the better use we make of the hours and minutes God has given us.

Here's a second thing that will help you make better use of your time...

2. Give the Best Things Your Best Time.

Psalm 90 is one of the Psalms attributed to Moses. In this psalm he talks a lot about the brevity of life. Then in verse 12 he says ...

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

He's not asking that God will tell him how many days he will live. He's asking that God will give him an understanding of how to best use the limited number of days he has. He is asking the same thing that Paul told us to do: Make the best use of your time. And that means give the best things your best time.

- Is your family important to you? Then don't give them your leftover time. 

- Is having a dynamic walk with Christ important to you? Then don't wait to pray and read your Bible until you're too sleepy to concentrate. 

- Do you have an important project to finish that requires your full concentration? Then don't schedule it for a time when you know you'll be hounded by distractions. 

- Remember our learning about spiritual gifts. Advanced stages of leadership come as a person weakens their grip on things outside their gift mix, and focus their attention in areas of their giftedness.

Give the best things your best time.

Here's a third thing that will help you put Paul's words into practice...

3. Choose a Better Way to Waste Time.

The fact is that we are going to "waste time" at various times of the day. We are going to be less than 100% productive at various times of the day. How you choose to "waste time" -- and I'm using quotation marks here -- makes a big difference in how your life develops.

Spend your "down time" with someone else and see it as an opportunity to strengthen that relationship -- spouse, child, grandchild, friend, coworker, etc.

"Wasting" time with someone you care about is never a waste of time.

Another good way to "waste time" is doing something that causes you to be physically active--adding years to your life and enhancing the quality of your life.

4. Make Sure that What You Do Takes You Nearer the Heart of God than Away From It.

This is the most important component of a well organized life.

There are certain things I won't read, certain shows I won't watch, certain places I won't go, certain people I refuse to be around, because to do so would draw me away from the heart of God.

Here's your litmus test: Whatever you do, do all to the glory of Christ.

CLOSE:

God evidently takes seriously organizing our lives in such a way that we spend most of our time doing what matters the most to Him, which should be what matters most to us.

The way you do this is to:

1. Start building godly routines in your daily life, so that you can make sure the most important things are covered everyday. 

2. Set priorities for your to do list, so that the best things are done at the best time. 

3. Make an effort to use the idle moments of your day in such a way that they strengthen important relationships and enhance the quality of life.

4. Be intentional about allowing into your use of time only that which draws you nearer the heart of God.

What if you were to do this? What if you were to organize your time in such a way that each day takes in the direction God has given you? What would happen? Instead of looking back on your life and saying, "I could have been somebody," you'll be able to look back and say, "God, thank you for all that you've enabled to accomplish with my life. It's all for your glory."

(Dr. Dane Fowlkes)

Study Guide: "What If... I Watch What I Say?"

Text: James 3:1-12

OPEN:

Today, as we continue our series called What If? we'll ask the question: "What If... I Watch What I Say?" Each week, as I begin preparing these messages, I think, "This is the most difficult of them all." Well, when it comes to today's topic being a tough one to master, we have Biblical support for the idea. The book of James says...

...but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8)

You can't fully tame the tongue like you are domesticating a wild animal, but you can learn to control it, and you can learn how to use to experience God's blessings and his power in your life. In fact, it's necessary in the Christian life. James said that though it is impossible to tame the tongue, we are to learn to keep a tight rein on it. His exact words were...

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. (James 1:26)

So learning to control the tongue is not an optional pursuit for the Christian. It's a requirement for all of us, and it's a discipline that God takes seriously.

I. THE WAY WE COMMUNICATE CAN CAUSE MANY PROBLEMS.

Please note that I insert the word "communicate" in place of "speak." There was no email or social media when Jesus addressed the issue of the tongue.  His emphasis is not on the act of speaking, but on the words we use to communicate.

It's not difficult to see the problems caused by the wrong use of words. You don't have to look far. More than likely, only as far as your closest relationships, because this is the biggest problem caused by words.

