Different Lifestyles. Lesson on Different Lifestyles. 1.) Opening Prayer

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1 Lifestyles Page 1 Different Lifestyles Friday, June 04, 2010 Lesson on Different Lifestyles 1.) Opening Prayer 8:07 AM 2.) Celebrate Status & Fame Have you ever envied the fame of wealthy people and their life style? Maybe you even questioned: Why try to be a Christian, when compared to another person's social status? Many people daydream about pursuing personal gain or secretly wonder why sin isn't judged now! 2A) Asaph was King David's choir director and he expressed those same thoughts in Psalm 73. This psalm compares famous people with their prosperity versus future rewards for Christians. **Read: Psalm 73 (NLT) Various verses 2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. 3 For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. 4 They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. 5 They don t have troubles like other people; they re not plagued with problems like everyone else. 6 They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. 7 These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! **What is meant by "I almost lost my footing"? Backslid! **Why /How do you see celebrities honored today? Wealth and fame! Pictured on TV, Books, Magazines, Politics, Movie stars, Government officials, Newspapers, Social Clubs, etc. **Read: (con't) 8 They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. 9 They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. 10 And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. 11 What does God know? they ask. Does the Most High even know what s happening? 12 Look at these wicked people enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. **Do you see this same thing today? Examples? 2B) 13 Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? 14 I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. 15 If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. 16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! **Are these different lifestyles difficult to understand and explain? These verses explain what sometimes goes on within the mind of godly believers. The wicked prosper, leaving godly people wondering why they brother to be good. Secondly, the wealth of the wicked looks so inviting that faithful people may wish they could trade places. Financial prosperity can be deceiving. 17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. 18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. 19 In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. 20 When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

2 Lifestyles Page 2 **How did Asaph gain understanding of "chasing prosperity" within a prayer closet or attending church? Asaph explains that until he entered God's sanctuary, he could not understand God's justice for allowing the wicked to thrive while the righteous endured hardship. But, then he saw that one day justice would be done and he acknowledged God's wisdom. The "sanctuary" referred to was Asaph's secret place or prayer closet. God gave him insight into the human shortcomings of chasing prosperity. **How would you explain V20 to a child or the non-believer? Asaph came to realize that the rich who put their hope, joy, and confidence in wealth live in a dream world. (v20) A dream that only exists in the mind of the dreamer! These dreamers are currently receiving their praise and honor in newspapers, books, magazines, talk shows, social events, etc. They are only well known personalities because of their wealth. **Have famous people prospered because of their personal abilities? No! Their wealth or financial success is the result of God's plan and not resulting from their own wisdom. This isn't reality but an artificial world, but the world sees these people as role models for success. 2C) **Read: 21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. 23 Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. 26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. **What happens to the wealth a person leaves behind? What seemed like wealth now becomes waste and is transferred to another person who didn't earn it. **What happens to the spiritual wealth you have generated? The spiritual wealth, which seemed worthless on earth now becomes priceless and lasts forever! It is transferred with you to eternity. **How would you summarize the truth Asaph came to understand? These two themes come to an unexpected end, for the wealth of the wicked suddenly loses its power at death, and the rewards of the godly suddenly take on eternal value. Prov. 11:4 Riches won't help on the Day of Judgment, but right living can save you from death. **Where can only a lifestyle of happiness, hope and reality be found? Don't let your life's goal be so unreal that you awaken too late and miss the reality of God's truth. Happiness and hope can be reality but only when they are based on God and not on riches. Reality is in God only! We should get as close to Him as we can in order to be realistic about life. Warning: Don't be deceived! Never wish you could trade places with famous people in order to get their wealth and live their life style. One day they will wish they could trade places with you and have your eternal wealth with God. 3.) Real Celebrities We can learn how fame can destroy a person by looking at these spouses: King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. God have mercy! Ahab's profile: Ahab married a non-jew (Jezebel) who was totally sold out to idol worship and he followed her same religious practice. Ahab was King for 32 years over Israel. He was

