Case in Point
Series: Black & White…what matters to you?
Introduction:
Truth: Good values are naturally eroded by constant exposure to bad values.
1 Corinthians 15:33 - Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs 13:20 - He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Application: If we’re going to experience the life and fulfillment that Jesus promised, we must commit ourselves to taking each step necessary for developing values that endure.
Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Biblical Example: Luke 15:11-24 - The Prodigal Son
[Video only: Luke 15:11-24 - Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”]
First Step: We must recognize that our values have failed us.
1 John 1:8 - If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
Second Step: We must rationally assess our alternative futures.
Galatians 6:8 - The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
[1]John 3:18 - Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Third Step: We must repent of our failures.
2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Fourth step: We must be reconciled to God and His values.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18a - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ...
Fifth Step: We must consistently allow our thinking to be renewed.
Colossians 3:10 - ...and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Psalm 1:1-3 - Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Sixth Step: We must reorganize our values.
Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Seventh Step: We must realign our relationships.
2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
Hebrews 10:25 - Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Eighth Step: We must continually reexamine ourselves.
2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
Final Two Questions:
· How would you rate your values?
· What’s your next step?
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