1. Wrong words can destroy relationships.

2. Wrong words can make a bad situation worse. 

Whenever you continue to speak negative words into a negative situation, you tend to fan the flame of negativity until it gets out of control.

II. WORDS HOLD GREAT POSITIVE POTENTIAL.

However, if you are willing to take control of your words, you can begin to create changes in your life.

1. You'll become a better person. 

Here's a principle we need to keep in mind: "Change your words and you'll change yourself." 

James said...

We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. (James 3:2)

A key to overcoming bad habits is to start with your tongue, start with the words you say.

2. You'll build others up. 

Another advantage of taking control of your words is that right words can minister to others. They strengthen others and build them up. Paul tells us in Ephesians...

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

Your words have the power to tear people down, or the power to build people up. Your words have the power to make people want to quit, or to encourage them to try one more time. It depends on how you use them.

Strengthening. Encouragement. Instruction. And comfort. This should be the goal of every conversation, every email, every Facebook post, every Tweet.

3. You'll give glory to God. 

Another advantage of taking control of your words is that you give glory to God. David said...

My lips will glorify you. (Psalm 63:3)

One of the reasons we are put on this earth is to glorify God with our words. Yes, we are also called to glorify God with our actions ... but we must remember that God puts a high price tag on the things we say. He wants to hear our praise. And just like couples need to remind one another of their love, just like friends need to express appreciation to one another, God wants to hear from his people words of praise and thanksgiving and expressions of love.

III. PRACTICE THE JESUS FILTER.

Here are four practical steps towards taking control of your words...

1. Don't say everything you know.

You may know something about someone, but just because you know it, and just because it's true, doesn't mean you have to say it. If what you say does not build up others and bring glory to the name of Christ, then you're better off keeping your mouth shut. Solomon said...

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint. Before you speak, consider saying nothing at all, because you don't have to say everything you know. (Proverbs 17:27)

2. Don't say everything you think.

Some people believe they know a little bit more about every subject than anyone else, and they believe it is their duty to wax eloquent whenever the chance presents itself. Whatever subject comes up in conversation, whether it's the stock market, computers, criminal justice, football, politics, or religion, they believe they have the first and final word on the matter. And, of course, they share it with you.

We can fall into this habit unintentionally, but we need to watch out for it.

We should think about what Solomon said...

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent. (Proverbs 17:28)

You don't have to say everything you think. Before you speak, keep this principle in mind: Silence looks like knowledge. So, remember to think first, speak second. Thirdly...

3. Don't repeat everything you hear.

The problem with repeating gossip is that there is a better than even chance that what you heard isn't completely true. Gossip tends to get embellished as it is passed from person to person. The subject of gossip is one that we do not take seriously enough. We say things like, "I'm going to go visit 'so and so' and catch up on the latest gossip." We say it like there's nothing wrong with doing that.

To a certain extent, 'catching up on gossip' is just a figure of speech, but it's all too often all too accurate of the way we make conversation. We need to begin to take gossip seriously. Do you know what Proverbs says about gossip?

A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. (Proverbs 16:28)

That's something new to think about. Did it ever occur to you that when you talk bad about someone, God considers your actions perverted? It may seem hard to believe, but that is what the Bible says.

Solomon said...

He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9)

Repeating everything you hear destroys friendships. This is why you need to think before you speak, and consider whether you should say anything at all. You don't have to repeat everything you hear.

4. Communicate as though Jesus is listening (He is). That is using the Jesus Filter.

CLOSE:

These four steps will get you started in taking control of your words. And when you take control of your words, you are able to take control of other areas of your life. As James said...

We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. (James 3:2)

This week, try putting these four steps into practice:

1. Don't say everything you know, 

2. Don't say everything you think, 

3. Don't repeat everything you hear. 

4. Communicate as though Jesus is listening.

Just like changing your thoughts can change your world, changing your words can change yourself.

