"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." Romans 12:2.
"You are young in the faith, and there is great need of your walking humbly with God, and of learning daily in the school of Christ by dwelling particularly in meditation and conversation upon the lessons which He gave to His disciples. Walk in all humility of mind, distrustful of self, seeking wisdom from the God of wisdom, that all your ways and methods may be in firm and close connection with the ways and the will of God, that there may be no confusion." —Evangelism, p. 341.
You have chosen the Christian life-style! You have an example in Jesus Christ! You have Bible direction and guidance!
In the world today life-styles are constantly changing. Life-styles are affected by various influences, teachings, and philosophies. Obviously, many contemporary life-styles are not based on Christian principles. For this reason all Christians need to examine all social customs and life-styles in the light of Bible teaching.
In this lesson you will discover—
LIFE-STYLE OF CHRISTIAN PEOPLE
1. To whom do Christians belong and for what purpose? 1 Peter 2:9.
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Note: Perhaps the most important lesson we can learn about Christian lifestyle is that our new identity does not come from new lifestyle, rather our new lifestyle flows from our new identity. We are God's people, chosen by Him. God is simply calling us to live who He says we are in Christ!
2. What motive guides the disciple in whatever he thinks or does? 1 Corinthians 10:31.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
3. In what words does the Bible present the two lifestyles? Matthew 7:13, 14.
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14) But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Note: "Your own ways, your own will, your evil habits and practices, must be given up if you would keep the way of the Lord....Yet do not therefore conclude that the upward path is the hard and the downward road the easy way. All along the road that leads to death there are pains and penalties, there are sorrows and disappointments, there are warnings not to go on. God's love has made it hard for the heedless and headstrong to destroy themselves. Selfish plans may present flattering promises and hold out the hope of enjoyment, but we shall find that our happiness is poisoned and our life embittered by hopes that center in self. In the downward road the gateway may be bright with flowers, but thorns are in the path. The light of hope which shines from its entrance fades into the darkness of despair, and the soul who follows that path descends into the shadows of unending night. "The way of transgressors is hard," but wisdom's "ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace." Proverbs 13:15; 3:17. Every act of obedience to Christ, every act of self-denial for His sake, every trial well endured, every victory gained over temptation, is a step in the march to the glory of final victory. If we take Christ for our guide, He will lead us safely. The veriest sinner need not miss his way. Not one trembling seeker need fail of walking in pure and holy light. Though the path is so narrow, so holy that sin cannot be tolerated therein, yet access has been secured for all, and not one doubting, trembling soul need say, "God cares nought for me." The road may be rough and the ascent steep; there may be pitfalls upon the right hand and upon the left; we may have to endure toil in our journey; when weary, when longing for rest, we may have to toil on; when faint, we may have to fight; when discouraged, we must still hope; but with Christ as our guide we shall not fail of reaching the desired haven at last. --Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing pp. 139, 149
4. What advice is given the disciple about the broad way of the worldly life? 1 John 2:15-17.
1 John 2:15-17 (NLT) Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16) For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17) And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
The kinds of entertainment, reading, music, and dress may have changed from Bible times, but biblical principles are still a helpful guide in our daily choices.
5. After urging us to an attitude of constant prayer and promising us peace, how does the Bible instruct the disciple's choice of what he reads, sees, and hears? Philippians 4:6-8
Philippians 4:6-8 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
List the criteria that we should use in all of our evaluating:
What about TV entertainment, reading, music, internet and other mental stimuli which do not meet this criteria?
PsaIm 101:3 (HCSB) will not set anything worthless before my eyes. I hate the practice of transgression; it will not cling to me.
6. What did early Christians do with scrolls and materials of questionable content? Acts 19:18, 19.
Acts 19:18-19 (NLT) Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19) A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars.
7. What about entertainment portraying fleshly lusts? 1 Peter 2:11.
1 Peter 2:11 (NIV) Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
How would you put this principle into practice as it relates to modern films, either on TV or at the local theater?
8. What are some types of music recommended in the Bible? Colossians 3:16, 17.
Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Note: Christians will give preference to Christian songs. Choose your secular music carefully. Let it be such as to encourage elevated thoughts and feelings, rather than to degenerate. Many adult Christians today can testify to the blessing of sacred music which they heard in their early home-life had an impact that has had lasting influence.
9. What is the biblical principle that applies to Christian dress and grooming? 1 Peter 3:3-5.
1 Peter 3:3-5 (CEV) Don’t depend on things like fancy hairdos or gold jewelry or expensive clothes to make you look beautiful. 4) Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special. 5) Long ago those women who worshiped God and put their hope in him made themselves beautiful by putting their husbands first.
10. What was Paul's advice on Christian dress? 1 Timothy 2:9, 10.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 (CEV) I would like for women to wear modest and sensible clothes. They should not have fancy hairdos, or wear expensive clothes, or put on jewelry made of gold or pearls. 10) Women who claim to love God should do helpful things for others.
Note: These Bible texts are not opposed to natural beauty or good taste, it is a matter of priorities.
11. What instruction was given long ago to God's people about ornaments and jewelry? Exodus 33:5, 6.
Exodus 33:5-6 (NIV) For the LORD had said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites, 'You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.'" 6) So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at Mount Horeb.
Note: It is true you will find the people of God wearing Jewelry uncondemned--numerous times in Scripture. However the context of this verse is a time of judgment. During times of Judgment like the Day of Atonement special responses are in order. The following text describes God's expectation of His ancient people on the Day of Atonement: Leviticus 23:28, 29 (NIV) Do no work on that day, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God. 29) Anyone who does not deny himself on that day must be cut off from his people. To "deny himself" conveys the thought of humbling oneself, forsaking selfish interests, repenting. No faithful Israelite would have worn ornaments on the Day of Atonement. We now live in the anti-typical Day of Atonement since 1844. The same actions and attitudes God expected of His people in the typical Day of Atonement have an application to us: humble and deny self, repent and focus on the real priorities just before Jesus returns. This doesn't mean God's people will live with long faces and and be killjoys wherever they go--far from it! Jesus taught that true repentance brings real happiness and peace! Matthew 5:4 (GNT) “Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!"
12. What distinction is made between the church and the world? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16.
2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (CEB) Don’t be tied up as equal partners with people who don’t believe. What does righteousness share with that which is outside the Law? What relationship does light have with darkness? 15) What harmony does Christ have with Satan? What does a believer have in common with someone who doesn’t believe? 16) What agreement can there be between God’s temple and idols? Because we are the temple of the living God. Just as God said, "I live with them, and I will move among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
13. The Christian's concern is to be clothed with righteousness. Revelation 19:7, 8.
Revelation 19:7-8 (NIV) Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8) Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
Note: Notice that the new life of righteousness is a gift. We are counted righteous the moment we believe and receive Jesus as our personal Savior bu this text makes clear that the new lifestyle we live is like "fine linen" "given" to us--the church, Christ's bride to wear.
How do we make ourselves ready for the wedding? How does this principle apply to the everyday aspects of the Christian's life-style?
DISCIPLESHIP COMMITMENT
"Wealth and dress are so common that, while they may excite envy, they cannot command true respect and admiration. A cultivated mind, adorned with the grace of meekness and humility, pure and upright heart, will be reflected in the countenance, and command love and respect." —Sons and Daughters of God, p. 132.
The life-style of a person reflects the personal interests and values—it tells something of the individual's character. List some things from this lesson which will help you as a Christian better to reflect Christ.
Unless otherwise designated, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION�. Copyright � 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.