3 Lifestyles Page 3 very self-centered, materialistic, never gave God credit, hated God's messenger (Elijah), acted childish, brooded for days, and followed advice from Jezebel's false prophets. Jezebel's profile: Jezebel was a pagan idol worshiper who funded 850 false prophets. She was evil without regard for life, selfish, promoted Baal worship, stole, lied, used her husband's authority for personal gain, tried to kill Elijah, planned the murder of her neighbor, and rejected God. 3A) The following story illustrates how both functioned as a famous couple. **Read: 1 Kings 21:1-10 (NLT) 1 Now there was a man named Naboth, from Jezreel, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. 2 One day Ahab said to Naboth, Since your vineyard is so convenient to my palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I will pay you for it. 3 But Naboth replied, The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors. 4 So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Naboth s answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat! **Describe Ahab's personality. **Read: 5 What s the matter? his wife Jezebel asked him. What s made you so upset that you re not eating? 6 I asked Naboth to sell me his vineyard or trade it, but he refused! Ahab told her. 7 Are you the king of Israel or not? Jezebel demanded. Get up and eat something, and don t worry about it. I ll get you Naboth s vineyard! **Describe Jezebel's personality. **Read: 8 So she wrote letters in Ahab s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and other leaders of the town where Naboth lived. 9 In her letters she commanded: Call the citizens together for fasting and prayer, and give Naboth a place of honor. 10 And then seat two scoundrels across from him who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death. 3B) **Is "Soul Mates" a good concept or deception from satan? This is an example of what happens when you marry a person who acts and thinks like yourself. BIG problems! Warning: A person may claim to have found a soul mate but neither spouse matures properly because they are alike. Today's "soul mate" marketing is a fantasy which satan has designed. It is planted in the minds of people to create dis-satisfaction within other marriages and a misleading concept when trying to find a mate. It is a worthless and destructive lie! Couples who think and act differently cause each other to mature properly, as God intended. Each spouse tends to hold the other accountable and personal sin is restrained. 3C) Why did Ahab/Jezebel's (soul mates) functioned so badly together? How did their lifestyle / fame contribute to their evil acts? 1.) Neither person believed in God nor followed their conscience. 2.) Their marriage roles were reversed. The wife was the leader and the husband had apathy. The wife made the decisions and the husband never left Mommy! 3.) They both thought negatively and acted alike. Neither person tried to counteract what the other person was thinking.

4 Lifestyles Page 4 4.) They both were materialistic and focused upon wealth. 5.) Both spouses were unforgiving, selfish, bitter, greedy and jealous of what other people had. 6.) Ahab didn't get involved in the rearing of his children; who later suffered the consequences of his sins. 7.) Both Ahab and Jezebel lacked love for people and for God. They only loved each other and their lifestyle! **Read: 1 Kings 21:25 (NLT) No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the Lord s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. Deeper insight: Who holds you accountable for your actions? Can you accept a "No" for a reply? Do you forgive people who offend you? Do you like people who are different from you? 4.) The Moral Lifestyle. God calls His people to be morally upright. In Psalm 15 He gives ten standards to determine how we are to maintain a moral lifestyle. We live among evil people whose moral standards are eroding. Our lifestyle standards must come from God and not mirror corrupt standards from society. 4A) **Read: Psalm 15:1-5 (NLT) 1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? 2 Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. 3 Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. 4 Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. 5 Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. The depth of our eternal relationship with God can often be measured by the way we reflect His standards in our daily living. We better display these traits in our daily actions as our relationship matures with our Redeemer's help. **(Notice V2-4) How are we to use our words? Nothing so identifies Christians as their ability to control their speech which is speaking the truth, refusing to slander, and keeping our promises. These characteristics are all about controlling the tongue. The tongue has the ability to destroy the family of God and other people. ** (Notice V5) How can a person's lifestyle be changed by money? Money can become the controlling force in one's life which must be curbed or others are harmed. It often is the main reason for destroying a relationship with God or a marriage. 4B) **Read: Isaiah 33:15 (NLT) 15-16a Those who are honest and fair, who refuse to profit by fraud, who stay far away from bribes, who refuse to listen to those who plot murder, who shut their eyes to all enticement to do wrong 16a These are the ones who will dwell on high. **How do the lifestyle of the rich and famous operate? They profit by fraud, plot to use other people, and search for ways to gain wealth. Moral people are to be fair and honest in their relationships. Our reward will be to dwell with God and He will supply all our needs. 4C) **Read: Isaiah 56:1-2 (NLT) 1 This is what the Lord says: Be just and fair to