(Dr. Dane Fowlkes)

Study Guide: "What If... I Wouldn't Worry?"

Text: Matthew 6:19-34

OPEN: 

We're in the third week of our series called "What If?" The purpose of the series is to explore the possibility of abandoning some bad habits and picking up some good habits, of abandoning some bad ideas and adopting good ideas, so that our lives can become more effective, more productive, and more satisfying.

Last week we looked at what I referred to as the most difficult of the adaptations -- changing the way one thinks. This week we'll look at the most futile of human tendencies: the habit of worry. These two topics, taking control of your thoughts and getting over the worry habit, are closely connected.

Worry is a damaging choice that reveals a heart problem, but it may be overcome with prayerful action.

I. WORRY PREVENTS US FROM RECOGNIZING GOD'S GOODNESS.

1. Worry causes health problems. 

When you begin to take a look at worry, you see that it causes nothing but trouble in your life. 

The Old English word from which we get the word worry originally meant "to choke." Worry has a choking quality about it, doesn't it? In fact it causes all kinds of health problems. It leads to greater anxiety; it leads to sleeplessness; it leads to a loss of appetite; or even worse for some people, it leads to overeating; it leads to headaches, acid reflux, high blood pressure, ulcers, even respiratory problems.

2. Worry keeps you from enjoying the moment. 

To use a cliché, worry doesn't just remove years from your life, it removes the life from your years. 

It prevents you from getting the most out of today. Have you ever found yourself in a beautiful setting, where the sun is shining and the sky is clear and the air is fresh and life is filled with beautiful colors, and it's almost a perfect moment -- but you can't enjoy it because you're obsessed with some potential problem? I've been there more times than I can count. And I thought: Wouldn't it be nice if I didn't have this problem to deal with?

3. Worst of all, worry is a sin. 

Worry stems from a lack of faith, and anything that is not of faith, the Bible says, is a sin. 

When we worry, we're saying, in effect, "God, this problem is bigger than you. And I don't believe I can count on you to get me through it." That's a sinful attitude. 

II. RIDDING OURSELVES OF WORRY BRINGS GOD BACK INTO FOCUS.

If you're willing to give up worry, your life will get better in a number of ways...

1. You'll learn to focus on what's important.

When we worry, we tend to over-emphasize the significance of less-than-significant things. Jesus said...

(v. 25) "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"

Most of the things we worry about are trivial -- especially in comparison to the ultimate concerns of life and eternity.

2. You'll recognize the provision of God.

(v. 30) "If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you-you of little faith?"

Most of the things we worry about are trivial, and, in my experience, most of the things we worry about never come to pass. 

God comes through for us, because he is good and faithful. When you're willing to let go of worry, you can see more clearly how he provides for you in each and every situation.

III. ERADICATING WORRY REQUIRES COURAGEOUS ACTION.

So the question is, how do you learn to let go of worry? Today we'll look at three steps you can take to help you put worry in its place. First of all...

1. Check your priorities.

In Matthew 6 Jesus preached on the topic of worry. We read the passage earlier. It's interesting that before he talks about dealing with worry, he talks about dealing with priorities. He reminds us not lay up treasures for ourselves on earth, but instead to seek treasure in heaven. He reminds us that we can't serve two masters. We can't serve God and money. And he tells us...

(v. 34) "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Worry is a signal that something isn't right -- and it's usually related to our priorities. When we worry, it's because we're putting something ahead of God. That means that when you worry, sin is involved. When I get wrapped in worry, I begin by asking myself: What have I put ahead of God in this situation?

We worry about the things we're not sure of, so make the effort to rethink your priorities. Jesus said the most important thing in life is to "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness..."

The second way to deal with worry is...

2. Check your prayer-life.

Just as worry is a signal that something isn't right, it's also a signal that we need to devote more time to prayer. In the book of Philippians, Paul said...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)

Prayer has the power to remove worry and anxiety from your life -- when you give it a chance.

In my life I have noticed an inverse correlation between prayer and worry. How much I do of one determines how much I do of the other. If you want to get rid of worry, focus on praying more.

Here's the third thing you can do...

3. Check your practices.

Take the right action in the right direction.

"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." (Philippians 4:9)

The key phrase here is "put it into practice." Just as there is a correlation between worry and prayer, there is a correlation between worry and action. The more you do of one, the less you'll do of the other.

CLOSE:

Worry is a damaging choice that reveals a heart problem, but it may be overcome with prayerful action.

Worry is a signal that something isn't right. It's not part of God's plan for your life. He never promises us a life without rain or sorrow or struggles ... but he does promise you and me a life without worry.

So when worry creeps into your life, it's a signal that something isn't right. You could say that worry is a call to action. When you're worried, you know that it's time to make some changes.

Application:

Today I want you to think about one worry in your life. Choose one, and with this topic of worry in your mind, ask yourself some questions.

1. What are my priorities here? Am I seeking God first in this situation, or am I seeking me first? 

2. Have I prayed about this? Am I casting my worries on him in prayer, or am I giving the matter lip service and not really letting go of it?

3. Have I taken action in the direction of my worries?

(Dr. Dane Fowlkes)

Study Guide: "What If...I Changed My Mind?"

Text: 2 Corinthians 10:5

OPEN:

We're in week two of our series called "What If?" This series explores the possibilities of making personal change and choosing to live by the principle of scripture. Last week we asked, "What if... I forgave everyone?" and we saw that when you forgive others, you experience the fullness of God's forgiveness and you experience the fullness of God's peace.

Today we'll consider a different question, "What if I take control of my thoughts?" This is one of the toughest areas of spiritual discipline to master. None of the subjects we'll deal with for the new few weeks are easy, but this one ranks right up there at the top, along with learning how to control your tongue.

We're culturally and individually programmed to think certain ways about certain things, often without being aware of it. We think without thinking about what we're thinking about. If your natural tendency is to think negative/ critical thoughts, and you do nothing to curb that natural tendency, then your worldview and your life experience will be on the negative side.

"We take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Co 10:5).

Believers are expected to control their thought life because thinking leads to doing.

I. NEGATIVE THINKING CREATES PROBLEMS.

1. First, and most important, is that negative thinking robs you of a life of faith. 

It's difficult to live with an attitude that says, "God is bigger than my problems," when you approach every problem thinking, "Well, this ruins everything." It's difficult to live with the attitude that says, "I am blessed and highly favored of God," when every time a little inconvenience comes along you say, "Well, isn't this typical?"

2. Another problem is that negative thinking leads to inactivity. 

It leads to a "what's-the-use?" mentality. It causes us to think, "Why bother trying? Nothing works out anyway...Why go on a diet? I'll starve myself for a few weeks, then I'll give up and I'll be right back where I was, and all that suffering will be pointless...Why should I bother trying to strengthen my marriage? My spouse doesn't appreciate anything I do. I'll just give and give and give and get back nothing in return. Why bother?" When you give in to the natural tendency to think negatively, it's easier to give in to the temptation to do nothing.

3. Because of this, negative thinking often causes isolation in relationships. 

It causes us to focus on what's wrong in the relationship, and it tricks us into the thinking that nothing can be done about it. Also, seeing only the faults in others prevents you from seeing their good qualities, which prevents you from enjoying the fullness of the relationship.

II. POSITIVE THINKING BRINGS OBVIOUS BENEFITS.

If you are willing to do the hard work of taking control of your thought life, it will make a big difference in your life. What kind of difference?

1. You will be happier. 

It doesn't take a degree in brain chemistry to know that the person who thinks positive, uplifting thoughts will be happier than the person who thinks bleak and negative thoughts.

2. You will develop a more accurate view of the world. 

The purpose of positive thinking is not to look at the world through rose-colored glasses, but to look at the world through clear glasses, so you can see what's really there. 