5 Lifestyles Page 5 all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you. 2 Blessed are all those who are careful to do this. Blessed are those who honor my Sabbath days of rest and keep themselves from doing wrong. **What lifestyle and purpose is the Sabbath to serve? God made the Sabbath for people to honor Him. He wants us to make this one day special as we focus our thoughts upon Him. Sunday is not to be the same as the other six days. 4D) Micah 6:8 (NLT) 8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. **What is God requiring of you? People have tried all kinds of ways to please God but God has made His wishes very clear- He wants changed lives. Examine these areas regularly by asking: Am I dealing with people fairly? Do I show mercy to people who wrong me? Am I learning humility? 4E) Habakkuk 2:4 (NLT) 4 Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God. **Who do these varying lifestyles trust? The non-believer trusts only "self" and Christians trust only in God. Do you trust God daily with the circumstances of your life? Deeper Insight: When you are uncertain about what to do or what standard of living applies to a situation; ask yourself: which course of action best demonstrates God's love and love for others? That is what Christ taught and it still applies today. 5.) The Lifestyle of Freedom Some people think the Bible is filled with rules and regulations for their life which restricts their choices and limits their "freedom" for having fun in life. **Anyone ever think this? 5A) Ezra wrote Psalm 119 and he talks continually about the beauty of God's Word and the freedom associated with it. Here is an example: ** Read: Ps. 119:9-16 (NLT) 9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. 10 I have tried hard to find you don t let me wander from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. 13 I have recited aloud, all the regulations you have given us. 14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. 15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. 16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. **Why would the author write with such respect and love for God's Word and His regulations for life? God's laws were given so man could have the "freedom" to be all God wants us to be. To act like God and be free! Gods' regulations restrict us from doing what will cripple us and keep us from being our best. God's guidelines for life help us follow His path; avoid paths which lead to destruction; and acquire freedom from guilt. 5B) **Read: Ps. 119:18-19 (NLT) 18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in

6 Lifestyles Page 6 your instructions. 19 I am only a foreigner in the land. Don t hide your commands from me! **What is meant by the writer- he is a "foreigner in the land"? As we travel through life; the Bible points out safe routes, pitfalls, obstacles, and our final destination. We have been born into a corrupt world but are citizens of the Kingdom of God. We must understand we need His Word for guidance or we will wander aimlessly through life. **What has guided your life in the past? Many live by trial and error. Even Christians grope along day after day. A one hour Sunday sermon isn't adequate for guidance. 5C) The following benefits are acquired while reading / studying / meditating on God's Word: **What is the benefit in each verse? Ps. 119:24 Your laws please me; they give me wise advice. Ps. 119:29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. Ps. 119:32 I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. Ps. 119:67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. Ps. 119:71 My suffering was good for me; for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Ps. 119:72 Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. **Again, does God's Word restrain us or bring "freedom"? Contrary to what we often expect, obeying God's laws does not inhibit or restrain us. Instead, it frees us to be what God designed us to be. By seeking God's salvation and forgiveness, we have freedom from sin and the resulting oppressive guilt. By living God's way, we have freedom to fulfill God's plan for our lives. 5D) Keeping the Word in our heart is a deterrent against sin and a guide to a pure life. **Read: Gal. 5:13a (NLT) 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. 6.) What are you going to do with this information? Go to your "Secret Place" to soak and talk honestly with God about acquiring a lifestyle of freedom. Ask God to give you a "hunger" for his Word. One which causes you to desire his Word each day above all pleasures in life. Bigger than a hunger for a huge pizza buffet or an awesome steak- seafood feast! Ask for an unsettled desire which can only be satisfied by reading and studying His Word everyday. You will want to kiss and eat the pages because of this hunger! Ps. 119:45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.