Positive thinking is action-oriented thinking. It is solution-oriented thinking.

3. You will become more productive. 

Instead of thinking, "What's the use?" you'll begin thinking, "What do I need to do?"

When you take control of your thoughts you spend less time thinking about things that take you nowhere. You spend less time reliving the past and revisiting regrets. You spend less time thinking about what could have been, and you spend more time thinking about what can be.

If you will make the effort to take control of your thought life, it will improve your emotional state, your spiritual life, your relationships, and even your ability to do your job.

III. HOW DO I TAKE EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE?

So the question is, how do you do it? How do you take control of your thought life? Today we'll look at three steps you can take...

1. Think on Purpose.

Start thinking about what you think about. 

Paul said that "we take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Co 10:5). 

When Paul says this, he's talking about the influence the world has on our belief systems and our most basic ideas about life. The world teaches one philosophy and the Bible teaches another -- we need to make sure our thinking is aligned with the Biblical model.

2. Think with a filter.

A filter captures impurities and only allows the pure liquid to pass through.

In the same way, Paul suggests that we use a filter for our thoughts. In Philippians 4 he tells us...

"Finally, brothers, 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."(Philippians 4:8)

It's a good idea to memorize this list. There are eight things here; it's an easy list to memorize. As you think about what you think about, run your thoughts through these filters: Is it true? Is it noble? Is it right? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it admirable? Is it excellent or praiseworthy? In other words: Is this thought worthy of my time? If so, give it your full attention.

3. Think in the direction of Change

Paul writes, "Be transformed by the renewing of your minds." (Romans 12:2) 

In Ephesians he says..."be made new in the attitude of your minds." (Ephesians 4:23)

Biblical Principle: Transformed behavior begins with a transformed thought life. 

The right attitude is to say, "God, I want to learn to think differently, because I want to learn to act differently, because I want to be a different person.

CLOSE:

Believers are expected to control their thought life because thinking leads to doing.

Taking control of your thought life is hard work. It's not a one-time event, it's a daily process. But the rewards are worth the effort. If you will learn to think like God has told us to think, you will experience transformation in all areas of your life.

(Dr. Dane Fowlkes)

Study Guide: "What If... I Forgave Everyone?"

Text: Matthew 18:15-35

OPEN:

Today we're staring a new series called "What If...?" This series explores how you can experience a more dynamic life through putting into practice some foundational Biblical principles, such as forgiving others, managing your time and finances, walking in faith, controlling your thoughts and speech, and living with purpose. These principles all fall within the realm of "possible" in that anyone can do them, but they also open the door to the realm of the impossible: Practicing these things day-in and day-out creates a life of miracles, and makes available a whole new world of options for you to pursue.

        

That's what this series is about: What If? It's about exploring new possibilities. Today we'll ask the question, "What If I Forgave Everyone?"

The more I have studied this subject the more I realize the tendency we have -- and by "we" I mean "me" -- to harbor unforgiveness. Here's something interesting. If you type unforgiveness into a word processor and you have spell check turned on, it will get underlined, because unforgiveness isn't really a word. But that doesn't stop us from using it and/or doing it. Many times we kid ourselves into thinking that we have forgiven others ... but we haven't quite let it go yet.

I. NOT FORGIVING CREATES problems for you.

Let me tell you something. If you hang on to unforgiveness, it will create problems for you. Emotional torment. Bitterness. Moodiness. Sleeplessness. It's been said that harboring unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping it will kill your enemies. That's because when you hang on to unforgiveness, it hurts you more than it hurts anyone else.

Some people think that refusing to forgive gives them some kind of leverage over the other person. Or by refusing to forgive to they can extend the punishment the other person receives. But who really gets punished in this situation? The unforgiver. He's the one who continues to carry the weight of offense.

her person, and it eats them up, and it keeps them awake at night, and it destroys their good mood ... meanwhile the person they can't forgive goes merrily on with their life, oblivious to it all. It does no good to hang on to unforgiveness. You may as well just drink poison.

II. FORGIVING IS GOOD FOR YOU.

However, if you're willing to put the principle of forgiveness into practice, you'll create a better life for yourself. How? First of all...

1. You'll experience peace. That gnawing sensation will go away. That unsettled sense of resentment and discontentment will disappear. It will be replaced by a sense of peace.

Corrie Ten Boom said, "Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you."

In Colossians 3 Paul tells us...

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another ..." (Colossians 3:13)

Then he goes on to say...

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace." (Colossians 3:15)

There's a connection between forgiveness and peace. If there's no peace in your personal life, maybe it's because you have some unforgiveness in your heart. If there's no peace in your marriage or in your family, maybe it's because you're hanging on to past hurts and refusing to let go of yesterday's offenses. And if peace cannot reign in this church, it is no doubt for the same reason. We haven't fully forgiven one another. If you want peace to reign in your life, learn to forgive.

Another benefit you'll create is ...

2. You'll find it easier to forgive yourself. If you are a forgiving person, and are willing to extend mercy to others, it will be easier to extend mercy to yourself.

If you struggle with guilt and regret, then maybe you should take a look at your attitude toward those around you, and toward the people from your past. Have you forgiven those who need to be forgiven?

This brings me to the next benefit that I want you to see. When you practice the principle of forgiveness...

3. You will experience the fullness of forgiveness. Sometimes Jesus said things that were so simple, and so straightforward, and so direct, that it leaves you with only two choices: To take his words exactly as he said them, or to spend half an hour talking in theological circles to explain why this isn't what he really meant.

There's a good example of this in Luke 6. Jesus said as plain as day...

"Forgive and you will be forgiven." (Luke 6:37)

He also said it in the Lord's prayer:

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. (Matthew 6:12)

When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and you begin the journey of the Christian life, your sins are forgiven. That's because you have surrendered completely to the Lordship of Jesus. As you continue to walk in his forgiveness, God expects you to walk in forgiveness toward others. If you refuse to walk in forgiveness toward others, it will block the flow of forgiveness toward you. That's why Jesus stated emphatically: Forgive us as we forgive others.

There's a principle of reciprocity: you receive back what you give. That's why generous people always seem to have enough to get by, and often have more than enough. It's why people who are loving tend to be surrounded by people who love them. It's why people who are merciful to others find themselves on the receiving end of mercy when they need it -- as Jesus said: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

When you hang on to unforgiveness, you're not just drinking poison in your relationships, you're drinking poison in your spiritual life. You're cutting yourself away from a right standing with God. You're cutting yourself away from a life of blessing and peace and power. Conversely, when you live by the principle of forgiveness, you open the door in your life to all that God has for you.

III. HOW TO BEGIN FORGIVING.

And so the question is: How do I do it? How do I forgive? You and I both know that it is easier said than done. We tend to hang on to offenses for a long time. And the sad truth is that we tend to hang on to small offenses, while asking God to overlook our huge offenses.

Here are some things to remember in applying the principle of forgiveness:

1. You forgive as God has forgiven you.

These are the same words Paul used.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

How has God forgiven you? Totally and completely. He forgives and, most importantly, he forgets. He says...

I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. (Jeremiah 31:34)

Isaiah 38:17 says, "You have put all my sins behind your back." If something is behind your back, you can't see it anymore. That's the metaphor Isaiah is using. God forgives totally and completely, and he never revisits your sin again.

God forgives and forgets. He does not remember your sins. In the same way, you need to be willing to forget the sins of others.

Sometimes this takes effort. Forgiving and forgetting is an intentional choice you make. 

Understand that when you forgive someone, the objective is to let it go. The objective is to never bring it up again. Because that's how God in Christ has forgiven you.

Here's a second thing to remember about forgiveness.

2. You forgive only who you need to forgive.

What do I mean? I mean that I've met a lot of people who struggle with unforgiveness over things that really aren't any of their business.

This doesn't just apply to people who make headlines. It applies to people here at church. It applies to the people you work with. If there are two people in conflict, and you're not directly involved in the problem or the solution, then it's not your job to sit in judgment.

Jesus makes it very clear: If someone sins against you, (Matthew 18:15) then you need to deal with the offense and deal with forgiving them. But if someone gets caught up in a sin that doesn't involve you, then pray for that person, pray for those involved, pray that there will be restoration, and pray that God will work out the situation according to his will. But don't presume to be the forgiver in a situation that doesn't involve you. You will find yourself struggling with resentment, or you give in to the temptation to be self-righteous and smug, and it's all because you've tried to put yourself in a position in which you don't belong.

If you're struggling with unforgiveness, ask yourself: Does this situation involve me? Do I need to forgive, or do I, instead, need to pray for those involved, so that they can forgive one another as God would have them do?

Here's the third thing to help you work through unforgiveness.

3. You forgive face-to-face.

Jesus said ...

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you." (Matthew 18:15)

The simple truth is that most people in conflict never take this step. They talk to others, but they don't talk to each other. And the anger and the bitterness and the resentment grows because they refuse to deal with the situation one-on-one.

Jesus says that if talking one-on-one doesn't work, then you talk about it with a couple of others, and if that doesn't work, then you bring it before the church. Matthew 18 gives very specific instructions for dealing with conflict. Here's what I've noticed in thirty-plus years of ministry. The overwhelming majority of the time, when people meet face-to-face and discuss the matter one-on-one, the conflict gets resolved, and the relationship gets strengthened. The overwhelming majority of the time -- my estimate is way above ninety percent -- steps two and three aren't necessary. There's power in having the courage to sit down and look someone in the eye and say, "Can we resolve this today?" In my experience, this step is often all that is needed to start the process of forgiveness and reconciliation.

CLOSE:

What if you were to do this? What if you were to let go of the unforgiveness that so many people hang on to? What if you were to treat others as Jesus treats you, with mercy and compassion? What if you were to pray for reconciliation instead of standing in judgment? What if you were to meet face-to-face with those with whom you have conflict and seek resolution? What if you forgave everyone who has offended you in the past, and you let go of all the other resentments? Can you see how that would change your life? Can you see how it will make better relationships, how it will bring more peace into your life, how it will open the door to God's blessings?

Study Guide: "Whose Side Are You On?"

Text: Romans 6:1-23

OPEN:

In this mini-series we've looked at: "More Than You Thought You Were" (Romans 8:26-39), and "Make Up Your Mind" (Romans 8:1-17).

Today, we will talk about how to win the war on sin. This presupposes that we're in a battle. How many here today have experienced the struggle of trying to be holy, and bear the scars to prove it?

Some may think it's impossible to win this war, but it's not. In fact, there's a promise in the sixth chapter of Romans that we all need to claim. It's in verse 14: Sin shall not have dominion over you. 

God has promised us victory over sin. 

In Romans 6, Paul shows us how to claim and experience that victory. To win the war against sin, there are three steps to take. Here they are...

I. Understand the Meaning of Salvation.

1. Becoming a Christian isn't a matter of turning over a new leaf. It's a matter of beginning a new life. 

It's not just that we think differently, though we do. And it's not just that we act differently, though we will. It's that we ARE different. Our souls, which were empty and lifeless, have been made alive through the power of Christ. This is what Paul referred to when he said, (v. 4) For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, God gave you a new life. He gave you a capacity for holiness you didn't have before. I want you to understand that Paul is not being allegorical, or metaphorical, or symbolic when he says you've been made alive in Christ. He's being as literal as he can be. Something supernatural happens at the moment of salvation. You are transferred from spiritual darkness to spiritual light, from spiritual death to spiritual life, and you now have potential to live a Godly life.

2. Because of God's gift of salvation, we have power over sin. We are, quite literally, dead to sin. That's how Paul phrased it. (v. 6-7) Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. He went on to say, (v. 11) So you should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Jesus Christ.

The Christian life isn't based on a feeling or a hunch. It's based on facts--the fact of God's love for you, the fact of his Word, the fact of the resurrection. Regardless of your feelings or hunches, these facts don't change. So, when Paul tells us to "reckon" ourselves dead to sin, he's not suggesting we attempt to manufacture a certain feeling. He's telling us to consider it so, because God has already said it is so.

3. God made you dead to sin and alive to Christ. Accept it. Consider it so. 

Don't wait for a feeling to confirm it. And don't doubt God's Word simply because your behavior hasn't caught up with your faith. Believing in the power of God is a prerequisite to experiencing the power of God. So, believe it. Understand the meaning of salvation. A second thing that will help you win the battle is...

II. Do the Math on Sin and Righteousness.

1. When you think about it, sin is really stupid. Nothing good can come of it. 

It only wreaks havoc for those who entertain it. You'll never hear someone say, "The smartest thing I ever did was embezzle from my employer...or cheat on my income taxes...or have an affair...or experiment with cocaine...or criticize my friend behind his back" and on and on. That's because sin does nothing but destroy. Paul reminds us of this when he says...

(v. 16) You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. (v. 21) And what was the result [of committing sins]? It was not good, since now you are ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. (v. 23) For the wages of sin is death.

In these verses, Paul mentions three things we need to remember about sin.

• It leads to death

• It leads to shame

• It brings about its own punishment

The best argument for avoiding sin is to do the math on sin. Nothing good can come of it. It leads only to misery.

2. On the other hand, what does righteousness lead to? Life. Joy. Peace. Holiness. Fellowship with God. 

Paul said, (v. 16) You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. He goes on to say, (v. 22) Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.

Sin can take you in only one direction. It leads to death, shame, and misery. 

Obedience to God, on the other hand, takes you in a different direction. It leads to life, joy, peace, holiness, and every good thing God wants to give you. It's a non-negotiable reality. So, get the right perspective on sin and righteousness. Do the math, then make your choice. 

A third thing that will help you win the battle against sin...

III. Choose the Master you will Obey.

Paul said, (v. 16) Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. 

This goes against the grain of the American ideal--we like to think we're rugged individualists serving only ourselves, but it's not true. Paul says that every action is an act of obedience--an act of slavery, so to speak--either to sin or to righteousness. With every action you're becoming more holy or less holy. 

1. We serve the one we obey. 

The question is, whose slave do you want to be? 

Paul said, (v. 17-18) Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all your heart the new teaching God has given you. Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness. 

This is what God wants you to be. A slave to righteousness--so resolutely committed to him that you cannot help but do what's right. He's your master, you're his slave; you have chosen to obey him and him alone. You don't have to be a slave to sin. Sometimes you may feel as though you are, but you don't have to be one. You can live a holy life. God made a promise, (v. 14) Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace.

2. This verse is translated differently in other versions because in Greek, the word "master" is a future tense verb. 

It means literally, Sin shall not have dominion over you. It's a promise. Paul is saying, "You don't have to be controlled by sin. You can have victory. But you have to decide which master you will obey."

When you became a Christian, you switched teams. Your loyalties changed. You used to be a slave to sin, but you don't have to be any more. You now have a new master to serve. Paul said, (v. 20,22) In those days, when you were slaves of sin, you weren't concerned with doing what was right....but now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Choose your master. Choose who you want to serve. It's either sin or righteousness; the devil or the Lord. The one you obey is your master. Who do you want your master to be?

CLOSE:

You have the capacity for holiness. That's what salvation means. You've been forgiven; you have a new life and a new master. If you continue to serve your old master, you will only experience shame and misery. But your new master offers you freedom, joy, peace and holiness. Choose your master. Whose side are you on?

(Dr. Dane Fowlkes)